For high school and college athletes, sports aren’t just a passion—they’re a skillset that can open the door to unique income opportunities. Whether you’re looking to make extra money in your free time or set the foundation for a long-term business, your athletic experience gives you a competitive edge in the marketplace. The best part? Most of these side hustles require little to no upfront investment, making them easy to start today. Below are a few ways athletes can make money throughout the year.
5 Low Cost Side Hustles for Athletes
1. Personal Training & Fitness Coaching. If you’ve spent years training and perfecting your skills, why not get paid to help others do the same? You don’t need an expensive certification to get started—many people are willing to pay for guidance from experienced athletes. Low-cost entry: you can start by training clients at local parks, school gyms, or community centers—no expensive equipment required.
- Offer one-on-one or group training sessions for younger athletes.
- Specialize in strength training, speed drills, or sport-specific conditioning.
- Use social media to promote your services and attract local clients.
2. Virtual Coaching & Online Skill Development. Not every athlete needs in-person training. Many younger players and parents seek virtual coaching sessions where they can learn proper techniques and strategies from experienced athletes. Low-cost entry: all you need is a phone or laptop with a camera to start.
- Offer video breakdowns of game footage to help players improve.
- Create short instructional videos and sell them as digital courses.
- Host live Q&A sessions on platforms like Zoom or Instagram Live.
3. Refereeing & Officiating Games. Youth leagues, recreational leagues, and school sports are always in need of referees and officials. This is an easy way to stay involved in sports while earning money on the weekends. Low-cost entry: A basic referee uniform and rulebook are usually the only upfront costs.
- Look into officiating certification programs for your sport (many are affordable and quick to complete).
- Start with local middle school or high school games to gain experience.
- Referees can make anywhere from $20-$100 per game, depending on the level of play.
4. Social Media & Content Creation. If you have a passion for sports and a knack for content creation, consider starting a YouTube channel, TikTok, or blog focused on athletic training, game insights, or personal experiences as an athlete. Low-cost entry: a smartphone and free social media platforms are all you need to start.
- Post training tips, drills, and behind-the-scenes content.
- Review sports gear or talk about college recruitment tips.
- Monetize your content through sponsorships, ads, and affiliate marketing.
5. Sports Photography & Videography. Many parents and teams are willing to pay for high-quality photos and highlight reels for recruitment purposes. If you have a good eye for capturing action shots, this can be a profitable side hustle. Low-cost entry: if you already have a decent camera or smartphone, you can start taking photos today.
- Offer game-day photography or video services.
- Create highlight tapes for athletes looking to send footage to coaches.
- Sell action shots to parents and teams.
Your skills as an athlete go beyond the game—you have valuable expertise that others are willing to pay for. Whether you choose coaching, officiating, content creation, or another side hustle, the key is to start small, promote yourself, and build on your experience. With little to no upfront costs, these opportunities allow you to turn your passion for sports into a steady source of income.