With the rise of Australia’s gig economy, there are now more opportunities to increase your earnings. If you're considering ideas for a side hustle, you may be wondering whether to take on a part-time job or launch your own small business.
This article covers a wide variety of side hustle ideas to help you decide what suits you best. You’ll also learn how to get started and get practical tips to avoid common mistakes and grow your side hustle successfully.
What is a side hustle?
A side hustle is a way to earn extra income outside of your main job, often by utilising your skills, hobbies or personal interests. You can take on a part-time role or a flexible side hustle that fits around your schedule, allowing you to work at your own pace.
17 side hustle ideas to boost your income
There are plenty of side hustles you can explore, from convenient online roles such as virtual assistant and freelance writer to passion-driven options like pet sitting and craft making. If you have access to a vehicle, driving-based jobs are also available to consider. Discover a wide range of side hustle ideas below, along with their average hourly rates in Australia from SEEK and Indeed, where available.
Online side hustles
Online side hustles are highly accessible as they only require you to have an internet connection and a reliable device, giving you the flexibility to work anywhere. Side hustles include:
Virtual assistant
Virtual assistants provide administrative support to help clients manage their daily operations remotely. Your tasks may include data entry, bookkeeping and managing emails. As a virtual assistant, you can work with one or multiple clients across a range of industries such as business, finance and technology.
Average hourly rate: $20 to $25
Online tutor
If you’re adept at teaching others, you can consider becoming an online tutor. Depending on your expertise, you can offer online tutoring services for subjects like mathematics, English or science. If you’re fluent in another language, you can teach it to learners of different ages and backgrounds. You can also get certified by the Australian Tutoring Association to improve your credibility.
Average hourly rate: $35 to $40
Transcriptionist
Working as a transcriptionist means converting spoken words from audio recordings into written or typed text. These recordings can include phone calls, television programs and interviews. You may also choose to specialise in a field like legal or medical transcription, which requires you to have knowledge of industry-specific jargon to ensure accurate transcription.
Average hourly rate: $30 to $35
Data entry clerk
If you’re looking for a side hustle that requires minimal qualifications and no prior experience, becoming a data entry clerk can be a great option. In this role, you’ll manage different types of raw data, such as meeting minutes, customer records and account information, by editing it and entering it into databases or digital platforms. Data entry roles typically require you to be proficient in Microsoft programs.
Average hourly rate: $25 to $30
Freelance writer
As a freelance writer, you can offer a wide range of writing services for private clients or content-producing companies, such as copywriting, ghostwriting and editing. Choosing a niche and building a portfolio of your writing can help increase your visibility to potential clients. Many freelance writing jobs allow you to choose your working hours, so you’ll be able to work on your own terms.
Average hourly rate: $30 to $35
Graphic designer
Graphic design can be a great side hustle if you’re passionate about creating visually engaging illustrations. Many companies across diverse industries value graphic designers who can produce creative content for logos, websites and advertising material. Since graphic designers often work independently to customise their designs according to client needs, it’s a flexible option that can fit well into your spare time.
Average hourly rate: $30 to $35
Digital marketer
As a digital marketer, your duties may include running ads, building campaigns and managing digital content for your clients. Your main responsibility is to promote their brand, products or services. This side hustle could be right for you if you have strong digital skills in areas like analytics, search engine optimisation (SEO) and social media management.
Average hourly rate: $35 to $40
Work-from-home side hustles
Many side hustle ideas from home involve work that can be done entirely or primarily from the comfort of your own home. People with long commutes for work may see them as easy side hustles, as they offer the convenience of earning extra income without the need to travel. Examples include the following:
Pet sitter
If you’re an animal lover with experience caring for pets, you can get paid to take care of them at your house while their owners are away. To get started, determine which types of pets you’re comfortable looking after, such as cats, dogs, reptiles or small mammals. You can also advertise specific types of services you provide to help potential customers determine if you’re well-suited to take care of their pets, such as in-home pet sitting, grooming or dog walking.
Average hourly rate: $30 to $35
Home baker
You can turn your passion for baking into a profitable side hustle by selling home-baked goods like cookies, cakes and cupcakes. You can begin by taking small orders from friends and family and slowly scale your business. This can be a cost-effective side hustle to start as you would likely already have the essential baking equipment you need at home. You can also offer custom creations for special occasions like birthdays or weddings and charge premium prices.
Average hourly rate: N/A
Craft artist
If crafting is your hobby, you can make it into a rewarding side hustle. Whether you knit, paint, design jewellery or make pottery, selling your handmade items lets you earn money doing what you love. You can advertise them on multiple platforms like Etsy, Instagram and Facebook Marketplace. This side hustle allows you to create and sell your craft at your own pace.
Average hourly rate: N/A
Babysitter
Babysitting can be a great side hustle, especially since many parents often need help during weekends or evenings, giving you plenty of opportunities to pick up babysitting jobs. Your responsibilities may differ based on the age and needs of the children you’re taking care of. In Australia, you typically need to obtain a Working with Children Check (WWCC) (or equivalent) in the state or territory you’re based in. This background check ensures you’re suitable and cleared to work with children.
Average hourly rate: $35 to $40
Driving and delivery side hustles
Driving and delivery side hustles are ideal for people who have access to a vehicle. Some jobs you can find include:
Delivery driver
If you own a vehicle like a car, van or motorcycle, you can make extra money by collecting and transporting goods like food, parcels and other consumer retail items. This role typically entails delivering goods from businesses to customers or between customers. You can explore platforms offering this service, sign up to become a driver and accept delivery jobs during your free time.
Average hourly rate: $30 to $35
Driver
With your vehicle, you can provide transportation services to help people reach their destinations as a side hustle. If your primary job follows the usual business hours, you can take up driving gigs during weekends or at night after work. Many companies that provide taxi or ride-share services allow you to apply as a driver and start driving on a flexible schedule.
Average hourly rate: $35 to $40
Customer service side hustles
There are many customer service side hustles that offer flexible shifts, making it easier for you to earn extra income outside of your primary job. Some popular options include:
Retail sales assistant
As a retail sales assistant, your main task is to ensure customers have a positive and enjoyable shopping experience. This typically includes greeting customers, helping them find what they need and handling transactions at the checkout. You may also be responsible for monitoring the shop’s inventory and processing delivery orders. Since this role typically doesn’t require prior experience, you can quickly adapt and develop your skills through on-the-job training.
Average hourly rate: $25 to $30
Cashier
Commonly employed in supermarkets, restaurants and retail stores, cashiers play an important role as the final point of contact in a customer’s in-store purchase journey. You can look for part-time cashier jobs that offer evening or weekend shifts, making this a flexible option to fit around your full-time job.
Average hourly rate: $30 to $35
Barista
If you enjoy preparing coffee-based beverages, you can consider working as a barista at a cafe, coffee shop or restaurant as a side hustle. Many of these establishments offer shifts that are designed to work around full-time jobs and studies, making it easier for you to pick up shifts according to your schedule.
Average hourly rate: $30 to $35
Library assistant
If your primary job is fast-paced and high-pressure, working as a part-time library assistant can offer a calmer and more relaxed side hustle. Some of your responsibilities may include sorting and shelving books, helping library visitors access information and finding resources that they need. This job is great for you if you enjoy assisting people and have strong organisational skills.
Average hourly rate: $30 to $40
Why you should do a side hustle
Doing a side hustle can bring a wide range of benefits, such as improving your finances, developing new skills and offering personal fulfilment. Find out how side hustles can empower you to take control of your financial and professional journey below:
Boosting your income
There are many reasons why you may want to earn more money, whether it’s to fast-track your journey to financial freedom, pay off debts or fund lifestyle goals like travel or purchasing a house. Earning extra income can reduce your financial stress and even provide you with an emergency fund, giving you security when unexpected expenses occur.
Building transferable skills
Pursuing a side hustle can be a great way for you to develop essential skills that can support your professional growth. Engaging with customers can improve your communication skills, while balancing a side hustle with a full-time job can help you develop strong time management. You can also enhance problem-solving skills if you happen to encounter challenges in your side hustle. These skills are highly transferable in any role, helping you become a more well-rounded professional.
Exploring new industries
If you’re a working professional looking to change careers, starting a side hustle in a new field you’re interested in can help you get exposure and experience. You can build relevant skills and expand your network without sacrificing the security of your primary job. This can help you determine if you want to make the shift and pursue a full-time career in that field.
Pursuing your interests
A side hustle gives you the opportunity to make money by doing something you genuinely enjoy, whether it’s selling home-baked goods, designing digital illustrations or teaching others. Not only does it help you financially, but it can also feel rewarding to channel your talents or hobbies into something productive and meaningful.
Having more control
Many side hustles offer you great flexibility, giving you the freedom to decide when, where and how much you want to work. This allows you to set your own schedule and adjust your workload to fit around your main job or personal commitments. You can take on more work when you have the time or reduce it during busy periods.
How to start a side hustle
Starting a side hustle, especially for aspiring entrepreneurs, begins with identifying your skills and goals and doing research. Once you plan the logistics of your side hustle, start small and scale up as you gain more experience. Learn more in the following guide:
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Identify your interests and skills
If you have multiple side hustle business ideas, consider your interests and hobbies and see if they have the potential to be monetised. For example, if you’re a fitness enthusiast, you can explore getting certified to become a fitness instructor. If you enjoy writing, you may want to consider becoming a freelance writer or blogger. Turning something you’re passionate about into a source of extra income can be a powerful motivator to kickstart your side gig. -
Determine your goals
Establishing goals for your side hustle can motivate you to work hard and maintain momentum. Whether you're aiming to earn a specific amount each month, gain experience in a new field or eventually turn your side hustle into a full-time business, having well-defined objectives gives you direction and purpose. Clear goals also make it easier to prioritise tasks, manage your time effectively and track what’s working or requires adjustments. -
Research the industry
Researching the industry you’re interested in for your side hustle can offer you great insights, including the level of demand, how to market your services and if your skills can fit into a particular niche. You can also check out your competition to see if the market is oversaturated and help you set competitive pricing that helps you stand out from the rest while remaining profitable. -
Plan the logistics
Side hustles can look different to each individual, which means the logistics will also vary and require careful planning. Think of how much time you can dedicate to your side hustle to make it work and what tools or equipment you may need. You should also consider whether you'll need to set up systems for scheduling, invoicing or communicating with customers. Sorting out these practical matters can help you build the structure you need to start your side hustle. -
Sort out legal requirements
If you're running a side hustle with the intention of making sales and earning a profit, you’ll need to register for an Australian Business Number (ABN). You also need to understand your tax obligations and declare your side hustle income on your tax return. If your gross business income reaches $75,000 or more per year, you must register for goods and services tax (GST) with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Depending on your side hustle, you may need additional licences or permits, such as those for food safety, childcare or coaching. -
Start small
You can start small with your side hustle and slowly build it up over time. For example, you can offer your services or promote your products to friends and family or post in local online communities to find your first customers. This low-risk approach helps you gain more experience, build confidence and refine your products or services. You can also get word-of-mouth referrals and slowly establish a stable client base. -
Promote yourself
There are plenty of ways to promote your side hustle and increase your visibility. You can take advantage of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to showcase your products or services and increase your reach to new audiences. Depending on your offering, you may be able to have them listed on websites like Etsy or Fiverr. Marketing is essential in today’s digital era, so you need to build a digital presence for your side hustle to stand out and grow. -
Make adjustments for improvement
To sustain your side hustle, you need to monitor its progress to see what’s working well and what areas may need improvement. This can be measured by the amount of profit you make, customer feedback or even your own level of energy and motivation. For example, if you're earning well but it's taking a toll on your health, it's important to step back and evaluate whether you can optimise your operations or reduce workload to avoid burnout. Based on what you learn, make necessary adjustments and grow at your own pace.
Side hustle mistakes to avoid
Common mistakes to avoid in your side hustle include underestimating tax responsibilities, failing to recognise job scams and setting your prices too low or too high. Neglecting time management and marketing strategies can also lead to negative outcomes. Discover how you can avoid these mistakes below:
Underestimating tax obligations: You may think your side hustle income is too small to be taxed, but failing to declare it on your tax return can lead to unwanted penalties from the ATO. Stay compliant by tracking all your income and expenses. You can also check the ATO website to learn about ABN requirements and GST thresholds.
Falling for job advertisement scams: Scammers usually target people who are under financial pressure or looking for side hustles by posting fake job advertisements and offers. These scams often seem too good to be true or promise high returns for low effort. You need to be cautious when exploring side hustle opportunities. Before accepting any gig, research the employer properly and avoid any role that asks for upfront payments.
Failing to set adequate prices: Setting the right price for your products or services is crucial to the success of your side hustle. Pricing them too low may undervalue your work, while pricing them too high may drive customers away to cheaper alternatives. You need to do proper calculations and consider the time, material, unique value, market rates and other factors that go into your pricing strategies. A well-calculated pricing strategy ensures you’re fairly compensated while remaining competitive and sustainable.
Neglecting time management: Managing a side hustle alongside your full-time job and personal commitments requires strong time management skills. A common mistake is taking on more work than you can handle, which typically leads to burnout and declining work quality. This can also affect your performance negatively at your full-time job. To avoid this, set realistic goals and boundaries for yourself. Prioritise high-value tasks and plan your schedule in a way that supports both your productivity and wellbeing.
Failing to market effectively: Offering high-quality products or services doesn’t necessarily guarantee getting customers, especially if no one knows you exist. You need to develop effective marketing strategies that can boost brand awareness. This can include relying on word-of-mouth referrals, promoting your offerings on social media and listing them on online marketplaces. Actively promoting what you offer can help you gain more attention, potentially leading to more sales.
Tips to grow your side hustle
There are many ways to grow your side hustle, including engaging with the local community, asking for feedback, establishing your brand online and getting advice from mentors. If you’re serious about turning your side hustle into a proper business, furthering your studies with a postgraduate qualification can equip you with the right expertise. Discover what these tips entail:
Get involved with your local community
Engaging with your local community can help grow your side hustle by building visibility and a loyal customer base. When you join community events and local markets, people can get to know you and your business, which can encourage them to support you. This can create meaningful connections that can lead to repeat business and referrals, helping you sustain your side hustle.
Gather feedback from family and friends
Getting feedback from your loved ones is important in the early stages of your side hustle. You can rely on them to give honest and constructive input. Testing your offerings with trusted people also allows you to improve them before they reach a wider audience.
Build an online presence
Establishing your side hustle online can help you attract more potential customers. In today’s digital world, people often go online to research before making a purchase or booking a service. By having a solid online presence, whether you’re on social media or online marketplaces, you can make it easier for people to discover what you offer.
Get professional advice from experienced people
Seeking advice from experienced people can accelerate the growth of your side hustle. You can learn from their experience to avoid common mistakes and make smarter decisions. These people can be mentors, industry experts or successful business owners. They can offer guidance on a wide range of topics like marketing, pricing strategies and legal compliance.
Pursue postgraduate studies
If you’re serious about turning your side hustle into a full-fledged business, furthering your education with a postgraduate business degree, particularly in entrepreneurship, can be a smart investment. This qualification can help you develop the right knowledge and tools to manage and grow your business. In Australia, entrepreneurship courses are available at various levels, from graduate certificates to master’s degrees, so you can choose a program that best aligns with your goals and learning needs.
Many universities also offer special features to support students in entrepreneurship courses. For example, if you study the Graduate Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship course at Australian Catholic University (ACU), you can choose to complete an elective in marketing or information technology, allowing you to customise your course plan according to your professional goals. The university also has its own business incubator and consultation service to support your entrepreneurial experience.
Being a successful innovator or entrepreneur takes more than just big ideas. This graduate certificate gives you the tools to turn your ideas into business opportunities, whether you’re developing a new start-up, are already a manager interested in innovation, or transitioning out of full-time work into self-employment. All units are embedded with the United Nations sustainable goals and you’ll have the option of completing an elective in marketing or information technology and have the support of Collaborate Plus, ACU’s own business incubator and consultation service.
The Graduate Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship is a pathway into the MBA and Executive MBA, or can count towards a specialisation in those degrees.
Meanwhile, the Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurial Growth course at Flinders University includes three stages for startup growth. You’ll begin in the “pre-accelerator” stage, where you create and test innovative ideas. The second stage involves “incubating” your idea to develop and launch under the guidance of mentors and entrepreneurs in residence. Finally, you’ll “accelerate” your startup using industry connections and the right tools for growth.
The course offers students opportunities to pursue and create new entities for social or economic impact, transform organisations and get exposure to business networks. The industry-relevant topics include a structured incubator followed by accelerator immersion.
This intensive program includes three stages for startup growth and entrepreneurial action. You can immerse yourself in an intensive “pre-accelerator”, generating and testing innovative ideas. “Incubate” your idea to grow and launch, with the support of our mentors and entrepreneurs in residence. Finally, “accelerate” your startup with industry connections and the right tools for scaling up.
The program focuses on the mindset, connections and skills required to navigate entrepreneurial pathways and the ecosystems for social or economic impact in any field. Participants will gain the skills to identify opportunities, solve problems in creative ways, transform ideas into value and address challenges in disruptive markets.
As a student of the Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship course at Curtin University, you’ll be given opportunities to complete business internships and specialised programs, including the MIT Global Innovation Bootcamp and the Curtin Ignition commercialisation program. These opportunities allow you to develop advanced entrepreneurship skills and make valuable connections to build a strong professional network.
If you are an aspiring entrepreneur or corporate innovator, this master's course is for you. In addition to the specialist content, this course also offers opportunities to complete business internships and specialised programs such as the MIT Global Innovation Bootcamp and the Curtin Ignition commercialisation program.
Throughout the course, you will gain the skills of entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship, business creativity and innovation, and international marketing positioning and engagement. You’ll learn to utilise those skills to unlock innovative opportunities and generate competitive solutions to complex international business and entrepreneurship issues.
You’ll explore the relationship between innovation and creativity as a business tool and study the application of design thinking to professional practice and entrepreneurship. You’ll also learn about ICT, analytics and data visualisation and experience business simulations in international business and entrepreneurial communications.
Throughout the course, you’ll develop commercialisation, managerial and stakeholder engagement competencies in international business – including developing industry, executive and startup connections and networks.
Enhance your earning potential with a postgraduate degree
There are many side hustle jobs you can explore to increase your income. If you're thinking about launching your own business as a side hustle, it's important to equip yourself with the right knowledge and skills to start, manage and grow it effectively. Pursuing relevant postgraduate studies can provide the tools and insights you need. Discover a range of postgraduate entrepreneurship courses offered across Australia today.
