Do you need to earn extra cash? Despite what the Dow does, millions of Americans struggle to get by on one paycheck, let alone save for the extras. How can you pick up the additional cash?

Why not adopt a side hustle? These money-making avenues work magic in helping you finally establish that emergency fund without tying yourself to another boss to obey. Get inspired with these L.A. gigs with significant extra income potential.

1. Drive for Uber or Lyft

Do you have a newer model vehicle? Maybe you’re in the market, but you’re not sure how you can afford the additional payment each month. Why not sign up to drive with Uber or Lyft? If you select the first option, you can lease a car through Uber and earn more than you need to pay the monthly fee by driving in your spare time. Your friends at the office will drool over your new wheels.

2. Rent a Spare Room

Did your roommate get a new SO and move out, sticking you with the entire rent? If you now have a spare room, why not rent it out on Airbnb or VRBO? After all, the City of Angels boasts approximately 50 million visitors per year, and they all need lodging. You don’t even need a fancy setup — if you have a spare bed, you can make a few extra dollars to pay those additional bills. We know one friend who rented his couch out for a year and bought an electric BMW with the money.

3. Put Your Talent for Sale on Fiverr

Do you blog? Do you do graphic design? If so, you could make a substantial extra income on Fiverr. This site enables artists and more to peddle their services for bids or to set fixed rates. Don’t sweat it if you can’t draw to save your life. They have over 200 categories of services you can browse to find one that matches your talents.

4. Give Local Tours

Remember those 50 million tourists? They don’t only need a place to hang their hats when they visit — they need things to do. As a local, you know all the hotspots, so why not start a tour business?

 

You also don’t have to start your own business to make this idea come to life. Look around for local tourist attractions that are hiring tour guides. Do you love wine? Educate yourself on all things California grapes and find a local winery that’s hiring part-time tour guides! Have you always been a little bit of a science geek? Visit a museum or facility like the Griffith Observatory to inquire about how to give private tours!

5. Care for Kids or Pets

Do you adore the little ones or those with four legs instead of two? Why not consider opening a babysitting or pet-sitting service in your spare time? If you have a bachelor’s degree, you can offer after-school tutoring services if you prefer working with older children. If you love the diaper set, there’s no shortage of parents in desperate need of a date night.

People need dog walkers more than ever, too, so if you work a swing shift, consider this side hustle. You can combine your workout with your gig to save time — establish a business walking or jogging people’s precious poodles while they’re at the office.

6. Sell Crafts on Etsy

Do you adore making things? If you can knit cute and cozy baby booties, why not list your wares for sale on Etsy? This way, you don’t have to let your need for spare pocket change cut into your “me time.” You still have time to enjoy your hobby — but you make money doing so. That’s a win-win in any book.

7. Help People Get Fit

It’s no secret that folks in the City of Angels like to look their physical best. Muscle Beach, anyone? If you’re a die-hard gym rat, why not become a licensed personal trainer and help others achieve their goals? Who knows? Maybe you’ll hobnob with the stars and land a featured spot on the next season of “The Biggest Loser” as a coach! We know yoga instructors who took their practice private commanding rates of $100 – $150+ an hour for one-on-one yoga sessions or yoga-meditation classes with kids.

Earn Extra Cash with Fabulous L.A. Side Hustles

You don’t have to chain yourself to another boss after your grueling nine-to-five to earn additional cash. Take a few side hustle ideas and save for that much-needed vacation — or whatever else you need!