Side hustles are on the rise in New Jersey
The allure of side hustles lies not only in the financial benefits but also in the freedom to explore diverse interests and talents. In cities like Newark, Jersey City and Trenton, a vibrant ecosystem of side hustles thrives, from freelancing and e-commerce to pet sitting and tutoring.
Here are some options if you’re looking to make extra money in New Jersey:
Dog sitting
A recent study conducted by Forbes Advisor has revealed a significant challenge plaguing dog owners across the Garden State: finding reliable care for their beloved pets for when they’re away. According to the study, a staggering 36% of dog owners in New Jersey expressed frustration over finding a trustworthy dog sitter.
Dog service companies such as Rover allow you to join their company as a dog sitter. All you have to do is make a profile and confirm the types of pets you want to care for and the dates that work for you.
Other than Rover, you can join pet care groups on Instagram and Facebook, where pet owners are often looking for dog sitters.
According to care.com, the average base rate for a dog sitter in Newark is $15.28 per hour. The weekly cost for a dog sitter working a 40-hour week in Newark is $611, and the monthly cost is about $1,986 for 130 hours of work, the website says.
Tutoring
With the SAT season approaching, students across New Jersey are gearing up to tackle this exam. Traditionally, students in their junior year look to take the SAT in March and possibly retake it in the fall of their senior year. This presents a prime opportunity and the perfect time to assist students in preparing for the test.
Companies like Varsity Tutors and superprof.com allow eligible participants to enroll with them for free and start tutoring. You can set your own schedule and choose to do it online or in person.
As of Jan. 31, 2024, the average hourly pay for an SAT tutor in New Jersey was $20.37, ZipRecruiter said. The majority of SAT tutor salaries currently range from $19.52 to $20.48, the career website said.
Freelance coaching
Whether you can sing, dance, play an instrument, or play a sport, there is probably somebody out there who is looking to learn what you already know. You can capitalize off of your hobby by marketing yourself as an instructor or coach of whatever it is that you do and charge people for lessons.
There are even online services for this nowadays such as TeachMe.To, a website where you can sign up as a freelance coach and they will help you book lessons. According to their website, you can make over $40 an hour as a coach, teaching almost anything from piano to surfing.
Mowing lawns
As spring comes closer, people in New Jersey will need help keeping their lawns neat. If you’re good at gardening, you can offer to mow lawns and take care of landscaping for homeowners and businesses. This is a great way to make some extra money on the side when the demand for lawn care goes up in the springtime. Check local social media and Taskrabbit for opportunities.
Snow shoveling
Similarly to lawn mowing, plenty of your neighbors would probably appreciate your help with shoveling snow this winter. When the next storm comes, post on your community Facebook page or go for a walk around the neighborhood to try to make some extra cash by clearing people’s sidewalks and driveways. Check local social media and Taskrabbit for opportunities. That is, if it snows in New Jersey anymore.
Study participant
Another side hustle that you can try is being a participant in a study, whether it be medical, a mental health study, or simply taking online surveys in which you get paid per completed survey.
One example of a local opportunity is TKL Research, in Fair Lawn, Bloomfield, Ramsey and Wanaque. TKL Research is a clinical research organization that conducts studies to evaluate the safety of cosmetic, personal care, dental, overthe-counter and pharmaceutical products. Every volunteer who participates in one of its many studies can receive anywhere from $60 to $6,000 for their time and travel. You can also earn a referral fee as a volunteer if you get other people to participate.
Ride-hailing driver
No matter your location in New Jersey, you are likely near a major hub such as New York City, Hoboken, Newark Airport, Philadelphia or the Jersey Shore during the busy summer months. If you are in or near any of these locations and have a running car and a valid driver’s license, then ride-hailing apps such as Lyft or Uber could be well worth your time.
According to Uber’s estimates from New Jersey drivers over the past four weeks, a 40-hour workweek in New Jersey could make you around $928 per week, or $23.20 per hour. The estimated pay per ride can vary based on location, the distance and duration of the ride, and the time of day. Drivers can also make tips from each customer. Additionally, you can choose when and where you want to work.
Food/grocery delivery
Another thing you can do if you have a car and some extra time is deliver prepared food or groceries. According to a WRNJ Radio article from May 2023, New Jersey ranks ninth among states in obsession with food delivery apps. Also, the National Restaurant Association reported that 75% of millennials and 66% of Gen Z say takeout and delivery are “essential” to the way they live, the article said.
The most popular food delivery apps in the state were DoorDash, at No. 1, followed by Uber Eats and GrubHub. By delivering for one of these companies, you can create your own schedule and get paid per order plus tips.
If you have a bike, you may even be able to save the wear and tear on your car by cycling to each location, easier if you go to a bigger dining spot like Jersey City, Montclair or Newark.
Another option in a similar realm is the world of grocery delivery for companies such as Shipt or Instacart, where you can get paid to shop and deliver groceries.
Babysitting/nannying
If you have a knack for working with kids, becoming a babysitter or a nanny is another side hustle option. There are many Facebook groups, such as the New Jersey Nanny Group, where you can post your availability or respond to families looking for child care.
Simply log on to Facebook and search babysitting/nannying near your town or county to find local opportunities.
According to an article from Parents.com, the average hourly rate for a babysitter or nanny in New Jersey is $16.77 per hour, but the price you charge can vary based on your experience level, the number of kids, pets, where you live and demand.
Sell your creativity
Are you a good baker or decorator? Can you crochet, paint, make candles or otherwise craft? If so, there are plenty of ways to can turn that talent or hobby into a side hustle.
During the spring, summer and fall there are craft fairs, flea markets and similar events all over the state where you can apply to enter and secure a booth or table to sell your goods.
Additionally, you can market yourself through social media, websites like Etsy and local community pages, essentially starting a small business for whatever you can make and sell, from birthday cakes to custom paintings, custom tumblers or unique candles.
Housecleaning
With busy schedules and hectic lifestyles, homeowners often seek help in keeping their places tidy and organized. As a home cleaner, individuals can capitalize on this demand by offering thorough and reliable cleaning services in their local area.
According to ZipRecruiter, an average housecleaner makes $15.68 an hour in New Jersey, or up to $23 based on skill level and location.