25 Best Side Hustles for Teachers to Boost Your Income in 2025

Teaching is more than a profession; it’s a calling. You dedicate your days to shaping young minds, fostering curiosity, and building the future. But while the emotional rewards are immense, the financial compensation doesn’t always match the effort and passion you invest. If you’re looking for ways to pay off student loans, save for a down payment, fund your summer travels, or simply create a financial cushion, you’re in the right place. This guide explores a variety of side hustles for teachers, designed to fit your unique skills, schedule, and goals.

Many educators feel they lack the time or energy for another job. However, the beauty of the modern side hustle is flexibility. Many opportunities leverage the exact expertise you use in the classroom every day. You already know how to manage groups, explain complex topics, and create engaging materials. It’s time to get paid for those skills outside of your contracted hours.

This article will break down 25 legitimate and practical ideas. We will cover online side hustles for teachers, in-person gigs, creative pursuits, and more. Let’s explore the best ways teachers can make extra money and build the financial freedom you deserve.

Category 1: Leveraging Your Teaching Expertise (Online)

These work-from-home side jobs for teachers allow you to use your core educational skills from the comfort of your own home, often on a flexible schedule.

1. Private Tutoring (Online)

Private tutoring is perhaps the most natural transition for an educator. You can help students who are struggling, challenge those who are gifted, or assist with standardized test preparation (like the SAT, ACT, or GRE).

Why it’s great for teachers: You are a subject matter expert with proven teaching strategies. You can easily adapt your classroom methods for one-on-one instruction, providing focused, personalized support that parents are willing to pay a premium for.
Potential Earnings: $25 – $80+ per hour, depending on your subject, experience, and location. Specialized subjects like AP Calculus or SAT prep command the highest rates.
How to Get Started: Create a profile on established platforms like Wyzant, TutorMe, or Skooli. You can also advertise your services in local parent groups on social media or create a simple website to showcase your credentials.

2. Selling Your Lesson Plans and Educational Resources

You spend countless hours creating amazing lesson plans, worksheets, presentations, and classroom decor. Instead of letting them sit on your hard drive, you can sell them to other teachers. This is one of the best side hustles for teachers because it creates a source of passive income.

Why it’s great for teachers: You’ve already done the work! You understand what makes a resource valuable, standards-aligned, and engaging for students. You have a direct understanding of your target market because you are your target market.
Potential Earnings: This varies wildly, from a few dollars a month to a full-time income. Top sellers on platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) earn six or even seven figures annually.
How to Get Started: Open a store on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT), the largest marketplace for these resources. You can also sell on Etsy or create your own Shopify store. Start by bundling your best units, giving away a freebie to attract followers, and using relevant keywords in your product descriptions.

3. Curriculum and Instructional Design

School districts, educational technology (EdTech) companies, and homeschooling organizations are constantly in need of high-quality curriculum. As a curriculum writer or instructional designer, you create the educational content, activities, and assessments that others will use.

Why it’s great for teachers: This is one of the best paying side jobs for teachers. Your practical classroom experience is invaluable in creating content that is effective, engaging, and realistic for a classroom setting. You understand learning objectives, scaffolding, and assessment inside and out.
Potential Earnings: $30 – $75 per hour or on a per-project basis, which can be thousands of dollars.
How to Get Started: Look for freelance opportunities on sites like Upwork, LinkedIn, and Indeed by searching for “curriculum writer” or “instructional designer.” Networking with EdTech professionals on LinkedIn can also lead to direct opportunities.

4. Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) Online

Dozens of companies connect native English speakers with students around the world, primarily children in Asia. These platforms provide the curriculum and the students; you provide the instruction, typically in 25- to 50-minute sessions.

Why it’s great for teachers: The hours are often early in the morning or late at night, which can fit perfectly around a standard teaching schedule. Your skills in TPR (Total Physical Response), patience, and clear communication are directly transferable.
Potential Earnings: $14 – $25 per hour.
How to Get Started: Research and apply to companies like VIPKid or Qkids. You’ll typically need a Bachelor’s degree and some teaching experience. A TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate can make you a more competitive candidate.

5. Creating and Teaching an Online Course

Do you have a skill or passion you could teach others? This could be related to education (e.g., “Classroom Management for New Teachers”) or a personal hobby (e.g., “Introduction to Calligraphy”). You can create a video course and sell it on your own or through a marketplace.

Why it’s great for teachers: You are an expert at breaking down information and structuring it for learning. This is a fantastic way to build a personal brand and create a passive income stream based on your unique knowledge.
Potential Earnings: Highly variable. Your income depends on your price, marketing, and the demand for your topic. It can range from supplemental income to a significant revenue source.
How to Get Started: Platforms like Outschool are specifically for teaching live online classes to K-12 students. For pre-recorded courses aimed at adults, look into Teachable, Kajabi, or Udemy.

6. Standardized Test Scoring

Every year, millions of students take standardized tests. The open-ended portions of these exams need to be scored by real people. Companies hire remote scorers to read and evaluate student responses based on a detailed rubric.

Why it’s great for teachers: The work is flexible and can be done from home. As a teacher, you have extensive experience assessing student work and applying rubrics consistently and fairly. This is one of the most straightforward side jobs for teachers.
Potential Earnings: $12 – $15 per hour.
How to Get Started: Major testing companies like Pearson, ETS, and Measurement Incorporated hire seasonal test scorers. Check their career pages in the early spring, as that’s when hiring typically ramps up.

Category 2: Leveraging Your Teaching Expertise (In-Person)

If you prefer face-to-face interaction, these gigs allow you to get out and use your skills in your local community.

7. Summer Camp Instructor or Director

This is one of the classic summer side hustles for teachers. You can work for an established camp or even start your own themed “micro-camp” (e.g., a week-long STEM camp, writing workshop, or art camp) out of your home or a community center.

Why it’s great for teachers: Your classroom management, activity planning, and experience with children make you the ideal candidate. You get to have fun with kids in a less formal setting while earning a steady income during your break.
Potential Earnings: $15 – $30 per hour as an instructor; significantly more if you run your own camp.
How to Get Started: Check with your local parks and recreation department, YMCA, or private camps in your area. To start your own, gauge interest in local parent groups, and handle registration through a simple platform like Eventbrite.

8. Coaching or Sponsoring Extracurriculars

Your school district likely offers stipends for coaching sports teams or sponsoring clubs (like debate, robotics, or drama). This is an excellent way to earn more money directly from your primary employer.

Why it’s great for teachers: It’s convenient, as it takes place at your school. It allows you to connect with students in a different capacity, sharing a passion and building strong mentor relationships.
Potential Earnings: Stipends typically range from $500 to $5,000+ per season or year, depending on the sport/activity and the district.
How to Get Started: Talk to your school’s athletic director or principal about open positions. If you have an idea for a new club, write up a proposal and present it to your administration.

9. Becoming an Adjunct Professor

If you have a master’s degree or Ph.D., you can teach undergraduate courses at a local community college or university. Evening classes are common, which fits well with a K-12 teacher’s schedule.

Why it’s great for teachers: This is a prestigious and intellectually stimulating side hustle. It provides a different kind of teaching experience and looks fantastic on a resume. Many find it to be a good side hustle for teachers who love their subject matter deeply.
Potential Earnings: $2,000 – $5,000 per course.
How to Get Started: Check the employment pages of local colleges and universities. Network with department chairs in your subject area by sending a professional email with your CV attached.

10. Child Care (Nannying or Babysitting)

Parents consistently need reliable, trustworthy, and experienced childcare. As a teacher, you are at the top of their list. You can offer after-school care, weekend babysitting, or full-time nannying during the summer.

Why it’s great for teachers: You are background-checked, trained in first aid/CPR, and an expert in child development and managing behavior. You can command a higher rate than a typical teenager because of your professional qualifications.
Potential Earnings: $18 – $30+ per hour.
How to Get Started: Create a profile on Care.com or Sittercity. Let parents at your school know you’re available (check your district’s policy on this first) or advertise in trusted community forums.

11. Proctoring Exams

Colleges and testing centers need proctors to monitor students during exams like the SAT, ACT, LSAT, and university midterms or finals. The job involves checking IDs, distributing materials, and ensuring academic integrity.

Why it’s great for teachers: This is one of the truly easy side hustles for teachers. The work is simple, requires minimal training, and you are already an expert at maintaining a quiet, orderly environment.
Potential Earnings: $12 – $20 per hour.
How to Get Started: Contact the testing centers at local universities and community colleges. You can also search for “exam proctor” jobs on Indeed or other job boards.

Category 3: Creative & Content-Based Hustles

If you have a creative spark, these side jobs allow you to use your writing, design, or artistic talents to earn extra cash.

12. Freelance Writing or Editing

Businesses, blogs, and publications need well-written content. Teachers are excellent writers and editors, with a strong command of grammar, structure, and clarity. You can write blog posts, articles, website copy, or proofread documents.

Why it’s great for teachers: You can work on your own schedule from anywhere. Your research and communication skills are top-notch. You can specialize in the education niche or branch out into any topic that interests you.
Potential Earnings: $25 – $100+ per hour. New writers might start by charging per word (e.g., $0.10/word) and increase their rates with experience.
How to Get Started: Build a portfolio of writing samples (you can even start your own blog). Create a profile on freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, or pitch editors directly.

13. Creating a Blog or YouTube Channel

Start a blog or YouTube channel focused on a niche you’re passionate about. This could be teaching-related, a hobby, or another area of expertise. You can monetize your content through ads, affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and selling your own products.

Why it’s great for teachers: This is a long-term project that combines creativity with your ability to educate an audience. It can become a significant source of passive income over time.
Potential Earnings: Highly variable. It can take months or even years to see significant income, but successful creators earn a full-time living.
How to Get Started: Choose your niche. Use a simple platform like WordPress or Squarespace for a blog, or just your smartphone to start a YouTube channel. Focus on creating consistent, valuable content for a specific audience.

14. Becoming a Virtual Assistant (VA)

Many small business owners and entrepreneurs need help with administrative, creative, or technical tasks. As a VA, you could manage emails, schedule social media posts, handle customer service, or perform data entry.

Why it’s great for teachers: Teachers are organizational wizards. You are masters of planning, communication, and multitasking. You can specialize in offering VA services to other “teacherpreneurs” or educational consultants who understand your value.
Potential Earnings: $20 – $50+ per hour, depending on the services you offer.
How to Get Started: Identify the skills you can offer. Network in Facebook groups for online business owners and create a profile on a platform like Upwork.

15. Photography

If you have a good eye and a decent camera, you can turn photography into a profitable side business. You can specialize in one or a few photography niches like family portraits, graduation photos, weddings, or even sell stock photos online.

Why it’s great for teachers: Photography is a creative outlet that can be a welcome change of pace from the classroom. You can schedule shoots on weekends and during the summer, giving you complete control over your workload.
Potential Earnings: Portrait sessions can range from $150 – $500+. Stock photos earn much less per download but can provide passive income.
How to Get Started: Build a portfolio by offering free or discounted sessions to friends and family. Create a simple website or Instagram page to showcase your work. Sell stock photos on sites like Adobe Stock or Shutterstock.

16. Graphic Design

From creating logos for small businesses to designing social media graphics or even T-shirts, graphic design skills are in high demand.

Why it’s great for teachers: Many teachers are already skilled with design tools like Canva to create classroom materials. You can leverage this skill to serve a broader market. It’s a perfect work from home side job for teachers with an artistic flair.
Potential Earnings: $25 – $75 per hour.
How to Get Started: Master a tool like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Procreate. Build a portfolio and find clients on platforms like Fiverr, 99designs, or by reaching out to local businesses.

Category 4: Flexible & On-Demand Gigs

These jobs offer maximum flexibility, allowing you to work when you want, for as long as you want. They are perfect for filling small gaps in your schedule.

17. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

If you’re an animal lover, getting paid to care for pets can feel more like fun than work. Services can include daily dog walking, drop-in visits, or overnight house-sitting.

Why it’s great for teachers: The schedule is often flexible. You can walk dogs after school or house-sit over weekends and holiday breaks. It’s a great way to get exercise and enjoy the company of furry friends.
Potential Earnings: $15 – $25 per walk/visit; $40 – $100+ per night for house-sitting.
How to Get Started: Create a profile on Rover or Wag!, the two largest platforms for pet care services.

18. Driving for a Rideshare or Food Delivery Service

Companies like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Instacart allow you to use your own car to earn money on your own schedule. You simply turn on the app when you want to work and turn it off when you’re done.

Why it’s great for teachers: This offers ultimate flexibility. You can work for an hour between errands or for a full day on the weekend. There’s no boss and no pre-set schedule to follow.
Potential Earnings: $15 – $25 per hour, before expenses like gas and vehicle maintenance.
How to Get Started: Sign up on the company’s website. You’ll need to pass a background check and have a qualifying vehicle.

19. Becoming a Tasker

Platforms like TaskRabbit connect you with people in your area who need help with various tasks, such as assembling furniture, mounting a TV, running errands, or doing yard work.

Why it’s great for teachers: You can choose the types of tasks you’re willing to do and set your own hourly rate. It’s a great option for those who enjoy hands-on work and helping others.
Potential Earnings: $20 – $60+ per hour, depending on the task’s complexity.
How to Get Started: Download the TaskRabbit app, build your profile, select your skills, and undergo a background check.

20. Renting Out Your Space or Car

If you have a spare room, a vacation property, or a car you don’t use every day, you can turn it into a source of income.

Why it’s great for teachers: This can be a largely passive way to earn money. It’s especially lucrative during the summer when you might be traveling yourself.
Potential Earnings: Varies greatly based on your property/vehicle and location. A spare room could earn $50 – $150+ per night.
How to Get Started: List your space on Airbnb or VRBO. List your car on a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform like Turo.

Category 5: Business & Community-Focused Hustles

These ideas involve more traditional skills or community engagement, perfect for the teacher with an entrepreneurial spirit.

21. Flipping and Reselling

This involves finding undervalued items at thrift stores, garage sales, or clearance aisles and reselling them online for a profit.

Why it’s great for teachers: It’s a treasure hunt that you can do on your own time. Many teachers have a knack for spotting hidden gems, whether it’s vintage clothing, books, or furniture.
Potential Earnings: Highly scalable. Some people make a few hundred dollars a month, while others build six-figure businesses.
How to Get Started: Start small. Pick a niche you know well (e.g., children’s books). Sell on platforms like eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace.

22. Transcription

Transcriptionists listen to audio or video files and type out what is said. This is needed in the medical, legal, and academic fields, as well as for podcasts and YouTube videos.

Why it’s great for teachers: You need a good ear, a strong command of grammar, and a fast typing speed. The work is completely flexible and can be done from home.
Potential Earnings: $15 – $25 per audio hour. Note that one audio hour can take 3-4 hours to transcribe.
How to Get Started: Practice your skills. Then, apply to work for companies like Rev, TranscribeMe, or Scribie.

23. Brand Ambassadorship or Event Staffing

Companies hire enthusiastic, reliable people to represent their brand at events, festivals, and retail stores. You might hand out samples, demonstrate a product, or simply generate excitement.

Why it’s great for teachers: The work is typically on weekends and is often fun and high-energy. As a teacher, you are a professional, articulate, and excellent communicator.
Potential Earnings: $20 – $35+ per hour.
How to Get Started: Search for “brand ambassador” or “event staff” on job boards. Create a profile on staffing agency sites like ATN Event Staffing or Main Event.

24. Sports Refereeing or Umpiring

Youth sports leagues are always in need of reliable referees and umpires for games, which are typically held on weeknights and weekends.

Why it’s great for teachers: It’s a great way to stay active, engage with your community, and earn extra money. Your classroom management skills are invaluable for managing players, coaches, and parents on the field.
Potential Earnings: $25 – $50+ per game.
How to Get Started: Contact your local parks and recreation department or specific youth sports leagues (e.g., Little League, AYSO) to inquire about training and certification requirements.

25. Grant Writing

Non-profits, schools, and community organizations rely on grant funding. A grant writer researches funding opportunities and writes compelling proposals to secure them.

Why it’s great for teachers: Your research and persuasive writing skills are a perfect match for this role. You understand how to align a proposal with an organization’s objectives, just as you align lessons with learning standards. This is a highly respected and lucrative skill.
Potential Earnings: $40 – $100+ per hour or on a per-project basis.
How to Get Started: Take an online course in grant writing to learn the fundamentals. Volunteer to write a grant for a local non-profit to build your portfolio. Then, find freelance clients on Upwork or by networking in your community.

How to Choose the Right Side Hustle for You

With so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. Ask yourself these three questions:

What is my primary goal? Are you looking for the best paying side jobs for teachers to tackle a big financial goal quickly? Or do you want something flexible and low-stress for a little extra spending money? Your goal will determine whether you pursue a high-earning but demanding hustle like curriculum writing or a flexible gig like dog walking.
How much time can I realistically commit? Be honest with yourself. Don’t take on a side hustle that requires 15 hours a week if you only have 5. Start small. It’s better to succeed at a small gig than to burn out from an overwhelming one. Remember to protect your time for rest and rejuvenation.
What do I genuinely enjoy? The best side hustle is one that doesn’t feel like a chore. If you love writing, freelance. If you love kids but want a break from academics, coach a sport. If you need quiet time, consider transcription or test scoring. Choosing something you’re passionate about will ensure you stick with it long-term.

A Final Word of Encouragement

Exploring ways teachers can make extra money isn’t about devaluing your work in the classroom; it’s about empowering yourself financially. Your skills as an educator are incredibly valuable and versatile. By channeling them into a side hustle, you can achieve your financial goals, reduce stress, and even rediscover a passion.

Start with one idea from this list. Do a little research, take the first small step, and see where it leads. You have the ability to not only shape the future of your students but also to design a richer, more financially secure future for yourself.