Table of Contents
There are many hobbies — like writing, coding, and ceramics — that are not only fun to do, they are also hobbies that generate income. Whether you call them side hustles or side gigs, these 15 ideas will show you how a creative, hands-on, or technical pursuit can help benefit your personal finances.
Read on to learn about hobbies that can make money.
Key Points
• Many hobbies, from writing to woodworking, can be turned into side hustles that provide extra income for savings, paying down debt, or achieving financial goals.
• Popular creative avenues for income can include freelance writing, graphic design, photography, content creation, and podcasting, each requiring different skills, tools, and platforms to build a client base.
• Hands-on activities like woodworking, pottery, baking, and fashion design can generate revenue through selling goods at local markets, online shops, or by offering custom services.
• Skills such as web development, music production, pet care, and fitness coaching may offer opportunities to build reliable side income streams.
• To grow hobby income effectively, individuals can consider researching tax implications, pricing goods appropriately, opening a separate bank account, and reinvesting strategically.
Understanding the Financial Value of a Side Passion
Your favorite hobby can do more than provide fun and satisfaction. It could have a financial upside. Chances are, you pursue a side passion because it’s enjoyable. But if you can monetize that endeavor, it can be a win-win.
Imagine being “in the zone” while baking and generating income from your efforts. You could put the cash in your bank account to earn interest, use the money to pay down debt, or save toward a goal like a vacation or a new car.
Recommended: 11 Benefits of Having a Side Hustle
Best Creative Hobbies That Make Money
If you are curious about which side passions could be a source of income, consider the following creative pursuits, which are popular ways to make extra money.
1. Freelance Writing and Blogging
Many people enjoy writing and it can be an in-demand skill that may earn you supplemental income. There are a wide range of projects that involve writing. You might start your own blog, approach local businesses with your portfolio of work, or look for freelance writing gigs on portals like Upwork and Fiverr.
Fees vary tremendously, depending on the kind of writing needed (whether it’s for a restaurant website, say, or a scientific journal), your experience, and specialized skills you might have. You may want to concentrate in such areas as newsletter management or utilizing tech tools. Research shows, for instance, that those who are familiar with AI tools and do AI-related freelance writing work may have an edge in terms of earning power. Another tip: Packaging your services as a retainer for ongoing work that you do vs. a one-off writing assignment can be a good way to build extra income.
2. Graphic Design and Digital Illustration
Another creative hobby that has the potential to make you money is graphic design and digital illustration. Businesses may need help creating impactful logos, reports, publications, social media posts, and websites. Digital illustrations, using the latest tools, such as AI image generators like Midjourney, can also be in demand.
Putting together a portfolio of your work can be an important first step. In addition to looking for gigs on Fiverr and Upwork, you might try more specialized portals like 99designs. You might also consider whether you could sell downloadable designs on Etsy, for example. To have your hobby earn money and help build your online checking account, you might offer templates, calendars, signage, and the like.
3. Photography and Videography
If you excel at photography and videography, that could be another possible avenue to making money and perhaps stashing some extra cash in a high-yield online savings account.
There are several ways you might approach this. If you took video of some friends’ weddings, for example, you could develop a portfolio and promote your services on local forums (like Nextdoor) and larger networks like Upwork. If you take travel photos, pet pictures, baby photos, or artistic images, the same holds true. Or you might market your work on Etsy or other online selling platforms. Word of mouth and recommendations can be a valuable tool, too.
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4. Content Creation and YouTube
Another of the hobbies that can make money is creating content for various platforms, including YouTube. You can do this to promote your own opinions, experiences, and expertise, or you can assist others with creating and building their personal brand. This endeavor typically requires knowing your way around developing, creating, and uploading content, as well as creating a marketing plan for the content to find its audience.
Earnings can vary considerably. On YouTube, for instance, many creators start with the YouTube Partner Program and fan-funding options; they can then work up to YouTube Premium Revenue, which includes affiliate marketing and brand collaborations and sponsorship. Learning about the monetization process in-depth can be an important asset if you pursue this way to turn a hobby into an income generator.
5. Podcasting
Podcasting is a popular way to share content and build a brand, and it can provide an avenue to connect with others. There are many topics that a podcast can cover, from current events to cooking; from gaming to travel. While some people “wing it,” other podcasters may do research, develop scripts, film and edit content, add graphics, and take other steps to build their program.
Even with this investment of resources, it’s worth noting that podcasting may not be instantly profitable. By sharing compelling content and expanding its audience, a podcast may eventually bring in extra cash via ad revenue, membership tiers, and brand sponsorships. Some podcasters also book speaking engagements based on their programs and sell branded merchandise.
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Hands-On and Crafting Hobbies to Earn Income
If you enjoy doing hands-on or crafting hobbies, they may help you make money by selling your work. Here are a few potential pathways to extra income to consider.
6. Woodworking and Furniture Making
Those with a talent for woodworking and furniture making might be able to turn that hobby into a source of money to add to their bank account. There are a few ways to approach this pursuit. Individuals might offer their woodworking skills on a platform like Upwork or Fiverr, or they could cultivate a niche, such as making tables for local cafes and restaurants.
To build their business, woodworkers and furniture makers may want to figure out their price structure (materials, labor, overhead, and profit margin), and then market their wares (with photos and any testimonials) in local forums and to area businesses.
7. Pottery and Ceramics
Among the hobbies that make money are pottery and ceramics. If you hand-build vases or throw bowls on the pottery wheel, you may be able to generate cash by selling these items. Once you have built up a small inventory, you might try taking a booth at craft fairs or creating a shop on a platform like Etsy. You could also approach local businesses, such as home shops and restaurants, about your work, and also consider teaching art classes to share your knowledge.
Carefully consider your pricing. In addition to your time and energy, you may include the cost of materials, overhead (such as the energy used to power your wheel and kiln), and profit margin. Don’t forget to factor in packing materials if you’ll be shipping your work.
8. Baking and Culinary Arts
People with culinary skills may be able to turn their hobby into a source of revenue. For instance, if you are known for your sourdough bread or making great jam or tomato sauce, you could start selling that product to friends and family, at local farmer’s markets and other local retailers, or to restaurants.
Other ways to potentially make money from kitchen skills include catering work, private chef engagements, pop-up dinners, teaching cooking classes, and creating content around your food know-how. In all of these cases, establishing your reputation can be critical, and social media may be a good way to get the word out and showcase your abilities.
Earnings can vary tremendously, depending on whether you are selling a dozen items at a weekend farmer’s market or working as a caterer for a wedding. Before pursuing this kind of side hustle, it may be wise to look into what regulations there are and what certifications might be needed when making and selling foods.
9. Knitting, Crocheting, and Fashion Design
If you can knit, crochet, or otherwise create wearable items, you may be able to get paid for your creativity. Whether for babies, kids, or adults, hand-knitted and -crocheted sweaters and scarves can be popular gifts. Other garments you design and make might also generate cash.
You might sell your creations at local boutiques, craft and street fairs, and online (on Etsy, for instance). If you have the ability to make a sizable number of items or have inventory, you might consider going to fashion expos to find buyers who own shops.
These activities tend to require a fair amount of time and energy, not to mention the cost of materials, so it can be a good idea to check pricing among your competition as you calculate what to charge. You’ll likely want to factor in marketing efforts as well when determining prices.
10. Upcycling and Upgraded Thrifting
Individuals with an eye for spotting quality, in-demand items from thrift stores and the like may be able to generate extra income from this hobby. Also known as thrift flipping or reselling, this pastime can involve finding and then offering goods that you bought for one-fifth to one-third of what you think they can sell for, based on your research. Popular types of goods to resell in this way include clothing, jewelry, housewares, furniture, decorative items, electronics, and artwork. In some cases, you may need to refresh the item, such as cleaning and mending old garments or refinishing furniture.
In terms of where to sell items, you can try (depending on the item) eBay, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, Depop, and local fairs and tag sales. How much you may earn in extra income from this hobby depends on the kind of items and volume you are able to flip.
Service and Technical Hobbies That Generate Income
Hobbies that can make money don’t necessarily have to be creative endeavors. Service and technical pursuits may also help generate additional income.
11. Coding and Web Development
If you have a talent for coding or web development, it could be an avenue to making more cash as a side gig. To get freelance work, you may want to create a portfolio showing a few projects, whether they are speculative or ones you did for a friend. Then, you can create a profile on Upwork and/or Fiverr. Additionally, you could pitch local businesses, agencies that subcontract, and your professional network. You might also create packages of tech services to further market your skills.
Earnings will vary greatly depending on your location, how big a job is, and how developed your skill set is. Learning the latest tools and techniques may help you snag higher-paying projects.
12. Music Production and DJing
Your taste in and knowledge of music might help you bring in extra cash. If friends have always asked you to be the DJ at parties, you could try getting gigs at local clubs. Establishing your talent by sharing clips of your work on social media and hosting mixes on SoundCloud or Mixcloud may help your business along. Similarly, music production work might be found by posting your unique sound and skills on social media, using hashtags to find the right network.
Earnings can vary greatly. Early gigs as a DJ may pay $100 or so, with the amount rising as you establish your niche.
13. Gardening and Urban Farming
If you have a green thumb, gardening or urban farming might be a hobby that could generate income. It could also be a side hustle for couples if you and your partner work the land together. Making money from what you grow can take many forms: You might sell cut flowers or home-grown tomatoes by setting out a stand by the road, or you could offer them at a farmer’s market, via a CSA (community-supported agriculture) subscription, or to local farm-to-table restaurants.
Earnings will reflect the amount and quality of what you sell, as well as your location’s cost of living and how much competition you have. Check your local municipal code for any guidelines and restrictions regarding growing items on your property and selling them.
14. Pet Sitting and Dog Training
For those who love animals and have experience with them, pet sitting and dog training may be a way to make money fast. You might be able to squeeze in pet sitting gigs over the weekend and supplement your day job’s earnings, or you could do dog training a few evenings a week to add to your bank account.
Pet-sitting currently pays around $17 per hour, and you may find work by creating a profile on such sites as Rover, Care.com, and PetBacker. A background check is typically involved. Or, you could put out the word around your neighborhood.
Do you enjoy working with both dogs and people? Or have you dealt with spirited pooches before? You might look into dog training, which can pay about $19 per hour. To build your expertise, you could first volunteer at a local animal shelter or humane society. Or you might find out whether there are training and certification options near you, either via a national pet franchise (where you could later apply for work) or through an organization like the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Again, you can post your availability once you’re fully qualified on the sites mentioned above or other portals, like Upwork.
15. Fitness Coaching and Personal Training
If you love working out, are knowledgeable about fitness, and have the proper certification, you might pursue turning your hobby into a side hustle that makes extra money. This work can be rewarding work, booked to suit your schedule, and pay about $40 to $100 per hour, depending on your expertise level and location, among other factors.
However, having the right skills and credentials are key for this work. As noted above, you will need personal training certification from organizations like NASM, ISSA or ACE Fitness to ensure that you are well trained, and you’ll likely need CPR/AED certification as well. In addition, you may need to secure liability insurance before applying for gigs at local gyms or via online platforms.
How to Manage and Build Your Hobby Income
There are steps an individual can take to manage and potentially build hobby income. Here are some specifics actions you may want to consider:
• Opening a separate bank account for hobby income which could make tracking the income as well as tax filing easier
• Researching the tax guidelines for hobby income to file properly with the IRS (you might also choose to consult a tax professional)
• Pricing goods or services to cover such factors as the cost of raw materials, the value of your time and expertise, and overhead costs and profit margin, as well as the going rate in your marketplace.
• Reinvesting strategically in your side gig, perhaps by upgrading your tools or equipment, for example.
The Takeaway
Your favorite hobby might help you generate extra income. Whether it’s a creative pursuit like graphic design, or a technical skill like coding, you may be able to sell goods and services and use the cash you earn to help build your bank account and work toward your financial goals.
Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with eligible direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.
FAQ
How do I know if my hobby is legally considered a business or a hobby?
The IRS has helpful guidelines available here. Some of the considerations are whether the endeavor is pursued for pleasure or profit; if it earns a profit and how much that amounts to; and whether the income is needed as the taxpayer’s livelihood.
What are the tax implications of earning money from a hobby?
Hobbies that make money usually require you to report all earnings and pay taxes on your side-hustle income. In addition, it’s worth noting that with hobby income, you typically can’t write off expenses against the earnings.
How can a high-yield savings account help scale my new income stream?
A high-yield savings account, also known as a HYSA, may help you scale a new income stream by providing a secure and accessible place to keep your money where it may grow through compounding interest and additional earnings.
Should I open a separate bank account for my hobby earnings?
When you have a hobby that generates income, it may be wise to open a dedicated bank account for it. This can make it simpler to keep records and report earnings at tax time, and it can also give you a clearer picture of your profit and losses.
What is the best way to price the products or services from my hobby?
When pricing the products or services you are offering from your hobby, you may want to calculate your cost of materials plus an hourly wage for your labor. You might then add a percentage for your overhead as well as for a profit margin. You could also research what other vendors are charging so you can align your figures with the current going rate in your market.
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