Best 29 Money Making Hobbies {A Profitable Hobbies List}

Want a list of hobbies that make money? I hope so! Money making hobbies are a dream!

No one wants a job they hate. Being bored at work is a bummer and leaves us feeling unfulfilled. 

But, we all have pastimes we like to spend our spare time on. So, why not make some extra spending money, or even start a business, with a passion you already have?!

I’m sure you know, but having hobbies is one of the best things to do when you’re bored.

Hobbies are also a great way to make money though, as they keep you interested and engaged in the work you’re doing.

So… let’s dive right into how you can make extra money from a hobby!

Below is an awesome list of money making hobbies I’ve researched and identified just for you.

What Are The Best Money Making Hobbies?

Creative Hobbies that Make Money

First off, we’re looking at creative hobbies that make money. 

Creative hobbies are some of the best money-making hobbies on this list.

Having creative hobbies are also some of the most fun!

You can share your artistic abilities and the joy of making something you love.

Whether you want to have a business, or just a side hustle to make some extra cash – being creative has some of the best hobbies to make money with!

1. Music

Making money off creating music can be pretty easy if music is something you enjoy.

Music hobbies are a great way to kill time and be creative at its core.

As a whole, music is full of lucrative hobbies. 

How to make money with music?

There are a number of different ways you can make money with your music hobby.

So let’s put your love of music to work!

First off…

Playing Your Favorite Music

To begin making money from music, simply…play it!

Find a place you can play solo or with your group of musician friends and many places will pay for your performance. The other way to make extra money with music is by playing on the internet. 

• Play a music gig at a local bar or restaurant, or maybe a festival
• Create YouTube videos
• Stream yourself playing music on Twitch.tv
• Record songs for Spotify or other music services
• DJ events 

Teaching Music Lessons

If you’re proficient in playing your instrument or singing, teaching music is a great way to make money. 

Many local music stores will hire teachers for music lessons, or you can even teach your own at home or your own location.

Naturally, the internet is another great way to teach music and make money with. 

• Give music lessons as an instructor or tutor locally
• Give music lessons online over video
• Create music lessons or courses online

Writing & Creating Songs

A way to make money from music that people may not be aware of, is writing songs and selling them to recording studios and artists. 

• Write song lyrics
• License tracks to earn royalties
• Create sample packs to sell

And there’s many more ways you can make extra money, or make a living, from music!

So if you’re ready to get started… 

Recommended Music Tools:

You can’t make money from music without having the right equipment!

Some music tools you might need…

• A Musical Instrument (or your voice)
• Web Camera for recording video
• Microphone for recording music
• Recording equipment (optional)
• A personal website or blog for people to find you (and your music)

2. Photography

Do you enjoy taking beautiful pictures of people, nature, or even just fun moments around the house?

Maybe a money-making hobby in photography is in your future!

If you have a passion for photography and taking pictures, then you’re in luck!

Taking pictures is extremely creative, and one of the most profitable hobbies there is!

How to make money with photography? 

Let’s take a look at how we can make photography a money making hobby for you.

Be an Event Photographer

The most common, and profitable, way to make money with photography is to take pictures of events.

You will make money taking pictures at events like..

• Wedding receptions
• Graduations
• Senior portraits
• Retirement parties
• Work parties

Take Pictures for Local Businesses

You could also take pictures for local real estate agents and newspapers.

Or other local businesses that want professional photos of things like food, landscapes, etc.

Sell Photos Online

One of the easiest ways to make money taking pictures, is to sell your photos online!

Think this hobby is a good idea? How To Sell Photos Online And Make Money

Recommended Photography Equipment:

When you’re making money from taking photos, you need the right tools and equipment! Here’s a very short list for inspiration.

Many of these are optional, but helpful to have. You only need a camera or even a decent phone that has a good camera installed.

• A decent camera or camera phone
• Camera bag
• Tripod
• Editing software
• Photo lighting equipment
• Camera Lenses

3. Writing

Writing is one of the most popular hobbies in the world. 

People enjoy writing for a variety of reasons, but also use their writing skills to make money.

Writing is one of the best, if not THE best ways of telling a story, conveying new information, and educating others.

With the variety of topics and methods people can write, writing has many ways to make money as a side hustle, or even as a full-time job.

How to make money writing?

There are several ways to make money from writing.

Obviously, most of these methods are selling your writing online (which is great!).

You can turn writing into money by…

Self-Publishing

• Self-publish a book or novel 
• Write an E-book for kindle

Freelance Writer

• Write social media posts and content
• Do freelance writing through websites like upwork.com
• Be a travel writer
• Give book reviews
• Editing

Blogging

• Start your own blog or your own website
• Write guest posts

Recommended (& Free) Writing Tools:

I’m confident in your writing skills, but a good idea is to use tools that can assist in whatever type of writing you do. 

For example…

• Grammarly for basic editing suggestions
• Hemmingway to edit for readability 
• Google Docs or Word as a processor

4. DIY & Crafting

A lot of people love crafting as a hobby! 

Crafting has been around for a very long time, and is super fun for people who like to be creative with their hands and imagination.

People love working on crafts to keep themselves busy when they’re bored.

What’s awesome about crafting is people love to buy handmade things, which makes this hobby a great way to make good money.

How to make and sell your handmade crafts?

1. First, you want to figure out what kind of craft you’re good at (and enjoy!) making.
2. Decide if that item is a fun, quality item people are willing to pay for.
3. Find where you want to sell those handmade craft items. 
4. Sell your own products

You can’t make money from your handmade items without finding the people to pay for them! 

What are some crafting hobbies that make money?

Here’s a list of unique, interesting, and profitable craft hobbies you can make for people. 

• Quilting and Crocheting
• Painting and drawing
• Wood sculptures
• Soap and Candle-making
• Jewelry-making
• T-Shirt Design
• Personalize signs and wall decor
• Christmas Ornaments

And TONS of other craft projects. Check out this complete list of 50 crafts you can make money with!

Where to sell crafts?

There are plenty of great websites and online marketplaces where you can sell your handmade crafts. However, you can also sell your crafts locally as well!

• Set up an etsy account
• Sign up for local events like flea markets, craft shows, or farmers markets
• Hold an annual or periodic garage sale at your house
• Create a website or online marketplace with shopify

Take a look at: Where to sell your crafts online

5. Comedy

Do you like to make people laugh? Comedy is an amazing hobby that can also be a great thing to make money with. 

You don’t have to be a professional comedian – all comedians  started somewhere too!

There are a lot of opportunities to start doing comedy locally, or even online. 

You can do stand-up comedy, improv, sketch comedy, or even voice overs for commercials and cartoons.

See: How To Do Stand Up Comedy for the First Time

6. Video Editing

Video editing is a fun way to make money, and a great hobby to have. 

If you enjoy piecing things together and getting creative, video editing is a good choice to make. 

There are a lot of people who need video editing services, but don’t have the time or skills to do it themselves. 

This makes video editing a great hobby to make money with!

That’s where YOU come in!

Video Editing Types & Niches

The first step is finding your niche for video editing. Do you want to edit video like…

• Weddings
• Commercials
• Music videos
• YouTube videos
• Movies or documentaries

And many good ideas! You should find a video type that interests you most and dive into learning the ropes.

Once you’ve found your niche, just start looking for jobs! You can find ways to make money video editing on freelance websites or social media sites like Facebook and LinkedIn.

Take a look at: How to become a video editor?

7. Painting houses

If you are looking for a way to make good money, painting houses may be the perfect hobby for you. 

You can get started by contacting local house painters and asking them if they would be interested in your services.

Another good option?

You can start your own house painting side business in your local area!

See: How To Start a Painting Business? [8 Steps + Tips + Tricks]

You could also paint houses as just a simple way to make extra income on the weekends or with friends in your spare time. . 

Painting houses is one of the most popular ways to make money on the side. This hobby can be a fun way to express your creativity, and satisfy that niche to restore something beautiful. 

8. Graphic Design

If you enjoy doing graphic design, it’s certainly one of the more profitable hobbies to have. 

Using your knack for creativity, as a graphic designer you can be creating all kinds of awesome things to sell. 

For example, as a graphic designer you can make your own products, like…

• Book covers
• Adult coloring books
• Design merchandise (like T-shirts, clothing, coffee mugs,etc)
• Teach graphic design

Check out 7 Easy Ways Freelance Graphic Designers Can Make Money Online

9. Coding

Did you know that learning to code and develop software is one of the highest paying, and in demand, jobs in the world?

This makes coding an extremely profitable hobby to have.

What’s really cool? According to research, nearly 80% of people that enjoy coding as a profession, also do it as a hobby. 

So it’s not just the money that people enjoy from this creative hobby. They truly find coding enjoyable.

Check out: How to Code – Coding for Beginners and How to Learn Programming for Free

Money Making Hobbies For Guys

Below are money making hobbies and interests that are generally dominated by men. (Ladies and everyone else – you can do these too though!)

10. Woodworking & Carpentry

Do you like working with (or maybe just interested in) wood? If so, woodworking is a great hobby that can make you extra money.

While woodworking and carpentry tools are a bit more expensive to get up front, there are still plenty of simple projects you can make and sell. 

Simple Woodworking Project Ideas

There are plenty of easy and simple woodworking projects you could start. For example…

• Simple benches
• Wall shelf
• Wine rack
• Bookshelf
• Drink coasters
• Whittle animals

Those are just some quick ideas to start making your own products.

Try Making: 45 Easy and Inexpensive Woodworking Projects for Beginners to start making money by woodworking!

11. Cars

Do you get super geeked out about cars? I know I get really giddy when I see a fun car drive by. 

However, I’m terrible with anything to do with cars. Which is where YOU come in. 

Well, being interested in cars is a great hobby to make money with. 

How can you make money with your love of cars?

• Car detailing and cleaning
• Installing audio equipment
• Restoring classic cars
• General maintenance or repair
• Upgrading interior equipment
• Performance tune-ups
• Flip cars (fix them up to sell, not literally flipping them. Though, that’s a funny image!)

You can make a lot of money with tons of services and hobbies related to cars. 

People are always willing to pay people to fix, install, or clean things for them. 

Can you make money driving your car?

Yes! There are a few different ways you can earn money using your personal vehicle.

• Drive for a ride service like Uber or Lyft
• Do deliveries for Uber Eats, DoorDash, or the other delivery services
• Can rent your truck or SUV out for moving services (and maybe help as well for an extra fee!)
• Work for Amazon Flex to deliver packages

Read: THE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO CAR DETAILING (LIKE A PRO)

12. Handyman

Do you enjoy fixing things as a hobby? Well, being a handyman may come naturally to you.

Many people don’t know how to fix things around their own houses. 

Paying a contractor or specialized service can be really costly, but if they can hire someone to do the work for cheaper they will absolutely do so.  

Some quick examples of simple things you can make money as a handyman:

• Assemble Furniture
• Simple electrical or plumbing fixes
• Yard maintenance
• Window washing or pressure washing

Interested in this money making hobby? 

Read: How to Build (And Make Money With) a Handyman Side Gig

13. Bladesmithing

Forged in fire! (What an awesome tv show, btw). 

If the idea of making swords, knives, or other cool metal blades then bladesmithing may be a good hobby to try to make money with. 

People love handmade products, and a unique personalized sword or knife can be a tempting gift or purchase for someone. 

If you can smith quality items, you can make a lot of good money with this hobby!

Read: Bladesmithing Metal How to Start Bladesmithing: Everything You Need To Know

Money Making Hobbies For Women

14. Interior Design & House Decoration

If you get a kick out of decorating your house in fun new ways, making money with interior design may be a good hobby to explore. 

While interior design is a hobby you can go to school for, you could probably freelance on your own or assist a local interior design business. 

Review: Interior Design Basics by Nadinestay.com

15. Organization

This is a bit of a different hobby, but one that may be more common than you think.

Organization as a hobby is common amongst perfectionists, but also anyone who likes to keep things in order at home, work, or school. 

What are the benefits of being organized?

There are tons of benefits of having organization as a hobby. Which is why someone may pay you to organize for them! 

Being organized helps with…

• Stress levels
• Productivity and saving time
• Being prepared
• Relationships (no one likes a messy roommate!)

If your hobby is organizing and something that interests you, you could study for the Certified Professional Organizer® (CPO®) examination to join the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals. 

Or, you could freelance for extra money in your local area on Facebook marketplace, Craigslist, or even word of mouth. 

16. Cooking & Baking

I’m seriously jealous if you have a knack for cooking or baking. I really am.

If you have that talent to make a delicious meal or baked goods, these may be a good option as a money-making hobby.

List of Cooking and Baking Ideas for Money:

• Be a personal chef and prepare family meals
• Sell baked goods at a local farmers market
• Start a food truck or food cart
• Create a home-made meal delivery & catering service:
• Write a recipe book with your best recipes.
• Start a website or blog with useful tips, tricks, and food recipes.

See: 12 Ways to Make Money If You’re A Great Cook

Extra Fun Hobbies to Make Money With

17. Online Video Games

Getting paid cash to play video games? Now that’s a hobby I think anyone can enjoy making extra spending money with!

If playing video games on your phone or computer is your favorite hobby, there are plenty of ways to make money with it! 

Sounds like a good option to me, since it’s my favorite hobby!

How can you make money playing video games online?

• Stream playing video games on Twitch.tv
• Record video game reviews on YouTube
• Coach video game players
• Video game tester

Other options are just getting paid to play mobile apps or gaming websites. 

18. Drones

Drones are a more recent addition to our list of hobbies, and a hobby with many ways to make money.

Remote control cars are still a popular hobby, but c’mon…what could be more fun than flying a remote controlled drone? 

How to make money flying drones?

• Take aerial photos or video
• Inspection and surveying
• Delivery of items

Read: How to make money with a drone – 10 ways to make profit

19. Pets

I absolutely love animals, as do most people. 

This involves so many different types of hobbies that involve our pets, but also a ton of different ways to make money. 

How many people own a pet?

As of 2020, 70% of Americans own at least 1 pet. Dog’s are the most popular pet to own, followed closely by cats and fish. 

This means there is a ton of opportunity to make money with your love of animals. The pet industry alone is worth nearly 109 billion dollars. 

For example, you could make money by…

• Dog walker
• Pet sitting or boarding
• Training
• Breeding 
• Grooming

Plus a bunch of other ways to make money on the side as an animal lover. 

Dog walking for money sounds like such an easy way to earn cash. 

 20. Gardening

More of a seasonal hobby, but gardening is really enjoyable (and  profitable).

How to make money gardening?

• Set-up gardens for others
• Sell compost
• Hold garden classes
• Sell produce at the farmers market or local restaraunts

See – 16 Genius Ways To Make Money Gardening

Check out this guide on How to Get Paid to Read Books: 18 Ways to Make Money Reading

21. Collecting

When you think of a hobby, collecting coins or stamps is likely to come to mind. 

And indeed you would be right! These two hobbies, along with collecting vinyl records, are the most popular items to collect.

BUT, how is collecting a profitable hobby?

You can make money by completing a full set of items related to each other, buying and holding a rare item for a period of time, or get hired to track down an item someone wants. 

22. Shopping

Believe it or not, you can make money if your hobby is shopping. 

So if you want to earn extra money, by spending money – this is the hobby for you!

You can make money shopping by:

• Being a mystery shopper (rate customer experience)
• Grocery shop, or pick up items for others
• Earning cashback or rewards

See: 5 Realistic Ways to Get Paid to Shop

23. Build (or Fix) Computers

Do you have a hobby that includes building computers? Well you’re in luck. 

People love really GOOD computers. 

So why not build them for people?

Or… 

If you have a knack for fixing your grandma’s computer, this is a profitable hobby for you too.

Take a look at How to Make Money Building Computers (13 Smart Ways)

Cheap Hobbies That Make Money

The good news is that some hobbies are pretty cheap to get started. This makes those hobbies easier to make money. 

Plenty of people like to be frugal, and that’s great! 

It’s a good way to keep your initial cost down. 

24. Read 

Reading is easily one of the most popular hobbies in the world. And, believe it or not, you can make money reading, too!

Put your reading skills to good use. 

How many people read?

83% of adults aged 18-29 have read at least 1 book in the past year. Not a bad number considering the vast amounts of hobbies available to us. 

How to make money reading?

An easy way to make money reading is to write book reviews.

The best part?

Libraries are pretty darn cheap. So are old / used books if you browse local stores. 

So…reading is an easy way to make extra money.

You could do narration of books, if you don’t mind being on camera or recording your voice. 

If you like to find grammar mistakes – freelance proofreading documents or books is an interesting way to make money too.

25. Fitness / Exercise

If you happen to love fitness or doing different exercises, helping others get into better shape is a great way to make some extra cash.

Not only is this hobby good for your health, it’s fulfilling to help others improve their health as a personal trainer.

There are also a bunch of apps that reward you with some real money, too!

How can you get paid to exercise?

• Be a fitness coach or fitness trainer
• Join a fitness app
• Start a YouTube Channel
• Create an online course

26. Social Media

Did you know companies or small businesses hire people to run their social media accounts like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter?

Yeah, it’s definitely a thing. 

Businesses don’t always have the time to dedicate to running social media pages that help gain exposure for their services. So you could turn your love of social media into full-time income.

There is high demand to keep businesses relevant on social media platforms, which makes this a great way to make money.

Interested in turning this hobby into money? Read…

How to Become a Social Media Manager in 6 Steps

27. Restoration

Restoration is a very fulfilling, and profitable, hobby. 

If you enjoy turning something old or broken into a better version of itself – this is a good option for you.

You can browse plenty of places for free or cheap items that can be fixed or restored, and sold at a higher price.

Restoring old furniture would be a great place to start if you’re interested. 

If you restore enough items, you could create your own online store or Facebook page to sell your goods. 

28. Coaching

If you enjoy helping kids, a great idea is coaching a sport or other extracurricular activities.

A great place to start is to help coaching in high school sports, community programs, or other local schools. 

You could also make your own YouTube channel as well.

Having your own YouTube channel allows you to reach a bigger audience if you’re able to communicate well. 

29. Online Surveys

Alright you had to know this hobby would be on here. I don’t think of surveys as a hobby – it doesn’t sound like a good time. 

BUT

You can make money with very little time invested. 

You can get paid with cash, giftcards, or even coupons. 

Online surveys to make money:

• Survey Junkie
• Swagbucks
• Panda Research

Read: The best survey sites that pay $50-$100, PER DAY

Why are Hobbies a Great Way to Make Money?

You can do something you love! Millions of people start business EVERY year and start them around hobbies they love to do.

63% of people in their 20’s have aspirations to start their own business.

Yet…

Only 10% of the American population actually start a business.

Why are so many people hesitant to start their own business? 

Because they don’t know where to start!

Reason #1: You’re (Probably) an Expert Already

You don’t need to research something you already have experience in. This makes entry into starting that business so much easier.

Because really…

Having passion and knowledge about your hobby is all you need.

Even if you’re not the most knowledgeable person at your hobby, I’m sure you know more than someone just starting to learn.

Reason #2: Loving Your Job

Put your hand up if you’ve ever said to yourself “I wish to make money doing something I love.”

Don’t lie…I know you have!

The “ultimate dream job” is doing exactly what you love AND making money doing it.

Ask any professional sports figure, writer, or your local baker down the road why they chose the profession that they did.

Most likely they’ll talk about how “this is what I always wanted to do.” They couldn’t stop dedicating themselves to their profession. They became so great at their hobby, they “went pro”.

You were meant to do something great, so just get started!

Reason #3: Financial Freedom

If you’re working for someone else, your financial well-being will always be tied to that business, person, or company. 

You are dependent on that entity to give you money by a certain date agreed upon, so you can pay your bills and save money for retirement.

But…

What would happen if they decide to cut back on their employees to save money? 

Or maybe they don’t want to give your raise or bonus this year?

You have (almost) NO control over these problems. And being dependent on another person being tied to your financial needs is never a good feeling. 

Now I’m not saying you should quit your job. 

Some jobs and companies are great and treat their employees appropriately. That’s GREAT and I hope that continues!

However, if you create money on your own, you have the ability to be free of an employer (best case scenario) or make some extra money on the side.

To finish…

Profitable hobbies aren’t hard to find. If you try hard enough.