28% of Americans Have a Side Hustle; Most Started One to Cover Everyday Expenses

New research by Omnisend reveals that side hustles in 2026 are less about passion projects and more about financial necessity. In a survey of 1,370 Americans, 28% report currently having a side hustle, and four-in-five (80%) admit they started for financial reasons rather than personal fulfillment or fun. Among those with side hustles:

• 54% wanted to earn extra money for bills or essentials
• 27% started to pay off debt, supplement existing income, or save for a goal
• Only 9% intended to pursue a passion or hobby, down from 14% since October 2025.

More than half (51%) earn $500 or less monthly from their side hustle, but 76% are still satisfied with their additional income. Collectively, this adds up to an average of $84.1 billion monthly across the U.S., up slightly from $83.1 billion last year.

“Inflation may have cooled on paper, but everyday expenses like housing, groceries, and insurance remain stubbornly high,” says Marty Bauer, Ecommerce Expert at Omnisend. “An extra $200-$500 a month can cover groceries, utilities, or debt payments. That makes even low-earning side hustles feel worthwhile.”

Overall, 49% started their side hustle less than a year ago, and they’re able to maintain them without sacrificing large amounts of personal time. 86% spend fewer than 20 hours per week on them, with 5-9 hours being the most common range.

From handmade goods to reselling, ecommerce is the most popular way to earn on the side

Ecommerce, including reselling, is the most common side-hustle category among respondents, with 41% saying they sell online. That puts ecommerce ahead of freelance work (25%), food delivery services (23%), and content creation (16%).

For online sellers, side hustles often start with accessible product categories: 26% sell handmade or custom goods, 18% sell vintage or second-hand items, and 16% sell digital products such as templates or courses. 

The most popular platforms are established marketplaces, led by eBay at 49%, Amazon at 47%, Facebook Marketplace at 41%, and TikTok Shop at 30%.

“Compared to freelancing or gig work, ecommerce – especially reselling – is relatively low-risk. It doesn’t require specialized skills or major upfront investment, but most importantly, it offers flexibility, making it the easiest starting point for people looking to earn extra,” says Marty.

Overall, 82% say they plan to continue their side hustle over the next 12 months.