Updated September 2026
Looking for part-time jobs that fit a teacher’s schedule?
Established in 2019, Teacher Career Coach is a community sharing honest advice for teachers considering new careers. Featured in WSJ, NPR, and Yahoo News, 10k former teachers have used our resources to get new roles.
Teachers are more likely than most full-time workers to take on a second job. Some need the extra income. Some want to do more of something they love. And some are quietly testing what life outside the classroom could look like.
Why I encourage teachers to start a side hustle
I recorded a whole episode on this, and I still stand by these five reasons:
You figure out what you like outside the classroom
It’s hard to know what you want next when teaching is all you’ve done. A side hustle lets you try something real.
You grow
Learning something new outside of teaching is good for your confidence and your career.
You build resume experience
Real work for real clients gives you something concrete to talk about in interviews.
You build confidence
Getting paid for your skills outside the classroom proves to you that they’re valuable.
You make more money
Extra income can pay down debt, build savings or give you a cushion for a future career change.
Listen to the full episode 10: Five Reasons You Should Start Your Side Hustle.
7%
of recent career changers said side hustle, freelance or contract work is what got them hired, the same share as leadership roles held while teaching
3–6 months
of living expenses saved is a common cushion before leaving without a job. A part-time job can help you build it while you’re still teaching.
Before you add another job
I’m going to be honest here: side hustles aren’t the right path for everyone. Many teachers are already exhausted. If you’re on the brink of burnout, don’t pick something that will push you over the edge.
Ask yourself what the goal is. Do you want to do more of your favorite parts of teaching? Get experience in a new industry? Learn marketable skills? Or do you simply need the money? If it’s financial need, you do what you have to do. Otherwise, let your goal guide your choice.
Match the job to your goal
| If your goal is… | Look at |
|---|---|
| Extra money with skills you already have | Tutoring, test prep, online teaching, curriculum writing |
| Testing a career change | Virtual assistant, social media manager, bookkeeping, freelance writing, contract instructional design |
| A break from education | Fitness instructor, event planner, photographer |
| Flexible, work-from-home hours | Freelancing, virtual assistant, online tutoring, bookkeeping |
Part-time jobs that use your teaching skills
Tutor
Tutor one-on-one or in small groups, or build your own client list. Specializing in a subject or age group helps you stand out and charge more.
Test-prep tutor
Help older students prepare for the SAT, ACT and other exams. It’s typically one of the higher-paying tutoring options.
Online teacher
Teach courses for online schools and programs, or teach English to language learners, often with flexible hours.
Curriculum writer
Write or review lessons, assessments and training materials for education companies, often on a contract basis.
Educational consultant
Advise schools, families or companies using your teaching, leadership and presentation skills.
Contract instructional designer
Build training on a project basis. It’s a common way into the field, though it’s more competitive than it used to be.
Part-time jobs that build skills for a career change
These are great if you’re considering leaving the classroom. They let you test a new path and add real experience to your resume.
Virtual assistant
Help business owners with email, scheduling, social posts and data. A great way to learn how a small business runs behind the scenes.
Social media manager
Write and schedule posts, respond to comments and help brands grow their online community.
Bookkeeper
You don’t have to be a math whiz. It’s more about learning bookkeeping software, and it offers flexible hours.
Freelance writer or editor
Write blog posts, emails or other content, especially about education topics where you’re already an expert.
Graphic designer
Create graphics for brands and businesses using design software. Great for creative, tech-savvy teachers.
Want to go deeper? Listen to top freelancing roles for teachers and from teacher to freelance copywriter.
Part-time jobs outside of education
Fitness instructor
If you love leading a room and staying active, teach yoga, spin or group fitness at a gym or community center.
Event planner
Highly organized teachers who love throwing events can start small or learn from an established planner.
Photographer
Many full-time photographers started with a side hustle. Weddings, families and brand photography are all options.
Selling your own products: my honest take
I built a Teachers Pay Teachers store after I left the classroom. I remember struggling to spend the $70 seller fee. Then I turned around and spent 20 to 30 hours a week on it, for a long stretch with little return. I still remember the very first month I made $1,000.
The $70 felt like the risk. It wasn’t. My time was.
I don’t recommend TPT as enthusiastically as I used to. AI-generated resources have flooded the market, and some districts now restrict it. If you want to sell something you create, on TPT, Etsy or elsewhere, start small and let real results tell you whether to go bigger.
Frequently asked questions about part-time jobs for teachers
What are the best part-time jobs for teachers?
Tutoring, test prep, online teaching, curriculum writing, virtual assistant work, social media management, bookkeeping, freelance writing and educational consulting are all strong options that fit around a teaching schedule.
What part-time jobs can teachers do after school, in the evenings or on weekends?
Tutoring, fitness instruction, event planning and photography often happen after school or on weekends. Freelance work like writing, bookkeeping and virtual assistant work lets you choose your own hours.
What are good part-time jobs for teachers outside of education?
Virtual assistant, social media manager, bookkeeper, graphic designer, fitness instructor, event planner and photographer are all popular with teachers who want a break from education.
Are there online part-time jobs for teachers?
Yes. Online tutoring and teaching, freelance writing, virtual assistant work, social media management and bookkeeping can all be done from home. See remote jobs for teachers for more.
Can teachers have a second job?
In most cases, yes, but check your district’s policy on outside employment and any conflict-of-interest rules, especially for tutoring your own students.
Is a side hustle a good way to leave teaching?
It can be. A side hustle builds real experience and confidence while you still have a steady paycheck. Just be realistic about your energy. For full-time options, see the best jobs for former teachers or summer jobs for teachers.
Turn your side hustle into a next step
If your part-time work is really a test run for a new career, the Teacher Career Coach Course helps you choose a full-time path and walks you through your resume, networking and interviews.
