17 Simple Lucrative Side Hustles For Graduates That Pay Well

"Unlocking Opportunity: Find Simple Yet Lucrative Side Hustles Tailored for Graduates That Provide Significant Earnings"

March 26, 2024

17 Simple Lucrative Side Hustles For Graduates That Pay Well

In today’s competitive employment market, the lucrative side hustles for graduates that pay well are a great salvation.

As many recent graduates are relying on side hustles to supplement their income and earn crucial experience while pursuing their careers.

Table of Contents

A side hustle is a flexible, part-time career or business venture that people do in addition to their major work or study.

These opportunities can lead to financial stability, skill development, and personal fulfillment. Let’s look at several profitable side hustles for graduates that pay well and offer intriguing opportunities.

Check Out the 17 simple lucrative side hustles for graduates below:

Blogging and Content Creation
Freelance Writing or Content Creation
Graphic Design and Creative Services
Online Tutoring or Teaching
E-commerce and Dropshipping
Virtual Assistance
Language Translation and Interpretation
Virtual Event Hosting and Emceeing
Podcasting and Audio Production
Social Media Management and Analytics
Social Media Management and Influencer Marketing
Digital Marketing Services
Photography and Videography
Fitness Coaching and Personal Training
Event Planning and Coordination
Consulting Services
Home and Pet Sitting Services

1. Blogging and Content Creation

If you have a passion for writing, expertise in a particular field, or a unique viewpoint on topics of interest you can launch your own blogs and monetize your content in a variety of ways.

The average hourly salary for a new blogger or writer ranges from $10 to $30 per hour, depending on location, niche, and writing ability.

As a beginner, you can earn between $20,000 and $40,000 per year, though these statistics might fluctuate greatly.

Social networking sites and email newsletters can help with content promotion and audience growth, while blogging platforms like WordPress, Blogger, and Medium provide tools for composing and publishing blog posts.

Bloggers can generate revenue through a variety of monetization approaches, including display ads, sponsored content, affiliate marketing, digital items (e-books, courses), and membership subscriptions.

Although blogging revenue varies widely depending on audience size, monetization tactics, and niche, successful bloggers may build significant passive income streams and even turn their blogs into full-time businesses.

2. Freelance Writing or Content Creation

The development of digital material and online platforms has created a strong demand for freelance writers, bloggers, and content creators.

Graduates with a passion for writing can find freelance jobs in a variety of fields, including content marketing, social media management, blogging, copywriting, and freelancing, by using sites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr.

Freelance writers make between $20 and $50 per hour on average, with top earners making over $100, according to a Freelancer’s Union survey.

3. Graphic Design and Creative Services

Graduates with talent and design expertise can provide graphic design services to individuals, startups, and companies.

Freelance designers can exhibit their work and locate clients on websites such as 99designs, DesignCrowd, and Dribbble.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median yearly salary for graphic designers is approximately $53,380; however, independent designers may make much more.

4. Online Tutoring or Teaching

Graduates with particular expertise could increase their income by providing online teaching or tutoring services.

Students looking for academic support or language learning can connect with tutors through websites like VIPKid, Tutor.com, and Chegg Tutors.

Online tutors can make between $10 and $50 per hour, depending on the subject and their qualifications.

5. E-commerce and Dropshipping

Graduates with an entrepreneurial mindset can launch their own e-commerce companies or participate in dropshipping, which is the practice of selling goods online without keeping inventory.

Tools and resources are available for establishing online storefronts and handling sales on platforms such as eBay, Amazon FBA, and Shopify.

Profitable e-commerce businesses can make large sums of money; some reports mention six-figure salaries or higher for seasoned sellers.

6. Virtual Assistance

Graduates who are diligent and well-organized can provide busy professionals and enterprises with administrative support and virtual help.

Executive assistants, administrative assistants, and virtual assistants can find remote employment opportunities on websites such as Remote.co and Virtual Assistant Jobs.

The hourly wage for virtual assistants usually ranges from $15 to $30, contingent on the tasks’ complexity and skill level.

7. Language Translation and Interpretation

Graduates with multilingual skills can provide translation and interpreting services to individuals, companies, governments, and educational institutions.

Translators and clients looking for language services across a range of industries and specializations are connected via translation platforms such as TranslatorsCafe, ProZ, and Gengo.

Expert translators usually bill by the word or by the hour; fees vary according to language pairs, subject matter knowledge, and project complexity.

8. Virtual Event Hosting and Emceeing

This is one of the highly lucrative among lucrative side hustles for graduates. Graduates with a captivating personality and excellent communication abilities can emcee or moderate virtual events, webinars, seminars, and live broadcasts.

Tools for hosting virtual events are available on platforms like Zoom, Webex, and Hopin, and possibilities to locate virtual event hosting gigs are available on freelancing marketplaces like Upwork and Freelancer.

Virtual event hosts can charge an hourly rate of $25 to $100 or more, based on the length of the event, the number of the audience, and the degree of customization.

9. Podcasting and Audio Production

Graduates in the creative fields who are passionate about journalism, storytelling, or specialized subjects can launch their podcasts and make money from advertising, sponsorships, and audience support.

Tools for creating, editing, and releasing podcasts to popular streaming services like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts are available on podcast hosting platforms like Anchor, Libsyn, and Podbean.

Revenue-generating options for successful podcasters include merchandise sales, affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and crowdfunding campaigns. Top podcasters can make up to six figures annually from these sources.

10. Social Media Management and Analytics

Graduates with experience in analytics, strategy, and social media marketing can help brands and companies looking to improve their online visibility and engagement by providing social media management services.

Social media management services such as Sprout Social, Buffer, and Hootsuite offer capabilities for audience insights analysis, performance monitoring, and post-scheduling.

Retainer rates for social media managers can range from $500 to $5,000 or more per month, depending on the level of services provided, platform knowledge, and client goals.

11. Social Media Management and Influencer Marketing

Graduates who are well-known on social media sites like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram can make money off of their fame by working with brands on sponsored content, affiliate marketing, and brand collaborations.

Collaborations between influencers and businesses are facilitated by influencer platforms such as AspireIQ and CreatorIQ, as well as influencer marketing agencies.

Top social media influencers can fetch six- or seven-figure salaries annually, and successful influencers can make thousands of dollars per sponsored post or campaign.

12. Digital Marketing Services

Graduates can help organizations aiming to improve their online presence by offering their expertise in digital marketing, which includes SEO (Search Engine Optimization), SEM (Search Engine Marketing), email marketing, and analytics.

Digital marketing experts are in high demand on freelance marketplaces like Upwork and PeoplePerHour, where hourly wages can range from $25 to $100 or more, depending on experience and level of competence.

13. Photography and Videography

Graduates in the creative arts who have a passion for photography and videography can make a living by providing their talents for product photography, events, portraits, and video creation.

Photographers and videographers can sell their work as stock photos and movies on websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Getty Images, receiving royalties for each download.

Particularly wedding photographers can make a good living; average fees for a wedding can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on the venue and amenities provided.

14. Fitness Coaching and Personal Training

Graduates with a focus on health who have studied exercise science and fitness can go on to earn certification as personal trainers or fitness coaches, providing customers with online or in-person coaching services.

Online resources for making personalized exercise regimens, monitoring progress, and engaging with customers remotely include Trainerize, TrueCoach, and My PT Hub.

Personal trainers might charge $30 to $100 or more per hour, based on their experience, area of expertise, and clientele. Looking at the hourly price tag of this rendered it great in the list of simple lucrative side hustles for graduates.

15. Event Planning and Coordination

Graduates who are well-organized, meticulous, and have a flair for organizing and coordinating events can provide event planning services for parties, business gatherings, weddings, and fundraisers.

Platforms for event planning, such as WeddingWire, Eventbrite, and The Knot, offer tools and listings to help planners market their businesses and establish connections with potential customers.

Event planners with experience can charge flat prices for some services or accept fees from 10% to 20% of the overall event budget; the average fee depends on the size and complexity of the event.

16. Consulting Services

Graduates with specific knowledge or experience in fields like technology, HR (Human Resources), marketing, finance, or business can consult with companies looking for strategic direction and counsel.

Platforms for consulting like Expert360, Toptal, and Catalant link consultants with businesses looking for freelance project-based or advisory services.

For instance, hourly charges for management consultants can range from $100 to $300 or more, contingent upon experience level, industry specialization, and project complexity.

17. Home and Pet Sitting Services

Graduates who are responsible, have a passion for animals, and have a talent for housekeeping can provide local homeowners and pet owners with the house and pet-sitting services.

Connecting sitters with customers looking for dependable care for their homes and pets while they’re away is possible thanks to websites like Rover, TrustedHousesitters, and Care.com.

The daily pay for home and pet sitters can vary from $25 to $75 or more, based on the length of the assignment, the location, and any extra services rendered.

Sharing truthful experiences video about side hustles for graduates from YouTube titled ‘7 Realistic Side Hustles I have done As an MD-PhD (Medical and Graduate) student’ below:

How a Grad Student Can Start a Side Hustle

1. Effective Time Management

Recall that starting a side hustle involves commitment, tenacity, and a readiness to change and grow. Establishing oneself and growing a clientele may take some time, so exercise perseverance and patience.

It can be difficult to balance your graduate school responsibilities and your side hustle. To make sure you can give each enough attention, time management is essential.

Make a timetable that allows specific periods for your studies, personal, and side projects. Set attainable goals and prioritize your work to maintain organization and productivity.

2. Find Your Interests and Skills

Determine your interests, abilities, and strengths before moving further. Consider the things you enjoy doing and your strengths. This will assist you in selecting a side project that complements your skills and interests.

3. Analyze market demand and competition

Before starting a side hustle, consider the market demand and competition in your chosen field. Look for regions where there is a need and opportunity for expansion. Consider the competition and how you may stand out to attract customers or clients.

4. Discover Potential Side Hustles

Once you’ve identified your abilities and interests, look into potential side hustle options as a graduate student.

Seek out chances that may be completed on a flexible timetable and will not conflict with your academics.

Some common side hustles are freelance writing, graphic design, tutoring, web development, social media management, and selling handcrafted products.

5. Establish Your Side Hustle

Once you’ve decided on a side hustle, invest in the infrastructure you need to get started. Determine your service or product price structure and set up an invoicing and payment system.

This may include developing a website or portfolio to promote your work, establishing social media profiles for marketing purposes, and obtaining any relevant licenses or permits.

Balancing a Side Hustle and Graduate School

When considering starting a side hustle, many students ask themselves, “Can I balance it with grad school?” initially.

In most situations, the answer is yes because side gigs have the advantage of being somewhat time-effective, being simple yet lucrative side hustles for graduates. It just comes down to figuring out which side project fits in with your timetable.

How to balance your side hustle and your graduate study

Most grad students are very busy. You’ll have to figure out how to manage both your side project and your schoolwork. The following advice will help you maximize your working hours without compromising your sanity:

1. Establish reasonable objectives: Make yourself both short- and long-term objectives, you are not able to do everything at once.

Divide up your duties and obligations into something you can do each day or every week that is doable.

2. Use reasonable time management strategies: Make a schedule and follow it. You may improve your time management skills by using productivity apps like Notion and Google Calendar.

Add in all of your coursework and study sessions, your side job, your necessities, and a little time for socializing and enjoyment.

3. Make your studies a priority: Put the dates of your tests and assignment deadlines on your calendar as soon as you find out so you won’t be caught off guard.

Don’t undervalue them; “side” is the operative word in “side hustle.” Your primary focus should be on your schoolwork.

Check out this video from YouTube, sharing experience about time management, with a title ‘How I manage my time with full-time job, freelance and side hustles’ below:

How to Choose a Side Hustle as a Graduate Student.

Choosing the kind of side hustle to start can be quite difficult, even if you’ve already chosen to launch one. Who knows, maybe the following list has the ideal side gig for you.

However, there is the ideal side gig out there! All you need to do is remember your unique situation, which may include your schedule, financial requirements, personal tastes, etc.

Just keep in mind that you can always try out another side gig if you decide it’s not for you after trying out this one! It’s important to never undervalue trial and error.

Making Time for a Side Hustle As a Graduate Student

The good news is that practically every problem can be solved! Just be imaginative, and you’ll nearly always be able to find some more time.

You may improve your time management abilities, reduce your downtime, pursue a side venture that requires little time, and so on.

Summary

“Hey, grad! Want to earn more money and acquire experience? We have everything covered! Find lucrative side hustles for graduates that pay well in detail here. Opportunities abound, ranging from internet instruction to freelance writing.

Imagine getting paid top dollar—up to $50 per hour—working as a freelance writer or graphic designer. Or consider earning up to $50 per hour as an online tutor.

remember e-commerce as well. Just picture yourself managing your website and earning six figures. It’s all accessible! Explore these profitable side projects now, and you’ll see an increase in your money account!”

FAQs

Which side hustle is best for students?

Working for yourself.
The freelance marketplaces
Upwork and Fiverr provide a plethora of chances for pupils to exhibit their abilities.
Content creation and blogging, dropshipping, affiliate marketing, online tutoring, e-commerce, app development, and more.
Social Media Administration.

What is the #1 side hustle?

Freelancing. Freelancing is a confirmed way to make additional money, and it should be at the top of any list of easy side hustle ideas.

Freelancers provide work on a project basis for one or more clients, which you can arrange in your spare time.

What’s the best-paying side hustle?

The highest-paying side gig overall is a marketing strategy, which pays $178.08 on average per day. A small firm might not have the expertise, networks, or specialized knowledge that an effective digital marketing strategist possesses in-house.