Living in the US comes with big opportunities, but also big bills. From rent and healthcare to student loans and sending money back home, the cost of living can add up quickly. To bridge the gap, many Africans are finding smart ways to earn extra money by turning their skills, hobbies, and free time into side hustles.
In this guide, we’ll explore practical side hustles Africans in the US can start today, along with realistic income estimates for each, so you know exactly what’s possible before diving in.
1. Content Creation (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram)
Africans have unique stories and cultures that resonate with wide audiences. In sharing these experiences on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, you can attract a loyal following. Monetization comes through ads, brand sponsorships, affiliate links, and even selling your own digital products. With consistency and authenticity, content creation can grow into a full-time income stream.
Estimated Income: $100 – $5,000+ per month (depending on audience size and engagement).
Pro tip: Save a portion of your ad or sponsorship earnings with Accrue, so your side hustle income keeps working for you at up to 7% per annum.
2. Deliver Packages with Amazon Flex
If you already own a car, Amazon Flex allows you to sign up for “delivery blocks” and drop packages in your area. It’s flexible, meaning you can work only when you want, evenings, weekends, or even during your lunch break. This is great for Africans who already do long commutes and want to add extra income without committing to a second job.
Estimated Income: $18 – $25 per hour.
3. Sell Digital Products
Think about the things you can create once and sell over and over. Digital products like e-books, music beats, Canva templates, stock photos, or even online courses can generate passive income. Platforms like Gumroad, Etsy, and Shopify make it easy to list your products. Many Africans with creative or professional skills (graphic design, teaching, music production) are already cashing out this way. The best part? Once your product is uploaded, it sells without extra work.
Estimated Income: $200 – $1,500 per month.
4. Tutor Online or In-Person
Africans are known for excelling in academics, and tutoring is one of the easiest ways to monetize that knowledge. You can teach math, science, coding, or even African languages; there are students ready to learn. Platforms like Cambly, Preply, and Wyzant connect you with learners globally. You can also tutor kids in your community after school or prep them for exams. For those who want to scale, creating your own online course can turn one-time sessions into long-term passive income.
Estimated Income: $15 – $40 per hour.
5. Offer Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
In the US, pets are family, and owners pay well for someone reliable to care for them. Africans who love animals can use apps like Rover and Wag! to find clients for walking dogs, overnight sitting, or even boarding pets at home. This is especially profitable on weekends and holidays when owners travel. It’s also a repeat business. Once people trust you with their pets, they’ll keep coming back.
Estimated Income: $15 – $25 per walk; $30 – $60 per night for sitting.
6. Become a Photographer
Photography is always in demand. You’re in demand for weddings, birthdays, graduations, and family portraits. If you have a good eye and a decent camera, you can turn weekends into profitable gigs. Beyond events, you can sell photos to stock websites or print them on mugs, t-shirts, and wall art. Over time, photography can grow from a weekend hustle into a full business.
Estimated Income: $200 – $500 per event; $1,000+ per month possible.
7. Offer Car Wash and Detailing Services
Car owners love convenience. Africans in the US are earning extra money by offering mobile detailing, pulling up to homes or offices, and washing cars on-site. All you need are basic supplies like soap, microfiber towels, and a vacuum. Reliability and good service will keep customers calling back.
Estimated Income: $50 – $150 per car; $200 – $500 on weekends.
8. Cook African Meals for Delivery or Pickup
Food is one of the strongest connections Africans have to home. Cooking Jollof, Egusi, Onugbu, or Moi Moi and selling it to fellow Africans (and curious Americans) is a booming hustle. Some people take orders on WhatsApp, while others use Uber Eats or DoorDash ghost kitchens. The secret is taste and consistency. Once people love your food, they’ll keep coming back.
Estimated Income: $20 – $30 per plate; $1,000 – $3,000 per month.
9. Become a Rideshare Driver
Uber and Lyft remain some of the most popular side hustles because of the flexibility. You choose your hours. It can be after work, weekends, or late nights when fares surge. Africans who enjoy driving and know their cities well can make solid money. Friendly drivers also tend to get higher ratings and tips, which increases earnings over time.
Estimated Income: $20 – $30 per hour; $600+ weekly if consistent.
10. Rent Out Your Spare Room
Housing is expensive in the US, and travelers are always looking for affordable stays. If you have a spare room, consider listing it on Airbnb or Vrbo. Africans in cities like Houston, Atlanta, and Dallas are making a solid income renting to tourists and business travelers. The key is to keep your place clean and safe while offering a good experience.
Estimated Income: $800 – $2,500 per month, depending on location.
11. Hair Braiding and Haircutting
No matter the economy, people still want to look good. In every African community in the US, there’s constant demand for braiding, twisting, weaving, locs, and clean fades. If you have the skill, you can easily turn your living room into a mini salon or barber shop.
Africans in New Jersey, Houston, and Dallas are already earning big this way. You can charge $150–$250 for box braids that take about 4–6 hours. A barber can earn $20–$30 per haircut and see multiple clients in a day. The best part? Customers keep coming back every few weeks, so it’s a repeat business that grows by word of mouth and Instagram photos.
Estimated Income:
· Hair Braiding: $500 – $1,500 per week, depending on bookings.
· Haircutting: $300 – $800 per week with steady clients.
12. Take Paid Online Surveys
Surveys are the simplest side hustle, though not the most profitable. Platforms like Branded Surveys and Swagbucks pay you to share your opinion on products. It won’t replace a job, but it’s an easy way to make gas or grocery money during downtime.
Estimated Income: $50 – $200 per month.
13. Test Apps and Websites
Tech companies need feedback before launching apps and websites. You can sign up with sites like UserTesting and UTest to get paid for testing functionality and usability. Some projects are quick and pay small, while others require detailed reports and pay much more.
Estimated Income: $10 – $100 per test.
14. Truck Driving (Weekend or Seasonal)
For those with a CDL license, truck driving is one of the highest-paying side hustles. Seasonal jobs like holiday deliveries or farm harvest seasons pay premium rates. Even weekend regional routes can bring in strong income. Some Africans in the US start as part-time drivers before transitioning into full-time or owning their own trucks.
Estimated Income: $1,000 – $2,500 per week (depending on routes and hours).
Pro tip: Since this hustle can bring in big weekly checks, you can easily set aside a fixed percentage in Accrue to secure long-term savings while you grind, and earn 7% per annum.
15. Driving a School Bus (Part-Time)
School districts across the US are always hiring bus drivers. If you have the right license, this job offers a steady schedule, with extra pay for field trips or sports events. It’s especially suitable if you want mornings and afternoons free in between shifts. The role often comes with benefits too, making it more attractive.
Estimated Income: $18 – $28 per hour.
16. Moving Services
If you’re strong and own a van or truck, you can make money helping families and students move. Even without a vehicle, you can sign up on platforms like TaskRabbit to assist as labor-only. Moving services are always in demand in big cities and college towns. Clients pay extra for reliability, careful handling, and efficiency.
Estimated Income: $25 – $50 per hour (per mover).
17. Fitness Coaching
If you’re passionate about health, wellness, or even Afro dance, you can start a side hustle as a personal trainer or group fitness instructor. Many Africans in the US also build online coaching programs, offering meal plans that incorporate familiar foods like Jollof rice or plantain. This niche angle can attract diaspora clients who struggle with generic diet plans.
Estimated Income: $25 – $75 per session.
18. House Painting
Painting homes is a skill you can learn quickly and start with minimal equipment. Homeowners regularly pay for fresh coats on interiors, exteriors, or accent walls. It’s a hustle that grows fast through referrals. Once you deliver one quality paint job, word spreads quickly. Larger contracts with property managers or realtors pay even more.
Estimated Income: $15 – $30 per hour (higher for experienced painters).
19. Catering for African Events
From weddings to church conventions, Africans in the US love authentic food at their gatherings. Catering dishes like jollof rice and soups can be highly profitable. Many caterers start with small events and grow into established businesses serving hundreds of guests. Partnering with DJs, event planners, and churches can bring repeat clients.
Estimated Income: $500 – $3,000 per event.
20. Cleaning Services
Cleaning homes or offices is always in demand. You can start small with basic supplies, then grow into a proper cleaning company with employees. Short-term rentals like Airbnbs especially need fast, reliable cleaners. This hustle offers repeat income if you can lock in weekly or bi-weekly clients.
Estimated Income: $15 – $25 per hour (higher for deep cleans and offices).
21. Freelance Writing
If you’re good at writing, you can earn money creating blogs, articles, case studies, or even website content. Many businesses on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr hire writers for regular work. Africans with expertise in fintech, healthcare, or even cultural topics stand out because of their unique perspective. Over time, you can secure monthly retainers with companies.
Estimated Income: $25 – $100 per article (and higher with specialization).
Pro tip: Freelancers often experience irregular income. Stashing your extra cash in Accrue ensures your money keeps working, even during dry months.
22. Babysitting and Childcare
Africans are often trusted for childcare because of strong cultural and community values. Parents, especially other immigrants, often prefer sitters who understand their traditions. Babysitting can be flexible. Weekends, evenings, or after-school care and certifications like CPR help you charge more.
Estimated Income: $12 – $25 per hour.
23. Sell Handmade Goods
From Ankara fashion to beadwork, Africans have rich traditions in handmade crafts. Selling these on Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, or at African festivals in the US is profitable. Buyers love authenticity and quality. Many Africans are turning hobbies like sewing, knitting, or woodworking into steady income streams.
Estimated Income: $500 – $2,000 per month.
24. Start a Lawn Care Service
In suburban neighborhoods, lawn care is always in demand. Africans who enjoy outdoor work can mow lawns, trim hedges, and clear leaves. Word of mouth spreads quickly in communities, especially if your work is neat and reliable. Apps like TaskRabbit can also help you find quick jobs.
Estimated Income: $30 – $60 per job; $500+ monthly with a few clients.
25. Launch a Drop-shipping Business
Dropshipping allows you to sell products online without holding inventory. All you do is set up your store, market the items, and suppliers ship directly to customers. Africans who enjoy business and marketing can use Shopify, Amazon, or eBay to start. The upfront cost is low, but the more effort you put into marketing, the more you earn.
Estimated Income: $1,000 – $5,000 per month, depending on scale.
26. Start a Podcast
Podcasting is booming, and Africans have powerful stories and perspectives that resonate with wide audiences. Whether it’s discussing culture, business, or personal experiences, you can build a loyal listener base. Starting is inexpensive. A USB microphone under $100 and free recording software like Audacity are enough. Monetization comes from sponsorships, affiliate marketing, or paid subscriptions once you grow.
Estimated Income: $200 – $1,000 per month for a growing show.
27. Provide Digital Marketing Services
Every small business wants more customers, but not every business owner understands digital marketing. If you know social media management, SEO, content writing, or website design, you can freelance and build a client base. Africans with strong online skills can also scale by teaching others and creating online courses or e-books about marketing tips.
Estimated Income: $25 – $75 per hour.
28. Become an Affiliate Marketer
Affiliate marketing is about promoting products and earning a commission per sale. If you already have an audience on YouTube, Instagram, or a blog, this is a natural fit. Africans in the diaspora who share product recommendations, from African hair products to tech gadgets, often make steady income. Affiliate networks like ShareASale, Amazon Associates, and ClickBank are great starting points.
Estimated Income: $500 – $3,000 per month.
Final Thoughts
Side hustles can be more than earning extra cash. They can become stepping stones to financial independence and even full-time businesses. For Africans in the US, they provide opportunities to cover bills, support family back home, and build wealth in a new country.
But here’s the key: earning is only the first step. Saving and growing that income is what creates long-term stability. That’s why platforms like Accrue are powerful for Africans in the US. By saving the money you make from your side hustle in dollars and earning up to 7% per annum, you can turn short-term hustle income into lasting financial security.
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I’ve lived many lives, but one lesson ties them all together: money is only as powerful as its utility. Through my work, I share stories about money and create guides for Africans who want to get the best out of theirs.