Active duty military members often work full-time jobs that leave very little time to pursue any other interests, let alone find a way to earn extra money on the side.
Fortunately, there are side hustles that can help you bring in extra cash while still allowing you to serve your country.
In your spare time, you’ll be able to create a source of income that can help you:
- Pay off loans;
- Build an emergency savings fund;
- Save for a down payment on a house, or simply to
- Give yourself financial peace of mind.
Of course, as an active duty military service member, it’s important for you to consider the effect your side hustle may have on your service. You need to avoid side hustles that may conflict with your obligations to the military, or violate any laws or regulations.
With that said, I’ve researched some of the best side hustles that are ideal for active duty military.
Read the rest of this guide to learn how you can go from deployment to entrepreneurship so you can start supplementing your income right now.
Online Job Ideas
1. Start a Military Blog
This is one of the best side hustle ideas for active-duty military to earn extra money.
You can run your own military-focused blog built around a variety of topics, such as defense tech, military life experiences, and even news and events concerning an ongoing war. Alternatively, you can start a review blog for military products and services.
You might even write about the experiences of military families, military spouses, or other military members.
Starting a blog doesn’t have to cost much, either. You can even start for free and slowly grow your blog to create an additional source of income.
The best part is that you get super flexible hours which means you can grow your side income without affecting your primary military duties.
Where to Find Jobs:
Get my free IGNITION blogging course to learn how to start your own blog. You can have a fully functional blog up and running in a few days working just a few hours a day.
How Much Money Can You Make?
$500-$5,000+/month
Resource to Learn More:
2. Start a YouTube Channel
Video consumption is on the rise, and millions of videos are shared on YouTube every day by YouTubers looking to make money online. You, too, can join this trend and use it as a way to make extra money outside of your military career.
All you have to do is create a channel, start posting videos, and build up your subscriber base. You’ll then be able to monetize your videos in a number of ways, including YouTube ads, memberships, and brand sponsorships.
Where to Find Jobs:
Although starting a YouTube channel is free, you need to have a good strategy that will help you stand out in today’s competitive arena.
I offer a free YouTube Secrets course that teaches you everything you need to know about how to create and manage a successful YouTube channel.
How Much Money Can You Make?
$400-$2,000/month
Resource to Learn More:
3. Become an Online Fitness Instructor
Online fitness classes continue to become popular as more and more people realize the importance of customizing their workouts to suit their specific body types and lifestyles.
If you have experience with pilates, yoga, HIIT, or any other group fitness activity, then you can teach a group fitness class from the comfort of your home. You don’t even need a lot of equipment to get started. Just an exercise mat and your smartphone to connect with your clients via Zoom.Â
Where to Find Jobs:
How Much Money Can You Make?
$800-$2,000/month
Resource to Learn More:
4. Open an Online Store
An online store is the perfect side hustle for active duty military because most of the processes for managing your business can be automated. This means you’ll be able to earn money even while you are on active duty.
You can sell just about anything you want, from t-shirts to tech devices, and there are many eCommerce solutions like BigCommerce, Etsy, and Shopify that will help you automate most of the sales processes.
Rather than manage your own inventory from home, you can simplify operations by using a fulfillment service like ShipMonk or Amazon FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon).
Alternatively, you might consider a business model like drop shipping which allows you to sell products without having to handle your own inventory.
Where to Find Jobs:
How Much Money Can You Make?
$400-$1,500/week
Resource to Learn More:
5. Sell Digital Products Online
If you have the skills to create your own digital products like infographics, templates, logos, etc., you can sell them online to make extra cash.
This is an excellent side hustle for service members that can provide you with passive income for years to come. In addition to selling your own products, you can also sell other people’s digital products using a business model called affiliate marketing.
You’ll be paid a commission to sell things like online courses, ebooks, software, music, and various other digital downloads.
Where to Find Jobs:
How Much Money Can You Make?
$100-$400/week
Resource to Learn More:
6. Create and Sell An Online Course
If you have a specific academic subject, this is the perfect side hustle idea for you. Online learning platforms like Kajabi and Teachable allow you to package and monetize your knowledge and skills.
You can use them to build your online course using pre-built templates. No tech knowledge is required. The intuitive platform guides you through the entire process from start to finish.
There are also built-in marketing, sales, and customer service tools so you can run your entire online course business from one place.
Where to Find Jobs:
How Much Money Can You Make?
$1,000-$6,000/month
Resource to Learn More:
7. Write an Ebook
As a military member, you have tons of expertise in various areas. You can put your subject matter expertise to use by writing an ebook to sell online.
You can self-publish your ebook on a platform like Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing). You’ll get access to all the tools you need to take care of the entire ebook publishing process, from cover design and content creation, to marketing and selling your product.Â
Stay-at-home moms can choose this side gig and start writing an eBook on their experiences raising the kids and doing housework while their significant others’ are away in the military.
Where to Find Jobs:
How Much Money Can You Make?
$100-$400/week
Resource to Learn More:
8. Start a Retail Arbitrage Business
Online retail arbitrage is yet another excellent way for active-duty military personnel to earn extra money. It’s easy to start, and with the right strategy, it can be an extremely profitable side hustle.
All you have to do is find low-priced products online and then resell them on Amazon and other marketplaces. You can use apps like Flipmine to source products easily.
The guide below has all the information you need to get started.
Where to Find Jobs:
How Much Money Can You Make?
$400-$1,000/month
Resource to Learn More:
9. Sell Drone Stock Footage
There is a steady demand for aerial stock photos and video footage. If you know how to fly a drone, you can make money by capturing this type of footage.
Sell your videos and photos to websites like Getty, Shutterstock, and Pond5. You’ll get paid royalties for high-quality drone footage in niches like travel, sports, lifestyle, and animals.
If you’re a guy who wants to make some extra income with your drone footage hobby, this is an ideal way to get started.
Where to Find Jobs:
How Much Money Can You Make?
$100-$400/project
Resource to Learn More:
Freelance Side Hustle Ideas
Freelancing is perfect for active-duty and other military members. It’s like a part time job that allows you to work your own hours and set your own rates.
Freelance jobs can include things like virtual assistant jobs, scheduling appointments, or managing social media accounts. Whatever job you choose, you have the opportunity to earn more money with your side job or second job than you do at your full time job.
10. Become a Writer/Editor
If you have a passion for the written word, then you might consider becoming a freelance writer, editor, or proofreader.
Businesses and entrepreneurs will pay you to create, edit, or grammar-check blog posts, articles, social media content, emails, and even ebooks.
These roles, and high rates for freelancers with experience. However, you can still create a lucrative side hustle even as a beginner. There are even free courses online that you can take to improve your writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Where to Find Jobs:
Resource to Learn More:
11. Become a Video/Podcast Editor
In recent years, video and podcast consumption has increased dramatically, and with that boom comes a higher demand for people with video/podcast editing skills. If you have the tech knowledge required, consider trying your hand at video/podcast editing.
Take a look at the guide below to learn how you can get started as a freelance podcast editor to start earning money online.
Where to Find Jobs:
How Much Money Can You Make?
$200-$800/week
Resource to Learn More:
12. Offer Pet Sitting Services
Pet sitting is a great side hustle for anyone who loves pets. You can find jobs in your area by adding your information to the pet sitter sites and apps below. You can also advertise on your social media page and hang flyers around your neighborhood.
Alternatively, you can offer babysitting services, care-taking services, or take on house sitting jobs in your neighborhood.Â
This is also an excellent side gig for couples who want to spend time together working a relatively stress-free job.
Where to Find Jobs:
How Much Money Can You Make?
$13.50-$21/hour
Resource to Learn More:
13. Offer Graphic Design Services
If you have graphic design skills, and are familiar with design tools like Canva, Photoshop, and Illustrator, why not put them to good use by offering your services as a freelance graphic artist?
Your work will involve creating visually stunning graphics for websites, documents, social media, billboards, etc. This side gig can help you make extra money by devoting just a few hours of your time every week.
Where to Find Jobs:
How Much Money Can You Make?
$20-$25/hour
Resource to Learn More:
14. Become a Remote Travel Agent
Do you love all things travel? Why not use your passion for adventure to become a travel agent?
This side hustle is perfect for anyone looking to find freedom in remote work. It allows you to set your own schedule and work hours convenient to you.
As a remote travel agent, your job will be to help people plan and book their flights, accommodations, excursions, and any other travel arrangements they need.
Where to Find Jobs:
How Much Money Can You Make?
$800-$3,500/month
Resource to Learn More:
15. Join Survey Sites
Did you know that you can make extra money in your spare time by taking online surveys? This is one of the easiest ways to get started making money online. Brands will pay you for your feedback and opinions on their products and services.
These are easy tasks that you can complete while doing other things like watching TV or listening to your favorite podcasts. This makes it a great side gig for introverts who prefer being cozy at home, and doing laid-back work for some extra income.
But, as with most other low-effort side hustles, you won’t make very much money doing this. It’s merely a simple entry-level side hustle that lets you earn a bit of cash or gift cards during your spare time.
You can maximize your earnings by completing other tasks on the survey website. For instance, you can:
- Get paid to take part in focus groups
- Get paid to play games online
- Get paid to watch videos online
- Get paid to read emails
- Get paid to test apps and websites
Where to Find Jobs:
How Much Money Can You Make?
$50-$120/week
Resource to Learn More:
16. Sell Insurance and Investment Products
Selling insurance or financial products is an extremely lucrative side hustle. It’s also one of the quickest ways to meet your financial goals. All you have to do is get licensed in your state and you can start making money by recommending products to clients.
However, it’s important to note that it won’t bring you tons of cash overnight. It requires a lot of patience since you have to spend time building personal relationships with your prospects. Once they trust your advice and recommendations, you can then sell them your products.
Your job as an agent selling insurance or investment products will involve helping your clients understand the policies, choose the best product for their needs, and provide support if they have any questions or concerns.
The guide below outlines how you can get started selling insurance as a complete beginner to start bringing in those mouthwatering commissions.
Whether you opt to sell insurance or real estate investing products, you can find remote selling opportunities on websites like the ones listed below.
Where to Find Jobs:
How Much Money Can You Make?
$1,500-$5,000/month
Resource to Learn More:
17. Put Your Creative Skills To Work
What are your creative talents? Are you good at sewing, cooking, or baking? Or do your skills like in art, woodwork, or photography? Whatever skill you have, you can monetize it to start bringing in extra cash.
Here are some examples of creative talents that you can turn into gold:
- Interior design, closet organization, home decluttering
- Web design, graphic design, software development
- Painting, photography, illustration, drawing
- Acting, music, singing, or painting lessons
- Makeup art services, personal stylist, fashion consultant
- Landscaping, gardening, lawn mowing, exterior painting
- Public speaking, strategic thinking consultant, life coach
Once you’ve determined which niche you’re going into, it’s time to develop a strong marketing strategy so you can get takers for your products or services. It’s also a good idea to start a blog where you’ll be posting various useful content for your readers, increasing traffic numbers.
There are many different ways you can go about this, including starting a blog or YouTube channel and uploading content that’s focused on your creative skills. You can also create a social media strategy and optimize all your profiles to help funnel customers to your products.
Additionally, you might create a portfolio or online store on sites like Shopify and Etsy to showcase your products. These platforms come with built-in tools to accept payments which makes your work a lot easier. This is a great side gig for women who want to showcase their creativity and skills.
Where to Find Jobs:
How Much Money Can You Make?
$400-$4,000/month
Resource to Learn More:
18. Do Odd Jobs in Your Area
This is a good side hustle for you if you are good with your hands and enjoy working with tools. People are always looking for someone to help them with certain chores, and whether you’re in your own community or on a military base, you can find a constant flow of work.
Offer your handyman services for things like yard work, cleaning, painting, doing maintenance around the house, clearing clutter, hauling junk, helping people move, and so on.
Where to Find Jobs:
How Much Money Can You Make?
$500-2,000/week
Resource to Learn More:
19. Earn Money With Food or Grocery Delivery
Another way for active-duty military to earn money on the side is to deliver food, groceries, packages, and other items. You can use your car or a bike to make deliveries.
Sign up on food delivery apps like Uber Eats and Postmates, or deliver packages for companies like GoShare to start earning right away.
Where to Find Jobs:
How Much Money Can You Make?
$400-$1,200/month
Resource to Learn More:
20. Leverage Your Car to Make Money
If you have a car, there are various ways you can use it to make money. For example, you can rent out your car to companies like Turo and HyreCar.
This is a great side hustle for active military members because your car can continue earning for you even while you are away at work. You’ll be able to earn about $25/day and your car will be fully insured by the company.
Another way to bring in extra income using your car is to become a rideshare driver. You can sign up on apps like Uber and Lyft to start ferrying people around in your neighborhood. You’ll earn from the app, as well as tips from your passengers.
If you have a truck, consider starting a junk hauling side hustle or making money by helping people to move.
Where to Find Jobs:
- Rent Out Your Car: HyreCar, Turo, GetAround
- Rideshare Driver: Uber, Lyft, GoRide
- Landscaping Business: 1800Contractor, Home Advisor Pros, Lawn Love
- Junk Hauler: CraftJack, LoadUp, WastePlace
How Much Money Can You Make?
$500-$1,200/week
Resource to Learn More:
21. Rent Out Your Stuff
From textbooks and tools to cars and extra rooms, there are lots of things you can rent out if you need some extra cash.
This type of side hustle is an excellent way to make passive income. Once you set up the rental business, you don’t have to put in a lot of effort.
In today’s sharing economy, the list of things you can rent out continues to rise. You can even rent space on your car for companies like Wrapify and Carvetise to place ads. You’ll be paid a fee each month during a campaign, and all you have to do is add a sticker or wrap to your car to promote some product or service as you drive around.
Where to Find Jobs:
- Rent Out Gym Stuff: Loanables, Fat Llama, Rentah
- Rent Out Your Car: Turo.com, GetAround, HyreCar
- Rent Out Baby Stuff: Baby’s Away, Baby List, BabyQuip
- Rent Out Tools: SpareToolz, AutoZone, RentMyEquipment
- Rent Out Space: Neighbor.com, PeerSpace, StoreAtMyHouse
How Much Money Can You Make?
$100-$800/week
Resource to Learn More:
This guide has outlined some of the best ways to make extra money in the military. Whether you want to start an online business or work a simple side gig that doesn’t require too much time or effort commitment on your part, you’ll find something here to suit your needs.
All that’s left is for you to pick a side hustle and start making extra cash right now.