If you are struggling to make ends meet and manage expenses and wish to increase your income without giving up your current job, then look no further because the answer is in the world of tech side hustles! It has become necessary for people to have multiple sources of income in today's world. Big technological leaps have led to several tech side hustles that will help you generate extra money.
Why take up a tech side hustle?
Learning in-demand tech skills is the most effective way of starting an online side hustle and gives you an upper hand in the growing gig economy. You can sign up for freelance marketplaces like Upwork or Fiverr to acquire clients and establish your brand. Tech side hustles offer flexibility and freedom to work on your terms. Getting a college degree or years of work experience is not compulsory. All you need is a desire to learn tech. Starting a tech side hustle is right for you if you wish to embark on the journey to financial freedom.
Top 10 Tech Side Hustles in 2023
Below are the ten best tech side hustles that pay generously and the average rates of freelancers on Upwork. Start today to boost your income and achieve your financial goals!
1. Web Development
The average rate on Upwork: $15 - $30/hr
Job type: Web development can be both freelancing and full-time
Web development involves building, designing and maintaining websites. Web developers are in great demand as more companies conduct business online. If you have the skills required to design and create websites, working as a web developer for small firms and entrepreneurs is a great side income idea.
Common tech stacks used by web developers to build websites include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP. They use content management systems (CMS) like WordPress and Shopify to build websites effectively. Create websites for friends, relatives, or nearby businesses as side gigs to expand your portfolio as a web developer.
Freelance websites for Web development:
1. Fiverr
2. Upwork
2. App Development
The average rate on Upwork: $18 - $39/hr
Job type: Similar to web development, app development can also be either freelancing or full-time
Crafting apps means creating and testing applications for iOS, Android, and the web. If you're savvy at app development, a stellar online side gig is offering your skills to small businesses or startups in need of an app. Much like web development, app development can be freelancing or a full-time gig. Previous experience with Java, Kotlin, Swift, and HTML5 is a must, along with familiarity with tools like Xcode, Android Studio, and Visual Studio. Diversify your portfolio by building and launching various apps to snag well-paying tech side gigs! Build and deploy different kinds of apps to expand your portfolio as an app developer and secure well-paying tech side hustle jobs!
Freelance websites for App development:
1. Indeed
2. Fiverr
3. Upwork
3. Social Media Management
The average rate on Upwork: $14 - $35/hr
Job type: Social media management can be both freelancing and full-time
Social media management involves managing and optimising the online presence of people and small businesses. The need for social media managers is ever-increasing due to integrating social media into many businesses' marketing strategies. You can provide various services as a social media manager, including content creation and curation, posting scheduling, account management, engagement and analytics tracking, and social media advertising.
You can provide consultancy services to enhance small businesses' social media presence and reach. Setting up social media accounts for yourself or your clients is an excellent way to develop your portfolio as a social media manager and secure online side hustle jobs.
Freelance websites for social media management:
1. Fiverr
2. Flexjobs
3. Indeed
4. Graphic Design
The average rate on Upwork: $15 - $35/hr
Job type: Graphic design can be both freelancing and full-time
The process of creating visual content to deliver a message or a concept is known as graphic design. Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign are common tools used by graphic designers. You can provide services like creating logos, infographics, social media graphics, and marketing collateral like brochures and flyers.
To assist firms in developing a consistent brand identity, you can also provide branding services. You can implement this great side income idea by designing for friends and family, nearby businesses, or participating in design competitions. This will help you create a solid portfolio and draw in more clients.
Freelance websites for graphic design:
1. Indeed
2. Fiverr
3. Upwork
5. Blogging and Content Creation
The average rate on Upwork: $15 - $40/hr
Job type: Graphic design can be both freelancing and full-time
One of the best tech side hustles to make money, blogging, and content production involve producing written or graphic content for blogs, websites, or social media platforms. People passionate about writing, photography, or videography should try this online side hustle idea. Services provided may include writing blog posts, articles, social media posts and shooting videos.
Fine-tune your skills in content creation tools like WordPress, Canva, or Adobe Creative Suite to land side gigs fast. Knowing how to write captivating and relevant content that connects with the target audience is also important. Publish your blog or write one for others to enhance your portfolio.
Freelance websites for blogging and content creation:
1. Indeed
2. Flexjobs
3. Fiverr
6. Online Tutoring and Coaching
The average rate on Upwork: $16 - $30/hr
Job type: Online tutoring and coaching can be both freelancing and full-time
Online coaching and tutoring involve guiding students or professionals in various subjects or skills using online platforms. Online coaches and tutors are in greater demand due to the advent of online learning. You can provide various services as an online tutor or coach, such as teaching academic courses, coaching professionals in skills like writing, public speaking, or programming, and offering online test preparation services.
You can also provide consultancy services to assist students or professionals in their career paths. To conduct online sessions, you need also be well-versed in online platforms like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet. You can develop online courses, blogs, or videos on your line of work to expand your portfolio as an online coach or teacher.
Freelance websites for online tutoring and coaching:
1. Fiverr
2. Indeed
3. Flexjobs
7. SEO Consulting
The average rate on Upwork: $15 - $35/hr
Job type: SEO consulting is commonly done as freelancing work
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) consultation is a great tech side hustle idea involving optimising websites for search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. SEO specialists are in demand as more companies try to establish an online presence so this technical side job is just perfect. One must know about SEO and how to optimise websites to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). Get familiar with SEO tools like Google Search Console and Google Analytics.
You can provide local SEO, link building, technical SEO, on-page optimisation, and keyword research. You can also provide SEO consultancy services to startups to assist them in raising their search engine ranks and increasing the volume of natural website visitors. You can exhibit your abilities by optimising your website to create a strong portfolio and secure side gigs. SEO consulting is commonly done as freelancing work, with SEO professionals offering their services to multiple clients.
Freelance websites for SEO consulting:
1. Fiverr
2. Upwork
3. Indeed
8. Quality Assurance Testing
The average rate on Upwork: $12 - $20/hr
Job type: Quality assurance testing can be both freelancing and full-time
Quality Assurance (QA) Testing involves testing software to ensure they meet certain quality standards and perform as expected. QA testing aims to fix bugs and ensure that the software is user-friendly and error-free.
A QA tester's daily work includes designing and carrying out test plans, reporting bugs, and collaborating with developers to resolve issues and find solutions. Having adequate knowledge about testing methodology, tools, and software development life cycles is important. Being meticulous and possessing critical thinking skills is crucial for this role.
Freelance websites for quality assurance testing:
1. Freelancer
2. TopTal
3. Indeed
9. Digital Marketing and Advertising
The average rate on Upwork: $15 - $45/hr
Job type: Digital marketing and advertising can be both freelancing and full-time
Digital marketing and advertising involve promoting companies and their services via social media, email, and display advertising. Suppose you have prior experience in digital marketing. In that case, you can start a tech side hustle by providing your services to small businesses and startups who wish to advertise their firms online. Common services a digital marketer provides include pay-per-click marketing, search engine optimisation, email marketing, content marketing and social media marketing.
You must know data analysis, campaign optimisation, and interesting content creation. Get familiar with using platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, LinkedIn Ads and Twitter Ads to land an online side hustle job. You can design online campaigns to display your abilities and build your digital marketer portfolio to land high-paying side gigs!
Freelance websites for digital marketing and advertising:
1. Indeed
2. Fiverr
3. Flexjobs
10. Tech Support
Average Tech Support rate on Upwork: $10 - $19/hr
Job type: Tech support roles can be both freelancing and full-time
A tech support job requires technical support for people facing problems with their computers, software, or other digital devices. Tech support jobs can be remote or in-person. You can provide various services like resolving and configuring hardware or software, carrying out routine maintenance and upgrades, and assisting companies in streamlining their digital infrastructure and decreasing downtime. So if you’re from a tech background this is one of the best tech side hustles for you!
You must be well-informed about operating systems, software applications, and hardware troubleshooting and repair. A great online side hustle idea would be to provide services to small businesses, startups, or people who require assistance with their digital gadgets. You will eventually expand your portfolio as a tech support specialist and land high-paying side gigs in the future!
Freelance websites for tech support:
1. Flexjobs
2. Linkedin
3. Glassdoor
11. Web Design
Average Web design rate on Upwork: $74/hour
Job type: Web design can be both freelancing and full-time
Similar to web development, this is one of the best tech side hustles. Web development is like building houses, and web design is the art of deciding how they should look. It's about making websites both pretty and easy to use, whether you're on a computer or a tiny smartphone. Tools like Photoshop and Webflow help designers create blueprints for the final look. You can start freelancing in web design while learning, and if you know a bit about web development too, you can offer a full package to clients and earn extra cash. Find beginner web design courses on sites like Coursera or explore Skillcrush's Web Designer Blueprint for a deeper dive.
Freelance websites for web design:
1. Fiverr or Upwork
2. Dribbble
3. Behance
12. Copywriting
Average Copywriting rate on Upwork: $69/hour
Job type: Copywriting can be both freelancing and full-time
Copywriting might not scream "tech," but if you've got a writing knack, tech skills can turn your words into extra cash online. Imagine this: websites, apps, software, and emails are all created with coding magic, but it's the written content that speaks to people. A beautiful website or app won't go far with bad copy. So, if you're good with words and throw in some basic tech skills like HTML, WordPress, and SEO, you'll find a world of companies and clients eager for your freelance writing.
Freelance websites for copywriting:
1. Fiverr
2. Upwork
3. Flexjobs
13. Video Editor
The average rate on Upwork: $30 an hour and up
Job type: Graphic design can be both freelancing and full-time
Video editing is a fantastic tech side gig for detail lovers who adore working with videos. With free mobile editing tools and social media platforms, the opportunities for video editing side hustles are boundless. Forget the times of needing a big camera and expensive software – now, you can kick off your journey as a freelance video editor through online courses, freelance sites, tight-knit Facebook groups, and online communities. Dive into this creative world without the hefty gear!
Freelance websites for video editors:
1. Fiverr
2. Dribbble
3. Creatively.Life
14. Tech Support
The average rate on Upwork: $22 an hour and up
Job type: Tech Support can be both freelancing and full-time
Making cash with a thistech side hustle is a breeze with plenty of options. You can hop on apps, apply for gigs on websites, or take the leap and start your own little tech support business. It's all about finding what suits you best!
Freelance websites for tech support:
1. Flexjobs
2. Field Nation
3. LinkedIn
15. Coding and Programming
The average rate on Glassdoor: $33 an hour and up
Job type: Coding and Programming can be both freelancing and full-time
To kick off, grasp the basics of coding and programming, easily learned through online courses or tutorials. Next, choose your path: freelancing, code editing, or creating an app. Pick a development platform and language, outline project features, and set up payment systems. Starting an LLC is smart for protection. Market your hustle and find clients for a successful coding side gig. With dedication, turning coding and programming into a thriving side hustle is totally doable.
Freelance websites for coding and programming:
1. Fiverr
2 .Flexjobs
3. Indeed
Starting a tech side hustle can be an excellent way to increase your earnings and gain useful skills. There are numerous side hustle ideas that you can explore to earn extra money, regardless of your level of experience. Focus on your talents, develop your portfolio and market your services effectively to achieve success in your career. You may make your tech side hustle a successful and rewarding profession with commitment and effort. Therefore, don't hesitate to explore the tech side hustle world!
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