Being a stay-at-home mom requires a tremendous amount of work. From childcare and housework to cooking and errands, SAHMs work nonstop juggling family responsibilities. But amidst the daily hustle, many moms also want to contribute financially to the household or have outlets allowing them to maintain careers.
Luckily, the flexibility of being home paired with technology creates growing opportunities for moms to earn extra income through side hustles fitting around responsibilities. This guide explores 25 of the top side gigs for stay-at-home moms in 2023.
Table of Contents
1. Provide Virtual Tutoring
One of the best ways for educated SAHMs to earn income from home is by becoming an online tutor helping students master academic subjects, test prep, music skills, languages, and more. The benefits include:
- Convenient – Lessons are given via video chat at times fitting your schedule. No commute required.
- Lucrative – Tutors charge $20-$50 per hour or more depending on expertise. Income adds up tutoring just a few hours per week.
- Make a difference – Help students struggling in subjects you excelled at. Provide guidance and support they may lack.
- Leverage your knowledge – Teaching allows stay-at-home moms to continue utilizing hard-won knowledge and degrees.
Tutoring platforms like Varsity Tutors, Wyzant, and Sidetrain simplify getting started by providing student leads and handling administration. If you have mastery of academic subjects, tutoring online is a rewarding way to earn from home while kids nap or after they’re in bed.
2. Teach a Language
SAHMs proficient in English or foreign languages like Spanish, French, Chinese, and more can generate decent earnings teaching online. The work hours line up well with stay-at-home schedules.
- Mornings or evenings – Peak times align with early morning or evenings in China. Days remain open.
- $14-$26 per hour – Pay rates exceed many entry level in-person positions, especially factoring convenience.
- Resume builder – Gain teaching experience managing virtual classrooms while staying home.
Popular ESL companies like VIPKid, Magic Ears, Palfish, and SayABC make getting hired and booked with Chinese students simple. The flexible schedule and lesson format fit SAHM lifestyles perfectly.
3. Sell Handmade Creations
Crafty stay-at-home moms can generate solid income selling DIY products like jewelry, quilts, candles, artwork, eclectic home décor, knitted garments, bows, baked goods, and more. Some benefits include:
- Tap into trends – Design items aligned to popular aesthetics and seasonal interests that sell.
- Sell via social media – Use Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest to market creations to local buyers.
- Low startup costs – Aside from basic materials and supplies, required investments remain low.
- Use existing skills – No need to learn new abilities. Monetize talents you already possess.
- Teach classes – Offer in-home or virtual lessons teaching craft skills like candle making, jewelry design, calligraphy etc.
With a bit of social media savvy, crafty stay-at-home moms can build loyal followers eagerly awaiting new product releases and expand income over time.
4. Provide Daycare
For parents comfortable caring for kids, providing in-home daycare earns income while allowing staying home with your own children. Perks include:
- More time with own kids – Kids interact and socialize with additional children.
- Weekday hours – Best aligns with traditional working parents needing childcare.
- Low startup costs – Aside from toys and activities, necessities like food can be passed to parents.
- Satisfying work – Nurturing and caring for children is extremely rewarding.
- Flexibility – Take on only as many kids as personally manageable. Adjust as your situation permits.
Many SAHMs only take on 1-3 additional kids keeping total numbers very reasonable. Even this light involvement can produce substantial earnings over time caring for children in your own home.
5. Resell Clothing Online
Frequent secondhand stores like Goodwill and thrift shops to buy designer items and quality used clothing for low prices. Then relist the items online for profit. Considerations include:
- Learn designer brands – Research names that garner high resale prices like Louboutin, Gucci, Fendi, etc.
- Check carefully for flaws – Inspect items closely for any defects that would detract from value.
- Photograph attractively – Take clear, well-lit photos against clean backgrounds to showcase items.
- Share via social media – List resellable fashion on Poshmark, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace, Instagram and more.
- Model when possible – Try on clothing to model items in your own photos. Buyers love seeing pieces worn.
With a bit of fashion sense and the ability to size up valuable merchandise, reselling used clothes can become quite a lucrative gig.
6. Write Blog Content
If writing is your forte, begin freelancing blog content and articles focused on topics you possess expertise in. Types of writing gigs may include:
- Industry Trends & Analysis
- How-to Tutorials
- Product Reviews
- Interviews With Experts
- Pros/Cons Comparisons
- Case Studies and Personal Stories
Focus on a niche you enjoy researching and have experience with. Writing part-time as little as a few hours per week can generate $500-$2,000+ in monthly earnings over time as your portfolio and client roster expands.
7. Proofread Documents
Leverage strong writing and editing skills proofreading and reviewing documents for errors as a freelance virtual assistant. Types of documents include:
- Blog Posts & Articles
- Corporate Reports
- Research Papers
- Case Studies
- Press Releases
- Legal Contracts
- Policy Documents
Specialized sites like Gramlee connect proofreaders and writers to provide editing services starting around $5 per 100 words of content. Flexible schedules allow proofing documents during pockets of free time.
8. Teach Music Lessons
Share your musical talents teaching piano, guitar, drums, voice, violin, or other instruments virtually. Benefits include:
- Leverage existing abilities – Earn income utilizing talents you already have.
- Flexible – Arrange lessons for after school hours or weekends.
- Lucrative – Music teachers charge $20-$50 per hour for private instruction.
- Rewarding – Share your love for music to enrich students’ lives.
Platforms like Chegg Tutors, TakeLessons, and Lessonface provide the tools and student leads to begin teaching music skills from any location. Turn your hobby into profits while setting a schedule that works for you.
9. Rent Out Storage Space
If you have extra garage, driveway, or shed space, renting it out as storage generates sizable passive income. Ways to earn include:
- Listing vacant space on Spacer, Neighbor, and Storemates.
- Renting garage, driveway, or yard space directly to locals needing more room.
- Using Extra Space to list your areas and coordinate logistics.
- Creating secure storage sheds in your yard or basement to lease out.
With neighborhood sizes shrinking, demand for storage continues rising. Put that vacant square footage in your home or yard to work earning money passively month after month.
10. Monetize a YouTube Channel
Creating videos in your spare time about topics you enjoy can generate an ongoing passive income stream through YouTube. Revenue opportunities include:
- Getting paid for ads running on your videos.
- Promoting sponsored products and brand partnerships.
- Referring viewers to affiliate offers like courses and services.
- Directly selling services, merchandise, and digital products to your audience.
The more viewership your channel generates the greater your earning potential. But even small channels can produce hundreds per month. Consistent quality content focused on engaging a target niche is key.
11. Rent Your Car Out
Let your car make money for you by listing it for rental on platforms when not needed. Options include:
- Turo – Has over 400 makes/models with $1M insurance. Earn 65%-85% of total trip cost.
- Getaround – Offers keyless access via phones. Provides up to $1M insurance.
- HyreCar – Specializes in renting vehicles to Uber/Lyft drivers needing cars.
- Avail – Caters specifically to car sharing between neighbors and within communities.
For stay-at-home parents seldom traveling, renting out an extra vehicle provides effortless passive income, often exceeding monthly lease or finance payments.
12. Teach Fitness Classes
Fitness instructors and personal trainers can earn income leading virtual workout and nutrition classes related to disciplines like:
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Strength Training
- High Intensity Interval Training
- Kickboxing
- Nutrition & Healthy Cooking
Sites including Sidetrain, Zebralove, and Superprof make connecting with virtual clients simple. Fitness knowledge combined with an encouraging teaching style allows earning $30-$60 per hour teaching online.
13. Voiceover Work
Exploring voice acting provides creative fulfillment and income potential recording audio files for:
- Audiobook Narration
- Podcast Intros
- Phone System Messages
- Radio/TV Commercials
- Documentary Narration
- Corporate Explainer Videos
- Voicemail Greetings
Check sites like Voices.com, VoiceBunny, and Voice123 to access paid voiceover work opportunities across industries. Make extra money utilizing specialized talents.
14. Teach Arts or Crafts Virtually
Share your talents teaching specialized arts or DIY crafting skills through virtual platforms like Skillshare, Sidetrain, and Takelessons. Types of classes you can offer online include:
- Painting or Drawing
- Pottery or Sculpture
- Knitting, Quilting, or Crocheting
- Paper Crafts like Origami
- Calligraphy or Hand-Lettering
- Candle or Soap Making
- Jewelry Design Techniques
Open up additional income while preserving the flexibility of being home simply by teaching your innate creative abilities to others online.
15. Provide Virtual Bookkeeping
Offer contracted remote bookkeeping assistance to small businesses, startups, or independent contractors needing support with:
- Accounts Payable/Receivable
- Payroll Management
- Expense and Income Tracking
- Financial Reporting
- Budget Development
- Tax Preparation
Schooling or past professional business finance experience makes it easier to provide these lucrative small business support services around family needs.
16. Sell Handmade Jewelry
If jewelry design is your creative specialty, produce and sell unique jewelry like necklaces, bracelets, rings etc crafted from materials like:
- Precious Metals – Gold, Silver, Platinum
- Gemstones – Diamonds, Emeralds, Rubies
- Natural Materials – Shells, Wood, Leather
- Textiles – Hemp, Cotton, Silk
- Recycled Materials – Coins, Computer Parts, Magazine Scraps
Tools like Shopify, Etsy, and even your own social channels make opening a virtual jewelry boutique accessible. Handcrafting pieces in your downtime can become quite a fruitful side business.
17. Teach English to Kids in China
Since China’s peak tutoring hours occur early mornings and evenings, teaching English online aligns perfectly with stay-at-home parent schedules. Perks include:
- Flexible block scheduling choosing times that fit your routine
- From $14-$26 USD per hour
- Opportunities to open your child’s worldview
- Teach from anywhere with a computer and internet
Companies like SayABC, Palfish, and Little Fox provide the ESL lesson plans and marketing to get you started fast. Use knowledge you gain teaching English early on to prepare your own child for a multilingual world.
18. Sell Printables on Etsy
Unleash your creative skills designing charming printable templates, planners, wall art, educational resources, party décor, and more sold on digital marketplaces like Etsy. Examples include:
- Coloring Book Pages
- Activity Book PDFs
- Wedding Invites
- Social Media Templates
- Letter and Number Tracing Practice Sheets
- Goal Setting Workbooks
- Grocery or Budget Planners
Quality designs that solve needs for business owners, parents, teachers, parties etc. can earn $5-$15+ per printable downloaded.
19. Run a Daycare
Operating a licensed in-home daycare enables earning income caring for a small group of children alongside your own. Services to provide include:
- Trusted Child Supervision
- Engaging Activities and Crafts
- Safe Play Time
- Meals and Snacks
- Naps and Rest Periods
- Pickups/Drop-offs
Given extensive requirements, operating a proper licensed daycare is work. But childcare remains in high demand providing security parents desperately need.
20. Teach Computer Skills
School age kids increasingly need to master technology skills for both education and recreation. Offer classes teaching:
- Typing and Computer Basics
- Coding and Programming
- Roblox Development
- Minecraft Mods and Servers
- App Development
- Video Editing and Animation
- 3D Modeling and Printing
Technology capabilities combined with the ability to connect with young learners opens opportunities to profit sharing your technical knowledge online.
21. Write an eBook
Publish and sell a specialized informational book through platforms like Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, or Google Play. Hot eBook topics include:
- Cooking, Baking & Recipes
- Arts & Crafts Instruction
- Home Decorating/Improvement
- Budgeting & Personal Finance
- Pregnancy & New Motherhood
- Genealogy Research
- Career Advice Guides
Written during naps or after bedtime, informational eBooks allow creating diversified income that continues benefiting from royalties long after completion.
22. Offer Resume Writing Services
Help others optimize their resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, professional bios, and other career materials as a freelance resume writer. Main responsibilities include:
- Formatting and Design
- Content Refinement
- Quantifying Achievements
- Keyword Optimization
- Objective Tailoring
- Interview Prep
Remote work sites like Flexjobs and SolidGigs frequently post openings for freelance resume writing opportunities. Turn your human resources experience into profits.
23. Teach Dance or Gymnastics
Share a passion for dance or gymnastics by teaching classes focused on styles like:
- Ballet
- Jazz
- Tap
- Hip Hop
- Ballroom/Latin
- Cheerleading
- Competitive Gymnastics
Lessons can be provided in-person or online via video chat using platforms like Greatmats, Zebralove, and TakeLessons. Turning your skills and energy into income is extremely rewarding.
24. Rent Your Home on VRBO
Apps like VRBO allow earn substantial sums renting your home while traveling or visiting relatives. Key benefits include:
- Earning potentials of $1,000-$10,000+ per rental depending on home size, location, amenities etc.
- Paying cleaning/maintenance crews allows mostly passive income requiring little involvement.
- VRBO handles marketing, photography, listings and provides $1M renter guarantee.
- Complements childcare duties since rentals confined to vacations and getaways when school isn’t in session.
Renting just occasionally generates big paydays relative to effort required. Especially in desirable vacation locales.
25. Garage Sale Flipping
Frequent yard sales and thrift stores to buy furnishings, electronics, designer goods, vintage items and more for bargain prices. Then relist items online to sell for big profits. Tips include:
- Learn to spot valuable items – Research designer brands, collectibles, antiques etc. that garner high resale prices. Develop an eye for quality merchandise.
- Verify condition – Closely inspect items for any damage or defects that would negatively impact value.
- Research fair pricing – Check completed eBay listings and other venue sales to accurately price items according to market demand.
- Photograph professionally – Take clear, well-lit photos against clean backgrounds to showcase items condition.
- Leverage selling apps – List goods for sale on platforms like eBay, Poshmark, OfferUp, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace etc.
- Act quickly – Resell products fast while still in high demand before trends change. Avoid getting stuck with obsolete inventory.
- Provide great service – Stand by what you sell. Respond to questions promptly. Offer fast shipping and easy returns. This earns buyer trust and loyalty.
With some product research skills and the ability to spot hidden gems, reselling garage sale merchandise can become quite a lucrative gig. Just focus on finding underpriced items with proven demand and sufficient profit margin.
Here are some additional side hustle ideas for SAHMs:
- Virtual Assistant – Provide admin help – email, calendar management, data entry etc. for $15-$25 per hour.
- Online Surveys – Get paid sharing your opinions through sites like SurveyJunkie and Swagbucks.
- Freelance Writing – Earn $20-$50+ per article writing blogs, marketing materials, website content etc.
- Bookkeeper – Offer contracted Quickbooks, payroll, expense tracking help for small biz owners.
- Virtual Book Clubs – Get paid hosting online book club discussions analyzing literature.
- Language Lessons – Tutor English learners abroad or teach foreign languages.
- Virtual Party Planning – Help clients plan and manage parties through online collaboration and coordination.
With technology today, SAHMs have more opportunities than ever to earn income aligning with schedules and family duties. Get creative exploring options matching your unique talents and interests!
Conclusion
While some hustles demand more effort than others, this list provides a starting point of proven ways for stay-at-home mothers to begin earning money from home.
Set aside time to honestly inventory your specialized knowledge, skills, resources, and passions. The opportunities best suited for you likely align closely with your inherent strengths and abilities.
By starting small, testing ideas that spark your interest, and iterating based on feedback, side income creation can provide fulfillment along with extra earnings. Just don’t overcommit – family comes first!
