Struggling to find ways to earn $20 an hour? Whether you're looking for a side hustle or a full-time gig, there are plenty of opportunities to boost your income without needing a degree or specialized training. From freelancing to gig work, you can start making $20 an hour today with skills you already have.
In this blog, we’ll explore six practical ways to make $20 an hour, whether online or in-person. These methods are flexible, accessible, and can help you achieve financial stability or fund your next big goal. Let’s dive in and find the perfect earning opportunity for you!
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How can i make $20 an hour?
Looking to boost your income and earn $20 an hour? Whether you need extra cash or a full-time gig, there are plenty of opportunities to make $20 an hour—both online and in-person. From freelancing and side hustles to skilled trades and remote jobs, this guide breaks down the best ways to start earning fast. Keep reading to discover practical, high-paying options that fit your lifestyle!
Below are the 6 ways to make $20 an hour.
1. Freelancing
Making $20 an hour through freelancing is achievable if you choose the right skill, platform, and strategy. First, focus on skills that are in high demand, such as graphic design, web development, writing, digital marketing, or virtual assistance. If you don’t already have a strong skill, consider learning one through free or low-cost online courses. Once you have a marketable skill, create a portfolio showcasing your best work.
This could be a personal website, a collection of past projects, or even sample work created specifically to demonstrate your ability.
Next, choose freelancing platforms that connect clients with freelancers, such as Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, or PeoplePerHour. On these platforms, create a professional profile with a strong description of your skills and services. When starting, you may need to charge slightly less than $20 per hour to build experience and get client reviews, but once you have a few positive ratings, you can increase your rates.
Another option is to find work directly by reaching out to businesses or individuals who might need your services. Platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook groups can be great for networking and finding clients outside of freelancing marketplaces.
To consistently make $20 an hour, focus on efficient time management and client retention. Track your working hours to ensure you are meeting your hourly target and avoid taking on projects that pay too little. Over time, improve your skills and offer higher-value services, such as consulting or premium packages, which can justify higher rates. Additionally, building long-term relationships with clients can ensure a steady stream of work without constantly searching for new projects.
By combining skill development, smart pricing, and effective client management, you can reliably earn $20 per hour or more through freelancing.
2. Delivery or Rideshare Driving
Making $20 an hour through delivery or rideshare driving is achievable with the right strategy. First, choose the right platform—Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart, or Amazon Flex all offer flexible earning opportunities. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft typically pay more during peak hours, such as mornings, evenings, and weekends.
Delivery apps like DoorDash or Instacart allow you to stack multiple orders, maximizing earnings. Some platforms offer guaranteed hourly minimums or promotions that boost pay, so taking advantage of these can help maintain a steady $20 per hour.
Second, work smarter by targeting high-demand areas. In rideshare driving, staying near airports, business districts, or nightlife hotspots can lead to more frequent and higher-paying rides. For delivery, choosing busy restaurant areas or grocery stores increases order volume. Efficient route planning is also crucial—accepting orders with low mileage and avoiding long waits at restaurants ensures more deliveries per hour.
Additionally, using a fuel-efficient vehicle or an electric car can cut gas expenses, boosting net earnings.
Lastly, customer service plays a role in hitting the $20-an-hour mark. Providing excellent service leads to better tips, especially on delivery apps where customers can adjust gratuities post-delivery. Being prompt, professional, and friendly increases the likelihood of higher ratings and priority orders. Stacking bonuses, surge pricing, and incentive programs from these apps also significantly increase hourly earnings. With a combination of strategic timing, location optimization, and great customer service, consistently earning $20 an hour is within reach.
3. Tutoring or Teaching
Making $20 an hour through tutoring or teaching is highly achievable, especially with the right strategy. First, determine your subject expertise and target audience. If you're skilled in academic subjects like math, science, English, or a foreign language, you can tutor students from elementary to college levels. Alternatively, if you have a specialized skill—such as music, coding, or test prep (SAT, ACT, GRE)—you can market yourself to those looking for those services. The key is to choose a subject where demand is high and where you have the credibility to teach effectively.
Next, establish your platform and pricing. You can join existing tutoring marketplaces like Wyzant, TutorMe, or Preply, which allow you to set your rate and connect with students. Alternatively, you can offer private lessons by advertising on social media, Craigslist, or local community boards. If you're teaching in person, consider libraries, cafés, or students' homes as meeting spots.
For online lessons, tools like Zoom or Google Meet are effective. When setting your hourly rate, emphasize your experience, credentials, and results to justify the $20 per hour fee.
Finally, focus on client retention and referrals. Start by offering a free trial session or discounted first lesson to attract students. Provide a structured lesson plan and track students’ progress to showcase improvement. Encouraging satisfied students or parents to refer others can rapidly grow your client base. Additionally, consider creating educational content (like YouTube videos or blog posts) to establish yourself as an authority. Over time, you can even increase your rates beyond $20 an hour as demand for your services grows.
4. Remote Customer Support
Making $20 an hour through remote customer support is achievable with the right approach. First, focus on finding companies that offer competitive wages for remote customer service roles. Large corporations, tech startups, and e-commerce companies often pay well for experienced support representatives. Websites like Indeed, FlexJobs, and Remote.co list remote customer service jobs with detailed salary expectations. To qualify for higher-paying roles, ensure you have strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and familiarity with customer support software like Zendesk, Freshdesk, or Intercom.
Second, leverage specialized skills to justify a $20 an hour rate. Bilingual customer support, technical support, or SaaS-related customer service roles tend to pay more than general support positions. If you have expertise in IT troubleshooting, e-commerce platforms (like Shopify or Amazon), or financial services, you can negotiate higher pay.
Consider obtaining certifications like Google IT Support Certificate or taking short online courses on platforms like Coursera or Udemy to boost your credentials.
Lastly, consider freelancing or contract-based remote customer support roles, which often provide more flexibility and higher hourly pay than full-time jobs. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and We Work Remotely allow you to set your own rates, and experienced freelancers often charge $20+ per hour for specialized support. Additionally, many startups prefer hiring independent contractors, giving you the chance to work multiple gigs and increase your income. By positioning yourself as a knowledgeable and reliable customer support professional, you can consistently earn $20 an hour or more in this field.
5. Handyman or Gig Work
Making $20 an hour through handyman or gig work is highly achievable if you focus on offering valuable, in-demand services. Start by assessing your skills—basic home repairs, furniture assembly, painting, minor plumbing, or electrical work can easily command $20 to $50 per hour. Platforms like TaskRabbit, Thumbtack, or Angi allow you to connect with clients looking for handyman services. Ensure you have the necessary tools, promote yourself with positive reviews, and price competitively to secure steady gigs. Over time, you can specialize in certain tasks, increasing your efficiency and boosting your hourly rate.
Another approach is to diversify your gig work beyond traditional handyman tasks. Services like yard work, moving assistance, pressure washing, or appliance installation often pay at least $20 per hour. You can also list yourself on apps like Neighbor (for storage rental), Dolly (for moving help), or Rover (for pet sitting) to fill in gaps between handyman jobs. Marketing yourself on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local community boards can also attract private clients willing to pay a fair hourly wage.
Being reliable and responsive to customer inquiries can set you apart from competitors and keep you fully booked.
To maximize your earnings, efficiency is key. If a job takes less than an hour, find ways to bundle services to make your time more profitable. For example, if you’re fixing a leaky faucet, offer to check for other minor repairs while you’re there.
Learning basic carpentry, tiling, or smart home installations can increase your value and justify charging higher rates. By staying consistent, networking with satisfied clients for repeat business, and possibly expanding into small contracting projects, you can turn your handyman or gig work into a sustainable $20+ per hour income stream.
6. Selling Digital Products
Making $20 an hour selling digital products requires a strategic approach, focusing on high-demand, low-maintenance products. Start by identifying a profitable niche, such as templates, e-books, printables, or online courses. Choose a product that solves a problem or fulfills a need—like budgeting spreadsheets for personal finance or social media templates for small businesses. Use platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or Shopify to list and sell your digital products. Setting the right price is crucial; for example, selling a $10 template means you need two sales an hour to hit your $20 goal.
Next, focus on marketing and automation to ensure a steady flow of sales. Optimize your product listings with relevant keywords and eye-catching visuals to attract buyers. Utilize social media, content marketing (like blogging or YouTube tutorials), and email marketing to drive traffic to your store. Running targeted ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram can also boost visibility.
Automating delivery through digital product platforms ensures you don’t have to be actively involved in each sale, allowing you to earn money passively.
Finally, scaling your digital product business will help you consistently reach and exceed $20 an hour. This can be done by expanding your product line, bundling items for higher sales value, or introducing upsells like premium versions.
Encouraging customer reviews and offering discounts for repeat purchases can also increase sales. Over time, diversifying your revenue streams—such as adding affiliate marketing or exclusive memberships—will create more income stability, ensuring you consistently earn at least $20 an hour with minimal ongoing effort.
