As a teacher, you’re probably wondering how you can make some extra money on the side. Maybe you just want to use your skills in a new way or do something different outside the classroom.
Buckle up and explore our curated list of 25 side jobs for teachers. You may find something you will enjoy.
Top Platforms to Help Teachers Start Side Hustles
| Provider | Type of Website | Earning Potential | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Online Tutoring | $15-$25/hour | Visit Preply |
 | Language App | $15-$25/hour | Visit iTalki |
 | Online Learning | $100+ | Visit Udemy |
Online Teaching and Tutoring Opportunities
The good news is that you don’t need to look beyond your field to start making money online. Plenty of opportunities exist that are right up your alley as an educator.
1. Online Tutoring Platforms
Join online learning platforms like Preply, VIPKid, Wyzant, and Outschool. These platforms have changed the tutoring industry. Teachers connect with students worldwide. Most importantly, they offer flexible hours and competitive rates. You may get anywhere from $25 to $80 per hour. The pay varies by expertise and the platform’s pay structure.
2. Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) Online
One of the best side jobs for teachers is teaching ESL online. So many people want to learn English. Thanks to platforms like iTalki, VIPKid and Preply, it’s easy to do that online. Make your profile, add your credentials, and find potential clients. Online ESL tutors typically earn from $14 to $25 per hour. Experienced teachers usually earn more.
3. Creating and Selling Online Courses
Creating and selling online courses can be great for teachers with specialized knowledge. Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Teachable allow educators to share their expertise with a global audience. Just as you make a syllabus for your school district, you’d do that for online students. This teacher side hustle pays well if your course is a hit. You’re looking at $1,000 to $10,000 monthly sitting at home.
Digital Content Creation
Teachers are skillful individuals. There’s a strong demand for skilled individuals in the digital space. You have loads of profitable opportunities.
4. Selling Lesson Plans and Printables
Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) and Tes are the go-to platforms for educators looking to sell their original teaching materials. From worksheets to entire unit plans, teachers can share resources they’ve created and earn money in the process. Many sellers on these platforms earn between $200 to $1000 monthly. Other teachers from around the world will purchase your material.
5. Educational Blogging
Do you have solid writing skills? Why not give blogging a try? Start an educational blog to share your insights, lesson ideas, and teaching tips. Or focus on the subject that you teach. While it takes time to build a following, established educational blogs earn thousands of dollars per month. Focus on ads, affiliate marketing and sponsored content to make money on your blog.
Learn the essentials of blogging to set yourself up for success:
6. Creating Educational YouTube Content
YouTube offers a platform for teachers to share video lessons, tutorials, and educational content. You should know some video editing to take up this gig. Alternatively, you can hire a video editor to edit the videos for you (try Upwork or Fiverr). You’d be surprised to see how much money a successful YouTube channel can make. However, it takes time. Keep working at it in your free time until your channel gives a decent income.
Find out how many YouTube subscribers do you need to make money, plus the latest stats you should know.
Freelancing and Consulting
You can also try your hand at education-related freelancing gigs online.
7. Freelance Writing and Proofreading
Many teachers excel at writing and editing, making freelance writing and proofreading natural side hustles. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and ProBlogger offer opportunities to connect with clients needing these services. Experienced writers and editors can earn $25 to $35 per hour.
8. Virtual Assistant Services
Teachers’ organizational skills make them excellent candidates for virtual assistant roles. Tasks may include email management, scheduling, data entry, and more. Virtual assistants typically earn $15 to $30 per hour, depending on their skills and the complexity of tasks.
Read how to make money freelancing to see if this type of work is the right fit for you.
9. Educational Consulting
One of the easiest side gigs for teachers is educational consulting. Experienced teachers can leverage their expertise into consulting roles. This might involve curriculum development, instructional design, or advising schools on best practices. Educational consultants can charge $50 to $150 per hour, depending on their experience and the project scope.
Want to attract clients? Learn how to create a consulting website that showcases your expertise and services.
In-Person Teaching and Tutoring
Use your teaching skills to supplement your income. You can take up these gigs during school breaks or even the school year.
10. Private Tutoring
One-on-one or small group tutoring sessions allow teachers to work directly with students needing extra help. Rates can range from $30 to $100 per hour, depending on the subject, location, and teacher’s experience.
11. Test Preparation Services
Specialized test prep for SAT, ACT, GRE, and other standardized tests pays well. Teachers with expertise in these areas charge premium rates, even as high as $100 per hour. You may need to do some prep work specific to the tests. You’ll get even more students through referrals if your students score high.
12. Summer School or Camp Counselor
You could also become a summer school teacher to make more money during time off from your regular job. Summer break offers a perfect opportunity for teachers to earn extra while still working with students. Summer school teaching or camp counselor positions typically pay $15 to $25 per hour.
Look for opportunities within your town or city. But if you want to explore a new place, try looking for camps or summer schools in other cities or even a different country.
Skill-Based Side Hustles
Teachers often possess skills that extend beyond the classroom. That opens doors for additional side hustle opportunities.
13. Online Graphic Design
Creating educational materials and infographics is valuable in today’s visual-centric world. Teachers proficient in tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite can offer their services to educational publishers, bloggers, or businesses.
Discover more ways to make money with graphic design.
14. Web Development for Educational Sites
Teachers with coding skills can create websites for schools, tutoring services, or educational organizations. Web developers can charge $50 to $100 per hour or more for their services. It’s a valuable skill to acquire. Later, you can expand into other websites to make even more money.
15. Photography or Videography Services
Teachers who love photography or videography should offer services for school events, portraits, or educational content creation. But you can also look beyond your education circle. Look for photography gigs in local Facebook groups, online platforms, and job boards. Rates can range from $100 to $500 per event or project.
Writing and Publishing
Many teachers have a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be shared through writing and publishing.
16. Self-Publishing Educational Books
E-books, textbooks, and workbooks allow teachers to share their expertise while generating passive income. While earnings vary widely, successful, self-published authors can earn significant royalties.
17. Ebook Writing
Creating and selling ebooks online might be easier than you think. You may focus on your subject or venture into something different. Ebooks are usually smaller and may also feature informational graphics. Sell your ebook on Amazon and turn it into a source of passive income. Promote it on your social media accounts.
18. Freelance Curriculum Writing
Educational companies and publishers often seek teachers to develop curriculum materials. Freelance curriculum writers can earn $30 to $70 per hour, depending on the project’s complexity and their experience.
Tech-Related Opportunities
As education becomes increasingly digital, teachers with tech skills are in high demand.
19. Ed-Tech Consulting
Schools and districts often need guidance on integrating technology into their classrooms. Ed-tech consultants can earn $50 to $150 per hour advising on technology implementation and best practices.
20. Online Course Design
With the growth of online learning, there’s a constant need for well-designed digital courses. Teachers can leverage their instructional design skills to create engaging online learning experiences, earning $25 to $50 per hour or more.
Flexible Schedule Options
A teaching job usually has a fixed timing. Some teachers need flexible options for a side hustle where they can set their schedule.
21. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Pet-sitting gigs are the easiest to find and do. Apps like Rover and Wag! will connect you with pet owners. This average pay range is $15 to $25 per hour. It mainly depends on the location. This one’s best for teachers who love animals. You can also turn it into a side hustle by starting your own dog walking business in your neighborhood.
22. Rideshare or Food Delivery Driving
Companies like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash offer flexible earning opportunities. The pay isn’t very high for delivery drivers, but it’s an easy way to earn extra cash. You’ll need a car or bike to make the deliveries. You can do this gig in the evening after finishing your teaching job.
23. Virtual Bookkeeping
Teachers with strong organizational and math skills can offer small businesses or individuals virtual bookkeeping services. Virtual bookkeepers typically earn $20 to $40 per hour, with experienced professionals earning even more.
Creative Pursuits
Many teachers have creative talents that can be turned into profitable side hustles.
24. Selling Handmade Items on Etsy
Teachers with crafting skills can sell handmade items, educational materials, or classroom decor on platforms like Etsy. Earnings vary widely based on products and sales volume, but successful sellers can generate significant income.
25. Podcasting on Educational Topics
Creating a podcast on educational topics can be a rewarding way to share expertise and potentially earn money through sponsorships and ads. While building an audience takes time, successful educational podcasters can earn substantial income.
Read how to make a podcast website and turn your episodes into a full online presence.
Why Teachers Are Turning to Side Hustles
Teaching is a noble profession. The truth is many educators struggle to make ends meet on their salary alone. While some countries pay their teachers well, others have disappointing salaries. With rising living costs, teachers have no option but to look for extra work. According to Pew Research, about 17% of teachers take on second jobs outside the classroom.
Some teachers turn to side hustles for personal and professional growth. With side jobs, they acquire new skills like coding and designing. Side gigs offer opportunities to expand skill sets and explore new interests. It can potentially provide a way to switch careers as well.
Leveraging Teaching Skills in New Ways
Your teaching skills can also be used in ways other than educating.
Corporate Training or Workshop Facilitation
Companies hire skilled trainers to lead workshops or professional development sessions. Teachers can use their classroom management and presentation skills in corporate settings. Such opportunities pay quite well. For instance, you could earn $500 or more for one workshop.
Tips for Successful Side Hustling
Extra cash is never a bad idea. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your side hustle as a teacher.
Time Management Strategies
Effective time management is for teachers juggling side hustles. Use productivity tools and techniques to maximize efficiency. Set clear boundaries between teaching duties and side gig work to avoid burnout.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Check the school district’s policies on outside employment. Some schools or educational institutes may have restrictions on extra work teachers can do.
Also, try to understand the tax implications of additional income. For instance, your extra earnings may increase your tax bracket. It’s best to speak with a tax professional about this.
Marketing Your Skills
Build a professional online presence through platforms like LinkedIn. You should also consider creating a portfolio website. Network within and outside the education sector to find opportunities. Build your reputation in your chosen side hustle field.
Conclusion
Teachers are the pillars of our society. Unfortunately, they are often underpaid. That doesn’t mean you should say goodbye to the profession. By exploring these 25 proven side hustles, educators can find rewarding ways to supplement their teaching careers. You continue to change students’ lives and earn a good living — a win-win for all.
The best thing is that there are opportunities for extra income for teachers within the education field. For instance, you could tutor online or teach English through various platforms. Consulting or counseling are other potential side jobs. You should also explore side jobs related to your interests or hobbies.
Next Steps: What Now
- Take your time to research hustle ideas and decide the side job you want to pursue.
- Acquire any skills needed for the side hustle; for example, learn HTML for web development.
- Look for online teaching or coaching opportunities where you can earn extra cash.
- Market your services online through platforms, social media, and your website.
- Set your own hours for work according to the job.
- Understand how much tax you have to pay on the additional income.
Further Reading & Useful Resources
- How to Start a Personal Blog and Make Money
- How to Start a Business Blog
- How to Write a Blog Post that Converts: Writing for the Web
- How to Start a Blog in a Few Simple Steps
- How to Make Money Blogging: From Hobby to Profit
- 49 Proven Online Business Ideas (You Can Start Quickly)
- 74 Best Low-Cost Business Ideas (& Which is Right for YOU)
- How to Make Money as a Student (101 Flexible Side Hustle Ideas)
