Abby B. In this article, I’ll be sharing 11 side hustle ideas for Uber drivers, where some are related to cars, while others make use of skills you never thought you had. I’ll also provide recommendations of what you’ll need to start and provide more tailored options for making an extra income as an Uber driver.
*This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link!
11 Best Side Hustles For Uber Drivers
1. Sign up as a pet caregiver on pet-sitting apps
Unsure what you can do on days you don’t feel like driving? You can become a pet-sitter by visiting home of pet owners and take care of their cats or dogs.
To speed things up as a beginner pet-sitter, you can sign up to sites like Rover and WagWalking and register yourself as a pet caregiver.
With these platforms, pet owners will have to specify the type of service they’re looking for and the size of their dogs (for the caregiver’s comfort).
The average charge for pet sitters is $15-20 but this should depend on the service you’re offering, the area you’re in and your experience.
Services you can include with pet sitting:
- Walking
- Home boarding
- Sleepovers and night care
- Training
- Bring to vet
- Basic grooming & care
- Travel trips
If you love using social media and scrolling TikTok, Instagram Reels or YouTube shorts, it’s time to make it make money for you.
Regardless of whether you have a huge number of followers or you don’t, you can earn side income from promoting affiliate links to products and services you use.
I would recommend starting a new account on these platforms just to share car-related content. You can make it educational, inspirational or even entertaining.
The key thing to do is to build your followers through engaging content which would then help you convert your audience to a paying one later on.
If they like what you’re promoting e.g. a car shampoo, they’ll then click on the affiliate link and make a purchase. Once they do, you’ll earn a commission which is usually a percentage of the total sale amount.
Popular affiliate marketplaces you can join are Amazon Associates, CJ affiliate, Clickbank, Share-a-sale and Rakuten Advertising. Find any products/services on these platforms that resonate to your audience, get the affiliate link and start promoting.
| What do I need to start? | – Affiliate products or services you can promote – Social media account with growing followers – Content platform to embed your affiliate links |
3. Build your own YouTube channel for something you’re passionate about
Have extra time to make long form video to upload on YouTube? You should definitely build a side hustle out of YouTube by just posting a single video a week.
If you have zero experience in editing videos, you may feel that it’s quite difficult to make any money with YouTube. However, although good editing attracts viewers, it does not guarantee that the content is any good.
So if you have real knowledge in what you want to share and can provide value to anyone watching, you still can earn with YouTube. The key is to choose a single niche or interest and make a ton of videos for that segment!
I’ve attached some samples down below of real YouTube channels that covers topics of ridesharing. Some of these YouTubers are Uber and Lyft drivers themselves.
With YouTube, you can explore any passion you may have – whether it’s food, cars or camping. With enough good content, you should be able to earn from YouTube advertisements, affiliate links, sponsorships and even sales of your own products.
Interesting YouTube channels for the driving and delivery niche:
| What do I need to start? | – A camera to record – Portable microphone for better sound – A video editing software |
Read: What I spent for my vlogging gear in first 6 months
4. Start a podcast sharing stories about your trips
Want to share stories of your Uber or Lyft trips but unsure how to do it with videos? You can start your own podcast and make it all about your rides.
Aside from story-telling, you can also be sharing tips for other Uber and Lyft drivers. I’ve included a link below to a podcast channel on Apple Podcasts that talks about helpful insights for the ridesharing industry.
Educate others on topics you believe is important for ridesharing drivers! I personally follow famous podcasts for self development and financial tips but there are all kinds of podcasts out there – you will be surprised, it’s one Google away.
Want to do both YouTubing and podcasting? You can video-record your podcasting sessions and upload them to your YouTube channel.
Do what’s possible for you today, there’s always room to improve later on and change your direction. Quite similar to YouTube, podcasts allows you to earn from downloads and brand sponsorships.
| What do I need to start? | – Good desk microphone – Set of quality earphones – An audio editing software |
Check out: The Rideshare Guy Podcast on Apple Podcasts
5. Write in your free time for your own blog
Not interested to be a YouTuber or a podcaster? You can still become a content creator through writing for your own blog.
Compared to YouTube and podcasts, it is best to write about searchable topics for your blog – as people aren’t suggested random websites to visit (unlike YouTube). Think of topics people would intentionally search for in the Google search bar that’s relevant to your niche.
I highly recommend blogging to anyone that’s patient enough to do the work without seeing immediate results as it’s not a quick way to make an income. It’s also a great side hustle for introverts!
Although you may not have any technical background in creating websites, it’s not too difficult to start your own simple blog. I managed to do it without any previous experience just by watching YouTube videos.
Just like the two content creation methods I’ve suggested above, it’s best to stick to a single niche for your blog in the beginning. Make a list of your personal interests and choose one!
Blogging can make you an income through advertisements, affiliates, sponsorships and sales of your own physical or digital product. Check out my free article on how you can set up a blog (step-by-step).
| What do I need to start? | – A WordPress Website – Domain name & hosting – Passion to write for a specific niche |
Read: Why I invested in a blogging coach before doing anything else
6. Apply to become a certified driving instructor
Looking a side hustle that’s related to driving? You can become a certified driving instructor and teach others how to drive.
There are basic requirements you would need to fulfill depending on the state you’re living/working in so it’s wise to check first. A high school diploma or GED are typically needed when applying to be a driving instructor and you’ll also have to be above a certain age.
For example, the New York state requires driving instructors to be at least 21 years old and officially employed by a licensed driving school. Individuals must then complete an Application for Driving School Instructor Certificate (MV-523) in order to be certified.
There should be arrangements for part-time driving instructors especially during the busy seasons. This should make it possible for you to make extra income alongside driving for Uber or Lyft.
| What do I need to start? | – Driving license – Relevant requirements based on state you live in |
7. Sell stock photos of anything you see
As an Uber driver, you probably drive a lot more than others and get to see a ton more things – even if it’s in passing.
A side hustle you can get into is selling your photos as stock photography. Whether you’re stepping out of your car to take some shots or do it from your driver’s seat, it doesn’t matter.
As long as you capture a good quality photo and you think there are people who would purchase it for their marketing materials, you’re good to go.
You can be taking photos of unique cars, coffee shops, food, landscapes and even buildings. Your pictures may be purchased repeatedly by large websites, blog owners and content creators at any time of day – which allows you to make passive side income!
Of course, to take nice photos with the best quality, you’ll need to invest in some camera gears and learn basic photography skills. It’s not too hard as stock photography doesn’t demand the same skill sets as wedding photography.
Stock websites you can join to start:
| What do I need to start? | – A good camera – Photo editing skills – Consistency to upload photos frequently |
8. Deliver packages with Amazon Flex or other apps
There are an assortment of driving side hustles you can explore today aside from just driving for Uber or Lyft. You can be delivering packages and items instead of sending people – without having to socialize.
To maximize their car usage, ridesharing drivers also sign up to Amazon Flex, Door Dash, Postmates, InstaCart and Roadie. There is a huge question of how you would manage between these apps to get the best return for your time – so start doing some research!
Some of these gigs would let you know upfront of how much you can make for a job and the areas in-demand. They may limit your weekly working hours and the hourly rate you can earn varies too!
The video I’ve included at the beginning of this article talks about how you can start a side job as a medical courier driver with Dropoff just using your car (under 10 years) and a smartphone. Just like Uber, you’ll be paid for every delivery job.
| What do I need to start? | – A vehicle to drive around – Smartphone to receive orders – Good knowledge of area |
9. Tutor school kids online for a subject you’re good at
If you were ever interested in teaching, it’s time to reconsider it as a side hustle. You can sign up as an online tutor with any of the tutoring platforms I’ve listed below.
These platforms vary based on the subjects they offer and delivery method of online classes, so find out which one suits you best. As you’re spending most of your day time driving, online tutoring at night lets you relax a little as you don’t have to commute for an in-person class.
Tutoring subjects like mathematics, language or history can get you at least $40-$60 per hour depending on the area you’re serving. It’s even more possible to negotiate a higher rate if you tutee is from a big city e.g. NYC, LA.
If you’re a native English speaker, you can also apply to become an online English teacher for foreigners wanting to learn the language.
Some sites you can join to become a tutor online:
| What do I need to start? | – A subject you’re able to teach – Plan for modules and lessons – Platform to market your services |
10. Rent other properties to host it on Airbnb
Dreamt of setting up your own Airbnb and becoming a Super Host? Whether you have your own property to put on display or you don’t, it’s possible to become one.
A trending way to do this is to rent another property in an area that’s highly in demand by tourists. You will need to discuss with your landlord to allow you to sublease their property and turn it into an Airbnb.
Of course, you’ll have to furnish the unit at your own cost and provide cleaning after every check out. By getting good initial reviews, you should be able to get more bookings and cover the rent to your landlord.
Any difference in revenue and cost is your profit to keep!
It’s even easier to get into this side hustle if you live in a popular tourist spot or stay near the airport. Your Airbnb clients may also become your Uber customers, win-win.
| What do I need to start? | – A property to turn into Airbnb – Necessary furnishing for customer’s convenience – Platform to market your services e.g. Airbnb |
11. Make designs to sell on merchandise with print on demand
Had an idea that you could start dropshipping and monitor orders coming in while driving for Uber? You should try out print on demand instead – here’s my seven reasons why.
Print on demand works quite similar to dropshipping as you don’t need to spend any money buying stock or handle the day-to-day operations i.e. shipping of orders.
With print on demand, you’ll only need to make designs and upload them on merchandises like t-shirts, phone cases and even car accessories. Once you get an order (via Etsy or Shopify), your POD print provider will print the product and ship the order directly to customers for you.
Just sign up to POD fulfillments like Printify or Printful, create designs on Canva or Kittl and sync them to your shop! No costs involved until you make a sale.
You can also purchase ready designs on creative marketplaces like Envato Elements or Creative Fabrica if you’re too busy to make them.
| What do I need to start? | – Basic designing skills – A laptop to work with – An initial niche and product |
Can’t decide what product to design and sell? Check out my product guides before deciding!
- Tote bags for print on demand
- Tumblers for print on demand
- Phone cases for print on demand
- Posters for print on demand
- Leggings for print on demand
- Jewelry for print on demand
- Candles for print on demand
- Doormats for print on demand
- Hoodies for print on demand
- Pet products for print on demand
- Socks for print on demand
- Pajamas for print on demand
- Blankets for print on demand
- Baby clothes for print on demand
- Wrapping paper for print on demand
- Puzzles for print on demand
- Stickers for print on demand
- Athletic wear for print on demand
- Hats for print on demand
- Journals for print on demand
- Greeting cards for print on demand
- Mugs for print on demand
7 Driving Side Hustles You Can Explore
Based on the current trends, here are 7 driving side hustles you can explore:
- Deliver packages with Amazon Flex
- Sign up as a driving instructor
- Install advertisement vinyl wrap stickers on your car
- Promote referral products for drivers
- Drive for ridesharing apps like Uber or Lyft
- Deliver medical supplies with a medical courier
- Become a mover and help others move houses
How To Make Extra Money While Driving For Uber
Here are some ideas on how you can make extra money while driving for Uber:
- Complete online surveys on the go
- Earn from YouTube with advertisements
- Make commissions by promoting affiliate products or services
- Take other driving jobs in between that pays better
- Get paid to install advertisement vinyl wrap stickers on your car
- Sell stock photos or videos online
- Start ecommerce by selling merchandise with print on demand
- Create digital products to sell passively on Etsy
- Become a host on Airbnb with your property
- Use your vehicle to promote your side businesses
Which Side Hustle Should I Choose?
Unsure which side hustles for Uber drivers you should go for? Here are the top 6 things to consider when deciding which side hustle is best for you.
- How much time can you commit to it?
- Consider how much time you can set aside for your side hustle for weekdays and weekends
- What type of income are you looking for?
- Do you want to make income actively or passively while you sleep?
- What sparks interest & passion in you?
- Choose a side hustle that aligns to your personal goals and interests as it keeps you motivated
- Are you an extrovert or an introvert?
- Different side hustles requires different level of communication with the outside world, are you comfortable meeting new people every day?
- What is your current partner or friend up to that you can leverage on?
- Doing something with a friend or partner makes things easier and more manageable
- How soon do you need to make extra money?
- Not all side hustles make the same amount of money in the same pace, do you need money today or in a year’s time?
Bottom Line
It may be hard to start something new when you don’t have the right knowledge. So take time to do your own research and find out what suits you best.
The best way to know is to give it a try. Pick at least one or two things I’ve shared above and experiment it yourself – it may be a steep learning curve but life is all about exploring!
I would always recommend building passive income streams so you no longer need to trade time for money.
Here are 11 best side hustles for Uber drivers:
- Sign up as a pet caregiver on pet-sitting apps
- Promote affiliate or referral links for car-related products
- Build your own YouTube channel for something you’re passionate about
- Start a podcast sharing stories about your trips
- Write in your free time for your own blog
- Apply to become a certified driving instructor
- Sell stock photos of anything you see
- Deliver packages with Amazon Flex or other apps
- Tutor school kids online for a subject you’re good at
- Rent other properties to host it on Airbnb
- Make designs to sell on merchandise with print on demand
I’m not one to brag, but blogging has changed my life. I’ve been able to earn an income passively while on a coffee date and traveling with my family. With everything, it takes time to learn and not an overnight success – to speed things up, get yourself a blogging coach before starting.
These are my blogging resources to help you out:
- Step-by-step guide how to start blogging in your free time
- Why you need a blogging coach right from the start
- Worried of exposing yourself? You can blog anonymously
Photo by Ono Kosuki
