Top 50 easy side job ideas to boost your income in 2025

The labour market typically experiences peaks and troughs, and right now, depending on which industry you’re in, you might be feeling the pinch.

Rising living costs can make it tough to stretch your budget, and unexpected expenses like car repairs can add extra pressure. Big milestones like starting a family or saving for your first home might have you rethinking your financial game plan. But there’s hope: taking on a side job could be the flexible solution you need, to put more money in your bank account.

A side job doesn’t have to be time or labour intensive. In fact, many people find them not only lucrative but also enjoyable and fulfilling. Side jobs give you an extra income boost without requiring a full-time commitment. This can help you meet financial goals without disrupting your regular routine.

What are side jobs?

A side job is any type of work you take on outside your main job or commitments. Side jobs are typically part-time, freelance, or flexible in nature. They complement your main work or studies, allowing you to earn extra income without sacrificing other responsibilities.

A side hustle is similar to a side job, except it’s an income-generating activity that doesn’t have regular hours. Side hustles can be done at your own leisure, or as the need arises, without a set schedule or demands from a second boss.

A part-time hotel receptionist role, for example, is a side job. A freelance content creator gig, on the other hand, is a side hustle, which is more like being self-employed and where you're more in control.

Both side jobs and side hustles are booming in Australia. Remote-work culture has made it easier to find side gigs that match your skills and interests, and increase your ability to work from home during your free time.

Today, Australian employers are also embracing greater flexibility in the workplace. In fact, 10% of jobs advertised on SEEK are for roles that can be done from home. Work-from-home or hybrid full-time roles allow more freedom outside the typical work schedule to pursue side jobs and level up income. 

Advantages of getting side jobs

Thanks to the rise of remote work and the gig economy, Australians have more side job options than ever. Though you might not feel comfortable devoting time to more work – or you might wonder whether a side job will get in the way of your main job.

Taking on a side hustle needn't be time consuming, and may even make you more efficient or productive in your main job. Undoubtably, the extra cash can improve your life overall. Here are four ways a side job can benefit you:

• You can create a financial cushion. A side hustle allows you to boost your income without disrupting your daily routine. Whether you’re saving for a big goal or just want more spending money, the side job's extra income can make a meaningful difference in your life.

• You can grow personally and professionally. Taking on a side job is about more than just earning extra cash. It also unlocks opportunities for personal and career development. If you’re thinking about a career change, a side job can give you valuable exposure to an industry you’re curious about.

• You can upskill. Side jobs can help you develop transferable skills like time management and entrepreneurship. These will serve you well in any role, whether you stay in your current job or pursue a new path.

• You’re getting paid to do something you enjoy. A side hustle can be a fun way to explore hobbies you love and get paid for them. From crafting to fitness coaching, the possibilities are limitless.

Top 50 easy side jobs in Australia

In this section we cover 50 side job ideas that you can take on to earn extra income. Find the categories that best match your educational background, skills and interests, and you may find several ideas that could work for you.

Tech side jobs

If you’re already working in an IT field, like app development, data analysis, or IT support, why not explore a tech-related side job? You can do most of these side jobs remotely, so they’re flexible and accessible as long as you have a reliable internet connection. Many tech roles can also give you a stepping stone into new industries.

Web developer

Web developers design and build websites, focusing on front-end, back-end, or full-stack development.

Data analyst

Data analysts collect, clean, and interpret datasets to provide actionable insights, typically visualised through dashboards or reports to support business decision-making.

SEO specialist

SEO specialists use their search engine optimisation (SEO) skills to improve webpage rankings, by optimising on-page and off-page elements to enhance visibility and drive traffic.

IT support

IT tech support specialists provide troubleshooting for hardware, software, or network issues, assisting clients remotely or on-site in part-time roles.

Systems administrator

Systems administrators maintain IT systems, ensuring functionality, performing upgrades, and handling permissions, often in freelance or part-time capacities.

Cloud architect

Cloud architects design scalable cloud infrastructures, integrating systems and ensuring robust security for businesses, often as consultants.

On-site side jobs

If you like getting hands-on and interacting with others in person, these on-site side jobs might be your match. While these roles don’t usually require formal qualifications, getting relevant experience and training can help improve your performance.

Teacher’s aide

Teacher's aides support teachers by managing classroom activities, preparing materials, and aiding students who need additional guidance.

Catering assistant

Catering assistants support caterers and chefs to prepare food for customers. They keep the kitchen operating smoothly and maintain hygiene standards.

Personal assistant

Personal assistants handle scheduling, correspondence, and organisational tasks for senior staff.

Medical receptionist

Medical receptionists manage front-desk operations for clinics. Duties include scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and providing a welcoming environment.

Phlebotomist

Phlebotomists work in hospitals or clinics, collecting biological samples from patients. You’ll need to get a qualification in specimen collection to qualify for this role.

Fitness instructor

Fitness instructors guide individuals or groups in exercise routines to help achieve health goals. You'll need a diploma to work in fitness.

Contact Centre Specialist

Contact centre specialists work at a call centre, fielding calls from customers or clients. Their duties depend on the call centre’s specific purpose, from answering questions to processing refunds.

Part-time casual jobs

If you need steady side income but don’t want to commit long term, try any of these part-time casual jobs. These roles may involve short contract durations or sporadic work schedules, so you’ll need a flexible main job.

Barista

Baristas prepare coffee and other beverages while providing excellent customer service. They usually work in coffeehouses, cafes and restaurants.

Delivery driver

Delivery drivers transport goods to customers efficiently, ensuring timely and accurate deliveries.

Waitperson

Waitpersons serve food and beverages, assist customers, and ensure smooth dining experiences.

Library assistant

Library assistants help organise materials, assist patrons, and maintain a quiet environment.

Retail sales assistant

Retail sales assistants support store operations. They stock shelves, assist customers with inquiries, organise displays, and efficiently handle sales transactions.

Mystery shopper

Mystery shoppers visit stores and pose as regular customers. After their visit, they provide feedback to businesses for improvement.

Hairstylist

Hairstylists provide styling or beauty services at salons, homes, or during events like weddings.

Gardener

Gardeners maintain and beautify outdoor spaces. They perform planting, pruning, and performing general landscaping tasks for homeowners or businesses.

School photographer

School photographers capture professional-grade student and staff photos during events. You need a working with children check for this side job.

Car washer

Car washers clean vehicles, focusing on exterior and interior detailing.

Tuckshop assistant

Tuckshop assistants prepare and sell food items at school canteens. They may manage inventory and clean counters on the side. You need a working with children check for this side job.

Remote side jobs from home

These jobs will suit you if you can manage tasks independently and have a quiet, well-equipped home office. Your success in these roles depend on reliable internet, video-call equipment, and sometimes personal software purchases.

Content creator

Content creators produce engaging digital media that aligns with brand guidelines and audience interests. Their output can cover anything from blogs, to videos, to social media posts.

Data entry

Data entry clerks input and manage information into databases, ensuring accuracy and organisation. Speed and accuracy matter in this role, so you’ll need a high word-per-minute typing speed and an eye for detail.

Graphic designer

Graphic designers create visuals for digital or print media projects. These may include logos, marketing materials, and social media assets.

E-Commerce store manager

E-commerce store managers oversee their employer’s online sales. They manage product listings, orders, and customer queries for online shops.

Transcriptionist

Transcriptionists convert audio or video recordings into accurate, well-formatted written text. This job requires good listening skills, high attention to detail and high word-per-minute typing speeds.

Social media manager

Social media managers plan, execute, and monitor social media campaigns for their clients. Their work helps boost engagement, grow audiences, and achieve business objectives.

Online tutor

Online tutors teach and guide students in a specific subject through virtual platforms. They provide personalised lessons and feedback to their online clients.

Virtual assistant

Virtual assistants support business operations remotely. They perform administrative tasks such as email management, scheduling, and data organisation.

No experience side jobs

Because experience isn’t necessary for these roles, they're more accessible to students and people just starting out in the work force. All that's required is adequate time and the willingness to learn on the job.

Delivery driver

Delivery drivers collect goods and transport them to their destination. A heavy vehicle licence may be required to drive large delivery vehicles like trucks.

Picker and packer

Picker and packers work in warehouses and distribution centres. They pick items from storage, and pack them for delivery to customers.

Cashier

Cashiers handle customer transactions, process payments, and provide service in retail or food establishments.

Cleaner

Cleaners keep residential and business spaces tidy. Their job involves cleaning work areas, machinery or furniture.

Inventory specialist

Inventory specialists organise and replenish store inventory, assist with deliveries, and maintain a tidy stockroom environment.

Promotions assistant

Promo assistants distribute promotional materials, engage with potential customers, and support marketing activities at events or public locations.

Farmhand

Farmhands report to farm managers. Their responsibilities include planting, harvesting, and maintaining crops or livestock.

Bar attendant

Bar attendants prepare and serve drinks, interact with customers, and maintain a clean, welcoming bar environment.

Side jobs while travelling

Combine work and wanderlust with these flexible, on-location opportunities. Side jobs like these are great for meeting new people and getting extra cash when you're out exploring the country.

Food services assistant

Food services assistants help in preparing and serving meals, clean food preparation areas, and provide excellent customer service.

Guest services agent

Guest services agents work "front-of-house" at hotels. They handle check-ins, answer guest inquiries, and manage bookings to ensure a smooth guest experience.

Translator

Translators convert written or spoken content from one language to another. Their output must maintain accuracy and cultural sensitivity.

ESL teacher

ESL teachers offer instruction in English as a second language. They must tailor lessons to students’ needs and proficiency levels.

Tour guide

Tour guides work to ensure a memorable and engaging experience. They lead and educate groups on local attractions, history, and culture.

Hostel worker

Hostel workers create a welcoming environment for travellers. They perform various tasks for hostel managers, such as checking in guests and maintaining cleanliness.

Side jobs for teens

These teen-friendly side jobs offer an excellent introduction to the workforce. Roles in this list are often flexible and fit around school schedules or take on over the holiday breaks.

Dog groomer

Dog groomers bathe, trim, and style dogs. Skilled groomers provide exceptional pet care while ensuring pets' comfort and cleanliness.

Nanny

Nannies care for children by supervising activities, preparing meals, and ensuring their safety and wellbeing.

Model

Models pose for photographs or walk runways to promote clothing, accessories, or other products for brands and campaigns.

Lifeguard

Lifeguards ensure the safety of swimmers. They monitor swimming areas, enforce safety rules, and respond to emergencies. Applicants must meet certain industry requirements, depending on your intent to apply as a surf lifesaver or a pool lifeguard.

Fast food worker

Fast food workers prepare food, clean, serve customers and assemble orders. Jobs are usually easy to get at large global chains, and provide high standards of training and offer at least minimum wage.

Side jobs: A world of possibilities

Starting a side job can be a game changer for your finances and career growth. Before you make the leap, it's essential to do some due diligence. You can prepare for your role by:

• Managing your expectations. Not every side job will be highly flexible or immediately lucrative. It’s best to research your options thoroughly so that you can find a role that fits your needs.

• Checking your full-time job contract. Check for any conflicts with your existing work commitments or employment agreements.

• Planning for schedule adjustments. Prepare for changes in your daily routine and discuss these with your loved ones or housemates who may be impacted.

FAQs

What are some weekend side jobs in Australia?

Weekend side jobs include roles like event staff, retail assistant, barista, and babysitter. These jobs typically offer flexible hours and the ability to work outside 9 to 5.

Any part-time work for students to balance with their studies?

Yes, students can consider tutoring, freelance content writing, or working as a shop assistant. These jobs often allow for flexible hours that fit around study schedules.

What are some online, work-from-home freelance work ideas?

Online side jobs include virtual assistant roles, content creation, transcription, and graphic design. These positions are best for those with a dedicated workspace and reliable internet.

What side hustle jobs don’t need experience?

Roles such as housekeeping, lawn mowing, data entry and retail assistant don't require prior experience and are great for beginners.

What are flexible side jobs with low hours to fit into a busy schedule?

Flexible side job options include pet- or babysitting, school pedestrian guard and casual hospitality roles. Many side jobs allow you to set your own hours.