Many Americans worry about losing their jobs on a daily basis. As employer-employee mistrust has grown, and the economy has slumped, the workforce is no longer willing to trust big business to decide their financial destiny. Workers are looking for secure ways to make ends meet. In fact, 71% of the workforce is searching for side hustles or second jobs with another employer. If you’re worried about economic certainty and job stability and want to build a career that gives you the freedom to call your own shots, side hustles offer many advantages. Or if you’re looking for money-making summer side hustles, you have come to the right place.
Five Summer Side Hustles To Earn Quick Cash
I spoke by email with Jamie Wall, personal finance strategist at Gamblizard, who shares five fast and low-cost ways to earn extra money this summer.
1. Airbnb experience host (up to $300/ week)
Wall says you don’t need to own a property to make money on Airbnb. “Hosting local experiences is a way to hustle by sharing your city with tourists,” he explains. “All you need is an interesting idea, some organizational skills and registration on the Airbnb Experiences platform.”
Wall states that you can host street art walks, photo tours, gastro tours, boat or bike trips and many more. He cites average prices range from $30 to $150 per person. Wall suggests that you offer something affordable for $30, and then make extra by hosting more people at once. He predicts that if you hold an activity twice a week, you can easily reach $300, while spending only four to five hours and having fun socializing and sharing your experience.
2. Event tear-down crew (up to $375/ week)
“Event dismantling jobs are great for people who don’t mind some heavy lifting and enjoy working with their hands,” Wall proposes. “After holidays and events, there’s always cleanup to do—packing up furniture, taking down decorations and hauling away trash.”
According to Wall, this work usually lasts around four to six hours and pays $20-$30 an hour. “Even just one shift can earn you about $125, especially on a Friday or Saturday night,” he notes. “Working two or three times a week can bring you $250-$375, without needing a formal job or a fixed schedule.”
3. Pet sitting (up to $100/ day)
Pet-sitting is a part-time job that turns into fun if you love animals. “People go on vacation during the summer and are looking for a reliable person to feed, walk or even live with a pet,” Wall points out. “It’s common to pay $25-40 for a single home visit and up to $100 per day for pet-sitting with an overnight stay. This means that even looking after one pet for three days a week, you can earn $300.”
During that time, he says you’re just at someone else’s house, taking care of the animal and getting paid for being part of someone else’s routine. He mentions that you can find clients through apps like Rover or through people you know.
4. Drone photo & video packages for summer events (from $100/ hour)
“It’s not just about weddings anymore—summer is full of opportunities for drone photography,” Wall emphasizes. “Couples want romantic picnic videos, families love to film their kids’ birthdays and businesses need fresh social media content.”
He estimates that an entry-level drone with a good camera typically costs around $200–$400 (even less if you find a second-hand one). “The average price per hour for drone services ranges from $100–$500-plus,” he predicts. “You can start with a simple package like two hours of shooting and basic editing for $150–$200. Even three clients a month can bring in up to $600. It’s the perfect gig for creative people who don’t have much time for the hustle!”
5. Selling beach tote bags (up to $1000/ month)
Wall stresses that this is a seasonal business, requiring little investment, and it’s easy to scale. “You can buy canvas bags in bulk for three-to-five dollars and decorate them by hand: drawing, embroidery, prints, or phrases.” He suggests that you get creative and draw inspiration from fashion trends like Pinterest or popular memes. “You can sell these totes for $25–$60 on platforms like Etsy, Instagram or offline at markets, festivals and on the beach. If you sell, let’s say, five bags for $50 each per week, that adds up to $1,000 in monthly revenue.”
A Final Takeaway On Summer Side Hustles
Experts predict that searches for side hustles are projected to increase by 441% over the next five years, many can be accessed from the comfort of your own home to earn extra income.
Wall recommends not being afraid to take smart risks, adding that trying something new can seriously boost your income. He offered a final piece of advice for anyone looking for summer side hustles: “Trust your gut, steer clear of shady schemes and don’t over commit to anything you can’t handle (or simply don’t want to do).”