4 Ways the Middle Class Can Earn an Extra $500 a Week From Home
With rising inflation, finding extra sources of income is more important than ever for middle-class families. Luckily, there are plenty of side gigs that allow you to earn money from home, on your own schedule. Whether you’re looking to supplement your full-time job or seeking extra income as a stay-at-home parent, student, or retiree, these flexible gigs can help.
As long as you have a computer and a reliable internet connection, you can start earning right away. Here are four remote jobs to help you make an additional $500 a week from the comfort of your home.
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1. Virtual Assistant
- Average hourly pay: $24
- Hours needed to earn $500/week: 21
If you’re naturally organized, becoming a virtual assistant could be a great fit. You’ll manage tasks like scheduling appointments, booking travel, handling emails, and more. This job is highly flexible, allowing you to work for multiple clients across different time zones.
According to Scott Lieberman, founder of Touchdown Money, “Setting up someone else’s day can be done from home, and you can have clients from various time zones to maximize your productivity.”
Virtual assistants are in demand for part-time roles, so you can easily take on multiple clients without committing to full-time work.
2. Website Testing
- Average hourly pay: $25
- Hours needed to earn $500/week: 20
Companies are constantly looking for feedback on their websites, and that’s where website testers come in. This gig involves reviewing websites for bugs, glitches, and user experience issues.
“Testing websites can be an easy way to make extra cash while doing your normal web browsing,” Lieberman said. Some companies pay $5-$15 per site review, and web testers at platforms like UserTesting earn an average of $19-$34 per hour.
3. Online Researching
- Average hourly pay: $22
- Hours needed to earn $500/week: 23
If you enjoy digging into information and answering questions, online research can be a simple way to make money. Tasks might include answering questions, reviewing studies, and conducting competitive analyses.
Pay varies by company, with some research platforms offering up to $34 per hour. For example, Open Desk pays an average of $22 per hour, while Synergy Innovation researchers earn around $34 per hour.
4. Online Tutoring
- Average hourly pay: $28
- Hours needed to earn $500/week: 18
If you have expertise in a particular subject, online tutoring is a rewarding way to earn extra income. You can tutor students one-on-one or lead group sessions, helping with everything from regular lessons to test prep.
According to Lieberman, “Online tutoring lets you set your own hours and work with students on a subject you enjoy.” Rates vary by platform, with Chegg tutors earning $25 per hour and Tutor.com tutors making up to $33 per hour.
Final Thoughts
Earning an extra $500 a week from home is possible with these side gigs, and you can start right away. With the flexibility these jobs offer, you can fit them into your schedule and supplement your income without the need for a traditional job. Whether you choose virtual assistance, website testing, online research, or tutoring, there’s an opportunity to boost your earnings and achieve your financial goals.
