The 25 Best Side Hustles for Teachers to Earn Extra Money

With side hustles becoming more popular, many teachers are exploring ways to earn extra income, develop new skills, and ease financial pressures.

Teachers face unique challenges, including rising living costs and limited classroom funding.

In many cases, salaries are simply low (an average salary of $58,869 in the U.S.) for the value that teachers provide to society. In addition, salaries have not kept pace with inflation, making it challenging to cover both personal and professional expenses.

Side hustles offer a practical way for teachers to gain financial stability, and this guide is here to help you find options that align with your schedule and goals.

Benefits of Having a Side Job for Teachers

Balancing teaching with financial goals can be challenging, but a side hustle can enhance your life in many ways. Here’s how a side hustle can help:

• Financial Boost: Extra income helps cover classroom expenses, pay down debt, and plan for the future. A side gig brings greater financial stability.
• Flexible Opportunities: Many side hustles let you choose your hours, allowing you to earn during evenings, weekends, or school breaks.
• Skill Building: Exploring a new side hustle can introduce new skills and fresh perspectives that strengthen your teaching approach.
• Less Financial Stress: Extra income means fewer worries about classroom costs, student loans, or everyday expenses, making teaching even more rewarding.
• Personal Growth and Fulfillment: A side hustle lets you pursue interests outside the classroom, boosting your well-being and sense of accomplishment.

Beyond financial incentives, side hustles offer teachers an opportunity to explore interests outside the classroom. As one professor at Brandeis University put it, side work brings “personal growth, skill development, and the chance to spend time on something I genuinely enjoy outside of teaching.” For many educators, these benefits contribute significantly to overall well-being and satisfaction.

With a side hustle tailored to your skills and interests, you can pursue meaningful work that supports both your financial and personal goals.

Online Side Jobs for Teachers

1. Online Tutor

Online tutoring extends your teaching skills into flexible hours and offers a valuable side income. Virtual tutoring lets you set your schedule and rates, providing the freedom to work when it suits you best.

The digital learning market is growing steadily, with revenue projected to rise nearly 9% each year and reach $279.30 billion by 2029. Millions of students seek extra help outside school hours, and most tutoring platforms make it easy to work from home with just a laptop and a stable internet connection.

Math and science tutors are especially in demand. This side hustle fits smoothly with your teaching schedule, so you can tutor evenings, weekends, or during summer breaks.

Check out platforms like Upwork or Facebook groups to find online tutoring opportunities for teachers. Tutoring also helps you keep your skills sharp and brings fresh insights to enhance your classroom teaching.

2. Course Creator for Teachers

Your expertise in classroom management, adapting lessons, and creative teaching makes you a great fit for creating courses.

Many educators are eager to learn from your experience, especially in areas like using technology in the classroom or strategies for special education. Creating courses allows you to share your insights while earning extra income.

Focus on practical topics like “Managing Digital Classrooms” or “Effective Parent Communication” to address real challenges educators face every day. This side hustle provides a flexible, self-paced way to earn and make a difference in the teaching community.

3. Online Courses for Students

Your deep understanding of student needs makes you well-suited to create subject-focused online courses. Students look for engaging online content to help with tough topics or exam prep, and you can turn complex concepts into easy-to-follow video lessons they can access anytime.

From Algebra II tutorials to SAT prep strategies, you can create lessons that tackle challenging areas. Recorded courses offer scalable income since each lesson can support hundreds of students without extra work. You can record during school breaks or weekends, and let the content work for you year-round.

Teachers often find their classroom experience translates naturally into creating clear, engaging videos that resonate with students. Start with topics you enjoy teaching—your enthusiasm will draw in eager learners.

4. English Instructor to International Students

Teaching ESL to international students brings a global classroom to your home. The demand for native English-speaking instructors in North America is growing.

According to the Pew Research Center, the U.S. foreign-born population reached a record 47.8 million in 2023. This represents a growth of 1.6 million individuals from the prior year, which is the largest single annual increase in more than 20 years.

Similarly, immigrant population growth in Canada has skyrocketed since 2021.

On the flip side, you could teach English as a second language to students in non-English speaking countries around the world. This opens up many opportunities for you to attract additional students. The market for English language instruction in South East Asia, for example, is growing significantly.

ESL classes typically take place in the early morning or evening, making it easy to fit around your school schedule. With your professional background, you can command higher rates and secure consistent bookings, as families value the expertise of a trained educator.

5. Virtual Field Trip Coordinator

Put your lesson-planning skills to use by creating virtual field trips that bring museums, historical sites, and natural wonders directly to classrooms. With your teaching background, you can design age-appropriate, curriculum-aligned content with videos and interactive elements that captivate students.

This flexible role lets you record tours during school breaks or host live sessions after hours, often requiring only 5-10 hours per week. Many coordinators also package recorded tours, turning this creative and tech-friendly role into a source of passive income.

In-Person Second Jobs for Teachers

6. In-person Tutor

Face-to-face tutoring is one of the most rewarding ways to earn extra income from your teaching skills. Parents in your community are often looking for qualified educators who can provide personal support for their children. Tutoring locally allows you to set your rates and schedule, making it an ideal part-time job for teachers.

Your experience in the classroom gives you a strong advantage. You understand how students learn, how to identify knowledge gaps, and which techniques work best for different learning styles. As an in-person tutor, you control everything—your schedule, rates, subjects, and whether you want to work with individuals or small groups. Meeting students in libraries or learning centers keeps sessions professional and convenient.

Teachers experienced in high school subjects or specialized fields can often charge more for their services. After-school and weekend hours align well with times when students need extra help. Plus, seeing your students make progress brings a rewarding sense of accomplishment.

7. College Prep Counselor

Your experience guiding students makes you a valuable resource for families navigating college admissions. With many school counselors handling large caseloads, families often seek additional support to help students with the application process.

As an independent college prep counselor, you can assist students in finding their best-fit college, crafting standout applications, and preparing for interviews. Evening and weekend hours are convenient for both you and college-bound students. Your teaching background adds credibility, which parents trust when seeking experienced guidance for this important transition.

Consider obtaining certifications in College Counseling or Admissions, such as those offered by NACAC or HECA, to enhance your credibility and potentially increase your earnings.

Summer Jobs for Teachers

8. Summer School Teacher

If you’re looking to extend your teaching income through summer, working as a summer school teacher is a reliable option. With over 80% of public schools now offering summer programs, experienced educators have the chance to earn additional income during the summer months.

Summer school teaching provides a steady income and the chance to connect closely with students in a smaller class setting. These positions often pay at your regular teaching rate, and smaller class sizes allow you to provide more personalized support. Programs typically run 4-6 weeks, leaving you with plenty of time for your summer break. Many districts also offer enrichment courses beyond remedial classes, giving you the chance to teach subjects you’re passionate about in a more relaxed environment.

9. Summer Child Care

Summer break is a perfect time to offer quality childcare programs. Your teaching skills and experience with children are highly valued by parents looking for structured summer care. Operating from your home or a rented space, you can design engaging daily activities that combine fun with learning.

Parents appreciate the safe, enriching environment teachers create for their children. With four to six children at rates of $200-300 per week per child, summer childcare can generate significant income. This role also allows you to strengthen connections with local families and put your classroom management skills to good use.

10. Run a Summer Camp

Launching a summer camp is an excellent way to turn your teaching expertise into a rewarding summer job. You can design specialized programs around your interests, whether it’s art, science, sports, or academic enrichment.

Choose a focus that excites you. For example, STEM teachers can create robotics workshops, language arts teachers can run creative writing camps, and PE teachers can organize sports clinics. Partner with community centers or local organizations for affordable space, or host the camp at a nearby park or even your home.

Educational Content Creation Side Gigs for Teachers

11. Lesson Plan Creator

The demand for quality teaching resources has turned lesson planning into a profitable side venture. Platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers allow you to turn your best classroom content into passive income. Teachers everywhere appreciate materials that save time and engage students, and your experience gives you the insight to create resources that work.

From interactive slideshows to project-based units, you can design comprehensive resources that solve real classroom challenges. Once created, these resources continue generating income as other educators purchase them.

With a solid collection, this side hustle can grow into a full-time income stream, offering a pathway to consistent, scalable passive income.

12. Educational Influencer/Content Creator

Your classroom expertise can inspire content for platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Sharing teaching tips, classroom organization ideas, or creative lesson plans helps you build a following among educators and parents. Teachers are always seeking practical ideas, and your insights have real value.

Content creation offers flexibility—record videos during prep time, after school, or on weekends. Many creators schedule posts in advance or batch-create content on weekends to maintain a steady presence. You can monetize your content through sponsored posts, educational resources you create, or partnerships with brands.

Short videos showing teaching techniques or lesson ideas can be powerful tools that inspire and inform. Many teacher influencers earn through partnerships, product promotions, and digital products that align with their teaching strengths.

13. Educational Podcast Host

Start an educational podcast to share meaningful content and make an impact. By discussing teaching strategies, offering insights, or giving study tips, you can reach a broader audience and build passive income through sponsorships and listener support.

Your teaching experience provides endless material for practical, engaging episodes. Whether helping new teachers or providing study advice for students, your insights make for compelling content. Podcasting is flexible—record during prep periods, after school, or on weekends.

Many podcasters batch-record episodes during breaks, making it easy to maintain a consistent weekly schedule. Educational podcasts can generate income through multiple streams, including advertising, premium content, and downloadable resources.

14. Self-Publisher

If you have knowledge to share, self-publishing offers a direct way to earn from your expertise. Whether you create guides on classroom management, subject-specific workbooks, or children’s stories, platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark make publishing straightforward. Your experience helps you create resources that truly benefit students.

The writing process is flexible—draft during breaks, edit on weekends, or work on it whenever you have time. Many teachers finish projects over the summer or dedicate a few hours weekly. You control your publishing timeline without pressure. Starting with digital formats is an easy entry, and as demand grows, you can expand to print versions. For teachers interested in a long-term side hustle, self-publishing offers scalability and the potential to evolve into a sustainable business.

15. Etsy Seller

If you’re creative, Etsy is the perfect platform to turn your skills into income. From classroom decorations to educational printables, teachers make up a thriving segment of Etsy sellers. Your classroom experience helps you design resources other teachers need, such as task cards, bulletin board sets, or learning games.

You can create and list products during planning periods or weekends, and Etsy handles sales 24/7. Teachers know what works in the classroom, and your products can meet those needs. Many sellers start small, listing a few items and gradually building an inventory. List new items during school breaks, and let your shop generate passive income year-round.

Educational Consulting & Review Side Jobs for Teachers

16. EdTech Consultant

Schools and districts rely on experienced teachers to guide their technology integration—professionals who understand both teaching and tech tools. As an EdTech consultant, you can use your expertise in digital classrooms to earn extra income.

Your practical experience with educational technology is valuable, especially as teachers often need guidance from someone who understands classroom dynamics. This role fits well around your teaching schedule—you can conduct training sessions after school, run workshops on weekends, or focus on consulting during breaks. Many consultants begin with their district and expand to neighboring schools as their reputation grows.

Lead workshops that show teachers how to maximize tools like Google Classroom, Canvas, or interactive whiteboards. Training staff to use these digital solutions effectively builds district connections and keeps you at the forefront of educational technology.

17. Educational Materials Reviewer

Educational publishers constantly seek teachers to evaluate textbooks, digital resources, and learning materials. Your daily experience with students makes you a great candidate to assess what works in real classrooms.

This work fits conveniently around teaching hours, with most publishers providing materials electronically for review during prep periods or evenings. Many companies also value diverse perspectives, especially from bilingual educators or those with special education backgrounds.

Projects can range from quick assessments to full curriculum reviews. Reviewing materials not only pays you to stay updated on educational trends but it can also offer insights to enhance your teaching practices.

18. Grant Writer

Educational grants fund countless school programs, yet many districts lack dedicated grant writers. Your classroom experience gives you valuable insight into school needs and how to communicate them effectively in grant proposals.

Start with local foundation grants, then explore larger federal or corporate opportunities. Your understanding of student needs, program implementation, and measurable outcomes is exactly what funders look for. Most grant work can be done outside school hours, making it easy to fit into your schedule. Build your portfolio by starting with grants for your classroom or school projects.

These skills are also transferable to nonprofit grants, which can further expand your earning potential. Certifications in grant writing, such as those from the Grant Professionals Certification Institute (GPCI), can also increase your chances of securing clients and earning higher rates.

Editorial Services Second Jobs for Teachers

19. Freelance Writer

Have a writing talent? Your ability to simplify complex topics is highly valued in education and parenting content, giving you a platform to reach new audiences. Education companies seek writers who understand classroom dynamics, student engagement, and teaching methods, and your expertise adds authenticity that stands out.

Many teachers start by writing about classroom strategies, then expand to topics like parenting or child development. Draft during evenings or weekends when inspiration strikes. Once you establish a few clients, freelance writing can provide steady additional income throughout the school year.

You’re already skilled at writing lesson plans, student feedback, and parent communications—freelancing directs your valuable skills toward a new, rewarding opportunity.

20. Editor

Teachers make excellent editors—you spend hours reviewing student work and providing constructive feedback, which translates well to professional editing. Educational publishers need editors who understand grade-level language and academic standards, and your experience helps determine if content engages students and meets learning goals.

With your keen eye for detail and years of experience providing constructive feedback, teachers are well-suited for freelance editing, especially in academic circles. "Editing academic work for fellow professionals could be a great way to earn extra income," shared another Brandeis University professor.

This work is flexible, allowing you to edit manuscripts in the evenings, on weekends, or during school breaks. Many teacher-editors start with smaller projects and build relationships with clients over time. You can accept projects based on your availability, ensuring they fit around your teaching schedule.

Start with educational materials like textbooks, workbooks, or curriculum guides, then expand into editing blogs, websites, or business materials. The demand for skilled editors is high across industries, offering a steady source of freelance work.

21. Proofreader

If you’re used to spotting typos and grammar issues in student essays, put that skill to work as a proofreader. This role is less intensive than editing, making it ideal for teachers seeking flexible side work. Many companies need proofreaders for educational materials, test prep content, and student resources—areas where your teaching background adds real value.

Proofreading focuses on catching errors and ensuring consistency, and it fits easily into short time blocks between grading or planning lessons. Online platforms connect you with clients worldwide, allowing you to choose projects that fit your schedule and interests.

Your familiarity with academic writing and style guides gives you a strong edge. It’s a low-stress role that complements your teaching career well.

Care Services

22. Babysitter

Your experience managing classrooms makes you a trusted babysitter. Parents often seek out teachers, knowing you bring professional childcare skills and educational value to their family.

Babysitting offers relaxed, one-on-one time with kids, and many families prefer teachers because they’re skilled at engaging children, handling emergencies, and setting boundaries. The flexibility allows you to choose when you want to work—whether that’s evenings, weekends, or school breaks.

Accept only the sitting jobs that fit your schedule and energy levels. With a background check and teaching credentials, parents have extra peace of mind. Plus, you can assist with homework or create fun, educational activities for the kids.

23. Pet Sitter

If you’re looking for a flexible side gig, pet sitting is a great option. Teachers often have reliable schedules, and pets typically need care when schools are out— summers, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Your background in managing schedules and responsibilities makes you a natural fit, and pet owners appreciate sitters who are responsible and trustworthy. This flexible role allows you to accept jobs during breaks, weekends, or summer vacation, building a regular client base during the school year. You can easily adjust the work based on your availability and energy level.

Evelina Zebrowski, a teacher in Kitchener, Ontario, adds, “Doggy daycare in summer is flexible and allows me to choose when to work, making it easy to manage around summer plans. By accepting pet-sitting jobs during summer breaks or vacations, I have built a steady client base I can support during the school year in my free time.”

Create profiles on popular pet care apps or spread the word through your network. Many teachers find clients through school colleagues and parents. Apps like Rover make it easy to get started with dog walking or pet care, offering a fun, rewarding way to earn extra income.

24. House Sitter

Your teaching credentials and professional background make you a trusted choice for house sitting. This experience gives you an edge over casual sitters, especially with homeowners looking for reliability and security.

School breaks align perfectly with peak house-sitting demand. While families travel during holidays and summer months, you can step in to care for their homes. The work is straightforward—water plants, collect mail, and keep the property secure. Some house-sitting roles even give you access to amenities like pools or home offices, making it a relaxing way to earn extra income during breaks.

Technical Side Jobs for Teachers

25. User Testing

Your experience giving clear feedback makes you a great candidate for website user testing. Companies pay users to test websites and apps, providing honest feedback on usability and design.

Most testing sessions are quick, taking just 15-30 minutes. Platforms like UserTesting offer flexible online jobs, allowing teachers to complete tests whenever they have spare time. By signing up for multiple platforms, you can increase opportunities. Completing two to three tests daily can add up to several hundred dollars a month, simply by sharing your insights on new websites and apps.

The Benefits of an LLC for Teacher Side Hustles

If you’re considering starting a side hustle or side business, forming an LLC provides you with legal protection and tax advantages, making it easier to manage risks. Here’s how an LLC can benefit popular teacher side hustles:

• Course Creator for Teachers: Selling courses may involve legal risks, like disputes over content quality or customer outcomes. An LLC helps protect your personal finances by limiting liability to your business assets.
• Virtual Field Trip Coordinator: Offering virtual field trips includes managing logistics, coordinating with schools, and meeting client expectations. An LLC can shield your personal assets if any contractual issues or disagreements arise, ensuring that only your business is liable.
• Run a Summer Camp: Running a camp involves significant responsibility, from ensuring child safety to managing transportation and activities. Forming an LLC creates a legal separation, protecting your personal finances in case of any accidents or injuries.
• Educational Consultant: Consulting on educational technology or curriculum often includes making professional recommendations. If a school district experiences issues based on your advice, an LLC limits potential liability, protecting your personal assets.
• Freelance Writer: Writing for education blogs or curriculum publishers may lead to intellectual property disputes or content ownership claims. With an LLC, your personal assets are protected, as liability is limited to the business.

For further details on forming an LLC, check out LLC Attorney’s Guide or use our platform to start your own LLC.

Appendix: Resources and Tools

Business Formation with LLCAttorney.com

For teachers diving into side hustles, protecting personal assets is essential. LLC Attorney simplifies business formation, guiding you through the LLC setup process to ensure your assets stay secure.

Resources and Tools

For teachers looking to maximize their side hustle potential, here are some recommended platforms to support various gigs, from tutoring to course creation and selling educational resources:

• Teachers Pay Teachers: A marketplace for educators to sell lesson plans, worksheets, and teaching materials. Ideal for turning classroom resources into passive income.
• VIPKid: A popular platform connecting teachers with students internationally for English tutoring. Flexible hours make it easy to work with students in different time zones.
• Thinkific: A course creation platform where educators can build and sell online courses tailored to teachers or students, with tools for easy setup and promotion.
• Udemy: Another course creation platform with a broad audience reach, great for teachers looking to create subject-based courses for a global student base.
• Care.com: Perfect for listing childcare and tutoring services, Care.com connects teachers with families seeking experienced caregivers and educators.
• Etsy: A marketplace where teachers can sell educational printables, classroom decor, and other handmade or digital items.
• Upwork/Fiverr: Freelancing platforms where teachers can offer services like writing, editing, or tutoring to a wider client base, with the flexibility to set rates and hours.
• UserTesting: A site that pays users to test websites and provide feedback on usability and design, making it a quick and flexible way to earn money.