5 Side Hustles You Can Start In 2026
Side hustles are becoming the new standard for financial security as we head into 2026, with over a third of the workforce already earning extra income. Recent data from SurveyMonkey indicates that 37% of professionals have already launched a secondary venture, while another 35% are actively planning their debut. With the average earner bringing in roughly $885 per month according to Bankrate, these ventures offer more than just a safety net—they provide a pathway to mastering new technologies and expanding professional networks in an evolving economy.
The Rise of Specialized AI Consulting Side Hustles
As artificial intelligence transitions from a novelty to a necessity, small businesses are struggling to keep pace, creating a massive opening for AI consulting. You don’t need to be a software engineer to thrive here; instead, you can focus on helping local brands master prompt engineering or build custom GPT “agents” for customer service. By bridgeing the gap between complex tech and everyday business needs, this specific niche is quickly becoming one of the most profitable side hustles for those with a knack for automation.
Scaling Profit with Modern Print-On-Demand Models
The retail landscape is shifting toward personalization, making print-on-demand a powerhouse for creative entrepreneurs. While the concept has existed for years, Future Market Insights projects the market will skyrocket from $11 billion today to nearly $90 billion by 2035. This model remains one of the most attractive side hustles because it eliminates the risk of inventory; you simply design the art for apparel or home goods, and a third-party partner handles the logistics and shipping.
Monetizing Expertise Through Education and Coaching
If you possess a specific skill set, 2026 is the year to package that knowledge into a scalable educational platform. Whether you prefer the “set-and-forget” nature of recorded online courses on Udemy or the high-touch engagement of one-on-one video tuition, teaching others is a highly resilient income stream. As the traditional job market fluctuates, people are increasingly willing to pay for direct, actionable knowledge, making education-based side hustles both personally and financially rewarding.
Freelancing in the Age of Skills-Based Hiring
Despite the rapid growth of automation, the demand for human creativity and technical oversight is stronger than ever. Upwork reports that 81% of C-suite executives are prioritizing skills-based hiring over traditional credentials, opening a massive door for freelance specialists in coding, bookkeeping, and digital marketing. Launching one of these side hustles allows you to leverage your existing professional background while maintaining the flexibility to choose your clients and set your own hourly rates.
Building Passive Wealth with Niche Digital Products
For those who prefer a more independent approach without the demands of client meetings, digital products offer a “create once, sell forever” solution. By packaging your expertise into e-books, templates, or PDF guides, you create a digital asset that generates revenue around the clock. Success in these types of side hustles relies on identifying a specific pain point for a target audience and using strategic digital marketing to reach them, providing a truly scalable source of passive income.
Credit: Forbes.com
