22 Summer Side Hustles to Boost Your Income

Summer brings warm weather, longer days, and a perfect opportunity to earn extra cash through side hustles. Whether you’re looking to fund a vacation, pay off debt, or save for the future, these 22 summer side hustles offer flexible, lucrative ways to make money. From outdoor gigs to remote work, there’s something for everyone, regardless of skills or experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best seasonal side hustles, complete with earning potential and startup requirements, to help you maximize your summer income.

1. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

With summer vacations in full swing, pet owners need reliable caregivers. Platforms like Rover connect you with clients needing dog walkers or pet sitters. You can earn $15–$30 per hour walking dogs or $25–$75 per night for pet sitting. All you need is a love for animals and reliable transportation. The flexibility of this gig makes it ideal for students or anyone with a variable schedule.

2. Food Delivery

Apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Instacart make food and grocery delivery a breeze. Drivers can earn $15–$25 per hour, plus tips, with potential for $600 monthly working part-time. You’ll need a vehicle, smartphone, and driver’s license. Summer evenings see high demand, making this a great evening or weekend hustle.

3. Lawn Care and Landscaping

Homeowners prioritize yard maintenance in summer, creating demand for lawn mowing and landscaping. With basic tools like a push mower, you can charge $20–$50 per hour, potentially earning $200–$800 monthly with regular clients. Minimal startup costs make this accessible for those who enjoy outdoor work.

4. Pool Cleaning

Pools get heavy use in summer, and homeowners need help with maintenance. Cleaning pools and balancing chemicals can earn $30–$60 per hour, with monthly earnings of $500–$1,500 for multiple clients. A pressure washer and basic training (available online) are all you need to start.

5. Lifeguarding

Beaches and community pools need lifeguards during summer. With CPR and lifeguard certification, you can earn $10–$20 per hour. Certification courses, like those from the American Red Cross, are widely available. This gig suits those who love water and want to ensure safety.

6. Tutoring

Summer is prime time for students needing academic catch-up or prep. Offer in-person or online tutoring through platforms like Tutor.com or Wyzant, earning $20–$50 per hour. With expertise in a subject and reliable internet, you can make $300–$1,000 monthly. It’s a rewarding way to share knowledge.

7. Freelance Writing

Write articles or blog posts for clients on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Experienced writers can earn $20–$100 per hour, with monthly earnings of $500 or more. All you need is a laptop, internet, and writing skills. This remote hustle offers flexibility for summer schedules.

8. Blogging

Start a blog on a niche topic and monetize through ads or affiliate marketing. While it takes time to build an audience, you could earn $100–$1,000 monthly. Startup costs are low, with website hosting at $5–$20 per month. Summer’s extra hours are perfect for content creation.

9. Selling Crafts on Etsy

Handmade goods like jewelry or printables sell well on Etsy. Top sellers earn $500–$1,000 monthly, with some scaling to millions over time. You’ll need crafting materials and a basic photography setup. Summer tourists and gift-buyers drive sales, making this a timely hustle.

10. Photography

Offer portrait, event, or stock photography services. Sessions can earn $100–$300, while stock photos on Shutterstock pay $0.25–$10 per download. A quality camera and editing software are key. Summer weddings and family events create high demand.

11. Airbnb Hosting

Rent out a spare room or property on Airbnb. Depending on your location, you could earn $100–$500 per night. Ensure compliance with local regulations. Summer’s peak travel season makes this a lucrative option for those with extra space.

12. House Sitting

Care for homes while owners are away, often alongside pet sitting. Earn $25–$50 per day, up to $1,000 monthly. Platforms like TrustedHousesitters help connect you with clients. Reliability and references are key for this low-effort gig.

13. Car Detailing

Clean and polish vehicles for $100–$400 per car, with weekly earnings of $200–$1,000. Startup costs include cleaning supplies and a vacuum (around $500). Summer road trips increase demand for sparkling cars.

14. Pressure Washing

Clean driveways, decks, or siding for $3,000–$4,000 monthly part-time. A pressure washer ($200–$500) and transportation are needed. Homeowners prioritize exterior cleaning in summer, making this a high-demand service.

15. Online Surveys

Complete surveys on Swagbucks or Survey Junkie for $0.50–$50 per task, earning $40–$100 monthly. All you need is a smartphone or computer. It’s a low-effort way to earn extra cash during downtime.

16. Flea Market Vendor

Sell crafts or resold goods at summer flea markets, earning $100–$1,000 per weekend. Inventory, a table, and a vendor permit are required. Crowded summer markets attract bargain hunters and tourists.

17. Tour Guiding

Lead local tours or experiences, like hiking or city walks, via Airbnb Experiences. Charge $50–$200 per tour, potentially earning $1,000 monthly. Local knowledge and marketing skills are key. Summer tourists make this a hot opportunity.

18. Kids’ Yoga Instructor

Teach yoga at summer camps with a 12-hour certification from Pretzel Kids ($200). Earn $20–$50 per hour, up to $1,000 per summer. Camps need engaging activities, making this a fun, active hustle.

19. Garage Sale Flipping

Buy items at garage sales and resell on eBay or Amazon for $500–$2,000 monthly. A small budget and online selling account are enough to start. Summer’s garage sale season fuels this profitable venture.

20. Camp Counselor

Supervise kids at summer camps for $10–$20 per hour, with overtime for extended programs. A background check is typically required. Camps thrive during school breaks, offering steady seasonal work.

21. Mystery Shopping

Evaluate businesses for $10–$50 per task, up to $1,000 monthly. Register with platforms like Market Force and pay attention to detail. Flexible tasks fit busy summer schedules.

22. Car Wrapping for Ads

Get paid $100–$500 monthly to wrap your car in ads while driving. An eligible vehicle and regular driving routine are needed. This passive income suits commuters.

Tips to Thrive

To succeed, match your hustle to your skills and interests. Use platforms like Rover or Etsy to find clients fast. Market locally through flyers or social media. Check local regulations for gigs like Airbnb or delivery. Balance work with summer fun to avoid burnout. Combine multiple hustles for higher earnings, and start small to test what works.