The 67 best online side jobs for teachers in 2026

I had no idea that a quest to make a little extra money as a teacher would be revolutionary in the sense that finding online side jobs for teachers would change my life.

In the early days, I had just started my YouTube account. Immediately after it, I stepped into online coaching and English language teaching. Every gig was another lesson in how to be flexible and adapt, how to pivot and bounce back.

Online teaching required a certain level of resourcefulness, the ability to communicate ideas clearly in a virtual space, and being comfortable with using digital tools. That was difficult but incredibly rewarding.

Your options, too, are endless.

The pros and cons of teacher side jobs

Tutoring services, content creation, selling ebooks, or coaching open up possibilities to earn money on the side and other relevant jobs while gaining some new skills. If you’re a teacher who’s mostly just interested in this, these roles make it possible for you to take your expertise in new directions, all while making a better living.

Rohit Agarwal, Co-founder at Zenius, agrees, saying that:

“For teachers, remote tutoring or language coaching is a solid option. Providing lessons in conversational English to non-native speakers is an easy and sustainable side hustle. With a more technical skillset, teachers can also take up roles for reinforcement learning from human feedback. Such positions are becoming more and more popular with the rise of AI.”

That said, the pros you’ll experience won’t come without their fair share of challenges.

💡Keep learning: Best ebook creator software for 2025

What makes great side jobs for teachers?

Studies have found that a significant share of teachers have a side gig or second job, and estimates suggest that roughly 16-25% of public school teachers have outside jobs throughout the school year in the U.S.

Finding a perfect side job as a teacher should always start with picking something that fits well with your skills, interests, and the way you want to live. Side jobs for teachers are best when they allow you to use your strengths, fit into a flexible schedule, and play nice with both your career trajectory and lifestyle.

An amazing side job for educators will feel like a part of your teaching timeline, not a headache or financial burden. So what truly makes for a great side job for teachers?

• It lets you work the hours that shift around other teaching duties
• It gives you little to no trouble starting out
• It comes with a high earning potential and growth prospects
• It’s not in conflict with your main job contract
• It lets you work remotely or from a convenient location
• It gives you the opportunity to show your creativity or learn something new
• It’ll scale to a project or a business, if you want it to

The 67 best side jobs for teachers in 2026

These are the best side jobs for teachers, and as you can see, there are a lot.

In the table below, you’ll find more information on the expenses you need to get started, how much you can earn, and why it is a good idea to invest in each.

Need more guidance? Find out what the first step is to starting the side job you are most interested in.

Education-focused side jobs

1.Online tutoring (K–12, college, and adult learners)

Assist students with their understanding of various topics through video sessions remotely, at times you choose.

First step: Pick your tutoring niche and register on a site such as Wyzant or Preply.

2.Virtual course creator

Transform your skill set into organized, self-paced online courses to reach students beyond your local area.

First step: Pick a topic and host it on a platform like LearnWorlds.

3.Selling lesson plans and digital resources

Create and sell pre-made lesson materials to other teachers who want to save time.

First step: Create sample resources using Canva and upload them to Teachers Pay Teachers or Etsy.

4.English as a second language (ESL) instructor

Teach English to students around the world, all from the comfort of your home.

First step: Get TEFL certified (not required but recommended) and apply to ESL platforms like VIPKID, Cambly, and Preply, or start marketing your services directly.

5.Test prep instructor (SAT, ACT, GRE)

Guide students to increase their test scores using proven strategies. This is one of the best online side jobs for teachers since this niche pays high hourly rates for specialized knowledge. 

First step: Find test prep materials, set your hourly rate, and start promoting in online parent/student groups.

6.Curriculum developer for elearning platforms

Create structured digital learning resources for use in schools or corporate training to combine creativity, pedagogy, and technology.

First step: Build a portfolio of sample lessons and contact elearning companies.

7.Online homeschool consultant

Assist families in designing and maintaining homeschooling plans that meet their children’s learning styles and goals.

First step: Research the regulations around homeschooling and develop a basic consulting package to offer your services locally or online.

8.Language tutor for non-English subjects

Teach English (or other languages) to help people improve skills for school, work, or travel.

First step: Create profiles on tutoring platforms or market yourself in communities where learners are looking to learn languages.

9.Virtual substitute teacher

Replace teachers virtually on short notice in online or hybrid classrooms.

First step: Sign up for online substitute teacher services or contact local schools that have virtual substitute positions.

10.Professional development trainer for educators

Organize training sessions that support other teachers in developing their skills or learning new tools for education.

First step: Find a workshop topic and then reach out to schools or teacher associations that provide professional development.

11.Grading support and feedback services

Help teachers by marking assignments and giving students constructive comments.

First step: Find online schools or tutoring centers that subcontract grading and offer your services.

12.Academic advisor for online schools

Assist pupils with course selection, academic planning, and career pathways in virtual schools.

First step: Learn online school curricula and apply for advising positions at virtual education organizations.

13.Education-focused YouTube channel host

Develop interesting video content to educate learners on a wide range of topics.

First step: Pick your niche, plan themes for the content, and make some videos with basic video gear.

14.Online discussion facilitator or moderator

Manage and launch discussions in forums or online classrooms to promote effective collaboration and social learning.

First step: Either volunteer or formally apply to moderate educational communities or discussion groups.

15.Online course reviewer for quality assurance

Jump in to evaluate online courses and see how they stand in terms of content accuracy, engagement, and usability.

First step: Search for freelance or contract positions with elearning providers or educational content platforms.

Freelance and creative online gigs for teachers

16.Freelance writing and editing

Create articles, ebooks, and learning resources for educational institutions, edtech software, or even other teachers.

First step: Create a couple of sample articles to create your first portfolio. You’ll use this to showcase your work to potential clients.

17.Educational blogger, podcaster, or content creator

This online side job for teachers is similar to the writing gig but extends to sharing insights or lessons through audio or video, too.

First step: Choose which platforms you’d like to focus on (like a blog and YouTube) to create your first content.

18.Self-publishing e-books or educational materials

Score recurrent revenue by putting your best thoughts into digital books or printable resources.

First step: Create your first ebook or resource that you can publish on platforms like Amazon or Teachers Pay Teachers.

19.Graphic designer for instructional materials

Fancy a more visual job? How about selling educational resources like worksheets, presentations, and infographics?

First step: Work on your design skills, learn Canva or Adobe Illustrator, and create a portfolio to display your best works.

20.Scriptwriter for explainer videos or edtech products

Another great side hustle for teachers is writing scripts that explain topics in educational videos, software demos, or as part of teacher training.

First step: Start by creating your own scripts from scratch before you seek opportunities with edtech companies or even video producers.

21.Voiceover artist for elearning or audiobooks

Make the most out of your voice and provide professional narration services.

First step: You’ll need to prepare a folder with sample voiceovers and invest in quality recording equipment to do this job remotely.

22.Social media manager for education brands

Help schools, educational authors, trainers, or educational companies grow their online presence with a solid social strategy.

First step: You might already be a proactive social media user, but you also need to learn how marketing on these platforms works.

23.Freelance curriculum or standards alignment consultant

Come in to help schools ensure their lesson plans and resources keep up with educational standards.

First step: Look at your previous work to make a list of examples you can use when you approach potential clients.

24.Illustrator or animator for children’s content

Like with the graphic design job, this gig lets you tap into your creativity but expands into educational illustrations or animations.

First step: Build a portfolio and use it when you reach out to publishers or even YouTubers in the educational space.

25.Newsletter editor for school or nonprofit audiences

While most institutions won’t have a newsletter, you can actually use this chance to suggest starting a newsletter and then ensuring ongoing management for it.

First step: Put together your best writing samples and some newsletter examples before you even search for leads.

26.Storyboard artist for educational video content

Continuing our series of artsy jobs, this is a gig for anyone interested in sketching visual plans for instructional videos.

First step: Create two to three storyboard samples before you connect with edtech companies or video producers.

27.Audiobook narrator for academic or children’s titles

This works well together with the voiceover side gig, but is specific to recording readings of educational books to support auditory learners and boost accessibility.

First step: Before you look for an opportunity, make sure you train your voice for a tone or style you’ll use as your main differentiator.

28.Instructional video producer

Got some experience as a video producer? Use it to manage a complete process, from scripting to filming to editing, in this teacher side hustle.

First step: Not yet familiar with the space? Learn video production basics and start with a couple of sample videos just for fun.

Tech-enabled and administrative work

29.Virtual assistant (in education or the general market)

This teacher side hustle is a versatile opportunity that lets you do a bit of everything.

First step: Decide which primary skills you want to promote and sign up for VA websites to find new jobs.

30.Remote test scoring

You’ll always find a school that’s looking for someone to help them process exams quickly and fairly.

First step: Sign up for testing companies that hire remote scorers and make sure you go through any training or certification they need.

31.Transcribing and captioning educational content

Turn audio materials into written transcripts or captions.

First step: There’s not much to prepare except for actually finding a client.

32.User testing and product reviewer

Plenty of educational apps will look for people who can provide feedback to improve user experience and features.

First step: Join user testing sites and look for opportunities that best suit your expertise.

33.Customer support for edtech platforms

This is a more unique job that implies helping users of educational apps or tools with troubleshooting issues and guiding them through features.

First step: Most larger platforms will have in-house customer service for this, so reach out to smaller companies first.

34.LMS administrator for online schools

Be behind everything that goes on within an LMS.

First step: Learn popular LMS platforms like LearnWorlds or Moodle so you’ll prepare your skills before applying for a gig.

35.Online community manager for learning groups

Launch your own community or find a part-time role managing existing communities.

First step: Volunteer for a couple of popular groups or events to gain exposure and experience.

36.Data entry for research and academic teams

While many data entry jobs have been replaced by AI, academic institutions will occasionally still look for experts in a field if they want accurate data.

First step: No prepping needed. Just look for a new project.

37.Technical writing for education tools or manuals

Often better paid than a regular writing job, this teacher side hustle implies creating manuals, guides, or help content.

First step: Familiarize yourself with the implications behind technical writing and how it’s different from regular or creative writing.

38.Remote student support coordinator

Jump in to help online learners go through courses, technology, and academic challenges.

First step: Look for a remote student support role.

39.Elearning QA tester

Test digital learning platforms for bugs, usability, and content accuracy.

First step: Develop your testing skills first to validate if this is a good role for you.

40.Online scheduling or tutoring coordinator

This coordinator’s job focuses strictly on managing schedules and appointments for tutoring services and programs.

First step: Look for opportunities within your network first to boost your chances of finding a job.

41.Onboarding specialist for learning platforms

Show new users around as they first use an educational platform.

First step: You’ll first have to find a software provider to work with and then familiarize yourself with exactly how the tool works.

42.Digital asset manager for online course teams

Assets are often the most time-consuming part of course creation, so you might just find plenty of opportunities to help with this.

First step: Decide on what approach and tools you’ll use for digital file management.

Emerging and innovative opportunities

43.Educational influencer

Create your dream lifestyle and make a statement in the educational space.

First step: Build a personal brand from day one.

44.AI content reviewer or prompt engineer

Jump in to tweak and improve AI-generated educational content to ensure its relevancy and quality.

First step: Get a clear understanding of how AI-based content generation influences content so you’ll know what to focus on.

45.Online coaching for teachers

Offer one-on-one or group coaching to help teachers improve the way they instruct, manage their classes, and use new tech.

First step: Create your own go-to coaching framework.

46.Metaverse facilitator for virtual classrooms

Immersive educational experiences (in virtual reality or metaverse platforms) are becoming more popular and are hence a great space to specialize in.

First step: Explore VR tools to understand if this space suits your interests.

47.Online mentor for new teachers

Give mentoring a try to help new teachers with advice or resources.

First step: Look through online groups to find new teachers looking to learn from experienced professionals like you.

48.Gamification designer for learning experiences

Do your part in changing the way students learn for good.

First step: Learn gamification principles and tools and give them a try on a few sample projects.

49.Micro-credential or badge course creator

Work on short courses and digital badge options.

First step: Dig deeper into how micro-courses, micro-credentials, and similar stand out.

50.NFT-based lesson plan designer (experimental category)

Create blockchain-based digital lessons you can sell yourself.

First step: Learn the basics behind NFTs.

51.AI tool trainer for educators

Teach educators how to best use AI tools.

First step: Master a couple of popular AI tools yourself first.

52.Learning analytics consultant

Look into the data teachers or institutions have and offer hands-on tips on how to interpret that data to improve teaching and student outcomes.

First step: Make your own data analysis framework to know which metrics to prioritize for great results.

53.Peer reviewer for AI-generated educational content

Step in as an outsourced reviewer to simply check whether AI-generated content is correct.

First step: Find startups in education and reach out to suggest which content you want to improve.

Business and entrepreneurial ventures

54.Selling educational printables on Etsy or Teachers Pay Teachers

Design your own printables for extra money.

First step: Make a list of printables that are in high demand so you’ll know what to work on first.

55.Launching a paid membership site for educators

Start your own community, complete with unique resources and exclusive access to certain groups.

First step: Pick a niche so you won’t do it all from the start.

56.Creating and selling teacher planners or classroom decor

Similar to printables, this online side job for teachers focuses on educators’ planners and class decor.

First step: Create fun sample products you can display on Etsy or at an industry event.

57.Developing an education-focused mobile app

Give entrepreneurship a try and build your own app.

First step: Research the market to understand your competition and what teachers/students need.

58.Licensing original lesson plans to publishers or districts

Sell the rights for custom lesson plans.

First step: Choose your best lesson plans and come up with a brief pitch for them.

59.Building a Shopify store for education resources

Try selling resources without relying on external platforms.

First step: Just launch it.

60.Offering paid webinars and mini-trainings

If you’ve already tried moderating other events, why not try it out with your own webinars?

First step: Prioritize having interesting topics that will attract attendees.

61.Starting a consulting business for school districts

Go big and launch your own consulting business.

First step: Pick a good niche that’s not super competitive but has a lot of interest.

62.Launching a niche online academy

If consulting seems too hands-on, why not try setting up the roots of an online academy?

First step: Think about what would make your academy stand out.

63.Selling online teaching templates and checklists

Helps teachers save time.

First step: Consider choosing a consistent branding for your templates and checklists so they’ll be easy to recognize down the line.

64.Offering grant writing services for educators

Add this gig as an extra to your writing opportunities.

First step: Look into education-related grants you can apply for and create a mock proposal for them.

65.Creating and selling Canva templates for teacher branding

Canva is one of the most popular, go-to platforms teachers use for templates.

First step: You can start selling templates directly within Canva or go to Etsy.

66.Launching a Patreon or subscription content series

Similar to an academy, subscription content will let you build a network and even strengthen your relationship with learners.

First step: Set up a Patreon before all else to try out your ideal content model.

67.Running online summits or virtual conferences for educators

Go even bigger with your own virtual event.

First step: Pick a summit theme that will cover a popular pain point other events don’t target.

How to get started with a side hustle for teachers

Use my four simple steps to make sure you won’t miss any important details when starting your own side hustle business to earn extra money.

Assess your teaching skills and interests

Do you have a gift for breaking down complex ideas, producing engaging video clips, or helping learners one-on-one? Think about your top teaching skills and what things light you up. This will lead you to side hustles that feel fulfilling rather than depleting.

Build your online professional profile

Time to add your teaching experience, areas of expertise, and a few examples of past work to your profile. To make an impact from the start, add a clear note with a brief overview, accreditations, and more of the right keywords like “online tutoring” or curriculum design.

Use reputable job or course creation platforms

From listing your services and finding gigs to building and selling educational products, you’ll need to pick trustworthy sites. With online course platforms like LearnWorlds, you’ll have a reliable go-to solution to create, manage, and sell your courses or learning communities from one place.

Consider the legal, tax, and licensing aspects of the side job

Research if your current contracts come with any restrictions on doing side work (generally or within your sector) and what legal requirements are for the kind of side work you do. Keep precise records of revenue earned from your side gig and contact a tax expert to understand the next steps.

Don’t forget there’s quite a lot of other things you will want to learn, like setting up budgets or using accounting apps.

💡Read also: 9 ways online course creators can protect their intellectual property in 2025

How to overcome common challenges with side jobs for teachers

Many teachers find they need to stay proactive and flexible to avoid some of the following challenges. I’ve also included a couple of tips for preventing and overcoming them.

Time management and multitasking

A calendar can help you by blocking off time to teach or work your side hustle, while also allowing you some time in between to enjoy life outside of work.

Income fluctuation or budget uncertainty

Add up all the money you have coming into your accounts and make a budget each month to meet costs like travel, according to what you expect to earn at the lowest part of an earnings cycle.

Using new technology and tools

Rather than trying to learn all the things, focus on being proficient in the tools you need most for your teacher side hustle.

Legal, tax, and licensing situations

Reach out to a tax professional and legal advisor to stay aware of local laws & regulations.

Maintaining consistent motivation and discipline

Keep up with the rhythm by setting small goals you can actually achieve and regularly tracking your accomplishments.

Start your teacher side hustle with the LearnWorlds platform

Consider starting your teacher side hustle to earn extra cash with LearnWorlds.

Compared to other platforms, LearnWorlds works as an advanced course creation solution that knows the exact needs educators have, from developing and selling online courses to providing lesson plans, quizzes, and nurturing an online community.

You can use it to take your unique knowledge and pair it with the platform’s AI so you can do more of what you really enjoy, teaching and inspiring. Get a free trial and discover your ability to build a fun and lucrative side gig.

Alexandra Cote

Alexandra Cote is a SaaS growth marketer and online instructor who's worked with dozens of brands in the MarTech, HR tech, and productivity space. She's also a strong supporter of staying happy at work and choosing a healthy career path.