Top Side Hustles in Seattle

Allie Coutts
May 31, 2025
5 min read

Seattle's vibrant economy and diverse culture make it an ideal city for launching a side hustle. Whether you're aiming to supplement your income, explore a passion, or transition into full-time entrepreneurship, Seattle offers a plethora of opportunities.

Top Side Hustles in Seattle

1. Pet Care Services

Seattle's love for pets is evident, with over 30,500 dogs in the city. Platforms like Rover connect pet owners with caregivers for services like dog walking and pet sitting. Dog walkers in Seattle can earn around $18.67 per hour, and some have turned this into full-time careers. (Neighbor)

2. Renting Out Personal Assets

If you have unused equipment or space, consider renting them out. Platforms like Spinlister allow you to rent out sports gear, while Neighbor lets you monetize your garage or driveway. Some Seattle residents earn between $500 to $5,000 monthly by renting out storage spaces. (Neighbor)

3. Freelancing

Seattle's tech and creative industries are booming. Freelancers in writing, design, programming, and marketing can find opportunities on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Building a strong portfolio and networking can lead to lucrative projects. (Neighbor)

4. Delivery Services

While traditional gig apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash have faced criticism over low wages, some Seattleites have found success by starting their own delivery businesses. For instance, Tony Illes launched "Tony Delivers," offering personalized food delivery services, emphasizing human connection and flexibility. (Business Insider, Business Insider)

5. Creative Ventures

Seattle's artistic community provides a fertile ground for creative side hustles. Colina Bruce transformed her candle-making hobby into a thriving business, earning £440,000 annually with her company, Noir Lux Candle Co. She now runs a shop and offers candle-making classes in Seattle. (The US Sun)

6. Online Sales and Reselling

The resale market is booming. Mike Nay turned his hobby of winning plush dolls from claw machines into a profitable side hustle, earning over $40,000 by reselling them online. He sources plushies from arcades and sells them on platforms like eBay and Mercari. (Business Insider)

7. Hosting on Airbnb

With Seattle being a popular tourist destination, renting out a spare room or property on Airbnb can be lucrative. Ensure you familiarize yourself with local regulations and provide a comfortable experience to attract positive reviews. (6AM - SEAtoday)

8. Teaching and Coaching

If you have expertise in a subject or skill, consider offering classes or coaching sessions. Platforms like Outschool and Udemy allow you to teach online, reaching students globally. This is especially relevant in Seattle's tech-savvy environment. (The Seattle Medium)

Navigating Seattle's Gig Economy

Seattle has implemented policies to protect gig workers. The "PayUp" policy ensures a minimum wage for app-based workers, mandates transparency from companies, and prevents penalization based on job acceptance.  Additionally, the city offers resources like the Seattle Side Hustlers Meetup Group for networking and support.(GeekWire, Meetup)

Conclusion

Seattle's dynamic landscape offers myriad opportunities for side hustlers. By leveraging local resources, understanding the gig economy, and tapping into your passions, you can create a fulfilling and profitable side hustle.

Written By

Allie Coutts

Content Specialist

Earn up to $50/hr
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