Side hustle statistics for 2025: Key data, trends, and what they mean

In 2025, we are seeing more and more people earning extra money through side hustles alongside their main jobs. Many do it to increase their income, while others see it as a way to turn their passion into a full-time business.

We’ve gathered key data from authoritative sources and our own research to provide insights into the side hustle world. This article covers the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities, and explores what these statistics mean for aspiring entrepreneurs in 2025.

Top side hustle statistics for 2025

1. Over 36% of Americans have a side gig.
2. Side hustlers earn an average of $530 a month.
3. Gen Z is the side hustle generation.
4. The global side hustle economy was valued at $556.7 billion in 2024.
5. Men and women hustle at similar rates, but the gender pay gap remains.
6. Mobile car washing is the fastest-growing side hustle in the U.S.
7. Side hustlers spend an average of eight hours a week on gig work.
8. The top reason people start a side hustle is to save money.
9. 3 in 4 side hustlers juggle a main job.
10. Passive income side hustles are trending.

How many people have a side hustle?

To understand the side hustle trend, we first need to see how many people are doing it. This section explores the rise of side hustlers in the U.S. and the numbers behind it.

1. More than 36% of U.S. adults earn extra income through a side hustle

While the percentage of Americans with a side hustle has decreased slightly from 39% in 2023 to 36% in 2024, it remains a popular way to earn extra income. In comparison, only 19% of UK adults and 28% of Canadians have side hustles, showing how much more common this extra income method is in the U.S..

2. Men and women side hustle at similar rates

Men and women engage in side hustles at comparable rates, with 45% being women and 55% men. The most common side hustles for women are child care and crafts, while men typically focus on landscaping and home repair.

3. Nearly half of parents with children under 18 have a side hustle

Parents of young children are more likely to have a side hustle as a means of supplementing their income than childless adults or those with adult children. Around 45% of parents or guardians with children under 18 have a side hustle, compared to 36% of those without children and 28% of parents with children 18 or older.

4. Almost half of Gen Z has a side gig, more than any other generation

Side hustles are especially popular among younger adults. Nearly half (48%) of Gen Z, aged 18-27, have a side gig ‒ the highest percentage of any generation. This is followed by 44% of millennials (ages 28-43), 33% of Gen X (ages 44-59), and 23% of baby boomers (ages 60-78).

Side hustle growth and market size

Now that we know who’s taking on side hustles, let’s dive into the growing market, what’s driving it, and what it means for the future of side gigs.

5. The global side hustle economy was worth $556.7 billion in 2024

The global gig economy was valued at $556.7 billion in 2024. With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 16.18%, it is expected to grow to $2.15 trillion by 2033.

6. Nearly 40% of the global gig economy is driven by asset-sharing services

The global gig economy is made up of several key segments: asset-sharing services, transportation-based services, professional services, and household services. Among these, asset-sharing services like home-sharing, car-sharing, and equipment rentals, are the largest segment, accounting for nearly 40% of the market.

7. Over 450,000 new business applications filed in March 2025 alone

In March 2025, the U.S. saw 452,255 new business applications, a 6.4% increase compared to the previous month. With 55% of full-time workers interested in turning their hobby into a business, this surge could reflect the growing trend of individuals turning their side hustles into formal businesses.

8. Approximately one in eight workers globally are part of the online gig economy

There are 132.5 million main gig workers (those who earn more than 50% of their income from online gig work), 173.7 million secondary workers (who generate between 25-50%), and 106.2 million marginal workers (earn under 25% and work less than 10 hours a week) across 17 countries. When including estimates from North America and Europe, the global number reaches 435 million.

This means 4.4-12.5% of the global labor force is part of the online gig economy.

What’s the average side hustle income?

With more people taking on side gigs, it’s clear that the industry holds significant financial potential. These statistics highlight the earnings of side hustlers and the factors that influence their income.

9. Side hustlers earn an average of $891 in monthly income

The average side hustler earned $891 per month in 2024, up from $810 in 2023. Earnings vary across generations, with 37% of Gen Z, 24% of millennials, and 25% of baby boomers making $1-50 per month. This wasn’t the case for Gen X, of which the majority (18%) earned $301-500 per month.

10. Millennials have the highest side hustle income at $1,129 per month

Younger generations not only have side hustles more often, but they also report higher earnings. Millennial side hustlers make an average of $1,129 per month, the highest of any generation. In comparison, Gen Z gig workers earn $958 per month, Gen X make $751, and baby boomers generate $561 on average.

11. 45% of side hustlers have household incomes over $100,000

Side hustles are common across various income levels. For instance, 45% of gig workers are from households earning $100,000 and over, while 40% have household incomes under $50,000. Those earning between $50,000-$79,999 make up 39%, and 35% fall in the $80,000-$99,999 range.

12. Gender pay gap remains in side hustles

Although men and women side hustle at similar rates, men tend to earn significantly more. On average, men with side hustles make $1,034 per month, while women earn just $735.

Household responsibilities may be a contributing factor, as women are more likely to take on housework and childcare duties, which leaves them with less time for side jobs. Additionally, internalized perceptions of work value may play a role, as many women tend to set lower rates for their services than men.

Most popular side hustle jobs

Side hustles come in many forms, each offering unique opportunities. We’ll dive into popular side hustles, showing how people earn extra income and impact the gig economy.

13. The fastest-growing side hustle in the U.S. is mobile car washing

Mobile car wash services are booming, with search interest up 276%, making them the fastest-growing side hustle in the U.S.

This surge reflects a shift toward convenience, with customers preferring professionals to come to them. This side gig also has low costs and flexible hours, making it perfect for those starting a side job.

Following closely behind, selling stock photos online saw a 151% increase in interest, followed by crypto trading at 120% and personal shopping services at 100%.

14. Pet sitting is the most rapidly expanding side hustle in ten U.S. states

Pet sitting has emerged as the fastest-growing side hustle, accounting for about 22% of all trending searches across 10 states (Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Vermont, and Virginia). Following closely behind, home organization businesses have gained traction in 8 states, while YouTube monetization ranks as the top side hustle in 6 states.

These trends highlight the variety of opportunities available in the side hustle economy, catering to a range of interests and industries.

15. Virtual assistant is the most in-demand side hustle in multiple U.S. states

Virtual assistant roles are among the most popular side hustles in the U.S., generating over a million searches annually for related keywords. One possible reason for their popularity is the attractive pay. Virtual assistants earn an average base salary of $26.76/hour, making it a valuable opportunity for those looking to supplement their income.

On a per capita basis, Georgia, Maryland, and Nevada lead the way for virtual assistant job seekers. Additionally, this side gig ranks as the most sought-after in Florida, Hawaii, Montana, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Virginia.

16. Digital entrepreneurship leads side hustle trends in America’s three largest cities

YouTube monetization is booming in New York and Chicago, while crypto trading takes the lead in Los Angeles.

The digital entrepreneurship trend is also evident in search growth, with interest in selling digital products increasing by 75% and online tutoring surging by 54%. More people are looking for flexible side hustles they can do from home, and online platforms make it easier than ever to monetize skills.

17. The highest-paying side hustles include motion graphics, web development, and content creation

High-paying side hustles include motion graphics designers earning $53 per hour, web developers at $52, and writers, bloggers, or vloggers at $42 ‒ all well above the national average of $28.63 per hour.

On the other hand, housekeepers bring in $17 per hour, pet sitters earn $16, and babysitters make $15. While these side gigs offer lower pay, they remain flexible and don’t require specialized skills, making them great side hustle ideas for many.

How much time do people really spend on side hustles?

While side hustles can offer a lucrative opportunity, it’s important to consider the time commitment involved. Here are the key insights into how much time people actually spend on their side gigs and what that means for balancing work and personal life.

18. Side hustlers spend an average of eight hours a week on gig work

Over half of side hustlers (54%) spend less than 5 hours on their side gigs each week. Meanwhile, 37% work 5-20 hours, placing them in the part-time category. Only 9% spend more than 21 hours hustling. This shows that side hustles are generally flexible and can be easily integrated into a busy schedule.

19. Weekend hours are the least common for side hustles

Side hustlers typically work during the week, likely to maintain a better work-life balance. While 33.1% focus on their side gigs in the evening, 28.3% do it in the morning and 20.4% in the afternoon. Only 18.2% work on weekends, making it the least common time to hustle.

20. Over 70% of side hustlers manage their work independently

The vast majority of side hustlers handle their businesses on their own, with nearly 7 in 10 working solo. Those working alongside a romantic partner make up 13.3%, while 8% team up with a friend or family member. A smaller portion, about 4%, collaborate with a business partner, and just 3% join forces with multiple people.

21. Nearly half of Americans earn more and work fewer hours than in a single job

Around 43% of Americans with side hustles earn more money while working fewer hours than they would in a traditional salaried position. This trend is stronger among younger generations. 50% of Gen Z and 48% of millennials agreed to this statement, compared to just 34% of Gen X and baby boomers.

Top reasons why people start side hustles

Understanding why people pursue side hustles can provide valuable insights into their motivations and goals. We’ll explore the top reasons individuals start side gigs and how they feel about their experience.

22. Saving money is the number one reason people start a side hustle

The primary motivation for most side hustlers is to increase their savings, with 27% of people citing this as their main reason. Following closely behind is the need to afford the cost of living (24%), while 16% take on side gigs to pay off debt and 14% save for large purchases. The least common reason across generations is turning a side hustle into a full-time career.

Gen Z stands out with a strong focus on savings, with nearly 7 in 10 prioritizing it. However, about one in three are more likely to pursue side hustles out of passion, a higher rate than older generations.

23. Flexibility is one of the top reasons people turn to side hustles

Two-thirds of gig workers say the ability to set their own schedule makes gig work more attractive than traditional office jobs. In fact, 63% believe the growth of the shared economy is driven by workers prioritizing flexibility over conventional career paths.

For many, the flexibility of a shorter workweek is appealing. In the U.S., 44% of side hustlers would leave their full-time jobs for four-day workweeks. Among those who have already made the switch, more than half (53%) point to the desire for better flexibility and work-life balance as their main reasons.

24. One in five side hustlers aim to replace their job with a side gig

While the majority focus on making extra money, 20% are working towards building a side hustle that could eventually replace their jobs. This aligns with our small business statistics showing that 28% of those starting a business aim to be their own boss.

Additionally, the fact that 51% of people believe gig workers are happier than office workers may further fuel the desire to leave a traditional job for more independence.

25. 85% of side hustlers are at least somewhat happy with their jobs

An impressive 85% of those with a secondary income stream report being at least somewhat happy with their current employment, compared to three-fourths of those without one and just over half of those currently seeking a side gig.

However, job happiness tends to be lower among those in self-employed secondary jobs versus those who are primarily self-employed or full-time employed.

The biggest challenges side hustlers face today

As the gig market continues to grow, taking on side gigs presents its own set of challenges. By examining key concerns highlighted in our survey on starting a business in 2025, we can uncover opportunities to overcome these obstacles and thrive in the industry.

26. Financial risk is the biggest concern when starting a side hustle or small business

The primary reason 30.51% of Americans drop their side hustle or small business is financial risk, with over half fearing financial loss or debt. About one in four aspiring entrepreneurs cite insufficient financial resources as their main concern, while one-third admit they lack the necessary funds to even get started.

27. Nearly half of side hustlers worry about finding clients or customers

Attracting customers is their biggest challenge when starting a small business or side gig for 46.95% of the people. While less prominent, this concern is closely linked to other challenges, such as managing the responsibilities of scaling a business (16.5%) and dealing with negative reactions or judgment from others (14.37%).

28. Over a third of side hustlers are concerned about legal or tax issues

38.2% of aspiring side hustlers struggle to understand tax and legal requirements. Additionally, 20.21% fear potential legal or compliance issues, underscoring the challenges of staying compliant while juggling the demands of a growing business.

29. Nearly one in three side hustlers struggle to manage their time effectively

Managing time is a challenge for 32.82% of side hustlers, who struggle to balance business tasks with other commitments. This issue is linked to burnout, with one in five small business owners experiencing it frequently and over half facing it occasionally. Only 7.67% reported never feeling burnout, showing how time management struggles can impact one’s overall well-being.

30. Almost one-third of aspiring side hustlers feel they lack the skills to succeed

30.89% of aspiring gig workers worry they lack the skills to succeed. This challenge is reflected in the 10.24% of respondents who abandoned their side hustles due to skill gaps.

Those who continue cite technical skills as a barrier ‒ 17.99% struggle with website building, 10.54% find graphic design challenging, 9.9% face difficulties with coding, and 9.05% encounter issues with eCommerce tools.

31. For 28% of American side hustlers, side gigs are essential to make ends meet

While many Americans take on side gigs to build savings, one in four believe they’ll always need one just to cover basic expenses. A similar proportion (26%) feel they’ll always need a side hustle for optional spending, and 23% dedicate more time to their side gig due to inflation. Interestingly, 20% would prefer not to work a side hustle but feel they have no choice.

Emerging side hustle trends

As the side gig industry continues to evolve, new trends are shaping how individuals approach their secondary income streams. The following statistics provide valuable insights into these emerging trends, helping you stay ahead and better prepare for what’s to come.

32. Side hustling is a growing trend, with 52% starting post-2022

More than half of American side hustlers have been earning money on the side for two years or less, with 24% starting within the past year. Younger generations are driving this trend, as 77% of Gen Z and 52% of millennials have started their side hustles in the last two years. In contrast, only 36% of Gen X and 41% of baby boomers are in the same category.

This rise in side hustles can be partly due to the 9.1% inflation rate in 2022, the highest since 1981, which pushed many to seek extra income after the COVID-19 pandemic.

33. Passive income side hustles are becoming more popular

Affiliate marketing is gaining traction as a popular passive income side hustle, with the industry valued at $18.5 billion. According to our affiliate marketing statistics, over 80% of businesses now incorporate affiliate marketing into their digital strategy.

The education and elearning sectors are among the highest-paying, driven by increasing demand for online courses and certification programs. Unsurprisingly, Amazon’s affiliate program leads the market, holding a 46.21% share.

34. AI-powered side hustles are gaining traction with a 28% rise in interest

Interest in AI-powered side hustles has grown by nearly a third in the past year, with over half of side hustlers planning to use AI tools like ChatGPT for their work. 43% of side hustlers believe AI will boost productivity.

35. Non-linear careers are gaining traction through side gigs

As lifetime employment fades, side gigs help individuals build new skills and stay competitive. This shift is driving businesses to find alternative workforces.

Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and startups are increasingly turning to online gig workers to tap into a larger talent pool, reduce costs, and overcome traditional hiring barriers. The main reasons for hiring gig workers include accessing skills not available in-house (60%), flexible costing options (43%), and cost savings (33%).

36. Three emerging side hustle personas are shaping the future of entrepreneurship

So-called Soul traders, who represent 79% of side hustlers, build their ventures around passions and personal interests. Those with this side hustle persona are motivated first and foremost by the joy and fulfillment their side projects bring.

Hashtag Hustlers (59%) tap into social media trends to capture audience attention. They quickly adapt products or services to viral topics, boosting visibility and sales in a short period.

And finally, there are tri-hustlers, making up 37% of gig workers, juggling multiple gigs at the same time. Diversifying income streams helps them keep earning, even if one slows down.

These three personas highlight the range of motivations and methods fueling modern side hustles.

Key takeaways

Key findings we presented in this article highlight just how side hustles are becoming a vital part of the modern workforce, particularly among parents with children under 18 and younger generations like Gen Z and Millennials. With one in eight workers participating in the online gig economy, the market is expected to reach $2.15 trillion by 2033.

While challenges such as gender pay gaps and a lack of skills could hinder success, emerging trends are opening up new opportunities. AI-powered side hustles and passive income streams like affiliate marketing offer ways to bridge these gaps and boost overall income.

Side hustles may even be replacing traditional, linear career paths. The majority of gig workers report satisfaction with their jobs, and more companies are turning to gig workers to reduce costs and address hiring bottlenecks.

The future of work is evolving, and side hustles are leading the way.

Sources

• Bankrate
• MarketWatch
• Business Research Insights
• U.S. Census Bureau
• Working Without Borders
• Side Hustles
• Preply
• Self
• Pinger
• Jitjatjo
• Side Hustle Nation
• Civic Science
• Quicken
• CNBC
• Investopedia
• Whop
• Visa

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