Our Top 10 Side Hustles for Illinois Hospitality Workers

Jan 16 / Gary Olding
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Working in the hospitality industry can be rewarding, but income can fluctuate due to seasonal changes or slow shifts. Many hospitality workers in Illinois are turning to side hustles to supplement their income. Here are the top 10 side hustles that can help you earn extra cash, featuring popular gig economy platforms and local opportunities.

Our Top 10...

1. Freelancing on Fiverr

Website: www.fiverr.com

Fiverr is a global freelance marketplace where you can offer services starting at $5. Whether you're skilled in graphic design, writing, social media management, or voiceovers, Fiverr allows you to market your skills to clients worldwide. Hospitality workers with creative talents can easily earn between $100 to $1,000+ per month depending on the service and effort invested.

2. Freelancing on Upwork

Website: www.upwork.com

Upwork is another freelancing platform where clients post jobs, and freelancers submit proposals. It caters to more professional and long-term projects compared to Fiverr. If you have administrative, customer service, or content writing skills, you could earn between $20 to $50 per hour, depending on experience.

3. Illinois BASSET Affiliate Program

Website: www.illinoisBASSET.com

Earn passive income by joining the Illinois BASSET affiliate program! You can earn up to $5 per sale (which is 20% commission) by referring people to purchase BASSET or Food Handler training. Share your unique affiliate link on social media or with coworkers.

To apply, email info@illinoisBASSET.com to receive your custom code.

4. Rideshare Driving (Uber/Lyft)

Website: www.uber.com | www.lyft.com

Driving for Uber or Lyft is a flexible way to earn money. During busy weekends or special events in cities like Chicago, drivers can make between $15 to $30 per hour before expenses.

5. Food Delivery (DoorDash/Uber Eats/Grubhub)

Websites: www.doordash.com, www.ubereats.com, www.grubhub.com

Delivering food is a popular option for hospitality workers. With flexible hours, you can make deliveries after your shift. Average earnings range from $12 to $25 per hour, especially during peak mealtimes.

6. Hospitality Gigs on Instawork

Website: www.instawork.com

InstaWork connects hospitality workers with short-term shifts at local restaurants, bars, and events. This platform allows you to pick up shifts that fit your schedule. Workers typically earn $15 to $25 per hour, depending on the role and location.

7. Event Staffing with Qwick

Website: www.qwick.com

Qwick specializes in connecting hospitality professionals with on-demand shifts in restaurants, catering, and events. You can work as a bartender, server, or line cook and earn between $18 to $30 per hour.

8. ShiftGig for Hospitality Jobs

Website: www.shiftgig.com

ShiftGig connects workers with part-time and on-demand hospitality jobs, including event staffing and restaurant shifts. Workers can typically earn between $15 to $28 per hour depending on the job and event type.

9. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking (Rover)

Website: www.rover.com

If you love animals, Rover connects pet owners with sitters and dog walkers. You can offer dog walking, boarding, or drop-in visits. Earnings typically range from $15 to $30 per walk or visit.

10. Task Services (TaskRabbit)

Website: www.taskrabbit.com

TaskRabbit allows you to complete local tasks like assembling furniture, running errands, or moving help. Workers earn between $20 to $60 per hour, depending on the task and location.

Final Thoughts

Side hustles offer flexible ways to boost your income while working in the hospitality industry. Whether it’s freelancing online, working event shifts, or joining the Illinois BASSET affiliate program, there are plenty of opportunities to make extra money on your own terms.

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