Side hustles have become a financial lifeline for many Americans navigating today’s challenging economic landscape. From rising inflation to stagnant wages, our need for extra income isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
A recent Creative Fabrica study delves into the world of side hustles, analyzing search trends to find out which gigs are Americans’ go-tos to bring in extra cash.
Most Popular Side Hustles by State
Not everyone is cut out for the same side hustle. The survey revealed some regional preferences for how some Americans supplement their income. For instance, Delaware, Rhode Island, and Vermont residents have a knack for blogging, while people in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin lean toward photography.
However, rideshare driving reigned supreme in most states, including Texas, California, and Massachusetts. Platforms like Uber and Lyft make it easy for almost anyone with a vehicle to get started and gain access to paying customers. Plus, the pay is nothing to sneeze at — Glassdoor estimates the median salary to be around $59,000 a year.
Most Popular Side Hustles in the U.S. Overall
Hands down, both on the national and local levels, the most popular side hustle in the U.S. is being a rideshare driver. The promise of earning quick, easy cash while being your own boss has people blowing up Google with things like “How much do Uber drivers make?” and “How much does Uber Eats pay?” — accounting for about 31,000 monthly searches.
Coming in at a close second is YouTube content creation. With over 19,500 monthly searches, it’s clear that folks are dreaming of turning their hobbies into a full-time gig. The promise of fame and fortune is a powerful motivator, and people are eager to know if they can actually make a living from posting videos online.
And who doesn’t love a good workout? Personal training is the third-most-popular side hustle, with people searching for ways to get fit and make a living at the same time. It’s no surprise that aspiring trainers are hitting up Google to learn the ropes and figure out how to land clients.

My Tips are for my Tattoos: Women Working Two Jobs(Opens in a new browser tab)
Finding Your Perfect Side Hustle
Okay, so now you know what everyone else is doing, but what about you? Finding the perfect side hustle is like finding the perfect pair of jeans — it’s all about fit and style.
The key is to pick something you’re passionate about — or, at least, something you like enough to be able to commit to. If you love to talk, maybe podcasting or blogging is your jam. If you’re a creative type, freelancing as a graphic designer or writer could be a great option. If you’re a people person, consider tutoring or being a virtual assistant. And if you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, give driving for a rideshare or delivery app a shot.
Remember, building a successful side hustle takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results overnight. It’s all about finding your niche and building a loyal customer base. And most importantly, have fun with it!
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and get hustling!
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