Whether you want to pay off debt, save for a down payment, or build financial freedom, a side hustle can accelerate your goals. Here are 20 proven side hustles that work well for Canadians, organized by earning potential and time commitment.
High-earning side hustles ($30+/hour)
1. Freelance writing
Write blog posts, articles, copywriting, or technical content for businesses.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Earning potential | $30–$150/hour |
| Startup cost | $0 |
| Time commitment | Flexible |
| How to start | Create samples, pitch on Upwork, LinkedIn, or cold email businesses |
2. Web development / design
Build websites, apps, or design graphics for clients.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Earning potential | $50–$200/hour |
| Startup cost | $0–$500 |
| Time commitment | Project-based |
| How to start | Build a portfolio site, use Upwork/Fiverr, network locally |
3. Online tutoring
Teach math, science, languages, or test prep online.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Earning potential | $25–$75/hour |
| Startup cost | $0 |
| Time commitment | Flexible |
| How to start | Wyzant, Preply, Varsity Tutors, or advertise locally |
4. Bookkeeping
Small businesses need help with their books. You do not need a CPA.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Earning potential | $30–$60/hour |
| Startup cost | $0–$500 (software) |
| Time commitment | 5–15 hours/week |
| How to start | Learn QuickBooks/Xero, get a bookkeeping certificate, find local clients |
5. Consulting (your expertise)
If you have specialized knowledge (marketing, HR, operations, finance), businesses will pay for it.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Earning potential | $75–$300/hour |
| Startup cost | $0 |
| Time commitment | Flexible |
| How to start | LinkedIn, networking, your professional contacts |
Medium-earning side hustles ($15–$30/hour)
6. Food delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Skip the Dishes)
Deliver food in your car or on a bike.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Earning potential | $15–$25/hour (including tips) |
| Startup cost | $0 (use your existing vehicle) |
| Time commitment | Flexible (work when you want) |
| How to start | Sign up at each platform |
7. Pet sitting / dog walking (Rover)
Care for pets while owners are away or at work.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Earning potential | $15–$30/hour |
| Startup cost | $0 |
| Time commitment | Flexible |
| How to start | Rover.com or advertise locally |
8. Selling on Amazon FBA or Etsy
Source or make products and sell them online.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Earning potential | $500–$5,000+/month |
| Startup cost | $200–$2,000 |
| Time commitment | 10–30 hours/week |
| How to start | Research products, set up a shop, begin with a small inventory |
9. Photography
Shoot events, portraits, real estate, or stock photography.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Earning potential | $25–$100/hour |
| Startup cost | $500–$2,000 (if you need equipment) |
| Time commitment | Weekends |
| How to start | Build a portfolio, shoot for friends/family, list on local directories |
10. Social media management
Manage Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn accounts for small businesses.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Earning potential | $500–$3,000/month per client |
| Startup cost | $0 |
| Time commitment | 5–10 hours/week per client |
| How to start | Manage your own accounts well, then pitch local businesses |
Lower-effort side hustles ($5–$15/hour)
11. Online surveys and market research
Share your opinions for cash or gift cards.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Earning potential | $5–$15/hour |
| Startup cost | $0 |
| Time commitment | Anytime |
| Platforms | Swagbucks, Prolific, Leger (Canadian) |
12. Selling on Facebook Marketplace / Kijiji
Sell items you no longer need or flip items for profit.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Earning potential | Variable ($200–$2,000+/month for flippers) |
| Startup cost | $0 |
| Time commitment | Flexible |
| How to start | Start with your own unused items |
13. Renting out a spare room (Airbnb)
If you have extra space, rent it out to travellers.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Earning potential | $500–$2,000+/month |
| Startup cost | $0–$500 (furnishing) |
| Time commitment | Low (cleaning + guest management) |
| Tax note | Rental income is taxable |
14. Transcription
Convert audio/video recordings to text.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Earning potential | $10–$25/hour |
| Startup cost | $0 |
| Time commitment | Flexible |
| Platforms | Rev, TranscribeMe, GoTranscript |
15. Virtual assistant
Handle administrative tasks for businesses remotely.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Earning potential | $15–$35/hour |
| Startup cost | $0 |
| Time commitment | 10–30 hours/week |
| How to start | Upwork, Fiverr, Belay |
Passive/semi-passive income
16. Create an online course
Package your knowledge into a digital course.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Earning potential | $500–$10,000+/month (once established) |
| Startup cost | $0–$500 |
| Time commitment | High upfront, low ongoing |
| Platforms | Teachable, Udemy, Skillshare |
17. Start a YouTube channel or podcast
Build an audience and monetize through ads, sponsorships, and products.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Earning potential | $0 for months, potentially $1,000–$10,000+/month |
| Startup cost | $0–$500 |
| Time commitment | 10–20 hours/week |
| Monetization threshold | YouTube: 1,000 subscribers + 4,000 watch hours |
18. Dividend investing
Not a traditional side hustle, but dividend investing generates passive income. A $100,000 portfolio yielding 4% produces $4,000/year.
19. Print on demand
Design t-shirts, mugs, or posters. A service prints and ships them when orders come in.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Earning potential | $200–$2,000+/month |
| Startup cost | $0 |
| Time commitment | Design upfront, passive sales |
| Platforms | Redbubble, Printful + Shopify |
20. Blogging / affiliate marketing
Write about topics you know and earn from affiliate links and ads.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Earning potential | $0 for months, potentially $1,000–$10,000+/month |
| Startup cost | $50–$200/year (hosting + domain) |
| Time commitment | 10–20 hours/week |
| Timeline to income | 6–18 months typically |
Tax considerations
All side hustle income is taxable in Canada. Key points:
- Report all income on your T1 tax return (line 13500 for self-employment)
- Deduct expenses — home office, equipment, vehicle costs, supplies, software, marketing
- Set aside 25-30% of side hustle income for taxes
- Register for GST/HST if you earn over $30,000 in 4 consecutive calendar quarters
- Keep records — Save receipts and track income/expenses
For more on tax obligations, see our guide on how to file taxes in Canada.
Investing your side hustle income
Extra income is most powerful when it is invested rather than spent. Consider directing side hustle earnings to:
- TFSA — Tax-free growth
- RRSP — Tax deduction now, tax-free growth until withdrawal
- FHSA — If saving for your first home
- High-interest savings account — For your emergency fund