Top 25 Side Hustles For Grad Students In 2024

Creative strategies to supplement your income and monetize your expertise

Grad school often comes with financial challenges, and finding additional income sources can be essential to completing a successful year’s study.

We’ve found 25 of the most profitable side hustles for grad students looking to balance their academic schedule with extra income opportunities.

Each gig is detailed with pros, cons, and earning potential to help you make an informed choice and maximize the income in your own business.

Top 25 Side Hustles For Grad Students In 2024

You’ll discover flexible opportunities from freelance writing to tutoring and event planning, all tailored for graduate students who want to work from home.

Learn where to find these gigs, whether through online platforms such as Upwork jobs or Fiverr, university resources, or social networks like Facebook.

Exploring these side hustles can help you enhance your financial stability and gain valuable experience that will be useful later in your career.

Let’s dive in to find practical ways to support your education and future career while managing your time efficiently and effectively.

25. Blogging

Blogging is a creative side hustle for grad students who enjoy writing and sharing their thoughts online while benefiting from additional revenue sources.

You will create and publish content on various topics, monetizing your blogs through advertising networks, affiliate marketing, or sponsored posts.

This job allows you to make money by growing your audience and partnering with brands while working on your own schedule to earn passive income.

However, it requires consistent content creation and marketing and is not a short-term option if you urgently need cash within a short period.

Your clients are both visitors and readers as well as advertisers, found through building an online presence and networking within your niche.

Blog earnings vary widely, but successful bloggers can make hundreds of dollars weekly, making it a flexible and rewarding side hustle.

Plenty of free tutorials and courses are available online to teach you how to become a freelancer in various niches.

24. Selling Course Notes

Selling course notes is a straightforward side hustle for diligent grad students who take detailed, high-quality notes in their classes.

Students can sell their own notes to others taking the same courses, providing a valuable study resource for their friends and students behind them.

This side hustle lets you make money by pricing your notes competitively, but isn’t usually enough to cover more than occasional expenses.

The pros include flexible hours and the potential to help fellow students using work that you have already done anyway.

However, it requires taking thorough notes and marketing them on platforms like StudentVIP and networking within your local academic community.

Earnings for selling course notes vary, but basic accounting principles dictate that diligent note-takers can earn $50 to $100 weekly.

23. Working as a Resident Advisor

Working as a resident advisor (RA) is a practical side hustle for graduate school students living in university housing, providing guidance and support.

By helping enforce rules and plan events, this job allows you to make money through a stipend, often including free or discounted housing.

The pros and cons include leadership experience and networking opportunities, but it requires being available to residents and managing conflicts.

You’ll get involved with fellow students more than usual, and the role is found through contacting your university career services office.

RAs typically earn a stipend that covers housing costs, making it a valuable side hustle that also reduces living expenses.

With gig economy statistics showing an increasing trend towards education costs being met through side hustles, this is well worth investigating further.

22. Sell Arts and Crafts

Selling arts and crafts is a creative side hustle for grad students with a talent for making popular handmade items.

While this is not a new side hustle, the gig economy now allows artists and crafters to sell their creations online through platforms like Etsy.

This job allows you to make money by strategically pricing your products and managing your online shop to maximize sales.

The pros and cons include creative expression and the potential to turn a hobby into a business, but it requires time for production and marketing.

Cash isn’t available immediately as your clients can be found through online platforms, social media, and local craft fairs, resulting in delayed sales revenue.

Earnings for selling arts and crafts vary widely, but dedicated crafters can make hundreds of dollars per month in profit.

This makes it a rewarding side hustle that is one of the best solopreneur business ideas for cash-strapped students with artistic talent.

21. Online Survey Taking

Online survey-taking is an easy side hustle for grad students looking to earn extra cash with minimal effort and little time available.

Through online surveys, participants provide feedback on products, services, or market trends that can pay from $5 to $100 per gig.

This side hustle allows you to make money by participating in surveys and focus groups while earning points or cash rewards.

The pros include flexible hours and the ability to work from anywhere, but it requires finding legitimate survey sites and can be low-paying.

Legitimate surveys are available on platforms like Swagbucks and vary but typically provide a modest supplemental income.

If you ever wondered what the gig economy is, this simple side hustle for students with spare time fits the bill perfectly.

20. Babysitting

Babysitting is a classic side hustle for grad students looking to earn extra money as it requires few skills and allows time to study.

Babysitters care for children in the absence of their parents, ensuring their safety and engaging them in activities to keep them occupied.

The job pays an excellent hourly rate, and the positive is that it offers flexible hours and the ability to work in a home setting.

Clients can be found through online platforms like Care.com and by networking with fellow students and parents in your community.

Babysitters typically earn $400 to $800 per week, making it a reliable and flexible side hustle for students balancing studies and work.

19. Dog Walking

Dog walking is a great side hustle for grad students who love animals and enjoy exercising and caring for clients' pets.

You can make money by charging per walk or session while enjoying flexible hours and the joy of spending time with dogs.

Clients can be found through online platforms like Rover and by networking within your local community, where dog walkers typically earn $400 to $800 per week.

This makes it a fun and flexible side hustle that fits nicely around academic commitments, fulfilling gig economy pros, and cons to a tee.

18. Car Washing

Car washing is a hands-on side hustle for grad students who enjoy working outdoors and don’t mind getting their hands dirty.

Car washers clean vehicles inside and out, using specialized equipment and products, either getting a job with a company or as freelancers.

This job allows you to make money by charging per car washed and can include flexible hours and the ability to work outside.

However, you need to be fit and strong as the job requires plenty of physical labor as well as flexibility, so it's not ideal if you’re unfit.

You’ll need access to cleaning supplies and clients can be found through local advertisements, online platforms like Mister Car Wash, and word of mouth.

Car wash attendants typically earn $400 to $800 per week, making it one of the best gig economy jobs and a practical side hustle for students.

17. Data Entry

Data entry is a straightforward and easy side hustle for graduate students with good typing skills and attention to detail.

Data entry clerks input, update, and maintain information in databases or spreadsheets, allowing you to make money by charging hourly rates.

The pros include the ability to work from home and flexible hours, but it can be repetitive and boring while requiring accuracy.

Clients can be found through many online job boards like Indeed, Upwork, and TaskRabbit, as well as by networking within administrative circles.

Data entry clerks typically earn $500 to $1,000 per week, making it a viable option for students needing a flexible job that fits around their studies.

Remember that you’ll need to know how to file taxes if your freelance income increases beyond $1,079 per month or $12,950 per year.

16. Ride Sharing

Ride-sharing is a popular side hustle for grad students with a car and some spare time to transport passengers using platforms like Uber or Lyft.

This job allows you to make money by completing trips, with your earnings depending on the number of rides given.

The pros include flexible hours and meeting new people, but it requires a reliable vehicle and dealing with varying passenger demands.

Clients are found through ride-sharing apps, and peak times can offer higher earnings, with drivers typically earning $600 to $1,000 per week.

15. Transcription

Transcription involves converting audio recordings into written text - a suitable side hustle for grad students with strong listening and typing skills.

Transcriptionists can work on projects such as transcribing interviews, lectures, or meetings, allowing you to make money by charging per audio minute or hour.

The pros include the ability to work from anywhere and flexible hours, but it requires excellent attention to detail and can be time-consuming.

Clients are found through online platforms like Rev.com and by networking in transcription forums where earnings of $600 to $1,200 per week are the norm.

It’s one of the best gig economy jobs and a practical option for students looking to earn money while improving their typing skills.

14. House Cleaning

House cleaning is a straightforward side hustle for grad students looking to earn extra cash, and it includes dusting, vacuuming, and sanitizing residential homes.

You can make money by charging hourly rates or per job while enjoying flexible hours and minimal upfront cleaning product costs.

However, don’t underestimate how physically demanding the job is as it requires long hours of physical labor and attention to detail.

Clients can be found through online platforms like Maids, local advertisements, and networking within your community.

House cleaners can earn $600 to $1,200 per week, making it a viable option for students needing a flexible side hustle that fits around their studies.

13. Lawn Care

Lawn care is a practical side hustle for grad students who enjoy maintaining outdoor spaces by mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and performing landscaping tasks.

You can make money by charging for each service provided or by offering package deals or subscriptions to maintain clients’ gardens.

The pros include flexible hours and outdoor activity, but the physical labor can be intense if you don’t have all the necessary equipment.

Clients can be found through local advertisements, online platforms like LawnStarter, and word of mouth, allowing you to earn $600 to $1,200 per week.

12. Proofreading

Proofreading is a detail-oriented side hustle for a graduate student with excellent grammar and writing skills and a good grasp of English.

Proofreaders review content for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors, allowing you to make money by charging per word, page, or hourly rates.

The job offers flexibility to work from anywhere while improving your writing skills, but it requires a keen eye for detail and can be time-consuming.

Clients can be found through online job boards, on Upwork by offering your services using the best Fiverr gigs, and by networking within academic circles.

Proofreaders can earn $600 to $1,400 per week, providing a substantial income that helps balance their academic and financial needs.

If you’re looking for financial tips for working in the gig economy while in grad school, then these side hustles for grad students are well worth pursuing .

11. Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants provide a variety of administrative tasks to clients remotely, offering excellent side hustles for grad students with strong organizational skills.

Tasks include email management, scheduling, and data entry, and you can make money by charging hourly rates for your services or quoting per project.

The pros are flexible hours and the ability to work from anywhere, but you’ll need good time management and multitasking skills.

Clients can be found through various online platforms like TaskRabbit, Upwork, and Freelancer, as well as by networking in virtual assistant communities like Reddit.

Virtual assistants typically earn $600 to $1,400 per week, making it a flexible side hustle using gig economy platforms and fitting around grad school commitments.

10. Personal Training

Personal training is a great side hustle for fitness-oriented graduate school students, with the job requiring personal trainers to create and implement fitness plans for clients.

They also provide guidance and motivation, earning money by charging per session or through package deals available in clubs or gyms.

The pros include flexible hours and the ability to work in various locations, but it requires certification and a lot of physical activity.

Clients can be found on online platforms like FitnessTrainer, by networking within gyms and fitness communities, or through word of mouth.

Personal trainers can earn $600 to $1,500 per week, making it a lucrative side hustle for a grad student with a passion for fitness, a need for extra income.

9. Photography

Photography is a creative side hustle for grad school students with an eye for capturing moments and the necessary equipment to take professional pictures.

Photographers can offer services for events, portraits, or commercial projects, allowing you to make money by charging per session or project.

The pros of working as a photographer include creative expression and flexible hours, but it also requires investment in equipment and well-developed marketing skills.

Clients can be found through online platforms like Thumbtack, social media, and local networking, where you can earn $800 to $1,600 per week.

You can also upload your freelancer portfolio to various websites that will pay you if your photos are downloaded, earning a passive income from your work.

If you wondered what the gig economy offers, then photography is a rewarding side hustle for graduate students with a talent for visual storytelling.

8. Social Media Management

Social media management is a tech-savvy side hustle for a grad student who is familiar with various social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.

A social media manager creates and curates content, manages accounts, and engages with followers for businesses, influencers, owners, and individuals.

You make money by charging monthly retainers or hourly rates working from anywhere with flexible hours, but you must stay updated on social media trends.

Clients can be found through online platforms like Upwork and by networking within digital marketing circles.

Social media managers can earn $800 to $1,600 per week, making it a practical side hustle for a grad student looking to enhance their digital skills.

7. Tutoring

Tutoring is a rewarding side hustle for a grad student with expertise in specific subjects such as math, science, or languages.

Tutors help grad school students understand course material, prepare for exams, and improve their academic performance in exchange for an hourly rate for tutoring sessions.

The pros include flexible hours and the opportunity to reinforce your own knowledge, but the job requires excellent communication skills and plenty of patience.

Clients can be found through online platforms like Chegg Tutors and by networking within your academic community, where you’ll typically earn $800 to $1,600 per week.

If you’re looking for actionable financial tips, then tutoring is a valuable side hustle that can help support your academic career.

6. Freelance Writing

Freelance writing is a versatile side hustle for grad school students with strong writing skills wishing to create content for websites, blogs, and digital publications.

This job allows you to make money by charging per article or word count and enables you to work from anywhere and with flexible hours.

However, excellent writing skills and good time management skills are required to meet deadlines; otherwise, clients won’t offer you more work.

Clients can be found through online platforms like Upwork and by networking within writing communities, where you can earn $800 to $1,800 per week.

It’s a practical side hustle for grad students looking to enhance their writing skills; just ensure you understand gig worker law before starting work.

5. Graphic Design

Graphic design is a creative side hustle for a grad student with design skills who want to create visual content for websites, advertisements, and social media.

You make money by charging per project or hourly rates, and it is the perfect way to increase your chances of employment once you leave university.

The pros include creative expression and the ability to work from anywhere, but proficiency in designing software and meeting client expectations is required.

Clients can be found through online platforms like Fiverr, while networking within design communities or contacting ad agencies directly also works well.

Graphic designers can earn $800 to $2,000 per week, making it a lucrative side hustle for students with a knack for visual creativity.

4. Event Planning

Event planning is a dynamic side hustle for a grad student with strong organizational skills and the time to find and meet clients.

Event planners coordinate events such as weddings, parties, and corporate functions, making money by charging for their planning services and contacts.

The pros include flexible hours and the opportunity to be creative, but it requires excellent organization, communication skills, and experience.

Clients can be found through online gig economy platforms like Eventbrite and by networking within your circle of close friends and acquaintances.

Event planners can earn $800 to $2,000 per week, making it a rewarding side hustle for grad students seeking to gain hospitality industry experience.

3. Teaching Assistant

Teaching assistant positions are ideal for grad school students looking to gain academic experience in their desired field of expertise.

TAs assist professors with grading, lesson plans, and student support, allowing you to make money through a stipend or hourly wage.

You’ll be gaining teaching experience and networking within academia, but the job requires good time management while balancing your other commitments.

Clients are typically professors and students, whom you can find by speaking to university department administrative staff and networking with classmates.

TAs typically earn $1,000 to $2,000 per week, making it a very valuable side hustle that supports your academic career.

2. Research Assistant

Research assistant positions are perfect for grad students pursuing research-oriented fields that require data gathering, conducting experiments, and analyzing results.

This job allows you to make money through a stipend or hourly wage and allows you to gain research experience and network within your field.

However, it requires time management and attention to detail, and clients are typically professors and research organizations found through university departments.

Research assistants typically earn $1,000 to $2,500 per week, making it a valuable side hustle that supports your academic career.

1. Voice Acting

Voice acting is an exciting side hustle for grad school students with a good voice and acting skills matched with an outgoing personality.

Voice actors provide voices for animations, advertisements, and audiobooks, and the job allows you to make money by charging per project or hourly rates.

AS a member of the drama department, you’ll find the job provides an outlet for creative expression and earning a lucrative income.

If you have voice training and the necessary equipment, you can find clients through online platforms like Voices and by networking within voice-acting communities.

Voice actors can earn $1,000 to $3,000 per week, making it a lucrative side hustle for students with a talent for voice work.

Where Is the Best Place to Find Side Hustles As a Grad Student?

The best place to find side hustles as a grad student is through a combination of online platforms, university resources, and personal networks.

Platforms such as Upwork and Freelancer offer various freelance opportunities, including writing, graphic design, and virtual assistance, making them ideal for students seeking flexible work.

Websites like Chegg and Tutors are valuable resources for tutoring and academic-related jobs, while career services and campus job boards connect students with on-campus opportunities.

Teaching assistantships, research positions, and resident advisor positions provide income and also enhance a student’s academic career and professional network.

Many universities offer workshops and seminars on finding and managing side hustles, leveraging university connections to access exclusive job openings.

Personal networks play a crucial role; by engaging with fellow students and professors, and attending networking events, grad students can uncover opportunities that may not be advertised publicly.

Social media platforms, especially LinkedIn, are also powerful tools for discovering side hustles through industry connections and job postings.

Utilizing these diverse avenues ensures that grad students can find side hustles that fit their schedules, leverage their skills, and support their financial and career goals.

Summary

We’ve explored side hustles for graduate students, including blogging, freelance writing, tutoring, and more, highlighting their pros and cons, earnings potential, and client acquisition strategies.

Our research emphasizes utilizing online platforms, university resources, and personal networks to find these gigs, many of which are not available outside of academia.

Most grad students should explore these side hustles to enhance their financial well-being and career satisfaction by leveraging their skills and flexible schedules.