You’re reading this at 11 PM because the kids finally went down and you have exactly one functional brain cell left. Or maybe it’s naptime and you’re staring at your phone thinking you should be doing something productive, but you can’t remember what productive even means anymore.
The financial pressure is real. Whether it’s medical bills, daycare costs, or just wanting to afford activities without calculating every dollar, you need more money coming in. But every side hustle article you’ve read assumes you have energy, focus, consistent time blocks, and the mental bandwidth to learn a whole new skill set. They tell you to “just start a business” or “build your brand” like you’re not already running on fumes from keeping tiny humans alive. It’s frustrating when the world suggests entrepreneurial routes without considering the unique challenges that come with motherhood. Instead of overwhelming expectations, what if we focused on creative side hustles for moms that align with existing interests and responsibilities? These opportunities can provide both flexibility and financial relief without demanding the energy typically required for traditional business ventures.
This article is different. I’m not going to tell you to launch an Etsy shop that requires photographing products, writing descriptions, managing inventory, and responding to customer messages at all hours. I’m not going to suggest you become a freelance writer when forming coherent sentences feels impossible most days. And I’m definitely not going to pretend that “passive income” is actually passive when you’re starting from scratch.
Instead, you’ll find 27 income options organized by what actually matters when you’re exhausted: how much energy each requires, whether you can do it during naptime or only when someone else watches the kids, if you can start and stop without penalty, and what the realistic income looks like after you factor in all the hidden time costs nobody mentions.
Some options require your physical presence but pay well for short time blocks. Others you can do from your couch during brain fog. A few require occasional bursts of higher energy but then generate ongoing income. And yes, several involve your body (plasma donation, clinical trials) because sometimes that’s the most realistic option when cognitive capacity is nonexistent.
What You’ll Find in This Guide
- Flexible side hustles you can do around your schedule
- Remote jobs that pay $20+ per hour
- In-person opportunities in your local area
- Realistic time and earning expectations for each option
- Real requirements (no sugarcoating what it takes)
Some of these I’ve tried myself. Others come from readers who’ve shared their experiences. All of them are legitimate ways to earn $20 an hour or more without a degree.
Understanding the $20/Hour Baseline
Before we jump in, let’s talk real numbers. Twenty dollars an hour equals:
- $800/week for full-time work (40 hours)
- $3,467/month before taxes
- $41,600/year at full-time hours
That’s solid money for many households. Enough to cover bills, build savings, or create breathing room in your budget.
The catch? Not every “$20/hour opportunity” actually pays $20/hour when you factor in:
- Unpaid prep time (driving to clients, setting up equipment)
- Inconsistent scheduling (some weeks you’ll work 30 hours, others just 10)
- Self-employment taxes (add 15.3% if you’re a contractor)
- Startup costs (tools, certifications, or marketing)
I’ll be straight with you about which opportunities deliver consistent $20/hour and which ones require hustle to hit that mark. Many people underestimate the potential of side hustles for busy moms, as these can provide both flexibility and extra income without overwhelming daily schedules. Whether it’s freelance writing, virtual assistance, or online tutoring, the right opportunities can help you achieve that $20/hour target. It’s essential to weigh your options carefully and choose something that aligns with your skills and lifestyle.
Options I’m NOT Including (and Why)
You won’t find these common suggestions in my list:
Reselling items online: Between sourcing inventory, listing products, shipping, and handling returns, most resellers earn $8-$12/hour once you track actual time invested.
Print-on-demand shops: Creating designs is fun, but building a shop that generates $20/hour in profit takes 6-12 months of consistent work with no guarantee of success.
Content mills: Most pay $10-$15/hour once you account for research time, revisions, and the mental drain of churning out generic content.
Mystery shopping: After factoring in drive time and reimbursement delays, you’re looking at $12-$15/hour for most assignments.
I’m focusing on opportunities where $20/hour is realistic from the start, not a distant goal that might happen eventually.
Side Hustles You Can Start This Week
These options let you work flexible hours around your schedule. Earnings vary based on location and demand, but $20/hour is achievable with consistency.
1. Donate Plasma
Potential Earnings: $20-$50/donation
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per donation (including screening and recovery)
Startup Cost: $0
Plasma donation centers pay $20-$50 per session, with many offering bonuses for new donors ($800-$1,000 for your first month isn’t unusual).
The reality: Your first few visits take longer due to health screenings. After that, you’re looking at 1.5-2 hours per donation. Most centers allow two donations per week.
Best for: People comfortable with needles who want quick cash with minimal skill requirements.
Where to find work: BioLife, CSL Plasma, Grifols
2. Babysitting/Nannying
Potential Earnings: $20-$30/hour (varies by location and experience)
Time Commitment: Flexible; set your own schedule
Startup Cost: $50-$100 (background check and CPR certification)
Parents pay premium rates for reliable childcare. If you’re comfortable with kids, this is one of the fastest ways to earn $20+/hour.
Skills that increase your rate:
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Experience with special needs children
- Willingness to help with homework or light housework
- Infant care experience
Where to find work: Care.com, Sittercity, local Facebook parenting groups
3. House Cleaning
Potential Earnings: $25-$50/hour once established
Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per home
Startup Cost: $50-$150 (basic cleaning supplies and transportation)
A standard 3-bedroom home takes 2-3 hours to clean and pays $80-$120. Do two homes in a day and you’re earning $40+/hour.
The math: If you charge $100 for a 3-bedroom home and finish in 2.5 hours, that’s $40/hour. Factor in 30 minutes of drive time between clients, and you’re still at $33/hour.
Best for: People who enjoy physical work and want flexible scheduling.
Where to find work: Thumbtack, Nextdoor, local Facebook groups, or direct outreach to busy professionals in your area
4. Pet Sitting/Dog Walking
Potential Earnings: $20-$40/hour (or $50-$100/overnight stay)
Time Commitment: 30-60 minutes per walk; overnight sits vary
Startup Cost: $25 (Rover background check)
Dog walking pays $20-$25 per 30-minute walk. Walk three dogs back-to-back in the morning and another three in the evening, and you’re earning $120-$150 for 3 hours of work.
Overnight pet sitting pays even better: $50-$100 per night to stay at someone’s home and care for their pets.
Best for: Animal lovers with flexible daytime availability.
Where to find work: Rover, Wag, local pet owner groups
5. Lawn Care/Landscaping
Potential Earnings: $30-$50/hour once established
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per standard residential lawn
Startup Cost: $300-$800 (mower, trimmer, and basic tools)
A typical suburban lawn takes 45-60 minutes to mow, edge, and trim. Charge $40-$50 per lawn, and you’re earning $40-$50/hour.
The catch: You need reliable equipment and the physical stamina for outdoor work in all weather.
Best for: People who enjoy physical work and don’t mind seasonal income fluctuations.
Where to find work: Nextdoor, local Facebook groups, flyers in neighborhoods
6. Pool Maintenance
Potential Earnings: $40-$60/hour
Time Commitment: 30-45 minutes per pool
Startup Cost: $200-$500 (testing kit, chemicals, and basic tools)
Pool maintenance is surprisingly simple once you learn the basics, and most homeowners hate dealing with it themselves.
Weekly pool service (testing chemicals, skimming, and basic cleaning) takes 30-45 minutes and pays $80-$120 per visit.
Service 6-8 pools in a morning, and you’re earning $480-$720 for 3-4 hours of work ($120-$180/hour).
Best for: People in warm climates who want a consistent weekly income.
Where to find work: Thumbtack, local Facebook groups, Nextdoor
7. Tutoring
Potential Earnings: $25-$60/hour (higher for test prep or specialized subjects)
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per session
Startup Cost: $0-$50 (optional tutoring materials)
Parents pay premium rates for quality tutoring, especially in math, science, and test prep (SAT, ACT).
Rates vary by subject:
- Elementary subjects: $25-$35/hour
- High school math/science: $35-$50/hour
- Test prep (SAT/ACT): $50-$75/hour
Best for: People with strong knowledge in specific subjects who enjoy teaching.
Where to find work: Wyzant, Tutor.com, local schools and libraries, Facebook parenting groups
8. Delivery Driving
Potential Earnings: $20-$30/hour during peak times
Time Commitment: Flexible; work when you want
Startup Cost: $0 (beyond vehicle and insurance requirements)
Food delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats can hit $20+/hour during dinner rush and weekends if you’re strategic.
Keys to maximizing earnings:
- Work dinner rush (5-9 PM) and weekend lunch
- Accept high-value orders only ($8+ for short distances)
- Position yourself near clusters of popular restaurants
The reality: Slow hours (like Tuesday afternoon) might only bring in $12-$15/hour. Average across a week, expect $18-$22/hour before gas and vehicle wear.
Best for: People who want complete schedule flexibility and don’t mind driving.
Where to find work: DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, Instacart
9. Handyman Services
Potential Earnings: $30-$60/hour
Time Commitment: 1-4 hours per job
Startup Cost: $200-$500 (basic tools)
If you can handle basic repairs (fixing leaky faucets, patching drywall, replacing light fixtures), homeowners will pay $30-$50/hour for your help.
Most requested services:
- Furniture assembly
- Mounting TVs and shelves
- Basic plumbing repairs
- Drywall patching and painting
- Fence repairs
Best for: People with basic home repair skills who enjoy problem-solving.
Where to find work: Thumbtack, TaskRabbit, Nextdoor
10. Virtual Assistant Services
Potential Earnings: $20-$40/hour
Time Commitment: Flexible; typically 10-30 hours/week per client
Startup Cost: $0-$100 (if you need better internet or software subscriptions)
Virtual assistants handle administrative tasks for busy entrepreneurs and small business owners: email management, calendar scheduling, social media posting, and basic bookkeeping.
Common VA tasks:
- Email and calendar management
- Social media scheduling
- Data entry and spreadsheet organization
- Customer service responses
- Basic bookkeeping (invoicing, expense tracking)
Best for: Organized people with strong communication skills and basic tech comfort.
Where to find work: Belay, Time Etc, Fancy Hands, Upwork, or directly reaching out to small business owners
Remote Jobs Paying $20+/Hour
These positions offer steady paychecks and consistent hours, but they’re actual jobs, not flexible side hustles.
11. Customer Service Representative
Average Pay: $18-$25/hour
Time Commitment: Typically 20-40 hours/week with set schedules
Startup Cost: $0 (companies provide equipment)
Many companies hire remote customer service reps to handle phone, email, or chat support. Shifts are usually set (no flexibility), but the work is straightforward.
Top-paying industries:
- Health insurance companies ($22-$28/hour)
- Tech support for software companies ($20-$25/hour)
- Financial services ($20-$26/hour)
Best for: People who enjoy helping others and can stay calm with frustrated customers.
Where to find work: TTEC, Concentrix, Kelly Services, company career pages
12. Transcriptionist
Average Pay: $20-$30/hour (for experienced transcriptionists)
Time Commitment: Flexible, but deadlines are firm
Startup Cost: $50-$150 (foot pedal and transcription software)
Medical and legal transcriptionists earn the highest rates ($25-$35/hour), but general transcription pays $15-$20/hour to start.
The reality: Beginners type slower and earn less. A 1-hour audio file takes 3-4 hours to transcribe when you’re starting out, bringing your effective rate down to $12-$15/hour. With experience, you’ll transcribe faster and earn more.
Best for: Fast, accurate typists who don’t mind repetitive work.
Where to find work: Rev, TranscribeMe, GoTranscript (to start), then Scribie or direct clients as you gain experience
13. Online Bookkeeper
Average Pay: $22-$35/hour
Time Commitment: 10-40 hours/week (varies by client load)
Startup Cost: $0-$300 (accounting software and certification courses)
Small businesses need bookkeepers to manage invoices, track expenses, and prepare financial reports, but they don’t need someone with an accounting degree.
Basic bookkeeping tasks:
- Recording income and expenses
- Reconciling bank statements
- Sending invoices and managing accounts receivable
- Preparing basic financial reports
Where to get training: Bookkeeper Launch, QuickBooks certification program, or community college courses ($200-$400)
Best for: Detail-oriented people who enjoy working with numbers.
Where to find work: Upwork, Fiverr, local small business outreach, and accounting firms looking for overflow help
14. Social Media Manager
Average Pay: $20-$40/hour (higher for experienced managers)
Time Commitment: 10-30 hours/week per client
Startup Cost: $0-$100 (design tools like Canva Pro)
Small businesses and entrepreneurs need help managing their social media presence: creating content, scheduling posts, responding to comments, and tracking performance.
What social media managers do:
- Create and schedule content (posts, stories, reels)
- Engage with followers and respond to messages
- Track analytics and adjust strategy
- Research trending topics and hashtags
The catch: You need to understand the platforms (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn) and be able to create engaging content. It’s not just posting memes.
Best for: People who naturally understand social media and enjoy creating content.
Where to find work: Upwork, Fiverr, local business outreach, Facebook groups for entrepreneurs
15. Proofreader/Editor
Average Pay: $20-$40/hour (higher for specialized content)
Time Commitment: Flexible, project-based
Startup Cost: $0-$200 (proofreading courses or style guides)
Writers and businesses need proofreaders to catch typos, grammatical errors, and awkward phrasing before publishing.
Types of proofreading:
- Blog posts and website content ($20-$30/hour)
- Business documents and marketing materials ($25-$35/hour)
- Academic papers ($25-$40/hour)
- Books and manuscripts ($30-$50/hour)
Best for: Detail-oriented people with strong grammar skills who enjoy reading.
Where to find work: Upwork, Fiverr, Reedsy, Scribendi, or direct outreach to authors and businesses
16. Data Entry Specialist
Average Pay: $18-$25/hour
Time Commitment: Typically 20-40 hours/week with set schedules
Startup Cost: $0
Data entry involves inputting information into databases or spreadsheets: medical records, customer information, survey responses, etc.
The work: Repetitive and detail-focused. You’ll spend hours typing information from one format into another.
Best for: People who don’t mind repetitive tasks and can maintain focus for long periods.
Where to find work: Axion Data Entry Services, Sigtrack, Upwork, company career pages
17. Online Chat Support
Average Pay: $18-$24/hour
Time Commitment: Typically 20-40 hours/week with set schedules
Startup Cost: $0
Similar to phone customer service, but you’re helping customers via text chat instead of voice calls. Many people find this less stressful than handling phone support.
Best for: Fast typists who can multitask (handling 2-3 chats simultaneously) and prefer written communication.
Where to find work: LiveWorld, SiteStaff, The Chat Shop, company career pages
18. Search Engine Evaluator
Average Pay: $15-$22/hour
Time Commitment: 10-20 hours/week (usually capped)
Startup Cost: $0
Search engine evaluators review search results and rate their quality, which helps companies like Google refine their algorithms.
The work: You’ll receive specific search queries and evaluate whether the results are relevant, useful, and of high quality. It requires focus and attention to detail.
Best for: Analytical people who enjoy working independently and don’t mind repetitive evaluation tasks.
Where to find work: Appen, Lionbridge, Telus International
Local In-Person Opportunities
These jobs typically require showing up to a physical location, but they offer a steady income without a degree requirement.
19. Medical Scribe
Average Pay: $18-$25/hour
Time Commitment: Part-time or full-time positions available
Startup Cost: $0-$300 (training and certification)
Medical scribes work alongside doctors, documenting patient visits in electronic health records. It’s a foot in the door to healthcare without needing a nursing or medical degree.
What you’ll do:
- Document patient histories during appointments
- Record physical exam findings
- Update medical charts in real-time
- Help with administrative paperwork
Training required: Most employers provide on-the-job training, but some prefer candidates with a medical scribe certification (online courses cost $200-$300 and take 1-2 months).
Best for: People interested in healthcare who are comfortable with medical terminology and can type quickly.
Where to find work: ScribeAmerica, PhysAssist, ProScribe, local hospitals and medical practices
20. Phlebotomist
Average Pay: $18-$24/hour
Time Commitment: Full-time or part-time shifts
Startup Cost: $700-$1,500 (certification program)
Phlebotomists draw blood for medical testing and donations. Training takes 4-8 weeks and costs $700-$1,500, but once certified, jobs are plentiful.
Best for: People comfortable with needles and bodily fluids who want stable healthcare employment.
Where to find work: Hospitals, blood donation centers, diagnostic labs, doctors’ offices
21. Pharmacy Technician
Average Pay: $18-$23/hour
Time Commitment: Full-time or part-time positions
Startup Cost: $1,000-$2,000 (certification program)
Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists by preparing medications, managing inventory, and processing insurance claims. Certification programs take 3-6 months.
Best suited for: Detail-oriented individuals seeking stable employment in a pharmacy setting.
Where to find work: CVS, Walgreens, hospital pharmacies, mail-order pharmacies
22. Real Estate Photography
Average Pay: $100-$300 per property ($40-$60/hour effective rate)
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per property (shooting and editing)
Startup Cost: $500-$1,500 (camera, wide-angle lens, and editing software)
Real estate agents need quality photos to sell homes. A standard shoot typically takes 1-2 hours and pays between $100 and $200.
What you’ll do:
- Photograph the interior and exterior of homes
- Edit photos to enhance lighting and appeal
- Deliver finished images within 24-48 hours
The catch: You need photography equipment and basic editing skills. But if you already own a decent camera, startup costs are minimal.
Best for: People with photography skills who enjoy flexible project-based work.
Where to find work: Local real estate agents (direct outreach), real estate offices, Thumbtack
23. Personal Trainer
Average Pay: $25-$50/hour (higher for specialized training)
Time Commitment: Flexible; typically 10-30 hours/week of training sessions
Startup Cost: $400-$700 (certification program)
If you’re passionate about fitness, personal training offers flexible hours and solid pay. Certification takes 2-3 months of self-study.
Most recognized certifications:
- NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine)
- ACE (American Council on Exercise)
- ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association)
Best for: Fitness enthusiasts who enjoy motivating others and building relationships.
Where to find work: Gyms (as an employee or independent contractor), private clients (market yourself on social media and local groups)
24. Massage Therapist
Average Pay: $25-$50/hour (plus tips)
Time Commitment: Part-time or full-time (most therapists work 15-30 hours/week)
Startup Cost: $3,000-$10,000 (massage therapy program)
Massage therapy requires formal training (300-1,000 hours, depending on your state), but it offers flexible scheduling and consistent demand.
The catch: It’s physically demanding work. Most massage therapists can’t sustain 40-hour workweeks long-term due to the strain on their hands and bodies.
Best suited for: Individuals who enjoy hands-on healing work and prefer flexible scheduling.
Where to find work: Spas, chiropractor offices, physical therapy clinics, private practice
25. Server at High-End Restaurants
Average Pay: $20-$40/hour (base pay plus tips)
Time Commitment: Part-time or full-time shifts
Startup Cost: $0 (restaurants provide training)
Servers at upscale restaurants can easily clear $25-$40/hour when you combine base pay with tips, especially during busy weekend shifts.
Best suited for: Individuals with strong customer service skills who are willing to work late nights and weekends.
Where to find work: Apply directly to high-end restaurants in your area
26. Bartender
Average Pay: $20-$50/hour (base pay plus tips)
Time Commitment: Part-time or full-time shifts (mostly evenings and weekends)
Startup Cost: $0-$200 (optional bartending course)
Bartending pays well, especially in busy establishments. Weekend nights can bring in $40-$50/hour in tips alone.
The reality: You’ll work late nights and weekends, and the work is fast-paced. But the money is good and the schedule is flexible.
Best for: Outgoing people who can handle high-pressure environments and enjoy social interaction.
Where to find work: Bars, restaurants, hotels, event venues
27. Dental Assistant
Average Pay: $20-$27/hour
Time Commitment: Full-time positions (36-40 hours/week)
Startup Cost: $0-$3,000 (training program, if required by your state)
Dental assistants help dentists during procedures, take X-rays, and manage patient records. Some states require formal training (3-12 months), while others provide on-the-job training.
Best for: People interested in healthcare who want stable employment with regular hours.
Where to find work: Dental offices, orthodontic practices, oral surgery centers
Also See: Best Flexible Side Hustles for Busy Moms
How to Choose the Right Option
With 27 options, where do you start? Ask yourself these questions:
Do you need immediate income, or can you invest time in training?
- Immediate income: Plasma donation, house cleaning, delivery driving, lawn care
- Short-term training (1-3 months): Phlebotomy, personal training, proofreading
- Longer-term training (3-12 months): Bookkeeping, dental assisting, massage therapy
Do you want flexible hours or steady employment?
- Maximum flexibility: Pet sitting, tutoring, handyman services, and delivery driving
- Some flexibility: Virtual assistant, social media management, transcription
- Set schedules: Customer service, data entry, dental assisting
Do you prefer working from home or getting out of the house?
- Fully remote: Virtual assistant, transcription, bookkeeping, customer service
- In-person only: Phlebotomy, dental assisting, real estate photography
- Hybrid options: Tutoring, personal training, social media management
Are you willing to handle unpredictable income?
- Steady paychecks: Customer service, dental assisting, pharmacy technician
- Variable income: House cleaning, tutoring, delivery driving, and real estate photography
Your Next Steps
Earning $20/hour without a degree isn’t a fantasy. It’s completely achievable. But it requires making a decision and taking action.
Here’s what to do today:
- Pick 2-3 options from this list that match your skills, schedule, and income needs.
- Research startup requirements (certifications, equipment, training time).
- Choose one option to start this week, even if it’s not your top choice.
- Set a realistic income goal (How many hours will you work? What’s your target weekly earnings?).
- Take the first step: Create a profile on a platform, reach out to potential clients, or sign up for a certification course.
The difference between people who earn $20/hour and those who don’t isn’t talent or luck. It’s deciding to start and following through.
Maybe you start transcribing while building a client base for social media management. Or you teach online mornings and walk dogs on weekends. You don’t have to pick just one path.
Ask yourself honestly: What skill do I already have? What sounds actually doable with my current schedule? What would I feel confident starting this week?
Some options on this list require specialized skills (like bookkeeping or web design). Others just need reliable internet and a willingness to learn (like virtual assistant work or online tutoring). A few demand almost nothing upfront (like selling plasma or participating in focus groups).
The options requiring investment (whether time learning new software or money for inventory) typically offer the highest long-term earning potential. But they’re not automatically “better” than easier entry points if those easier options get you earning now while you figure out next steps.
Pick one thing from this list. Set up the account, send the application, or list that first item. You don’t need a business plan or a perfect strategy. You need to start.