Side hustle trends for 2025: Data, statistics, and expert advice

Side hustles are a defining trend in the US workforce, with the majority of employees either already managing one or considering starting one.

The motivations behind this shift are varied. While financial pressures remain a key driver, many workers are also seeking creative outlets, ways to develop new skills, or opportunities to test potential career paths.

This article draws on the latest statistics to examine the scale of the side hustle economy in 2025, exploring why employees are taking them on, how much income they’re generating, and the key challenges they face, from burnout to persistent gender pay disparities.

It also includes expert insight into how organizations can understand, support, and even harness the growing side hustle culture, as well as what it takes for individuals to turn these ventures into sustainable businesses.

Put simply, a side hustle is a secondary job that an employee undertakes alongside their main employment to generate additional income. Unlike full-time work, it doesn’t come with fixed hours, a set salary, or traditional benefits. It also differs from freelance work, which typically involves operating as an independent contractor for multiple clients.

It’s worth noting that side hustles often emerge from personal passions or hobbies and tend to be flexible—the worker decides when and how much to engage in them. They’re usually skill-based and can be entrepreneurial in nature, with some individuals aiming to grow their side hustle into a full-fledged business.

US Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that 8.9 million Americans are working multiple jobs, representing 5.4% of employed workers (the highest figure since the Great Recession). 

According to our current side hustle statistics for 2025, 72% of workers either already have or are considering a side hustle—37% already have a side hustle, and 35% are considering pursuing one.

SurePayroll recently found that 32% of workers say the state of the economy in 2025 has made them more interested in launching a side hustle. That lines up with a The 19th|SurveyMonkey poll where 32% of Americans cited inflation and cost of living as their top concern right now.

Though many people start side hustles to pursue a passion, learn skills, and begin building a business, the allure of extra income is a big motivator. 

Ultimately, side hustles are being used by employees as both a survival strategy and a growth plan.

Our side hustle stats reveal the top reasons people are starting or considering side hustles:

And according to our data, side hustles are getting normalized; 70% of workers believe people should always be looking for income sources beyond their main job, and 31% are drawn to freelancing.

SurveyMonkey side hustle statistics and workplace trends paint a picture of how career dissatisfaction may fuel alternative income paths.

While 78% of workers think staying with one company long-term is still the best way to advance, 43% say there are few or no growth opportunities in their current job. 

A further 39% of people are actively seeking growth or change in their career, while 18% feel stuck or uncertain.

That mismatch means employees may redirect their drive into side hustles, treating them as outlets for development and career growth that they’re not finding within their main jobs.

The best side hustles in 2025 are those that align most with your skills, interests, and time. Popular hustles include selling products online, content creation, influencing, and tutoring. 

Our data reveals that 26% of Gen Z are considering a side hustle as a social media influencer or content creator, though more would like to own their own business (49%, vs 44% Millennials, 40% Gen X and 28% Boomers).

And yet more Gen Z workers want to earn passive income through avenues such as investments (46%) and real estate (42%). 

2025 side hustle income statistics from Bankrate put the average monthly income at $885, while the median is $200.

In 2024, a Quicken study showed that 43% of Americans with side hustles earned more and worked fewer hours than in a traditional salaried job. This data also shows that younger generations are making more money.

According to the latest data, Millennials are currently the highest-earning side hustlers, bringing in an average of $1,129 a month. Then come Gen Z ($958), Gen X ($751), and Boomers ($561). 

Time is a challenge for many side hustlers in 2025, who have to juggle their side projects with primary employment and family life. 

According to sidehustles.com, 67% of side hustlers say their additional work from side hustles leads to burnout, and more than half (52%) believe that burnout is only worth it if they earn over $500 a week. Start-up and ongoing costs add to the strain—from marketing and tech expenses to taxes, legal fees, and insurance.

And yet, despite the long hours and mounting pressure, a growing number of younger workers are still turning to side hustles—but with a very different mindset. Our SurveyMonkey Workplace Culture and Trends study revealed a “Gen Zen” attitude among younger workers: they’re ambitious but unwilling to sacrifice well-being, loyalty, or personal values for success.

While 72% of workers say they have or are considering a side hustle, the data doesn’t show how Gen Z treat them specifically. What it does show is a broader approach to work: 77% of Gen Z describe their work-life balance as healthy, even though 67% still believe personal sacrifice is required for success. That balance-first outlook suggests that, unlike previous generations, today’s side hustlers are more likely to protect their time and pursue projects that align with their values.

For brands and employers, the message is clear: flexibility and purpose now matter as much as pay. The modern side hustler isn’t just managing time—they’re redefining what’s worth their time.

Looking at the strategies that help side hustlers thrive, the most successful side ventures tend to be underpinned by clear goal-setting and long-term milestones to align projects with broader career aspirations.

Defining clear, measurable goals to plan, track progress, and stay motivated is a helpful way to make a side hustle succeed. Short- and long-term planning helps new businesses move in the right direction, prevents wasted effort, and helps them align their side hustle with larger life or career aspirations.

To succeed in a side hustle, businesses need to develop discipline and get organized, scheduling work sessions, eliminating distractions, and prioritizing tasks. This can all be done strategically through AI. Building efficient systems and good habits is a great route to steady progress, even with limited time outside your main job. Examples of this can be through simple ways customers can contact you, such as easy-to-use contact forms.

Investing time in marketing your personal brand will help build visibility and trust. Sharing expertise and engaging authentically with the right audience helps to attract clients, boost credibility, and create sustainable business opportunities. 

Separating business and personal finances helps give clarity to different financial situations. Entrepreneurs can track income and expenses through reliable payment integrations, manage their taxes, and consider reinvesting profits to create business stability. Being organized and prudent with money is key if they want to scale their operation. 

Entrepreneurs must not overestimate the value of resilience when running a side hustle. Challenges are inevitable, but a resilient growth mindset and a lot of patience can help businesses learn from setbacks and keep building momentum. 

Feedback helps businesses to validate ideas, refine products or services, and spot blind spots. Asking customers, peers, or mentors for honest input not only improves quality and efficiency but also builds trust and loyalty. Whether through surveys, reviews, or direct conversations,  brands can stay customer-focused, grow their skills faster, and give their side hustle the best chance of long-term success.

Brands must make sure to network with existing and new connections to grow through referrals, support, and collaboration. Finding a mentor is a wise move too—someone who can provide invaluable advice and accountability, helping businesses avoid costly mistakes as the side hustle progresses. 

Side hustles play a big part in the modern world of work. People rely on them for vital income, to develop skills, to turn passion projects into viable businesses, and as vehicles for personal growth.