What’s your hobby? Do you know you can turn your favorite activity into a money-making venture? Let’s find out the best hobbies that make money!
Blogger-psychiatrist Scott Alexander said, “Making money is a hobby that will complement any other hobbies you have beautifully.” When you enjoy doing something, it’s a bonus if you earn from it. Conversely, if your hobby is making money, it can help you acquire things needed for other favorite activities.
This article will focus on various hobbies that can earn you extra money as an additional income stream, or possibly, even as a profitable business or a new career down the line. Scroll down and find ways to make money with your best hobbies.
35 Hobbies That Make Money
By the time you finish reading this article, you should have discovered an activity that is both enjoyable and profitable for you.
The best news is that it’s easy to get paid for enjoying these hobby suggestions. Let’s begin!
1. Blogging
A pastime that directly leads to earning money online is blogging. When you blog, whether a personal blog or with your business brand, you set up your website and begin posting content that will attract readers. You earn money by selling your services or products, ad placements, and affiliate marketing.
A prime example of making money through blogging is Smart Passive Income by Pat Flynn, a blog about how to successfully make money online, which reportedly brings Flynn around $150,000 per month. So, go online now and blog about cooking, fashion, travel, cars, DIY crafts, or anything you are passionate about.
Here’s a step-step guide on how to start your blog. You may go for Bluehost as your hosting platform, which is great for beginners and is very cheap.
One way to monetize your blog is through affiliate marketing. Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing is a course created by Michelle of Making Sense of Cents. She makes over $50,000 monthly from affiliate marketing and teaches her strategies to make money from affiliate links effectively.
2. Answering Surveys
Online surveys are one method to make the most of your free time. You can earn good money by expressing your thoughts and opinions.
Most surveys pay around $5-20! Take surveys and earn cash or gift cards from the following survey sites:
- Swagbucks. By browsing the web, shopping online, and taking surveys, this rewards program allows you to earn points converted into gift cards or cash-backs. Joining Swagbucks is not only completely free: you even get a $5 bonus when you sign up. Read our full Swagbucks review and learn how to earn more points with these Swagbucks hacks.
- Rakuten. With Rakuten, you get cashback when you shop at over 3,500 affiliated stores. Check out this rewards site to save some shopping money. Here’s our complete Rakuten review.
- Also, you get a $30 welcome bonus after your first purchase for a limited time. Sign up with Rakuten for free, then buy something for at least $30 from a Rakuten store in the first 90 days. After you’ve shopped, you’re credited with reward points. Get this sent in cash to your PayPal account, or receive a check in the mail.
- InboxDollars. Sign up with InboxDollars, participate in the surveys, play online games, redeem coupons, watch videos, search the web, and more. There is a $5 sign-up bonus waiting for you, too. Check out our full InboxDollars review.
- Survey Junkie. You can earn extra cash by completing online surveys or sharing your data at Survey Junkie. You will be compensated with gift cards or cash through Paypal. Read our complete Survey Junkie review for more information and learn how to earn more points with these Survey Junkie hacks.
3. Exercising
Do you want to lose weight while earning extra money? Bet on yourself and your resolve to shed those pounds. Several applications like HealthyWage will pay you for exercising and maintaining a healthy eating regimen towards losing weight.
Here’s how to make money with HealthyWage:
- Check out the HealthyWage Prize Calculator and see how much weight you’d want to lose, in what timeframe, and how much you’d like to bet.
- Sign up and get the chance to win up to $10,000 if you reach the goals in the specified time.
- Stay motivated by reading the success stories of people who’ve won. I like using short 30-minute workouts that are intense, but some swear by low-impact workouts.
- Win the money you deserve by reaching your weight loss goal.
Learn more about the platform in our full HealthyWage review.
4. Investing
Many people invest to earn passive income and save for later. Thanks to apps like Acorns, you can start investing with your spare change. Plus, when you sign up now, you’ll get a free $10 bonus.
For every purchase you make, Acorns will round it up to the nearest dollar and invest that money for you; a great way to start investing when you’re beginning!
Read the full Acorns review here.
If you want to get started investing in real estate, Fundrise is the place to start. Fundrise lets you invest in private commercial and residential properties to build your passive income portfolio.
You only need $10 to set up your portfolio.
Read the full Fundrise review here.
5. Online Shopping
If you love shopping and want cashback on your purchases, I recommend signing up for Rakuten. Using the platform is free, and you can earn up to 20% cash back while online shopping.
You’ll always get the best deals with Rakuten, as they automatically apply any available coupons to your order at checkout. Also, for a limited time, you get a $30 welcome bonus after your first purchase.
How to claim your free $30?
- Sign up for Rakuten (free to join)
- Next time you need to buy something, find your store on Rakuten and buy from there. They have Amazon, Walmart, and Target among the 2,000 companies they’re connected to. You must spend at least $30 with them in the first 90 days.
- After you’ve shopped, you’re credited with reward points. Get this sent in cash to your PayPal account, or receive a check in the mail.
6. Social Media
How would you like to make money using social media in your spare time? Getting paid to scroll through Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok might be a good idea.
Virtual assistants are extremely popular right now, as many online business owners need VAs to help grow their social media and business.
Gina Horkey, the mastermind who founded FullyBookedVA, started a part-time VA business in 2014. In 6 months, she made $4,000 months. Six months later, Gina was able to quit her 9-to-5 job. She has helped thousands of people build successful VA businesses, some earning more than $10,000 per month.
Don’t know where to start? Here is a list of over 275+ highly in-demand services you can offer and start your VA business.
Start your VA business in 5 quick steps – If you’re interested in VA work, check out Gina’s signature mini-course, Jumpstart Your VA Business. In 5 steps, she shows you how to make your first thousand dollars and get your first clients. All within the next couple of weeks.
7. Watching Videos Online
Do you want to watch videos online and get paid for that? Check out Swagbucks. Companies like Swagbucks will give you free gift cards for playing games, watching videos, surfing the internet, and shopping online.
It’s a great way to earn free gift cards at Amazon or Walmart without much effort. Plus, they also enable you to convert your virtual points to PayPal cash if that has your preference. It’s one of the easiest ways to make money.
When you sign up today, they’ll give you a free $5 bonus. Click here to start making money with Swagbucks by signing up and verifying your email.
8. Correcting Grammar Mistakes
Are you the person who always finds grammar mistakes when you’re reading something? If you have an eye for spotting typos and mistakes, becoming a proofreader may be something to consider.
As an online proofreader, you can work from anywhere – as long as you have your computer with you and an internet connection.
Free proofreading workshop – if this sounds like something you’d enjoy exploring, I recommend checking out the free workshop: Learn How to Become a Proofreader & and Start a Freelance Proofreading Business.
In this workshop, Caitlin Pyle of Proofread Anywhere will show you how to start your proofreading side hustle. Caitlin’s free course covers all the basics you need to know to get started. Invest an hour in this free training and learn about starting your own proofreading business.
Make Money With Freelance Writing
9. Get Paid to Type
Are you good with grammar, and do you love typing? Becoming an online transcriptionist may be for you.
As an online transcriptionist, you can work from anywhere = as long as you have your computer with you and an internet connection.
Free mini-course. If you want to build your basic transcription knowledge, try this free transcription mini-course to learn the basics. Invest an hour in this free training and learn how to make money with transcription.
10. Online Teaching
You can earn extra cash by teaching other students or working professionals who want to expand their skills and knowledge. You can charge as much as $25-$30 per hour as an online tutor.
If you are into group teaching, check out Magic Ears, a platform that caters to Chinese pupils who want to learn English.
For more information, here are some of the best online tutoring gigs you can try now.
11. Graphic Design
You can make money from your graphic design hobby online and offline. Companies constantly try to recruit designers to produce a logo, fresh vector graphics, or engaging advertisements.
Graphic design is certainly a high-income skill and will continue to grow with more and more brands going completely digital.
12. Editing and Making Videos
You can edit other people’s videos from the convenience of your home and earn $15-$200 per gig, depending on the project. Sell your skills as a freelancer using online job platforms like Fiverr, FlexJobs, and Upwork.
So, flex your marketable skills as a videographer or editor by creating an impressive resume and portfolio reel and listing your profile at these job sites.
13. Composing and Creating Music
Nothing compares to writing your music, putting in the time, and releasing it to the public. You can focus on getting paid by creating your music and uploading it on YouTube!
14. Public Speaking
Whether you want to share your knowledge online or give keynote speeches at various events, you can earn by asking for a reasonable sum of money.
15. Animation
Viewership for animated explainer videos reportedly rose by 20% this year, making an animation hobby profitable.
The amazing thing about animation is that it’s a hobby that generates income online and is a truly unique area that mixes art and science.
16. Music Education
If music is your hobby of choice, sharing its joy by teaching others can be fulfilling and lucrative. You can charge $40-$50 per hour for teaching how to play musical instruments or giving voice lessons.
17. Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts, such as quilting, ceramics, and paper crafts, among others, may not seem like a hobby that would generate enough income to support one’s lifestyle. However, you can easily earn $100-$200 on different projects if you market them online.
18. Web Development
As small businesses and entrepreneurs go online, web development is a highly sought-after skill. You can charge around $1,000 or more for each website!
19. Cooking
If you are good at cooking, a position as a chef at a nearby restaurant is undoubtedly attainable. Or you might use your knowledge to teach cooking techniques on a platform like Udemy.
20. Social Media
Suppose you are passionate and comfortable using social media. In that case, you can begin making money as a TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram social media manager or influencer, a job that can also help you grow your following.
21. Gaming
Playing online games can be a perfect side hustle if you are a gamer. With platforms like Mistplay, InboxDollars, or Gamehag, you can play to your heart’s content as you earn redeemable points for cash or gift cards.
You can also build a following on YouTube by starting a gaming channel, streaming your gaming videos, and posting game-related content. You can even join tournaments and win thousands of dollars as prizes!
22. Photography
Photography is a fantastic method to supplement your income and launch a business. Create packages and charge up to $100 and more if you are great at photography.
You can sell your photos online and make money out of them.
23. App Development
Numerous companies require the development of apps, and working as a freelancer might enable you to earn $60,000 and more from home.
24. Freelance Writing
Online freelance writing is extremely popular. You can do freelance writing to earn about $0.03 per word.
25. Fitness Professional
Join the Athletics and Fitness Association of America and become a group exercise instructor; you can charge $50-$60 per lesson.
26 Driving
If you enjoy long joy rides in your automobile, consider using some available opportunities to earn money. You have 2 options: drive an Uber or offer app delivery!
27. Life Coach
If you have the skill and passion for giving advice on living well and productively, that can translate into a new career as a life coach. You can earn anywhere between $27,100 and $70,000 on average.
You can plan additional speaking engagements and sell your ebook online as a digital good via Amazon or your website.
28. Comedy
You could do comedy at functions, performances, and gatherings by charging $200-$250.
Additionally, you can create your own YouTube channel and upload some humorous content.
29. Painting
You may utilize painting as a pastime that generates income by helping folks who are moving into new homes and need items painted.
Advertise your paintings on social media to earn $50 and more.
30. Gardening
You can sell different plants and seedlings for $5–$10 to make money or take care of others’ gardens by charging a fee.
As much free mulch is available, you’ll be able to save and earn more with your plants.
31. Traveling
Nothing is better than taking a vacation from work and visiting a faraway location. But what if taking trips might turn into a lucrative hobby? Start a travel blog, travel Instagram, or TikTok, and write about the places you visit.
Be it in your hometown or all around the world, start doing what you love, and over time you’ll be able to make money from that hobby.
32. Drone Racing
More and more individuals own drones, and drone racing and photography are growing more popular. You can publish these videos on YouTube to get paid and attract customers.
33. Dancing
Dancing is distinct in that it is unquestionably the most physically taxing skill and sport.
You can make money dancing by giving dance lessons for $40-$50 or performing at events.
34. Stitching
Although knitting and sewing are uncommon hobbies, you’ll be astonished by the demand for your services!
Advertise your services on Craigslist to get paid $20-$40 per basic shirt.
35. Baking
Most individuals know that homemade food is more affordable, healthier, and even more delicious.
Sell your baked goods starting from $5 to make good money.
36. Interior Design
As an interior designer, you can grow your firm by taking on residential, commercial, and other projects.
Additionally, you can produce home goods and market them on Shopify and Etsy for $100-$200.
37. Singing
With a good singing voice, you can earn money by performing at concerts and house concerts. You will always receive recommendations for different jobs, especially if you consistently give excellent results.
38. Carpentry and Woodworking
Become a neighborhood carpenter, construct and fix people’s furniture and homes for $40- $50, or create handcrafted goods as an alternative.
39. Fishing
If you enjoy fishing, you can give trips on your boat for $10 per person.
Fishing can be financially rewarding, particularly if you establish connections with eateries and regional markets.
40. Keeping Bees
For various reasons, different people keep bees. Whatever your motivation, the activity offers enormous financial benefits.
You can sell honey and bee pollen, propolis, and beeswax!
41. Programming
If you do it well, programming is a pastime that can bring in money if you are adept at the top programming languages like Java, C, and C++.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Hobbies That Make Money
What Hobbies Can Make Me Money?
Charging for your services as a knowledgeable consultant or setting up a YouTube channel to make money from advertisements are some suggestions for making money from your hobbies. You can make money from various interests, including proofreading, online shopping, investing, and social media.
How Do I Find a Hobby That Pays?
To know how to make money, consider your passions and what you want to do in your free time to locate a hobby that earns money. A pastime can energize you and improve the quality of your life, as well as help you unwind after a long day. Consider your favorite childhood activities, such as sports, music, arts and crafts, writing, dancing, camping or hiking, etc.
Try out a few hobby ideas before you find the one you love. Consider ways to monetize your hobby. Can you develop a website where people can learn how to do this particular hobby? For example, you could write content or create a video as you teach them to sew, cook, dance, or play music.
What Is the Highest-Paying Hobby?
Selling written work, photography, music, videos, or graphic art as a service, whether through freelancing on platforms like FlexJobs or Fiverr or directly approaching websites for commissioned assignments, is a lucrative way to earn money with your skills. Get started with a few clients, and your hobby might become a full-time career.
Or, “Build it, and they will come,” when you set up your own online space to showcase your hobby and talent. Be inspired by the numerous success stories of bloggers, vloggers, musicians, and other artists who became overnight sensations.
How Can I Turn a Hobby Into a Business?
Yes, you can turn a hobby into a business. You can convert your passion for photography, gardening, or animals into a business.
Ensure you continue to enjoy your hobby as you “professionalize” by creating a business plan, establishing an online presence, doing smart marketing and consistent networking, and other measures that differentiate a personal hobby from a thriving business.
Conclusion – Hobbies That Make Money
Follow your passion, and success will follow. We have heard different variations of that popular saying because it commonly happens. When you put your energy into doing your favorite activity, you can attract positive energy, such as wealth, as a consequence.
The hobbies enumerated above are just a few options. Yours may or may not be on the list, but anything goes as long as you can find a way to turn it into a lucrative income source. Enjoy, and you’ll soon be counting your profits! Ka-ching!
Here’s a related story if you want to start a minimalist hobby that will let you stay on a budget.
Related reads:
- Get Paid To Read Books Aloud: Top 12 Websites For Beginners & Pros
- How To Get Paid To Watch Netflix – Watch And Earn
Marjolein is a financial consultant who has built over €4,000 monthly passive income and saves over 70% of her income. Read Radicals’ inspiring story, from stuck in the 9-to-5 to loving life. Feel free to send Radical a message at the bottom of this page