In just 10 months, one side hustler, Butterton, saw his sports card business sales skyrocket from $20,000 to over $100,000, demonstrating explosive potential beyond typical monthly earnings. Many individuals seek significant earnings from home-based side hustles, understanding the required skills.
The average side hustler earns less than $900 a month, but strategic approaches can yield significantly higher, even six-figure, returns. While the global side hustle economy was valued at $556.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $2.15 trillion by 2033, according to Hostinger, the average side hustler earned only $891 per month in 2024, an increase from $810 in 2023. This expansion and modest average earnings reveal a disconnect.
Individuals who approach side hustles with a clear strategy for combining different income types will likely capture a disproportionate share of this rapidly growing market. Those who fail to move beyond single, low-effort ventures will capture only a fraction of the market's true wealth potential, based on Hostinger's data.
1. Selling Sports Cards
Best for: Enthusiasts with market knowledge and time for active management.
Selling sports cards became Butterton's most time-intensive side hustle, started in 2024 on the Whatnot platform with a friend. From July through December 2024, the business sold about $20,000 worth of inventory, then topped $100,000 in sales in the following 10 months, according to Business Insider. This venture offers high earning potential, with sales surpassing $100,000 in under a year. Success demands deep market knowledge and active management.
Strengths: High earning potential, leverages personal interest, flexible online operation | Limitations: Time-intensive, requires market expertise, inventory management | Price: Varies based on initial inventory investment
2. ATM Placement
Best for: Those seeking passive income with minimal weekly time commitment.
