Despite the passion and hard work invested in teaching, many educators find their paychecks falling short. In the US, the average teacher salary ranges from $61,250 to $62,360, varying by school level. This financial gap prompts many educators to seek extra income through side hustles.
Fortunately, there are plenty of side jobs for teachers, providing financial relief and opportunities for skill development and potential career paths. Here, we explore several methods for teachers to boost their income, each tailored to various skill sets.
Online Side Jobs for Teachers
Here are eight ways for teachers to make extra money from home, most of which only involve an internet connection and utilizing the skills you already have.
Online Tutoring
Whether you reach out to tutoring companies, join a platform, or create an ad and start independently, becoming an online tutor is one of the best side hustles for teachers. By offering personalized lessons, you can help students excel academically and boost your monthly teacher income while you’re at it.
The flexibility of online tutoring allows teachers to set their schedules, making it convenient to balance with their regular teaching duties. With the increasing demand for online education, this opportunity enhances teachers’ financial situation and expands their reach and impact in the educational landscape.
Become a Freelance Writer
Consider freelance writing if you want to make extra money as a teacher. Whether you choose to use job boards or directly pitch to magazines, websites, and blogs to kickstart your writing career is entirely up to you. One thing is true, though. plenty of teachers make money online as writers.
Freelance writing will allow you to leverage your writing skills while offering flexibility in sourcing opportunities. With numerous paths to initiate your writing career, freelance writing provides teachers with convenient and adaptable means to supplement their income outside the classroom.
Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)
ESL teachers often work online, providing flexibility to connect with students globally. This virtual setting allows you to assist learners from diverse locations, enhancing their English proficiency.
Teaching ESL is not just among the best remote second jobs for teachers but also provides them with a unique chance to mentor students, guiding them in academic aspects and essential life skills. Whether in a physical or virtual classroom, the role of an ESL teacher extends beyond language instruction to become a valuable mentor for a broad spectrum of student needs.
Create an Online Course
One of the best ways for teachers to make extra money is to create and sell online courses. Many online platforms offer flexibility, enabling teachers to share expertise on diverse subjects beyond their regular teaching duties.
For example, the SendPulse online course builder facilitates launching, selling, and managing eLearning products.
Teachers can design a course, add lessons, create landing pages, and utilize CRM systems to engage with students through multiple channels.
Become a Virtual Assistant
Most teachers have excellent organizational skills which help them manage time and information efficiently. These skills seamlessly translate into the responsibilities of a virtual assistant, where managing essential tasks such as communication and documentation is crucial.
As a virtual assistant, the flexibility to set your hours aligns well with the unpredictable nature of a teacher’s schedule, enabling you to earn additional income during periods when you aren’t actively teaching. The average hourly salary of a virtual assistant is $24.79 or higher, depending on the obligations, making it an excellent supplemental income for teachers.
Start a Blog
Teachers can boost their income by starting a blog online, leveraging their expertise and passion for education. Creating content on teaching strategies, classroom experiences, and educational resources provides valuable insights to fellow educators and opens avenues for monetization.
Affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and selling educational products are only some of the ways to make extra money as a teacher while managing your blog. Starting a blog will enable you to share your knowledge and experience, connect with a broader audience, and earn extra income beyond the confines of the traditional classroom setting.
Launch an Etsy Store
If you’re the type of teacher with a flawlessly designed Pinterest-worthy classroom and a natural flair for crafts or artistry, consider showcasing your talent on Etsy. Start by specializing in a particular craft to establish your reputation and improve your ranking in Etsy searches.
We recommend you start by conducting basic research to ensure that what you have to offer is unique. This strategic approach will help you carve out a niche and stand out among the diverse offerings on Etsy. Creating a store where you can showcase your creative skills is among the top-rated side gigs for teachers.
Start a YouTube Channel
Launching a YouTube channel can be an enjoyable and creative side hustle for teachers, especially if you’re at ease in front of a camera. It offers a personal connection with a global audience, allowing you to share your expertise.
To begin, create a channel focusing on a specific topic or niche. Monetization options include advertising, sponsorships, and product sales. If you’re unsure about content, just check your favorite channels and look for something personal to add to make your content more unique.
How to Make Extra Money as a Teacher Offline
From teaching summer school or becoming a notary to traveling abroad to join a teaching program, here are some opportunities you can explore to maximize your earning potential while making a positive impact in and out of the classroom.
Adjunct Professor Role
Explore opportunities to teach as an adjunct professor at local colleges or universities. Many institutions offer positions for experienced teachers, allowing them to share their expertise in a specific subject. Plus, it’s among the most prospective part-time jobs for teachers who aspire to become university professors in the future.
Teach Summer School
Take advantage of summer break by teaching in a summer school program. Schools often need additional educators to provide academic support during summer.
Oversee After-School Programs
Another great teacher side hustle is overseeing or coordinating after-school programs. These roles may involve organizing activities, assisting with homework, and ensuring the safety and well-being of students in an extended school day setting. Many schools often seek dedicated educators to enhance the after-school experience for students.
Join a Teaching Abroad Program
Among the most adventurous ways for teachers to make extra money in the summer is to explore teaching opportunities abroad. Many organizations and schools worldwide seek qualified teachers to provide education in different cultural settings.
Programs such as ESL teaching or international school placements can provide a unique cultural experience while earning extra income.
Help Students with Test Preparation
Offer tutoring services to students preparing for standardized tests. You can specialize in specific subjects or exams, helping students improve their scores and academic performance. Many students and their parents seek additional support for exams like the SAT, ACT, or other subject-specific tests.
Babysitting or Nannying
Leverage your childcare skills by offering babysitting or nannying services. Babysitting is not just one of the most popular ways for teenagers to make extra money. Parents often appreciate the expertise and responsibility that teachers bring to such roles. And they often seek more mature individuals with an educational background to help with childcare and homework assistance.
Dog Walking and Pet Care
Start a pet-sitting or dog-walking service in your community. It’s a project that can offer a solid extra income for teachers. Many pet owners appreciate the convenience of hiring a reliable person to care for their pets.
Camp Counselor
If you’re wondering how to make money as a teacher during school breaks, consider working as a camp counselor. Whether it’s a summer or holiday camp, your teaching skills can be valuable in organizing educational and recreational activities for campers.
Find a Job in Retail
Explore part-time retail positions during evenings or weekends. The world of retail offers great teacher-side jobs as you will be earning more while changing the pace from what you’re usually used to–the classroom.
Become a Tour Guide
If you are passionate about your local area or specific topics, consider becoming a tour guide. This could involve leading historical, cultural, or educational tours for tourists. Plus it’s a rewarding way to share knowledge and earn extra money for teachers.
Become a Notary
Notaries are often needed for legal documents. You can charge a fee for your time and expertise. It’s a flexible side hustle for teachers and can earn you around $1,000 monthly, depending on your location and commitment.
Join the National Notary Association to get training and obtain your notary certification. Once certified, market your services to businesses and individuals locally to kickstart your notary public journey.
Become an Airbnb Host
If you have extra space in your home, consider becoming an Airbnb host. With the rising demand for unique and affordable travel accommodations, becoming an Airbnb host is a lucrative side hustle, especially for teachers. Hosting on Airbnb not only provides financial benefits but also the opportunity to connect with people globally.
Flip Your Stuff for Cash
It may not be among the most popular ways for teachers to make extra money, but it’s certainly something to consider. Flipping items for cash offers teachers a flexible and potentially lucrative side hustle.
By buying low and selling high, teachers can leverage their existing possessions or explore garage sales and thrift stores for profitable finds. With no restrictions on the types of items to flip, teachers can use online platforms like Facebook Marketplace or advertising apps to maximize their earnings.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to make extra money as a teacher. How much you can earn through these side jobs ranges from as little as $10 per hour to as much as $8,000 a month, depending on how much free time you have and the skills you can utilize beyond teaching.