100 Best Side Hustles for Women in 2026 (Flexible & Legit)

The ultimate list of 100 flexible side hustles for women. From Shopify stores to freelancing, find your perfect money making opportunity.
Arielle Phoenix
Arielle PhoenixMommy Money founder, author, entrepreneur.
25 min read

TL;DR — Quick Summary

  • 1Starting a Shopify store is the #1 side hustle with $10K+/month potential
  • 2Service based hustles like VA work earn $15 to $40/hour with flexible schedules
  • 3Many options require zero startup costs
  • 4Creative hustles let you turn hobbies into income
  • 5Choose based on your skills, time, and income goals

Looking for ways to earn extra income on your own terms? You are in the right place. I have put together the ultimate list of 100 side hustles perfect for women in 2026. Whether you want to build a full blown business or just earn some extra cash each month, there is something here for you.

The best part? Many of these can be started with little to no money, and you can work them around whatever schedule you already have. Let us dive in.

🚀 #1 Ecommerce Platform Worldwide

Start Your Shopify Store Today

Join millions of entrepreneurs who have made over $1 trillion in sales on Shopify.

15%
Higher Conversion
150M+
Shop Pay Buyers
$1T+
Merchant Sales
Success Story:
"Gymshark went from a garage startup to £500M+ in annual sales using Shopify."
AI-Powered (Shopify Magic)No Coding NeededFree TrialBest Checkout
Perfect for:
📦Dropshipping
👕Print-on-Demand
📄Digital Products
🎨Handmade Goods
🏪Local Retail

Ecommerce & Online Store Ideas (1 to 10)

1. Start a Shopify Store

This tops the list for good reason. The ecommerce industry is booming, with global online sales expected to hit $8 trillion by 2027. Shopify makes it ridiculously easy to launch your own store without any technical skills. You can sell physical products, digital downloads, or services.

The flexibility is what makes it perfect for women. Start with dropshipping (no inventory needed), print on demand (no upfront costs), or digital products (create once, sell forever). Successful store owners report earning anywhere from $500 to $10,000+ monthly.

Popular niches: Fashion, beauty, home decor, baby products, pet supplies, wellness products, handmade jewelry.

2. Dropshipping Business

Launch an online store without ever touching inventory. You partner with suppliers who ship directly to your customers. Women's fashion dropshipping is particularly profitable right now.

3. Print on Demand Products

Design custom t shirts, mugs, phone cases, and home goods. Platforms like Printful and Printify handle production and shipping. You just create the designs and market your products.

4. Selling Digital Products

Create ebooks, online courses, printable planners, social media templates, Lightroom presets, or digital artwork. Digital products have 90%+ profit margins since there are no production or shipping costs.

5. Etsy Shop for Handmade Goods

Sell handmade jewelry, crafts, art, home decor, or vintage items. Some sellers report earning $10,000 monthly from Etsy printables alone.

6. Etsy Printables Business

Design downloadable planners, wall art, calendars, wedding stationery, and organizational templates. Minimal startup costs and generates passive income once created.

7. Subscription Box Service

Curate monthly boxes of beauty products, snacks, books, crafts, or wellness items. Subscription models give you predictable recurring revenue each month.

8. Affiliate Marketing

Promote products through blogs, social media, or YouTube and earn commissions on sales. Top affiliate marketers earn $100 to $1,500+ monthly.

9. Amazon FBA Seller

Sell products through Amazon's fulfillment network. They handle storage, shipping, and customer service. Sellers report $300 to $2,000+ monthly income.

10. Retail Arbitrage

Buy discounted items from retail stores or thrift shops and resell them online for profit. Some resellers earn up to $5,000 monthly doing this part time.

Pro Tip

Starting a Shopify store is one of the most scalable options on this list. You can begin with dropshipping to test products without inventory risk, then transition to holding your own stock once you know what sells.

Ready to Start Your Store?

Launch your Shopify store today. Free trial, no coding required.

💰 Get the 2026 Shopify Playbook →

Service Based Side Hustles (11 to 29)

11. Virtual Assistant Services

Provide administrative support, email management, calendar scheduling, data entry, and customer service remotely. VAs earn $15 to $40 per hour depending on experience.

12. Freelance Writing

Write blog posts, articles, website copy, or marketing content for businesses. Freelance writers earn $0.10 to $1 per word or $20 to $50+ per hour.

13. Social Media Management

Create content, manage accounts, and engage audiences for small businesses. Social media managers charge $25 to $40 per hour or $300 to $1,500+ monthly per client.

14. Bookkeeping Services

Manage financial records for small businesses using software like QuickBooks. Bookkeepers earn $25 to $80 per hour with flexible schedules.

15. Online Tutoring

Teach academic subjects, languages, or test preparation online. Tutors earn $18 to $60 per hour, and the global market is projected to reach $23.73 billion by 2030.

16. Proofreading and Editing

Review and correct written content for bloggers, authors, and businesses. Proofreaders earn $20 to $50 per hour.

17. Graphic Design Services

Create logos, social media graphics, marketing materials, and branding for clients. Graphic designers earn $13 to $39 per hour or more for specialized work.

18. Web Design and Development

Build and maintain websites for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Web developers earn $45+ per hour.

19. Video Editing

Edit videos for YouTubers, businesses, and content creators. Video editors charge $20 to $120 per hour depending on complexity.

20. Podcast Editing

Edit audio, create show notes, and manage podcast uploads. Podcast editors earn $30 to $300+ per episode.

21. SEO Specialist Services

Optimize websites for search engines to improve rankings and traffic. SEO specialists earn $15 to $25+ per hour, more for proven results.

22. Resume Writing Services

Create professional resumes and cover letters for job seekers. This is always in demand and you can charge per document or hourly.

23. Grant Writing

Write proposals to secure funding for nonprofits and organizations. Grant writers earn $20 to $250 per hour depending on expertise.

24. Copywriting Services

Write persuasive sales copy, landing pages, and marketing materials. Copywriters are among the highest paid freelancers out there.

25. Email Marketing Management

Create and manage email campaigns for businesses. Email marketers develop sequences, automation flows, and newsletters.

26. Pinterest Management

Create pins, optimize boards, and drive traffic for businesses. Pinterest managers charge $25 to $40+ per hour.

27. Facebook Ads Management

Run and optimize paid advertising campaigns on Meta platforms. Ads managers charge $1,000 to $5,000 monthly plus ad spend.

28. Google Ads Management

Manage pay per click campaigns for businesses. This is a highly specialized service that commands premium rates.

29. Content Creation Services

Create photos, videos, and written content for businesses' social media and marketing. Content creators build packages based on deliverables.

Creative & Artistic Side Hustles (30 to 45)

30. Photography Services

Offer portrait, event, wedding, or stock photography. Photographers earn $100 to $300+ per hour for sessions.

31. Videography Services

Film and produce videos for events, businesses, and special occasions. Similar earning potential to photography.

32. Blogging

Start a blog on topics you are passionate about and monetize through ads, affiliate marketing, and sponsored posts. Bloggers earn $0 to $5,000+ monthly depending on traffic.

33. YouTube Channel

Create video content and monetize through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. Successful YouTubers earn $100 to $10,000+ monthly.

34. Podcasting

Launch a podcast on a niche topic and monetize through sponsorships and ads. Podcasters earn $0 to $80,000 annually depending on audience size.

35. Voice Over Work

Record voice overs for commercials, audiobooks, and videos. Voice over artists earn $35 to $850 per hour.

36. Illustration and Digital Art

Create custom illustrations, digital art, or commissions for clients. Artists sell through their own sites or marketplaces.

37. Painting and Fine Art

Create and sell original paintings or prints. Many artists combine online sales with local markets and galleries.

38. Jewelry Making

Design and sell handmade jewelry through Etsy, craft fairs, or your own website. Custom jewelry has high profit margins.

39. Candle Making

Create and sell custom candles with unique scents and designs. Handmade candles remain popular gift items year round.

40. Soap Making

Produce handmade soaps using natural ingredients. Artisan soap makers sell at markets and online.

41. Craft and DIY Projects

Make and sell various crafts like wreaths, decorations, or home goods. Crafters use multiple sales channels to maximize reach.

42. Knitting and Crocheting

Create clothing, accessories, and home items to sell. Pattern sales also generate passive income on the side.

43. Embroidery and Sewing

Offer custom embroidery services or sell sewn items. This includes clothing alterations and custom pieces.

44. Furniture Flipping

Refurbish and resell furniture for profit. Requires some upfront investment but offers good returns.

45. Clothing Alterations and Tailoring

Provide alteration services for clothing. Many people need these services but do not know where to find them.

Pro Tip

Creative hustles are perfect if you want to turn a hobby into income. Start by selling to friends and family, then expand to online marketplaces like Etsy or your own Shopify store once you have some momentum.

Teaching & Coaching Side Hustles (46 to 56)

46. Online Course Creation

Develop and sell courses teaching your area of expertise. Course creators earn $500 to $10,000+ per launch.

47. Life or Business Coaching

Offer coaching services in your field of expertise. Coaches charge $30 to $150+ per hour depending on their niche and experience.

48. Fitness Coaching Online

Provide virtual personal training, workout plans, and nutrition guidance. Online fitness coaches earn $30 to $100+ per hour or sell programs for $500 to $3,000+ monthly.

49. Yoga or Pilates Instruction

Teach classes virtually or in person. Instructors set their own rates and schedules, making it perfect for flexible lifestyles.

50. Wellness Coaching

Guide clients on holistic health, stress management, and lifestyle improvements. Wellness is a rapidly growing industry.

51. Nutrition Coaching

Create meal plans and provide dietary guidance. Certified nutritionists can build thriving practices with loyal clients.

52. Homeschool Pod Coordination

Organize and manage learning groups for homeschooled children. Pod coordinators earn $33,000 to $328,000 annually depending on size and location.

53. Music Lessons

Teach instruments or voice lessons online or in person. Private music teachers set their own rates based on experience.

54. Language Tutoring

Teach foreign languages to students of all ages. Language tutors earn $15 to $50+ per hour.

55. Art Classes

Teach painting, drawing, or crafts to children or adults. Art teachers offer workshops or ongoing classes.

56. Cooking Classes

Teach cooking skills virtually or in person. Cooking instructors can specialize in specific cuisines or techniques.

Sell Your Courses Online

Use Shopify to sell digital courses and coaching packages.

💰 Get the 2026 Shopify Playbook →

Health, Beauty & Wellness Side Hustles (57 to 64)

57. Makeup Artist Services

Provide makeup services for weddings, events, and photo shoots. Makeup artists earn competitive hourly rates.

58. Hair Styling Services

Offer hairstyling from home or mobile services. Licensed stylists have flexible scheduling options.

59. Lash Extension Services

Provide eyelash extension services. This specialized service commands premium pricing and has loyal repeat customers.

60. Nail Services

Offer manicures and pedicures from a home studio. Nail technicians build loyal client bases quickly.

61. Esthetician Services

Provide facials, skincare treatments, and consultations. Estheticians can work from home or rent space.

62. Massage Therapy

Offer therapeutic massage services. Licensed massage therapists earn $50 to $100+ per hour.

63. Personal Shopping Services

Help clients shop for clothing, gifts, or special occasions. Personal shoppers charge hourly or per project rates.

64. Styling Services

Provide fashion and wardrobe consulting. Stylists help clients develop their personal style and build capsule wardrobes.

Home & Lifestyle Services (65 to 72)

65. Home Organizing Services

Help clients declutter and organize their homes. Professional organizers earn $50 to $100+ per hour.

66. Home Staging

Stage homes for real estate sales. Home stagers work with realtors and homeowners to maximize property appeal.

67. Interior Design Consulting

Provide design advice and space planning. Interior designers offer various service levels from hourly consults to full room makeovers.

68. Event Planning

Plan and coordinate events, parties, and celebrations. Event planners charge per event or a percentage of budget.

69. Wedding Planning

Specialize in wedding coordination and planning. Wedding planners handle all the details for couples' special days.

70. Kids Party Planning

Organize birthday parties and children's events. This niche offers creative opportunities and repeat business.

71. Virtual Event Planning

Coordinate online events and webinars. Virtual events have grown significantly and demand remains strong.

72. Travel Planning Services

Book travel and create itineraries for clients. Travel agents earn commissions and planning fees.

Childcare & Pet Care Side Hustles (73 to 84)

73. Babysitting Services

Provide childcare in your home or theirs. Babysitters charge $15 to $25+ per hour depending on location and number of children.

74. Home Based Childcare

Start a licensed childcare business from your home. Childcare providers earn $25,000 to $60,000 annually.

75. Nanny Services

Provide regular childcare as a nanny. Nannies earn competitive salaries based on experience and responsibilities.

76. After School Care

Offer care for children after school hours. This fits well if you have school age children of your own.

77. Childcare Swap Co Op

Organize community childcare exchanges. This creative approach helps multiple families save on childcare costs.

78. Carpool Services

Provide transportation for children to and from activities. This convenience service is in high demand from busy parents.

79. Pet Sitting

Care for pets in their homes while owners are away. Pet sitters earn $15 to $35 per visit.

80. Dog Walking

Walk dogs for busy pet owners. Dog walkers charge $15 to $30 per walk depending on duration and number of dogs.

81. Dog Training Services

Train dogs in obedience or specialized skills. Professional trainers charge premium rates for their expertise.

82. Pet Grooming

Provide grooming services from home or mobile. Groomers build recurring client bases with regular appointments.

83. Pet Taxi Services

Transport pets to appointments and activities. This specialized service fills a real need for busy pet owners.

84. Dog Boarding

Host dogs in your home overnight. Boarding offers higher rates than dog walking and gives dogs a home environment.

Food & Beverage Side Hustles (85 to 90)

85. Baking Business

Sell cakes, cookies, pastries, or specialty baked goods. Bakers earn based on product type and complexity.

86. Catering Services

Provide food for events and parties. Caterers scale their businesses based on demand and team size.

87. Meal Prep Services

Prepare and deliver ready to eat healthy meals. Meal prep businesses charge $10 to $15+ per meal.

88. Personal Chef Services

Cook customized meals in clients' homes. Personal chefs charge premium rates for their specialized service.

89. Meal Planning Services

Create detailed meal plans and shopping lists for clients. This low overhead service can be done entirely online.

90. Food Blogging

Share recipes and food content, monetizing through ads and sponsorships. Food bloggers combine passion with profit.

Property & Real Estate Side Hustles (91 to 97)

91. Airbnb Hosting

Rent out a room or property on Airbnb. Hosts earn passive income from extra space they are not using.

92. Airbnb Experience Host

Offer unique local experiences to travelers. Experience hosts share their expertise or skills with tourists.

93. Storage Space Rental

Rent out garage or storage space through platforms like Neighbor. This generates passive income from unused space.

94. Car Rental

Rent your vehicle through Turo when not in use. Car owners earn extra money from vehicles that would otherwise sit idle.

95. Parking Space Rental

Rent out parking spaces in high demand areas. This requires minimal effort for passive income.

96. House Sitting

Stay in homes while owners are away, caring for property and pets. House sitters often combine this with pet care.

97. Real Estate Agent

Help clients buy and sell properties. Agents earn commissions on transactions and set their own schedules.

Administrative & Support Services (98 to 100)

98. Transcription Services

Transcribe audio and video files into text. Transcriptionists earn $15 to $30+ per hour.

99. Data Entry

Input data for businesses and organizations. Data entry workers earn $15 to $25 per hour with flexible scheduling.

100. Customer Service Representative

Provide remote customer support for companies. Remote reps earn $18 to $22 per hour and can often work from anywhere.

Pro Tip

The key to success with any side hustle is starting small and scaling gradually. Begin with one or two clients or products, then expand as demand grows. This minimizes risk while you learn what works.

Key Success Factors

  • Start small and scale gradually: Begin with one or two clients or products, then expand as demand grows.
  • Leverage your existing skills: The most profitable side hustles often align with your current expertise or interests.
  • Focus on recurring revenue: Businesses with subscription models or retainer clients provide more stable income.
  • Market strategically: Build an online presence and let word of mouth from satisfied customers do the heavy lifting.
  • Set boundaries: Clear boundaries between business and personal time prevent burnout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most profitable side hustle for women?
Starting a Shopify store consistently ranks as one of the most profitable side hustles. Successful store owners earn anywhere from $500 to $10,000+ monthly. Other high earners include freelance writing, virtual assistance, and online course creation.
How much can I realistically earn from a side hustle?
Earnings vary widely. Service based hustles like virtual assistance earn $15 to $40 per hour. Ecommerce stores can generate $500 to $10,000+ monthly. Creative work like photography pays $100 to $300+ per session. Start small and scale as you learn.
What side hustles can I start with no money?
Many side hustles require zero startup costs: freelance writing, virtual assistance, tutoring, pet sitting, babysitting, and social media management. You can also start a Shopify dropshipping store with minimal investment since you do not hold inventory.
How do I balance a side hustle with my regular job?
Start with just 5 to 10 hours per week. Choose hustles with flexible schedules like freelancing or ecommerce. Set boundaries and specific work hours. Many successful side hustlers work evenings and weekends until they can transition full time.

Ready to Get Started?

The opportunities for women to earn income through side hustles have never been more accessible. Whether you want to start an online store, offer services, or monetize a creative skill, there is a path for you.

Starting a Shopify store remains at the top of this list because of its scalability, flexibility, and profit potential. Many of these side hustles have evolved into six figure businesses for women who started with just a few hours per week.

🚀 #1 Ecommerce Platform Worldwide

Start Your Shopify Store Today

Join millions of entrepreneurs who have made over $1 trillion in sales on Shopify.

15%
Higher Conversion
150M+
Shop Pay Buyers
$1T+
Merchant Sales
Success Story:
"Gymshark went from a garage startup to £500M+ in annual sales using Shopify."
AI-Powered (Shopify Magic)No Coding NeededFree TrialBest Checkout
Perfect for:
📦Dropshipping
👕Print-on-Demand
📄Digital Products
🎨Handmade Goods
🏪Local Retail

Start a Blog in 2026?

See realistic revenue projections, costs, and timelines with our new tool.

Arielle Phoenix

Arielle Phoenix

Mommy Money Founder

Homeschool mother, web asset builder and AI SEO specialist. Arielle knows a thing or two about being a mommy and making money while doing it! From side hustles, to main hustles to full time wfh employment—Arielle has tackled it all.