Side Hustles for Teachers: 12 Ideas That Fit a School Schedule in 2026

Teaching pays the bills for a lot of people, but not always with room to spare. Side hustles for teachers are common for a reason: in the US, 18 percent of public school teachers held a job outside the school system in 2017-18, earning an average of $5,800 from it, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

The trick is finding work that fits around marking, lesson planning and parents' evenings, not a second fixed schedule on top of them. This guide covers 12 side hustles for teachers in the US and the UK, grouped by how much time they take, with what each one realistically pays and who it suits.

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Before you start: check your contract and your taxes

Two things are worth sorting out before you take on any extra work. First, read your district's or school's policy on outside employment. Many US districts ask teachers to disclose second jobs, and some restrict work that overlaps with the classroom, such as privately tutoring your own students. In the UK, your contract or the school's staff handbook usually covers the same ground.

Second, extra income is taxable. In the US, earnings from side work count as income even when they arrive as gift cards. In the UK, the trading allowance lets you earn up to £1,000 a year from self-employment or casual services before you need to tell HMRC. Our guide to taxes on survey money walks through both systems in plain English.

Side hustles for teachers that use your skills

These options turn what you already do every day into extra income. They pay best per hour, but most need some setup time.

1. Online tutoring

Tutoring one-to-one over video is the most natural fit for teachers. You can work through a tutoring platform, which finds students for you and takes a cut, or build your own list of private clients through word of mouth. Rates vary widely by subject and level: exam-year maths and science usually pay more than general homework help.

Tip: offer short blocks around exam season, when parents are most likely to book, rather than committing to weekly slots all year.

Best for: teachers of exam subjects who can spare two or three evenings a week.

2. Selling lesson plans and resources

If you already make worksheets, slide decks or revision guides, you can sell them on teacher resource marketplaces. Income starts slowly and depends on how many resources you list and how well they're described. Some teachers build a steady trickle of sales over a year or two.

Tip: only sell material you made yourself, with your own images and fonts, and check that your school doesn't claim ownership of resources made for your classes.

Best for: organised teachers with a library of polished resources.

3. Exam marking

Exam boards hire experienced teachers each year to mark papers, mostly in late spring and early summer. The work is paid per script, so speed matters, and it sits in a predictable window. Applications usually open months ahead, so check your subject's exam board in the autumn.

Best for: secondary teachers in exam subjects who don't mind an intense few weeks.

4. Writing and editing

Teachers write clearly and explain things step by step, which is what education publishers, test-prep companies and blogs pay for. Freelance writing, proofreading and curriculum writing can all be done from home at your own pace.

Best for: English and humanities teachers, or anyone who enjoys writing.

5. Creating an online course

A short video course on a topic you know well, from GCSE chemistry to classroom management for new teachers, can keep selling after the work is done. It takes the most upfront time of anything on this list.

Best for: teachers comfortable on camera with a niche topic.

Low-effort side hustles for busy term time

During term, energy is the real limit. These options take minutes rather than hours and can be stopped and started whenever you like.

6. Paid surveys and rewards sites

Survey and rewards sites pay for your opinions, short tasks and games. On ZySurveys you earn real US dollars, and you can cash out from $10 for your first payout and from $5 after that, with no payout fee. Members can choose gift cards such as Amazon, Target or Starbucks in the US, a Visa or Mastercard reward, or a Wise transfer.

Be realistic: surveys pay small amounts, and you won't qualify for every one. It's a way to turn a quiet evening on the sofa into a coffee or a grocery gift card, not a second salary. If you're in the US, see our page on paid surveys in the US; UK teachers can start with paid surveys in the UK.

Best for: teachers who want something to do in ten spare minutes, with no commitment.

7. Selling things you no longer need

Clearing out old books, classroom supplies you bought yourself, or clothes is a quick way to raise money. Online marketplaces make it simple, and most of it isn't taxed when you're selling your own used items rather than buying to resell.

Best for: anyone with a cupboard to clear.

8. Pet sitting and house sitting

Looking after pets or homes while neighbours travel fits well around a school timetable, especially in the holidays. It's mostly booked through local word of mouth or sitting apps.

Best for: teachers who like animals and have a flexible home life.

Summer and holiday side hustles

The long break is where teachers have the most time. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, many teachers work a 10-month school year with a 2-month summer breakand the median high school teacher earned $72,040 in May 2025.

9. Summer camp and holiday clubs

Camps and holiday clubs value teachers for their safeguarding training and classroom experience. Roles range from activity leader to camp director. Expect background checks, and sometimes first aid certification.

Best for: primary and PE teachers who enjoy being outdoors.

10. Summer school and catch-up programmes

Many districts and academy trusts run paid summer programmes. It's familiar work, close to home, and the pay is often set per hour or per session.

Best for: teachers who want predictable holiday income without learning anything new.

11. Seasonal retail or delivery

Delivery apps and seasonal retail roles let you pick shifts when you want them. They pay less than tutoring but need no preparation at all.

Best for: teachers who want to switch off from teaching entirely.

12. Tour guiding and admissions work

Museums, attractions and summer schools for international students hire people who can explain things to groups. It's a neat fit for history, geography and language teachers.

Best for: teachers with a subject that ties into a local attraction.

How to pick the right side hustle

A quick way to choose is to ask three questions:

1. When do you have time? Evenings in term suit tutoring and surveys. The summer suits camps, marking and summer school.
2. How much energy is left? After a long week, low-effort options beat higher-paying work you'll dread.
3. What's the goal? A one-off holiday fund suits seasonal work. A steady top-up suits tutoring or selling resources.

Many teachers mix two: one higher-paying option for the holidays and one low-effort option for term time. If you're comparing ideas outside teaching, our list of side hustles for nurses covers shift-friendly work, and side hustles in the UK focuses on UK rules. For a target to aim at, see how to make $100 a week online.

Avoid side hustle scams

Teachers are a common target for fake job offers, especially "remote tutoring" or "curriculum review" roles that ask you to pay for training or equipment first. The Federal Trade Commission is clear: honest employers will never ask you to pay to get a job. Never pay a fee to start work, never accept a cheque and send money back, and be wary of anyone who wants to move the conversation to a private messaging app straight away.

Conclusion

The best side hustles for teachers use the skills you already have or ask almost nothing of you during term. Check your contract, keep an eye on tax, and match the work to the time of year. Small, steady extras add up over a school year.

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Frequently asked questions

Can teachers have a side hustle?

Yes, most can, but check your district or school policy first. Some require you to disclose outside work, and many restrict tutoring your own students for money.

What is the best side hustle for teachers?

Online tutoring usually pays the most per hour because it uses your teaching skills directly. For low effort during term, paid surveys and selling items you no longer need are easier to fit in.

How can teachers make money in the summer?

Summer camps, summer school, exam marking and seasonal work are the most common options. Apply early, as camps and exam boards often recruit months ahead.

Do teachers have to pay tax on side hustle income?

Yes. In the US, side income is taxable even when it's paid as gift cards. In the UK, the £1,000 trading allowance covers small amounts, and above that you need to register for Self Assessment.