27% of Americans had a side hustle in 2025. Here are 5 ways to make extra cash in 2026, and how to choose the right gig

Core Insights - A significant portion of Americans, approximately 27% in 2025, are earning income from side hustles, which have evolved from passion projects to essential financial safety nets due to inflation and economic uncertainty [1] Group 1: Trends in Side Hustles - Side hustles are increasingly focused on flexibility, allowing workers to fill income gaps, build savings, or test business ideas without full-time commitment [2] - Successful side hustles in 2025 are characterized by alignment with individual skills, time availability, and risk tolerance, moving beyond traditional options like rideshare driving [3] Group 2: Types of Side Hustles - Online tutoring has a low barrier to entry and can lead to six-figure incomes for those who excel in subjects like test prep, writing, or math [4] - 3D printing is being utilized to create niche products, which can be sold on platforms like Etsy, requiring initial investment in equipment and design skills [5] - Skill-based hustles, such as consulting and hourly services, allow individuals to monetize existing expertise, while product-driven ideas enable creators to test and scale products online [6]