In Singapore, the side hustle is no longer a niche pursuit. What used to be a quiet supplement to a nine-to-five job has evolved into a vibrant culture of entrepreneurship and financial self-determination. Rising living costs, flexible digital platforms, and a greater appetite for pursuing passion projects have all contributed to this boom. Today, whether you’re saving for a BTO downpayment, building an emergency fund, or simply exploring a hobby that pays, side hustles have become an attractive way to create multiple streams of income.
But with so many possibilities, the challenge is often not whether to start a side hustle, but which one to choose. Below, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of ideas spanning digital freelancing, gig economy opportunities, e-commerce, tutoring, creative pursuits, and niche ventures. Each section breaks down potential earnings, skills needed, startup costs, and time commitments so you can find the hustle that best fits your lifestyle.
Why Side Hustles Are on the Rise in Singapore
Before diving into the list, it’s worth considering why so many Singaporeans are embracing side hustles.
- Rising cost of living: With housing, transport, and food costs creeping upwards, extra income provides breathing room.
- Digital platforms: From Fiverr and Shopee to TikTok and Grab, platforms make it easier to monetise skills or products.
- Desire for autonomy: Many people see side hustles as a path to independence or even eventual business ownership.
- Passion projects: Creative Singaporeans increasingly use side hustles to express themselves—turning hobbies like baking or photography into viable ventures.
This cultural shift has created fertile ground for anyone looking to diversify their income.
1. Digital Freelancing
a) Writing and Editing
- Income potential: S$500 – S$3,000 per month (depending on volume and clients).
- Skills: Strong command of English, niche expertise (finance, tech, lifestyle).
- Startup costs: Minimal—just a laptop and internet connection.
- Time commitment: Flexible; can scale up or down.
Freelance writing, copyediting, and content marketing are in high demand. Businesses constantly need blog posts, ad copy, and newsletters. Platforms like Upwork or LinkedIn make it easy to find opportunities.
b) Graphic Design
- Income potential: S$800 – S$4,000 monthly.
- Skills: Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, branding knowledge.
- Startup costs: Design software subscription.
- Time commitment: Project-based, can be balanced with full-time work.
Many SMEs prefer to outsource their visual design rather than hire full-time.
c) Web Development and Coding
- Income potential: S$1,500 – S$6,000 monthly for part-time projects.
- Skills: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or app development.
- Startup costs: None beyond training (if self-taught or course-based).
- Time commitment: High at the start but lucrative long-term.
With Singapore’s digital economy thriving, coding remains a robust side hustle option.
2. Gig Economy Jobs
a) Ride-Hailing and Delivery
- Income potential: S$500 – S$3,500 monthly depending on hours.
- Skills: Driving licence or motorbike, customer service.
- Startup costs: Vehicle ownership or rental, fuel.
- Time commitment: Highly flexible—work evenings, weekends, or during downtime.
Grab, Gojek, and foodpanda offer accessible entry into the gig economy. While physically demanding, it provides immediate cash flow.
b) Task-Based Platforms
- Income potential: S$300 – S$2,000 per month.
- Skills: Varies—cleaning, handyman work, moving, admin.
- Startup costs: Tools or basic equipment.
- Time commitment: As much as you accept.
Platforms like Helpling or AirTasker connect workers to households needing odd jobs done.
3. E-Commerce and Online Selling
a) Shopee, Lazada, and Carousell Stores
- Income potential: S$500 – S$5,000 monthly (product and marketing dependent).
- Skills: Product sourcing, digital marketing.
- Startup costs: Inventory purchase and storage.
- Time commitment: Medium; requires consistency in customer service and fulfilment.
Singapore’s strong logistics infrastructure makes running a small online store feasible. Many sellers start with niche products such as eco-friendly goods, K-beauty items, or thrifted clothes.
b) Print-on-Demand
- Income potential: S$300 – S$2,500 per month.
- Skills: Graphic design, trend spotting.
- Startup costs: Minimal—no need to hold inventory.
- Time commitment: Initial design and occasional marketing.
Platforms like Teespring or Redbubble allow you to design merchandise while outsourcing printing and shipping.
4. Tutoring and Coaching
a) Academic Tutoring
- Income potential: S$1,000 – S$4,000 monthly.
- Skills: Strong subject knowledge (maths, sciences, languages).
- Startup costs: Minimal.
- Time commitment: Evenings and weekends.
With Singapore’s tuition culture, there’s always demand for qualified tutors, especially at O- and A-level stages.
b) Skills Coaching
- Income potential: S$800 – S$3,000 monthly.
- Skills: Music, coding, fitness, or art.
- Startup costs: Equipment or venue rental if in-person.
- Time commitment: Variable—sessions scheduled around personal availability.
From piano lessons to yoga classes, personalised coaching is a rewarding side hustle that blends passion with income.
5. Creative and Passion-Driven Pursuits
a) Photography and Videography
- Income potential: S$500 – S$4,000 monthly depending on gigs.
- Skills: Photography, editing, storytelling.
- Startup costs: Camera, editing software.
- Time commitment: Project-based; weekends popular for shoots.
Events, weddings, and corporate shoots provide steady demand.
b) Baking and Home-Based Food Businesses
- Income potential: S$300 – S$3,500 monthly.
- Skills: Baking, cooking, food presentation.
- Startup costs: Ingredients, packaging, licences (SFA approval needed).
- Time commitment: Moderate to high during festive seasons.
From artisanal sourdough to kueh, food remains one of the most popular side hustles in Singapore.
c) Content Creation (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram)
- Income potential: Varies widely—S$500 to five figures monthly.
- Skills: Content planning, video editing, audience engagement.
- Startup costs: Basic filming equipment.
- Time commitment: High, requires consistency.
Though competitive, creators who find their niche can turn side content into a lucrative full-time career.
6. Niche and Emerging Side Hustles
a) Pet Services
- Income potential: S$300 – S$2,500 monthly.
- Skills: Animal care.
- Startup costs: Basic pet supplies, licensing if boarding.
- Time commitment: Flexible.
Pet-sitting, grooming, or walking are increasingly in demand among busy professionals.
b) Sustainable Side Hustles
- Income potential: S$400 – S$3,000 monthly.
- Skills: Upcycling, eco-friendly crafts, green consulting.
- Startup costs: Materials.
- Time commitment: Moderate.
Eco-conscious Singaporeans are more willing to support businesses aligned with sustainability.
c) Digital Products
- Income potential: S$500 – S$5,000 monthly.
- Skills: Knowledge-sharing (e-books, courses, templates).
- Startup costs: Minimal.
- Time commitment: Intensive at the start, passive later.
Creating a digital course on platforms like Gumroad or Udemy allows you to monetise expertise.
How to Choose the Right Side Hustle
Not every hustle is right for every person. Consider these factors before committing:
- Time availability – Can you realistically dedicate 5–10 hours a week?
- Financial goals – Do you want pocket money, or to build a long-term business?
- Skills and interests – Choose something aligned with your strengths and passions.
- Scalability – Could your hustle grow into a bigger venture if you wanted it to?
Starting small and testing the waters often works best. For example, try tutoring one student or selling ten units online before expanding.
Sustaining a Side Hustle Long-Term
The initial excitement of a new venture often fades once challenges appear. To keep going:
- Set clear goals: Whether it’s earning S$500 extra monthly or gaining 1,000 followers.
- Manage time wisely: Use productivity tools or schedule hustle hours.
- Invest in yourself: Take short courses to sharpen skills.
- Avoid burnout: Balance work, hustle, and rest.
Final Thoughts
Side hustles are no longer a fringe activity—they’re becoming part of how Singaporeans build financial security, pursue passions, and gain a sense of autonomy. With options ranging from digital freelancing to baking, tutoring, or even pet-sitting, there’s truly something for everyone.
The key is to pick a hustle that not only meets your financial needs but also complements your lifestyle. Start small, stay consistent, and you might just find that your little weekend gig grows into something far more rewarding.
