Whether you’re looking to pick up a flexible side gig or build a real business, here are some of the best options, starting from the more accessible, up to those with higher earning potential.
12. Delivery Driver (Courier): ~$19.60/hr
This is the more typical delivery driver job (car/van) listed by Forbes at $19.60/hr.
Best For: People with a reliable vehicle such as a car or SUV and flexible schedule.
Tip: Focus on routes that maximize pay per hour, not just per stop.
11. House Cleaner: ~$19.82/hr
Also from Forbes: the average is $19.82/hr.
Best For: Organized, detail-oriented people comfortable doing hands-on work.
Tip: Recurring weekly/bi-weekly clients help build steady income.
10. Babysitter: ~$19.99/hr
According to Forbes, babysitting averages $19.99/hr.
Best For: People who enjoy working with children and have flexible availability.
Tip: Offer homework help or evening hours for an added premium.
9. Personal Assistant: ~$20.58/hr
From the Forbes list: about $20.58/hr.
Best For: Strong communicators, organized, comfortable managing tasks for others.
Tip: Specialize (e.g., social-media assistant or ecommerce assistant) to raise your rate.
8. Online Tutor: ~$21.15/hr
Also Forbes: $21.15/hr average.
Best For: Those with proficiency in a subject area and comfortable teaching or mentoring online.
Tip: Higher rates when working with test prep or niche subjects (e.g., coding, ESL).
7. Nanny: ~$21.39/hr
Average hourly rate: $21.39 per Forbes.
Best For: Caregivers looking for more stable and regular work than occasional babysitting.
Tip: Certifications (CPR/First Aid) and strong references can help you command a higher rate.
6. Dog Walker: ~$24.84/hr
Average: $24.84/hr per Forbes.
Best For: Animal lovers, people comfortable spending time outdoors.
Tip: Offer additional services (pet sitting, overnight stays) to boost earnings.
5. Website Tester: ~$25.00/hr
Average: $25.00/hr (Forbes).
Best For: People comfortable with websites/apps and providing clear feedback.
Tip: Sign up for multiple testing services to increase your opportunities.
4. Virtual Assistant: ~$26.63/hr
Average: $26.63/hr (Forbes).
Best For: Organized remote workers comfortable supporting business tasks.
Tip: Develop a niche (e.g., e-commerce VA, social-media VA) to earn more.
3. Focus Groups: ~$28.00/hr
From Forbes: this is the highest in the “no experience required” category at $28.00/hr.
Best For: People who can provide feedback/opinions in market-research sessions.
Tip: Register with multiple market-research companies; some sessions can pay significantly more depending on time.
2. Cargo Van Owner-Operator: ~$56-$63/hr (or more)
This side hustle requires owning/operating a cargo van (or sprinter van) and typically takes you beyond “no experience” into more entrepreneur/contractor territory.
Earnings data:
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According to Glassdoor, owner-operators of cargo vans average ~$63/hr. On GoShare is can be as much as ~$105/hr
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Another source, Upper Route Planner, shows average salary ~$77,088/yr for cargo van owner-operators.
Best For: You own or lease a cargo van, are comfortable handling logistics, loading/unloading, and contracts.
Tip: Focus on high-value deliveries (large items, white-glove delivery service) for premium pay per job.
1. Box Truck Owner-Operator: ~$57-$168+/hr
This is now the highest-earning side hustle listed here. Operating a box truck (14-26 ft or similar) can command substantial income.
Earnings data:
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A summary article from Equipment Experts Inc. notes box truck owner-operators can earn an average hourly wage of ~$57 or more, with annual income ~$120,000+ in some cases. With GoShare it can be up to $168 per hour.
Best For: Those who either own a box truck or are willing to lease/operate one, comfortable with heavy-load logistics and scheduling.
Tip: Focus on dedicated routes, last mile delivery services, hot shot delivery and minimize dead-mileage/time to maximize effective hourly rate.
Summary: Side Hustles & Estimated Earnings
| Rank | Side Hustle | Avg Hourly Rate / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | Delivery Driver (standard vehicle) | ~$19.60/hr |
| 11 | House Cleaner | ~$19.82/hr |
| 10 | Babysitter | ~$19.99/hr |
| 9 | Personal Assistant | ~$20.58/hr |
| 8 | Online Tutor | ~$21.15/hr |
| 7 | Nanny | ~$21.39/hr |
| 6 | Dog Walker | ~$24.84/hr |
| 5 | Website Tester | ~$25.00/hr |
| 4 | Virtual Assistant | ~$26.63/hr |
| 3 | Focus Groups | ~$28.00/hr |
| 2 | Cargo Van Owner-Operator | ~$56-$105+/hr (varies) |
| 1 | Box Truck Owner-Operator | ~$57-$168+/hr |
Final Thoughts
You can see there’s a significant jump in earning potential when you move from simple gig-jobs into owning/managing a delivery business. Owning the asset adds complexity (insurance, maintenance, scheduling, logistics) but also opens up far greater upside.
If you’re evaluating side hustles, consider:
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Time vs. earnings: Higher hourly rates often come with more responsibilities or higher startup cost.
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Asset ownership: The type/size of vehicle you own changes the equation (expenses, risk, control).
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Scalability: Some gigs (e.g., box truck owner-operator) can scale into a full business rather than just a side hustle.
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Match your lifestyle: Flexibility vs. commitment matters, some side hustles require being on-call or delivering large items physically.
If you own a car, suv, pickup truck, cargo van or box truck and you’re interested in a side hustle or starting your own business, you can learn more and sign up for GoShare at goshare.co/drivers.