How To Make Extra Money As A Teacher: 10 Best Side Hustles

Teaching is one of the most impactful professions, yet many educators find that their salaries don’t always reflect their dedication and hard work. With rising living costs and limited teacher salaries, many teachers are looking for side hustles to make extra money and gain financial stability.

Fortunately, in today’s digital economy, educators have more opportunities than ever to make money online, monetize their expertise, and turn their skills into profitable ventures.

Whether you’re looking to supplement your salary, save for a dream vacation, or simply earn money for unexpected expenses, there are flexible ways to boost your income without sacrificing your passion for teaching.

This guide explores the best side hustles for teachers, from online tutoring and freelance writing to selling lesson plans and starting an online store. By diversifying their income, teachers can achieve greater financial freedom while doing what they love.

Why Teachers Should Explore Supplemental Income Streams

Teachers possess a unique set of skills—effective communication, organizational expertise, and the ability to engage diverse audiences—that make them well-suited for a variety of side jobs. 

In today’s over-inflated economy, pursuing supplemental income streams not only helps teachers make extra money but also provides opportunities to ease financial stress, save for the future, and fund personal or professional goals. 

With flexibility being a major advantage, many side hustles allow teachers to work around their teaching job schedules, particularly during evenings, weekends, or the summer break.

Beyond the financial benefits, exploring a side hustle allows teachers to develop new skills and pursue entrepreneurial ventures. From teaching online to starting a part-time job in consulting or selling products, these opportunities not only increase earnings but also contribute to personal growth. 

Whether you’re looking to make more money or simply earn some extra cash, the best side hustles for teachers offer flexibility, professional development, and the chance to create meaningful, long-term income streams.

Top 10 Creative Ways Teachers Can Earn Extra Money

1. Tutoring Online or In Person

Tutoring is a highly effective way for teachers to leverage their expertise and earn extra income. Whether offering one-on-one or group sessions, you can teach subjects like math, science, English, or even test preparation for exams like the SAT, ACT, or AP courses.

Test prep and specialized tutoring, such as ESL (English as a Second Language), often command higher rates due to the specific skills required.

Online platforms such as Wyzant, Tutor.com, and Skooli make it easy to connect with students nationwide, while local in-person tutoring can be arranged through community groups or social media.

Teachers can expect flexible scheduling options, making this side hustle ideal for balancing full-time teaching responsibilities.

Earning Potential:

Teachers typically earn $30–$75 per hour tutoring, depending on the subject, level of expertise, and whether the sessions are in person or online. Test prep tutors or those offering niche expertise often earn on the higher end of this range.

2. Selling Lesson Plans and Resources

If you’ve developed engaging lesson plans, study guides, or classroom materials, you can turn them into a steady source of passive income.

Platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers are specifically designed for educators to buy and sell resources.

Additionally, sites like Etsy and Fourthwall are ideal for selling digital downloads, such as printable classroom decorations, educational games, or worksheets. By sharing tools you’ve already created, you can generate income with minimal ongoing effort, reaching educators around the globe.

This side hustle is perfect for teachers looking to monetize their hard work while helping others in the profession. Once uploaded, these resources can continue to generate recurring income over time.

Earning Potential:

New sellers typically earn between $20 and $200 per month, depending on the popularity and quality of their materials. Experienced sellers with an established portfolio can make $500 or more monthly, with some top creators earning thousands.

3. Create an Online Course

The online teaching market is rapidly growing, offering educators lucrative opportunities to share their expertise.

Platforms such as Teachable, Skillshare, or Udemy can cover a wide range of topics, from academic subjects like math or science to creative skills like writing, painting, or coding.

However, if you're looking for a more engaging approach, platforms like Outschool, VIPKid, and Preply allow teachers to conduct live, interactive classes for students of all ages and languages.

Once uploaded, courses can be sold repeatedly, allowing teachers to reach a larger audience and scale their income with minimal ongoing effort.

Earning Potential:

• Live Classes: Teachers on platforms like Outschool and Preply can earn $30–$50 per hour or more, depending on the subject and demand.
• Online Courses: New course creators may earn $100–$500 per month, while those with popular courses can make $1,000 or more monthly. Experienced educators with well-marketed courses have the potential to earn tens of thousands of dollars annually.

4. Freelancing

Freelancing provides teachers with the opportunity to use their skills in creative and impactful ways outside the classroom. Teachers can pursue writing or editing gigs for education blogs, curriculum development companies, or academic publishers.

Other options include creating e-books, guides, or digital products that cater to parents, students, or educators. Teachers with design or technical skills can also branch into areas like graphic design, website development, or instructional design.

The great thing about freelancing is that it's highly flexible, allowing educators to take on short-term projects that fit into their busy schedules. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer make it easy to connect with clients and build a portfolio of work.

For teachers with niche expertise, directly pitching companies, organizations, or blogs (such as We Are Teachers) can lead to lucrative assignments.

Earning Potential:

Depending on the publication or project, freelance writing gigs can pay between $50 and $500 per article.

Experienced freelancers offering specialized services like curriculum development or technical writing can earn between $30 and $100 an hour.

However, with consistent clients, freelancers can earn a few hundred dollars a month or, depending on workload and expertise, scale their efforts to earn $3,000+ per month.

5. Become a Content Creator

More teachers are taking advantage of social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok by sharing their expertise and building a following. 

From showcasing teaching strategies and classroom tips to sharing personal stories or educational resources, content creation allows teachers to connect with a global audience.

This side hustle is not only an opportunity to earn extra income but also a way to amplify your voice and make a broader impact in the education community.

Content creators can monetize their platforms in several ways:

• YouTube: Revenue from ads, channel memberships, and sponsored videos.
• Instagram and TikTok: Earnings from brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, and sponsored posts.
• Blogs: Monetization through ads, affiliate links, and sponsored content.

While building an audience takes time and effort, a loyal following can lead to consistent and scalable income.

‍Earning Potential:

New creators can earn $100-$500 per month through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate links.

Teachers with larger audiences (10,000+ followers or subscribers) can make $1,000-$5,000+ per month from brand deals and other monetization methods.

Established creators with a highly engaged audience can earn $10,000+ monthly, especially when combining multiple revenue streams.

6. Start an Online Store

Once your content gains a large following, take advantage of your fanbase by starting an online store selling teacher-themed merchandise, such as t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, and even stickers related to your brand.

Platforms like Fourthwall allow teachers to easily set up professional storefronts. They also provide print-on-demand services that minimize upfront costs by handling production and shipping, making them a low-risk option for new sellers.

Teachers can also create niche products such as custom planners, educational kits, or classroom decorations. These items cater to a specific audience and allow for creativity and personalization, which can significantly boost sales. 

Earning Potential:

New store owners can expect to make $50-$200 per month starting out, depending on the quality of products and marketing efforts.

With consistent sales, teachers can scale their store to earn $500-$2,000+ per month by offering popular products, optimizing their marketing strategy, and expanding their inventory.

Top sellers in niche markets, on the other hand, can make $10,000+ annually, especially during peak shopping seasons.

7. Coaching or Consulting

Teachers with extensive experience and specialized skills can offer coaching or consulting services to fellow educators, schools, or organizations. This type of work allows teachers to share their expertise in meaningful ways while earning extra income.

Services might include conducting professional development workshops on topics like classroom management, technology integration, or lesson planning.

Individual coaching sessions for new teachers, curriculum design consultations, or guidance on school improvement strategies are also in high demand.

To establish yourself as a coach or consultant, it’s essential to build a professional presence. Follow these key steps:

1. Create a Website: Develop a professional website that highlights your expertise. Include an overview of your portfolio, details on the workshops or services you offer, and examples of curriculums you’ve developed.
2. Showcase Testimonials: Add testimonials from colleagues or educators you’ve worked with to establish credibility.
3. Develop a Marketing Plan: Promote your services through social media, LinkedIn, and education-focused groups to connect with potential clients.
4. Network: Leverage your existing connections in education to spread the word and secure your first clients.
5. Offer Free Webinars or Resources: Providing free content, such as webinars or downloadable guides, can showcase your value and attract paying clients.

Earning Potential:

• Individual coaching sessions typically pay $50-$150 per hour, depending on experience and specialization.
• Facilitating workshops or consulting for schools can bring in $100-$300+ per hour, depending on the scope and duration.
• Established educational consultants working with multiple schools or organizations can earn $5,000-$11,000+ per month.

8. After-school or Summer Camp Director

For teachers with strong leadership skills, taking on a role as an after-school or summer camp director is a fantastic way to make more money.

After-school programs and summer camps rely on directors to oversee daily operations, manage staff, plan activities, and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Teachers’ ability to multitask, problem-solve, and communicate effectively makes them ideal candidates for these positions.

Here's a little more on what both programs offer:

After-School Programs

After-school programs often focus on sports, arts, STEM, or other enrichment activities for students.

Teachers already familiar with their school or district may have an easier time stepping into this role, as existing connections and experience can be a major advantage.

These positions also allow teachers to engage with students in a different, more flexible setting, enhancing their impact.

Summer Camps

Summer camps need directors to lead programs, manage counselors, and coordinate activities.

Whether you prefer working at a day camp or an overnight camp, this is a great way to earn income during school breaks while honing leadership and organizational skills.

Teachers can apply their creativity to designing fun and educational experiences for kids, making it a fulfilling seasonal job.

Earning Potential:

• After-School Directors: Pay ranges from $20 to $30 per hour, depending on the program and location.
• Summer Camp Directors: Pay typically ranges from $15 to $25 per hour, with the potential for higher earnings depending on the size and scope of the camp.
• Experienced directors or those managing larger programs can earn $2,500-$5,000+ for a summer session. 

9. Become a Virtual Assistant

Teachers are natural multitaskers with excellent organizational and communication skills, making them a great fit for virtual assistant roles.

Virtual assistants help clients with various tasks, including scheduling, email management, social media updates, data entry, and general administrative support. This flexibility allows teachers to use skills they’ve already mastered in the classroom to thrive in a professional, remote environment.

The demand for virtual assistants is growing across industries, with opportunities to work for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and even larger companies. Teachers can find clients through platforms like Fancy Hands, Zirtual, and Indeed or by marketing their services directly through social media and networking.

Earning Potential:

New virtual assistants can expect to earn $18-$25 per hour, depending on the tasks and client needs, while experienced virtual assistants offering specialized services (e.g., social media management or bookkeeping) can earn $30-$50 per hour.

With consistent clients, virtual assistants can make $1,000-$3000+ per month part-time or $4,000-$6,000+ per month full-time.

10. Real Estate or Investments

Why limit your income to the classroom when real estate and investing can help you build long-term wealth?

Teachers can take advantage of their summer breaks or evenings to explore opportunities like becoming a real estate agent, investing in rental properties, or diving into the stock market.

Real estate offers lucrative options such as earning commissions as an agent (typically 2.5%–3% of a home’s sale price) or generating $300–$1,500 per month in net income from rental properties.

On the other hand, investing in stocks, mutual funds, or ETFs through platforms like Robinhood, Acorns, or E*TRADE allows teachers to start small and grow their portfolios over time, with average annual returns of 7%–10%.

While both paths require some upfront effort and research, they offer flexible, scalable ways to create passive income streams, secure financial stability, and achieve wealth-building goals beyond the classroom.

Earning Potential:

• Real estate agents typically earn 2.5%–3% of the sale price of a home. For example, on a $300,000 home sale, the commission is $7,500–$9,000 (before sharing with a brokerage). Active agents can make $30,000–$100,000+ annually, depending on sales volume.
• A single rental property can generate $300–$1,500 per month in net income, depending on location and property size.
• When it comes to investment, stock market returns may vary, but with consistent contributions and an average annual return of 7%-10%, teachers can grow their wealth significantly over the years. 

Common Challenges Teachers Face and How to Overcome Them

Teachers often face time constraints, making it challenging to pursue side hustles. From managing heavy workloads to addressing student needs, teachers often face stress and burnout. Here are some of the most common obstacles and strategies to overcome them:

1. Heavy Workload: Teachers often juggle lesson planning, grading, and administrative tasks, which can feel overwhelming. To manage this, prioritize tasks using tools like planners or task management apps, delegate non-essential duties when possible, and set boundaries to protect personal time.
2. Classroom Management: Handling diverse student behaviors can be tricky. Building strong relationships with students, setting clear expectations, and using positive reinforcement can help create a well-managed classroom.
3. Limited Resources: Budget constraints can make it difficult to provide engaging materials for students. Teachers can explore free or low-cost tools, such as online resources and grants, and collaborate with colleagues to share ideas and materials.
4. Low Teaching Salaries: Due to limited pay, many teachers experience financial stress. Pursuing side hustles such as online tutoring, freelance writing, or selling products on platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers can help educators earn extra money and ease financial burdens.
5. Burnout and Stress: Long hours and high demands can lead to burnout. Prioritizing self-care, seeking support from colleagues or mentors, and utilizing professional development opportunities to refresh teaching strategies can make a big difference.

Boost Your Income as a Teacher with Fourthwall

Looking to monetize your teaching skills and creativity? Fourthwall is the perfect platform to help you earn extra income while sharing your expertise.

Here’s how Fourthwall makes it easy for educators to turn their ideas into a profitable venture:

• Customizable Storefronts: Design a professional online store that reflects your brand and style, making it easy for customers to browse and purchase your products.
• Print-on-Demand: Sell custom merchandise like t-shirts, mugs, or tote bags without worrying about inventory or upfront costs. Fourthwall handles production and shipping for you.
• Digital Products: Upload and sell digital products like lesson plans, study guides, or educational printables, giving other teachers access to your tried-and-tested resources.
• Membership Options: Offer exclusive content, such as lesson bundles or live Q&A sessions, through tiered memberships that help build a loyal audience.
• Audience Engagement Tools: Connect directly with your customers using built-in tools like email campaigns and analytics to grow your audience and improve your offerings.
• Global Reach: Fourthwall’s platform allows you to sell to customers worldwide, giving your products the potential to reach beyond your local market.
• Hassle-Free Setup: Skip the complications of managing inventory or coordinating logistics. Fourthwall takes care of the hard work so you can focus on creating and teaching.

By joining Fourthwall, teachers can transform their ideas into a scalable business, all while earning additional income and expanding their reach. Start building your store today and turn your creativity into a profitable side hustle! 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can teachers earn with side hustles?

Teachers can earn anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month with side hustles, depending on the type of work and level of commitment.

For example, tutoring or offering online courses can generate steady income, with experienced tutors earning $30–$75 per hour and popular course creators making $500 to $5,000 or more monthly.

Other side hustles, such as freelancing, selling lesson plans, or starting an online store, can provide additional income streams, making it possible for teachers to significantly supplement their salaries while leveraging their skills and expertise.

What’s the easiest way to start earning extra money as a teacher?

Selling lesson plans or offering tutoring services are low-cost options that can generate quick income.

Platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers allow educators to upload and sell resources they’ve already created, providing a quick and passive income stream.

Similarly, tutoring—either online through platforms like Wyzant and Tutor.com, or locally—can start generating income immediately, with rates ranging from $30 to $75 per hour depending on the subject and level of expertise. 

Can teachers balance side jobs with full-time teaching?

Yes, by choosing flexible opportunities and using effective time management tools, teachers can successfully balance side hustles with their primary job.

Many side hustles, such as tutoring, freelancing, or selling digital products, allow educators to work during evenings, weekends, or school breaks, making them easy to integrate into a busy lifestyle.

By setting clear boundaries, prioritizing tasks, and leveraging tools like planners or scheduling apps, teachers can earn additional income while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.