How to Earn Extra Side Income in Singapore in 2024

Are you looking to earn extra cash for the next vacation trip or just simply to increase your savings? Times are tough, inflation is on the high right now and does not seem to come down till end of 2024, interest rates are also rising. Relying on just one source of income can be risky due to job cuts, retrenchment, and being laid off. Fret not. Here are some side hustle ideas that you can do outside of your full-time job to increase your income during your free time. 

Determine what motivates you and what you're passionate about. For example, if you enjoy cooking, you might consider starting a food blog or selling homemade goods.

Take inventory of your existing skills, experience, and expertise. For instance, if you're proficient in graphic design, you could offer freelance design services or create digital assets to sell online.

Research potential side hustle ideas and identify opportunities that align with your skills and interests. For example, if you notice a demand for eco-friendly products in your community, you might explore creating and selling sustainable lifestyle products.

Depending on the side hustle you plan to do, you might want to create a professional website or social media profile to showcase your work and attract potential customers. Social media platforms such as TikTok, X, and Facebook are great places to increase visibility and reach your target audience.

Prioritise your time effectively to ensure you can balance your side hustle with other commitments. Set realistic goals, establish boundaries, and allocate dedicated time for your side hustle to prevent burnout and maintain overall well-being.

The tuition industry in Singapore is experiencing significant growth, surpassing SGD 1 billion, primarily attributed to the impact of the pandemic. Online tutoring has emerged as a lucrative avenue for individuals seeking to capitalise on this trend. 

Snapask is an online tutoring platform that allows you to join them as a tutor and schedule flexible timing for you to start tutoring. Tutor students wherever and whenever you want to.

To start your journey with Snapask, you just need to upload your certificates, complete your probation, and start teaching afterwards.

If you've ever dreamt of being your own boss and running your own business, now might be the perfect time to explore the world of ecommerce. eCommerce sales in Singapore are expected to reach SGD 19.6 billion by 2027, signalling a ton of opportunities. With the retail landscape shifting towards online marketplaces, setting up an online shop has become increasingly accessible and attractive. One popular model for ecommerce start-ups is drop shipping, where you partner with a third-party supplier to sell products to consumers at a marked-up price, allowing you to earn a profit without the hassle of managing inventory.

Once you've identified the goods you want to sell, it's time to design your online store and leverage social media platforms to market your products and drive traffic to your site. It's crucial to plan the logistics of product delivery to ensure timely and satisfactory service for your customers. With dedication and strategic planning, the potential for success in ecommerce is virtually limitless, offering the opportunity for uncapped income based on the demand for your products and the effectiveness of your marketing efforts. 

Being a part-time PHV driver can bring you a steady stream of side income. Due to the returning of tourists, demand is growing for ride-hailing services. If you own a car and devote 3 hours a day to being a PHV driver, you can earn roughly SGD 500 weekly! This means that by using 3 hours of your free time daily, you can earn an extra SGD 2,000 a month just by being a PHV driver during your extra time. 

Do you know multiple languages? Providing translation services can be a great side hustle, offering both convenience and flexibility in scheduling. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork are popular places to find translation opportunities, making it accessible to those looking to earn extra income. The translation market is extremely large, valued at roughly USD 39.27 billion in 2023, and on the trajectory to reach USD 46.22 billion by 2028. Especially with the growing in demand to localise copies to local languages, there are lots of opportunities out there. Typically, translators earn between SGD 0.03 to SGD 0.08 per word, making it a viable option for those proficient in multiple languages and seeking additional income streams.

Are you a photographer? Or do you like taking photographs as a hobby? This one could be for you! Selling high-quality photos online can be a profitable side hustle, with platforms like Shutterstock and Getty Images offering opportunities to monetise your images. These websites allow you to upload your photos, and you earn income whenever one of your images is purchased. While each platform has its own set of requirements, they all prioritise high-quality photographs.

One of the key benefits of this side hustle is the potential for residual income, as your photos can continue to earn money over time, creating a passive income stream. Typically, these platforms pay you a percentage of the purchase price for each download, with rates varying between 15% to 40% depending on the platform and your level of contribution. If you have a knack for photography and a collection of stunning images, selling them online can be a rewarding way to earn extra income.

Do you know Singapore like the back of your hand and love to meet new people? Becoming a tour guide in Singapore might be the right side hustle, considering that international tourist arrivals to Singapore more than doubled in 2023, surging to 13.6 million. 

Whether it's on your days off or after work, you can craft your own unique itinerary and submit it to platforms like Airbnb for review and publishing.

Being a tour guide allows you to earn extra income without incurring any expenses. Plus, it's a great opportunity to test your geographical and trivia knowledge while meeting new people from around the world. You can look into what other tour guides are offering and add a unique twist to make your tour stand out. As to what that unique twist is, it will be up to you to find out! 

If you require quick cash, consider participating in online surveys. These surveys require no specialised skills—all you have to do is answer questions and earn points, which can be exchanged for vouchers or cash rewards. Websites like Rakuten Insight and apps such as Milieu (available on both Apple and Google Play stores) offer opportunities to earn money by sharing your opinions through surveys. It's a simple and convenient way to make extra cash in your spare time without major commitments.

However, make sure to check the sources of these online survey providers. Many scams are happening due to how simple and convenient doing online surveys can be. Make sure that you are the one getting paid, and you do not need to pay a subscription fee to get more jobs.

Many pet owners in Singapore travel, and they will need someone to take care of their pets. With overseas travel now fully opened, more than 1 in 2 Singaporeans are looking to travel. As such, if they are pet owners, they would need to have someone take care of their pets while they are away. Starting a pet services side hustle can be a lucrative way to earn quick cash in Singapore. Whether cleaning, walking, or playing with pets, there are plenty of opportunities to offer your services. Additionally, pet boarding services can further boost your earnings. 

In Singapore, pet sitters earn anywhere from SGD 10 to SGD 45 per hour, while walking services typically fetch around SGD 15 per session. While boarding services can range from SGD 40 to SGD 100 a day. To start, you can look for platforms like Pawshake.

If you have a passion for animals and are looking to make some extra money, consider starting an animal care side hustle today.

Put your creativity and craftsmanship to work by crafting unique items to sell online. Platforms like Etsy or your own Instagram and Facebook pages are great places to showcase and sell your creations. From handmade pouches and earrings to stylish headbands, there's a market for a wide range of crafted goods. Your side income potential depends on how you price your products, so be sure to consider materials, labour, and market demand when setting prices. With dedication and a knack for crafting, you can turn your hobby into a profitable side hustle.

Freelancing offers ample opportunities to earn money online in Singapore. Whether you're a web designer, graphic designer, digital marketer, accountant, or writer, starting a freelance business can provide an attractive source of extra income.

For writers, creating content for blogs, newspapers, and magazines or doing freelance writing can earn you up to SGD 500 for a 1,000-word article. Meanwhile, freelance designers can charge SGD 5,000 or more for website design projects, with a growing demand for their services as businesses embrace the digital landscape. Setting up a portfolio website or utilising platforms like Upwork can help showcase your skills and attract clients.

Additionally, offering bookkeeping services can be a profitable venture, particularly with the increasing number of businesses in Singapore. With the right knowledge and skills, you can earn over SGD 1,000 per month by managing just one or two bookkeeping clients. Whether you're writing, designing, or managing finances, freelancing presents a flexible and rewarding way to supplement your income.

Do you like cooking? Have you created many recipes that you do not mind sharing? Why not sell them? Selling recipes is a great option for cooking enthusiasts who have honed their skills and love to share their culinary creations. If you've documented your cooking journey with well-written recipes and enticing photos, you can monetise your passion by selling your recipes online. There are websites that pay for unique recipes, offering rates ranging from USD 50 per recipe to USD 1 per word.

To maximise your earning potential, ensure your recipes stand out by using unique ingredients and providing a brief introduction to your cooking style or services. Keep an eye out for platforms like EatingWell that purchase recipes and showcase your creativity and expertise to earn money doing what you love.

In conclusion, earning extra side income in Singapore offers numerous opportunities for individuals to supplement their earnings and pursue their passions. Whether it's through freelancing, selling crafts, offering pet services, or engaging in online surveys, there's a side hustle suited to everyone's skills and interests. With the rise of the gig economy and digital platforms, it's easier than ever to tap into diverse income streams and achieve financial goals. By exploring these options and leveraging available resources, individuals can unlock new sources of income, gain financial independence, and pave the way for a brighter future.