Want to know how teachers can make extra money? Did you know that your teaching skills are in high demand outside the classroom? Yes, you can actually get paid well for the expertise you've already developed.
If you find yourself staying up late grading papers, wondering how you'll afford your next vacation, or scrolling through Indeed looking for weekend jobs, then this could be the solution you've been searching for.
What most teachers don't realize is that there are legitimate ways to monetize your educational background that pay significantly more than retail or food service jobs.
We're talking about real opportunities in this industry.
Most of these side hustles allow you to work from home, so it's a flexible way to supplement your teacher salary without burning out from a traditional second job.
Can I make serious money with teacher side hustles? Yes! There are even those who turn these into full-time businesses, but they're also perfect if you're simply looking for ways to make an extra $500-2000 per month alongside your teaching career.
No matter what subject you teach, whether it be elementary, middle school, high school, or even if you're a substitute teacher, you can find profitable side hustles.
This is one of those topics that probably sounds too good to be true, which is why I decided to write this comprehensive guide.
This article will explain how teachers can make money outside the classroom, legitimate opportunities that actually pay well, and answer questions you may have about balancing side work with your teaching responsibilities.
Related content:
17 Legitimate Side Hustles for Teachers
Is there really good money in teacher side hustles? Yes! Below are 17 proven ways teachers can earn extra income.
Best Online Teaching and Tutoring Opportunities
These platforms specifically look for credentialed teachers, which means you'll command higher rates than typical tutoring services.
Yes, this means you can leverage your teaching credentials for premium pay!
Now, these aren't your typical $15/hour tutoring gigs. These platforms recognize that teachers bring professional expertise and classroom management skills that parents are willing to pay for.
Publishers, educational companies, and parents specifically seek out certified teachers because they want someone who understands curriculum standards, learning objectives, and age-appropriate instruction.
If you're wondering how to make money as a teacher outside of school, online education platforms may be the perfect place to start.
Some of the opportunities below may require just a simple application, while others may want your teaching credentials, a demo lesson, and professional references. You can click on the links below to learn more about each platform and what they're looking for.
You won't become a millionaire from these platforms overnight, but they can provide substantial supplemental income while leveraging skills you already have.
1. Outschool
Outschool – With Outschool, you can teach live online classes to students ages 3-18. You set your own schedule, create your own curriculum, and keep 70% of what you charge.
With this platform, teachers typically earn $15-80 per hour depending on class size and subject matter. Many teachers report making $500-2000 per month working just 5-10 hours weekly.
Outschool has over 140,000 learners enrolled, so there's significant demand for quality teachers.
2. Wyzant
Wyzant – Wyzant connects certified teachers with students for one-on-one tutoring sessions. You can tutor online or in-person, and you set your own rates.
Teachers on Wyzant typically charge $25-75 per hour, with subject matter experts in areas like AP courses, SAT prep, and foreign languages commanding the highest rates.
The platform handles payment processing and provides tools for scheduling and lesson planning.
3. Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors – This platform specifically recruits teachers and education professionals for both group classes and individual tutoring sessions.
They offer flexible scheduling and pay rates ranging from $15-22 per hour for group sessions, with higher rates for specialized subjects.
Varsity Tutors provides all curriculum materials, so you can focus on teaching rather than lesson planning.
4. Preply
Preply – If you're fluent in a second language or teach ESL, Preply is an excellent platform for language instruction.
Teachers typically earn $10-25 per hour starting out, but experienced instructors with good reviews can charge $30-50+ per hour.
You create your own schedule and can teach students from around the world.
5. Cambly
Cambly – This conversational English platform is perfect for teachers who want a low-prep side hustle.
You simply have conversations with English learners - no lesson planning required. Pay starts at $10.20 per hour, and you can work as little or as much as you want.
The platform is extremely flexible - you can literally log in whenever you have free time.
Content Creation and Curriculum Development
6. Teachers Pay Teachers
Teachers Pay Teachers – This is where many teachers start their side hustle journey. You create and sell educational resources like lesson plans, worksheets, and classroom decorations.
Top sellers on TPT make $50,000-100,000+ annually, but even casual sellers can earn $200-1000 per month.
The key is creating resources that solve specific problems for other teachers. Think "escape room" style review games, differentiated worksheets, or holiday-themed activities.
7. Educational Consulting
Many school districts and educational companies pay teachers $50-150 per hour to:
- Review and align curriculum to state standards
- Create assessment materials
- Develop professional development workshops
- Write educational content for textbook companies
This work often happens during summers and can provide substantial income during break periods.
8. Online Course Creation
Platforms like Udemy, Teachable, and Skillshare allow teachers to create courses on their expertise.
Examples of successful teacher-created courses:
- "Classroom Management Strategies for New Teachers" ($2,000+ monthly)
- "Reading Intervention Techniques" ($1,500+ monthly)
- "Math Games for Elementary Students" ($800+ monthly)
Once created, these courses can provide passive income for years.
Freelance Writing and Editing Opportunities
9. Educational Freelance Writing
Education publications, websites, and companies constantly need content written by credentialed teachers.
Rates typically range from $25-100+ per article, depending on length and publication.
Popular topics include:
- Classroom management strategies
- Subject-specific teaching tips
- Educational technology reviews
- Lesson plan ideas
10. Curriculum Writing
Educational publishers and school districts hire teachers to write:
- Textbook content ($30-75 per hour)
- Online learning modules ($40-80 per hour)
- Assessment questions ($25-50 per hour)
- Teacher guides ($35-60 per hour)
This work often allows for remote collaboration and flexible deadlines.
11. Grant Writing for Schools
Many teachers have success writing grants for educational organizations.
Grant writers typically earn $25-75 per hour, with experienced writers charging project fees of $1,000-10,000+ depending on grant size.
Your education background gives you credibility when writing for educational grants.
Seasonal and Summer Opportunities
12. Summer Camp Instruction
Specialized camps (STEM, arts, academic enrichment) pay teachers $15-30 per hour and often provide additional perks like free meals.
Many camps specifically seek certified teachers for their credibility with parents and understanding of age-appropriate activities.
13. Test Prep Instruction
SAT, ACT, and AP test prep is lucrative, especially during peak testing seasons.
Private test prep tutors earn $40-100+ per hour, while working for test prep companies typically pays $20-40 per hour.
Your familiarity with standardized testing and curriculum makes you an ideal candidate.
14. Summer School Teaching
Many districts pay teachers $25-50 per hour for summer school instruction, and you can often teach in districts other than your own.
This provides steady income during summer break while keeping your teaching skills sharp.
Creative and Service-Based Side Hustles
15. Voice-Over Work
Teachers have clear speaking voices and presentation skills that translate well to voice-over work.
Educational voice-over projects pay particularly well:
- E-learning narration: $200-500 per finished hour
- Children's audiobooks: $150-400 per finished hour
- Educational videos: $25-75 per hour of recording
16. Virtual Assistant for Educational Businesses
Many educational entrepreneurs need VAs who understand the education space.
Tasks include:
- Social media management for education accounts
- Customer service for online courses
- Content creation for educational blogs
- Administrative support for tutoring businesses
Rates typically range from $15-35 per hour.
17. Proofreading and Editing
Your eye for detail and grammar skills make you perfect for proofreading:
- Student essays and college applications ($20-50 per hour)
- Educational materials and textbooks ($25-45 per hour)
- Academic papers and dissertations ($30-60 per hour)
Many teachers find this relaxing work that can be done while watching TV.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teacher Side Hustles
Can teachers realistically make $1000+ monthly from side hustles?
Absolutely! Many teachers I know earn $1000-3000+ monthly by combining 2-3 of these strategies. The key is starting with one, mastering it, then adding others.
How much time do these side hustles require?
Most can be done in 5-15 hours per week. The beauty is that many align with your existing schedule - you can tutor after school, create TPT resources during prep periods, or do voice-over work on weekends.
Will these interfere with my teaching job?
Most districts allow side work as long as it doesn't conflict with your teaching responsibilities. Always check your contract, but educational side work is typically encouraged.
What equipment do I need?
For online tutoring: computer, reliable internet, possibly a headset
For TPT: computer with design software (Canva works great)
For voice-over: computer, quality microphone ($50-200), quiet space
For writing: just a computer
How do I get started?
Pick ONE opportunity that excites you most. Don't try to do everything at once. Master one income stream, then add others.
Can substitute teachers do these too?
Yes! Your teaching credential and classroom experience qualify you for all of these opportunities.
What about taxes?
Set aside 25-30% of side hustle income for taxes. Consider quarterly payments if you're earning substantial amounts.
Getting Started: Your Action Plan
Month 1-2: Choose one opportunity and focus entirely on it. I recommend starting with online tutoring or TPT since they have the lowest barriers to entry.
Month 3-4: Once you're earning consistent income from your first side hustle, consider adding a second complementary one.
Month 5-6: Evaluate what's working best and consider scaling up your most profitable activities.
Remember: The goal isn't to work yourself to exhaustion. These side hustles should provide financial relief while leveraging skills you already have.
What's Working Right Now in 2025
Based on current market trends, these opportunities are particularly hot:
- AI and Education Consulting: Helping schools implement AI tools
- Micro-Learning Content: Creating bite-sized educational content for busy parents
- Adult Learning: Teaching life skills to adults (financial literacy, technology, etc.)
- Homeschool Support: The homeschool market continues growing post-COVID
The Bottom Line
Your teaching skills are incredibly valuable beyond the traditional classroom. You have expertise in communication, curriculum development, assessment, and working with diverse learners - all highly marketable skills.
The key is packaging these skills in ways that serve markets willing to pay premium prices for educational expertise.
Start small, be consistent, and don't be afraid to charge what you're worth. You're not just a teacher looking for extra money - you're an education professional with specialized skills.
What side hustle sounds most interesting to you? Drop a comment below - I'd love to hear about your experiences or answer any specific questions!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own based on experience and research.
