21 Profitable Winter Side Hustles to Boost Your Income in 2026

Last Updated on January 14, 2026 by Katie

Winter has a way of making your budget feel smaller. Heating bills climb, travel costs creep in, and the holidays can hit your wallet from every angle.

The good news is that winter also creates clear, predictable demand for help, both online and in your neighbourhood.

In this guide, we explore the best winter side hustles, split into remote and local options.

Each idea includes what you’ll do, how to set it up fast, where to look for work, and realistic earning ranges (your results depend on hours, skill, and location).

Start with one hustle you can actually stick with this week, then stack a second one later once the first feels routine.

 

 

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Related reading:

 

Best Winter Side Hustles You Can Do from Home

When roads are icy and daylight is short, staying inside can be a money move.

Remote winter side hustles work well because businesses still need support, and shoppers spend more time online.

Your goal is simple: pick one offer, set up a basic profile, and get your first small win within seven days.

 

1. Online surveys and app testing for quick indoor cash

Surveys pay small amounts, but they’re easy to squeeze into slow evenings.

Sites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie often add more opportunities during peak shopping months.

App and website testing usually pays more because you record feedback, not just clicks. See this guide on the best website testing jobs.

Screeners will knock you out sometimes, so apply to many.

Treat it like a daily routine, not a one-time burst. Earnings are about $5 to $10 per day, or about $140 to $300 per month with steady effort.

Quick start:

• Complete profiles on 2 to 3 sites
• Check in twice daily
• Use headphones for tests
• Cash out weekly

 

2. Customer research interviews that pay for opinions

If you can talk through how you shop, work, or use apps, research interviews can pay well.

Many studies are conducted remotely in winter because recruiting in-person participants becomes more challenging.

Look for 30 to 60-minute sessions on User Interviews and Respondent.

Be honest about your background because mismatches waste time.

Keep your calendar flexible for last-minute slots. Expect about $20 to $100 per session, or about $200 to $800 per month.

Quick start:

• Add work and device details
• Apply to 10 studies weekly
• Keep a quiet call space
• Show up early

Further reading: How to make money with focus groups ($300/Day).

 

3. Freelance writing for seasonal content and evergreen posts

Winter demand spikes for gift guides, New Year habits, and travel content.

Businesses also need “boring” posts that rank year-round, and those often pay better over time.

Start on Upwork and pitch small packages first. Two writing samples are enough to begin. Write one holiday piece and one evergreen guide.

Hit deadlines and you’ll get repeat work, which matters most in winter.

Typical earnings range from $50 to $250 per article (or $20 to $60 per hour), roughly $50 to $200 per day and $500 to $3,000 per month, depending on workload.

Quick start:

• Write 2 samples in Google Docs
• Create a clear niche headline
• Bid on small fixed-price jobs
• Ask for reviews fast

Further reading: How to become a freelance writer with no experience.

 

4. Virtual assistant work for busy small businesses

When owners are slammed by holiday overflow and Q1 planning, admin help sells.

VA work is one of the best winter side hustles that includes inbox cleanup, scheduling, customer replies, and simple research.

You can find roles through VA agencies, in this virtual assistant jobs guide and on remote job boards.

A calm, reliable communicator wins more than fancy tools. Set boundaries on response times so it stays part-time.

Expect $18 to $35 per hour, around $70 to $200 per day and $600 to $2,500 per month based on hours.

Quick start:

• List 5 tasks you’ll handle
• Set a starter weekly package
• Use a simple intake form
• Track time for pricing

For help getting started, read; How to become a virtual assistant with no experience.

 

5. Freelance digital marketing services for winter promos

Winter sales events create nonstop needs: email blasts, basic ad support, and short social promos.

Keep your offer narrow so clients can say yes quickly, like “10 posts in 48 hours” or “one promo email plus subject lines.”

Upwork works for ongoing clients, and Fiverr can work for productized packages. Also, check this guide on digital marketing jobs hiring.

Results matter, so save examples and performance screenshots when possible. Don’t underprice forever; raise rates after three wins.

Expect $25 to $75 per hour, roughly $100 to $300 per day and $800 to $3,500 per month.

Quick start:

Further reading: 13 best digital marketing side hustles to boost your income.

 

6. Selling digital products like planners, checklists, and templates

Winter is planning season; people want budgets, routines, and printable trackers.

Digital downloads sell while you sleep once listings rank and convert. Design tools like Canva help you move faster, even as a beginner.

Start with one product that solves one problem, like a meal plan sheet or savings tracker.

Improve based on what buyers ask for. Earnings can be about $20 to $100 per day after setup, or about $500 to $3,000 per month, depending on traffic.

Quick start:

• Choose one buyer problem
• Make one clean, simple template
• Write a keyword-focused listing
• Add a second matching product

Further reading: 23 digital products to sell that can be made in an afternoon.

 

7. Print-on-demand designs for winter shirts, mugs, and hoodies

Print-on-demand fits winter because gifts and cosy clothing sell well.

To make money from this winter side hustle, you have to upload designs, the platform prints and ships, and you keep the margin.

Use Printful to handle production, then focus on product photos and simple themes. Keep designs readable, and avoid trademarked phrases. Posting consistently beats perfection.

Earnings are often about $10 to $50 per day, or about $400 to $2,000 per month once listings are up.

Quick start:

• Pick one niche audience
• Create 5 simple winter designs
• Mock up best-sellers first
• Post new items weekly

Further reading: How to sell t-shirts on Etsy using Printify.

 

8. Affiliate marketing for winter gear, home goods, and gifts

Affiliate marketing pays you a commission when someone buys through your link.

Winter helps because people shop for heaters, boots, gifts, and storage. The safest route is content that solves a problem, like short reviews or “best of” lists.

Stick to products you’d recommend to a friend; trust is your asset.

The money-making process might be slow to start with this hustle, then can stack over time.

Expect about $10 to $50 per day early on, or about $500 to $2,000 per month with steady traffic.

Quick start:

• Pick one category you know
• Write 5 helpful product notes
• Post on a blog or Pinterest
• Track clicks and conversions

Further reading: How to start affiliate marketing without a website: 7 paths to profit.

 

9. Remote tutoring for mid-year help and test prep

Winter brings mid-year grades, new semesters, and test prep panic.

Remote lessons also solve snow-day chaos for families. Focus on one subject you can teach clearly, and keep sessions structured.

A simple plan, warm-up, lesson, practice, and recap sells better than “tutoring.”

Be consistent and you’ll get referrals. Expect $20 to $60 per hour, around $60 to $250 per day and $500 to $3,000 per month.

Quick start:

• Choose one subject and grade range
• Build a 30-minute lesson outline
• Offer first-session discounts carefully
• Ask parents for reviews

Further reading: 10 platforms to teach English online no experience.

 

10. Virtual fitness coaching for New Year goals

January is when people pay to feel accountable. Virtual coaching can be simple: a workout plan, weekly check-ins, and form tips within your scope.

Use clear disclaimers, and don’t promise health outcomes. Group coaching can boost income without adding hours.

Decide on the demographic you want to teach eg; men 18-30 to bulk up or women over 50 to lose belly fat and target them in your marketing.

Check Truecoach and Trainerize to sell your virtual fitness programs and to connect with all your clients in one place.

Expect $30 to $150 per client per month (or $30 to $80 per session), roughly $50 to $200 per day and $400 to $3,000 per month.

Quick start:

• Pick one client type (beginners)
• Write a 4-week starter plan
• Set check-in days and rules
• Collect progress wins weekly

 

11. Selling items online from winter decluttering

Winter is perfect for decluttering because you’re home more, and buyers search for gifts and cold-weather gear.

List jackets, boots, kids’ items, and unused tech before the rush ends. Good photos and fast replies beat fancy listings.

Check these best sites to sell used clothes online for cash.

Bundle small items to raise your average sale. Keep boxes and tape ready so shipping doesn’t stall you.

Earnings vary, but a realistic range is $10 to $75 per day, or $200 to $1,200 per month based on inventory.

Quick start:

• Fill one laundry basket to list
• Photograph near a window
• Price slightly above your floor
• Ship twice per week

 

Local winter side hustles that pay well in your area

Winter creates urgent problems, and urgent problems pay.

Snow blocks driveways, guests show up, cars get filthy, and people travel more.

These local winter side hustles can bring quick cash if you market early, show up on time, and price clearly.

Safety matters too; dress for the conditions and don’t take risks on ladders or icy steps.

 

12. Pet walking and pet sitting when it’s cold and busy

When it’s freezing, many owners would rather pay than bundle up.

Holiday travel also increases demand for pet sitting. Reliability is the whole product here, consistent updates keep clients calm.

Have a plan for ice, salt, and low visibility. Repeat clients can carry your whole season.

Typical pay is $15 to $30 per walk, about $40 to $100 per day, and $800 to $2,000 per month.

Quick start:

• Build a simple pet profile
• Do one meet-and-greet route
• Bring lights and paw wipes
• Send photo updates

 

13. Snow removal and salting driveways for fast storm money

Snow removal pays because it’s time-sensitive and physical.

Offer driveways first, then upsell sidewalks and salting. Route planning matters more than speed; group clients by neighbourhood.

Market before the first storm, not after. Invest in quality tools if you stick with it.

Expect $30 to $60 per driveway, about $100 to $300 per day, and up to $1,500+ per month during peak snow.

Quick start:

• Set 3 package prices
• Buy salt and a spreader
• Map a tight service route
• Collect payments same day

 

14. Delivery driver shifts during peak winter ordering

Cold weather pushes people to order in, and online shopping stays high.

One of the best winter side hustles, you could work short shifts around dinner or weekends. Keep your car winter-ready, and track miles for taxes.

Don’t count on huge tips, but bad weather can increase them in some markets.

Work the same zones to learn the fastest routes.

Earnings often land around $60 to $180 per day, and $600 to $3,000 per month, depending on hours and your city.

Quick start:

• Choose 1 app to start
• Drive peak meal hours
• Keep a phone mount ready
• Save receipts and mileage

 

15. Holiday decoration help for homes and small businesses

Some people love holiday lights; others dread them.

To make extra cash in winter, you can offer setup, indoor styling, and takedown to the people who love them in one clear package.

Safety is non-negotiable; avoid icy ladders and use proper footwear. Take before-and-after photos to sell your work. Book early, weekends fill fast.

Typical earnings are $100 to $400 per job, around $150 to $500 per day, and $500 to $2,500 per month during the short season.

Quick start:

• Price by linear feet or zones
• Bring clips, timers, extension cords
• Use a written safety checklist
• Offer takedown scheduling upfront

 

16. House cleaning and deep cleaning for pre and post-holiday resets

More guests and more indoor time mean more mess.

And, this can turn into dollars for you as deep cleans sell well right before gatherings and right after the New Year.

Bring your own supplies, or offer add-on supply fees. A simple checklist prevents missed spots and complaints.

Great service leads to repeat bookings, which is the easiest way to grow.

Expect $25 to $50 per hour, about $100 to $250 per day, and $800 to $3,000 per month.

Quick start:

• Build a room-by-room checklist
• Set a minimum booking time
• Photograph results (with permission)
• Ask for referrals immediately

 

17. Babysitting and after-school care during holiday parties and dark commutes

Winter parties and schedule gaps create steady babysitting demand.

Parents pay more for sitters who are punctual and consistent. Keep clear rules on bedtime, food, and screen time.

Consider basic first-aid training if you’re serious about it. Build trust and you’ll stay booked.

Expect $15 to $25 per hour, about $60 to $200 per day, and $400 to $2,500 per month.

Quick start:

• Gather 2 references
• Set your service radius
• Confirm rules by text
• Arrive 10 minutes early

 

18. Car detailing that fixes winter grime and salt build-up

Winter roads destroy interiors, salt stains and wet mats happen fast.

One of the best winter side hustles, you can make money by offering small car detailing packages that you can finish in 60 to 90 minutes.

Focus on vacuuming, mat cleaning, windows, and salt removal.

Repeat work is common because the mess returns. Work in a garage when possible, or use mobile jobs on mild days.

Expect $80 to $200 per car, about $100 to $400 per day, and $600 to $3,000 per month.

Quick start:

• Buy a shop vac and towels
• Create 2 fixed-price packages
• Bring mat brushes and cleaner
• Book in blocks, not singles

 

19. Baking and selling winter treats for gifts and events

Holiday parties and teacher gifts make baked goods an easy sell.

Cookies, breads, and hot cocoa kits move well because they’re giftable. Local cottage food rules vary, so check your state and county requirements before selling.

If you start this side hustle, keep the menu tight so production stays profitable. Pre-orders protect your time and reduce waste.

Earnings can be $30 to $150 per order, about $50 to $300 per day, and $300 to $2,000 per month.

Quick start:

• Pick 5 items max
• Price for ingredients and time
• Use simple, neat packaging
• Collect pre-orders by deadline

Further reading: 13 deliciously profitable ways to make money baking from home.

 

20. Flipping winter gear and holiday finds for resale profit

Cold snaps create sudden demand for coats, boots, and snow gear.

An easy way to start making money with this hustle is to source from thrift stores, clearance racks, and local resale listings, then re-list with better photos.

Move fast on popular sizes and brands, don’t sit on slow items. Clean everything, buyers notice. Track what sells so you stop guessing.

Profit can run $10 to $60 per item, about $20 to $150 per day, and $300 to $2,500 per month.

Quick start:

• Check sold comps before buying
• Photograph in bright natural light
• Write the size and condition clearly
• Bundle similar items for speed

 

21. Local tours and winter experiences for visitors and locals

Winter still pulls crowds to light displays, markets, and cosy food spots.

If you have knowledge of a local area, you can make side cash by hosting a simple walking route, a coffee-and-history loop, or a holiday photo walk.

Check the WithLocals app, where you can sign up to be a host and earn money hosting personalised experiences in your area.

Plan for weather, restrooms, and safe crossing points. Keep groups small at first so it feels easy to manage.

A memorable theme helps you stand out. Earnings can be $20 to $50 per person, around $80 to $300 per tour, and $400 to $2,500 per month if you run weekly.

Quick start:

• Test the route at night
• Write a 45-minute script
• Set clear weather policies
• Ask guests for reviews

Further reading: 17 top companies to find home-based travel agent jobs.

 

Final Thoughts On the Best Winter Side Hustles

Winter doesn’t just raise costs; it shifts what people need.

Some folks want help outside (snow, pets, deliveries), others want help inside (cleaning, babysitting), and almost everyone buys more online.

If you want stability, pair one of the remote winter side husles with one local option so one can carry you when the other slows down.

Keep it safe and simple: price in packages, schedule work in blocks, and set aside money for taxes.

After your first few jobs, tighten your process so you can earn more in fewer hours.