Athletes know how to hustle, both on and off the field. If you’re a high school or college athlete looking to earn extra cash—or a former athlete with a full-time job but a desire to grow something on the side—you don’t have to stick to sports-related work. Your skills in discipline, time management, and problem-solving make you a great fit for other side hustles, many of which can grow into full-time businesses over time. Here are 10 ideas to get started:
10 ‘ Regular’ Side Hustles for Athletes
1. Tutoring in school subjects. If you excelled in a subject like math, science, or English, you can tutor younger students or even your peers. Websites like Wyzant and TutorMe make it easy to find clients, or you can advertise locally. With strong referrals, you can increase your rates and turn this into a steady income stream.
2. Social media management. If you’re active on social media and understand engagement strategies, you can offer to manage accounts for small businesses, entrepreneurs, or even local brands. Many companies need help creating posts, responding to messages, and growing their online presence, making this a great remote-friendly side hustle.
3. Graphic design or video editing. If you enjoy designing graphics or editing videos, you can offer services to businesses, content creators, and startups. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork make it easy to find clients, and as you build your portfolio, you can raise your rates significantly.
4. Personal finance coaching. If you’re good with budgeting, saving, or investing, you can help others take control of their finances. Many people struggle with managing money, and if you have a background in finance or accounting (or just strong personal experience), you can turn this into a profitable side hustle through one-on-one coaching or digital courses.
5. Writing or freelance blogging. Athletes have unique perspectives that can translate into compelling articles. Whether it’s writing about personal development, business, or lifestyle topics, you can get paid to write for websites, blogs, and magazines. As you gain experience, you can also monetize your own blog through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.
6. Public speaking and event hosting. If you’re comfortable speaking in front of an audience, you can get paid for speaking at schools, corporate events, or community programs. Topics like leadership, resilience, and teamwork are valuable, and as a former athlete, your story can inspire others. Start small with free gigs to build credibility, then work your way up to paid opportunities.
7. Selling handmade or custom products. If you have a creative hobby—like making jewelry, candles, or custom artwork—you can sell your products online through Etsy, Instagram, or local markets. This is a low-cost way to turn your creativity into a profitable business over time.
8. Resume writing and career coaching. As an athlete, you know how to market yourself. You can use those skills to help others craft strong resumes, optimize LinkedIn profiles, and prepare for job interviews. This is especially valuable for students and recent grads who need help landing internships and jobs.
9. E-Commerce and dropshipping. If you’re interested in business, you can start an online store without managing inventory by using dropshipping. With platforms like Shopify and Printful, you can sell products without handling shipping or storage. Niches like tech gadgets, home decor, and fitness gear have huge potential.
10. Real estate side hustles. You don’t need to buy property to make money in real estate. You can start small by managing Airbnb listings for property owners, wholesaling real estate deals, or even becoming a notary signing agent. These low-cost options allow you to get your foot in the door before making bigger moves in real estate.
Athletes don’t just excel in sports—they thrive in any field that requires discipline, creativity, and perseverance. Whether you’re still competing or working full-time, these side hustles can start as a way to make extra money and grow into real businesses over time. The key is to start small, stay consistent, and use the same work ethic that made you successful in sports.