Side hustles surge as Americans struggle with rising costs

(InvestigateTV) — As the cost of living continues to rise, nearly 40% of Americans are turning to side gigs to make ends meet, according to a 2025 LendingTree survey.

Most side hustlers say they could not afford to live without their supplemental income. Food delivery and online freelancing rank among the most popular ways to earn extra money.

Laura Norman, a teacher in Baltimore County, Maryland, who makes a little more than $60,000 a year, started working as a house manager at a local theater in 2023 to bring in extra cash. She relied on the side gig even more after having her son the following year.

“No one wants to feel like they are living paycheck to paycheck or they have to constantly be checking how much money they have on their account to do the things they need to do,” Norman said.

The financial reality

Norman works an extra 60 hours a month at the theater, often heading straight from school to her second job and powering through double shifts on weekends.

The extra work takes its toll.

“You only have so much time to give to a second job, and then also give to your family and give to the work you brought home and maintain your house and all the other things that life requires,” she said.

A matter of necessity

According to the LendingTree survey, 65% of side hustlers say they would prefer to have one primary income. A third of side hustlers took on supplemental work to cover cost-of-living expenses.

“There’s all sorts of reasons why people are taking on side hustles, but the truth is that most of the time it’s a matter of necessity,” Matt Schulz of LendingTree said.

Side hustlers bring in an average of $1,200 extra every month, but nearly half spend at least 10 hours a week on their side gig.

“That’s basically an extra workday. While the amount of money that is coming in can be really substantial, it is really important for people to understand that there is a time commitment,” Schulz said.

The burnout risk

Financial expert Stoy Hall, founder and CEO of Black Mammoth, a wealth management firm in Iowa, warns that burnout is the most significant and overlooked risk of juggling multiple jobs.

“Is it a side gig because you just need extra money and it’s something simple? Well, that’s awesome and all, but it’s dragging you away from other things in life, other memories, your relationships, hell, even more time in your actual nine-to-five that maybe could give you more money,” Hall said.

Norman said she has experienced burnout, especially as a parent.

“People have hobbies, people have passions. They should have free time, they should be able to relax too,” she said.

Economic factors driving the trend

Caroline Bruckner of American University said side gigs are not going anywhere soon as more people turn to supplemental work.

“I think inflation is real. The cost of living has gotten more expensive and people are recognizing that and responding to that,” Bruckner said.

According to recent data from Bankrate, wages still have not caught up with inflation since the pandemic-era surge in prices.

Bruckner said technology and platforms have made it easier to get clients and sell goods and services, contributing to the popularity of side hustles.

Finding balance

Despite the challenges, some side gigs offer flexibility that full-time jobs might not provide. They can also allow people to pursue their passions while making money.

“Having opportunities to create different avenues for earning income is a great thing. We want people to be able to support themselves and thrive,” Bruckner said.

Norman said she feels lucky to have a side job she enjoys but recognizes the importance of setting boundaries.

As her son grows, Norman said she wants to be there for important moments like sports and school plays.

“I try to balance it out with being really present at home when I am with him. But it’s definitely hard,” she said.

Financial coach Jackie Lam, who has decades of experience turning side gigs into sustainable income, recommends finding work that’s flexible and fits into your life long term.

“I think the juggle is just trying to find the balance, right, of what type of work is flexible enough and what also I see as the threshold, right? The threshold to enter,” Lam said.

She said there is no one-size-fits-all side hustle.

According to the LendingTree survey, not all side hustlers are driven purely by financial necessity.

Fourteen percent say they do it to pursue their passions, 22% to fill spare time, and 15% to help others. Most Americans who have a side gig say the work improves their quality of life.

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