These most popular ‘side hustles’ can earn you extra cash
The phenomenon of “side hustles” – taking on extra work beyond a primary job – gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic and a period of significant inflation. While many workers have since returned to traditional office settings, a substantial majority of Americans continue to supplement their income through secondary sources.
The Rise of the Side Hustle
A new survey by MyPerfectResume reveals that 72% of working adults currently rely on at least one additional income stream. This trend emerged initially as a response to the rise of remote work in 2020 and a historic spike in inflation in 2022, prompting many to seek financial stability or increased earnings.
The most popular avenues for generating extra income include freelance or “gig” work (14%), income from investments like stocks or cryptocurrency (14%), side businesses (9%), and passive income sources such as royalties or rent (9%). A smaller percentage, 4%, are holding down second jobs with different employers.
Financial Pressures and the Changing Landscape of Work
The persistence of side hustles coincides with a period where many Americans feel financially strained. While average worker pay increased by 18% between 2020 and 2024, inflation rose by 21% during the same period, resulting in a decrease in purchasing power for the typical worker.
Jasmine Escalera, a career expert at MyPerfectResume, emphasized this point, stating, “You think of people who are just trying to pay rent, to pay for food. This isn’t about luxury. This is about necessity.”
Looking Ahead
The 2026 State of Secondary Income Report, based on a survey conducted in October 2025, indicates that side hustling has become “woven into the fabric of American work.” More than half of workers anticipate maintaining their current level of side hustle income in 2026, and roughly one in four believe that secondary incomes may eventually become a more reliable means of increasing earnings than traditional pay raises.
This trend appears particularly pronounced among younger generations. A 2025 Bankrate Side Hustle Survey found that 34% of Gen Zers, 31% of millennials, 23% of Gen Xers, and 22% of baby boomers are engaged in side hustles. These activities range from ride-hailing and food delivery to dog-walking and freelance writing, with the typical “hustle” generating approximately $200 per month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of American workers have a side hustle?
According to a recent survey by MyPerfectResume, 72% of American workers rely on at least one source of secondary income.
What are the most common types of side hustles?
The most common side hustles are freelance/gig work (14%), income from investments (14%), side businesses (9%), and passive income (9%).
Has the number of people with side hustles changed recently?
The number of Americans holding multiple jobs has been steadily rising since the early months of the pandemic, and the practise was more common in 2025 than in the previous year, with 71% of respondents reporting second incomes in 2025.
As the economic landscape continues to evolve, will the side hustle remain a vital component of financial well-being for a growing number of Americans?