10 Lucrative Side Hustles You Can Start in Singapore Today

10 Lucrative Side Hustles You Can Start in Singapore Today

In Singapore’s dynamic economy, the idea of having just one income stream is slowly becoming outdated. With rising living costs and an increasingly digital landscape, many Singaporeans are turning to side hustles to supplement their earnings, pursue passions, or even test the waters of entrepreneurship. The gig economy has made this more accessible than ever, with digital platforms, government support, and widespread acceptance of flexible work creating opportunities across multiple industries.

Whether you’re looking to earn a few hundred extra dollars a month or hoping to build a business that could eventually replace your nine-to-five, side hustles offer both financial stability and personal fulfilment. Here are 10 lucrative side hustles you can start in Singapore today, along with practical insights into their potential earnings, requirements, and how to get started.

1. Digital Freelancing

Perhaps the most accessible side hustle in today’s economy, digital freelancing encompasses skills such as writing, graphic design, social media management, and coding. With platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Singapore-based Glance.sg, finding clients has become straightforward.

  • Potential earnings: $500–$3,000 per month, depending on hours and skill level.
  • Skills required: Varies—language, design, tech, or marketing skills.
  • Startup costs: Minimal; a laptop, internet connection, and portfolio are sufficient.
  • Getting started: Build a LinkedIn profile, showcase your work on free platforms like Behance or Medium, and apply for gigs on freelance marketplaces.

Digital freelancing works well because you can take on projects that fit your schedule, scaling up or down depending on how much time you want to invest.

2. Private Tuition

Education is highly valued in Singapore, and parents are always seeking tutors for subjects ranging from mathematics to English, and even niche areas like coding or music theory.

  • Potential earnings: $25–$80 per hour, depending on subject and level.
  • Skills required: Subject knowledge, patience, communication.
  • Startup costs: Almost none; just teaching materials and transport.
  • Getting started: Register with tuition platforms like ChampionTutor or advertise in community forums. Word-of-mouth referrals remain one of the strongest ways to secure students.

Tuition is flexible, often conducted during evenings or weekends, making it ideal for those balancing a full-time job.

3. E-Commerce Store

Running an online shop is now easier than ever with platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and Carousell. Whether it’s reselling goods, dropshipping, or selling handmade crafts, e-commerce allows Singaporeans to tap into a wide customer base.

  • Potential earnings: $300–$5,000+ per month, depending on niche and effort.
  • Skills required: Marketing, customer service, product sourcing.
  • Startup costs: Varies—dropshipping requires little upfront investment, while stocking products may cost $500–$1,000 initially.
  • Getting started: Begin with a small product line to test demand, then reinvest profits into scaling your business.

Leveraging digital ads and social media can significantly boost visibility and sales.

4. Content Creation

From TikTok videos to YouTube tutorials and Instagram lifestyle accounts, content creation is a growing side hustle in Singapore. Many creators start small but eventually attract sponsorships, ad revenue, and even long-term brand partnerships.

  • Potential earnings: Initially modest, but successful creators can earn thousands monthly.
  • Skills required: Creativity, video editing, social media savvy.
  • Startup costs: $200–$1,000 for a decent camera, microphone, and editing software.
  • Getting started: Focus on a niche (fitness, food reviews, gaming) and be consistent with posting. Use analytics to refine content that resonates with your audience.

Patience is key here—content creation usually requires months of effort before monetisation opportunities arise.

5. Ride-Hailing and Delivery

Platforms like Grab, Gojek, and foodpanda allow Singaporeans with a vehicle (or even just a bicycle) to earn extra income. While it involves physical effort, it’s one of the most straightforward side hustles.

  • Potential earnings: $10–$25 per hour; part-timers often earn $500–$1,500 monthly.
  • Skills required: Driving or cycling skills, good navigation, customer service.
  • Startup costs: Vehicle costs (ownership or rental) plus petrol and maintenance. Cyclists have minimal expenses.
  • Getting started: Sign up with platforms, pass basic checks, and schedule hours that fit your lifestyle.

This side hustle suits those who prefer active work and flexible hours.

6. Baking or Home-Based F&B

Singaporeans love food, and many home bakers have turned their culinary skills into profitable businesses. From artisanal sourdough to custom birthday cakes, niche offerings often do well.

  • Potential earnings: $500–$4,000 per month, depending on scale.
  • Skills required: Baking, cooking, packaging, marketing.
  • Startup costs: $300–$1,500 for ingredients, equipment, and packaging.
  • Getting started: Apply for the necessary licences under the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and sell via Instagram, Facebook Marketplace, or delivery apps.

This side hustle works well for hobbyists who want to monetise their passion for cooking.

7. Fitness Coaching

With wellness and health gaining importance, part-time fitness coaching—whether yoga, pilates, or personal training—has become increasingly viable. Certified instructors can teach classes online or at gyms.

  • Potential earnings: $30–$100 per session.
  • Skills required: Relevant certifications, teaching ability, fitness knowledge.
  • Startup costs: $1,000–$3,000 for certification, though online options are cheaper.
  • Getting started: Start with friends or community classes, build testimonials, and use social media to grow your client base.

This is ideal for fitness enthusiasts who want to combine passion with profit.

8. Reselling & Thrift Flipping

Thrift shopping and second-hand reselling have gained traction as sustainability trends rise. From vintage fashion to refurbished gadgets, reselling can be highly profitable.

  • Potential earnings: $200–$2,000+ monthly.
  • Skills required: Trend-spotting, negotiation, product knowledge.
  • Startup costs: $100–$500 to source initial inventory.
  • Getting started: Sell on Carousell, eBay, or Instagram. Many sellers start small, reinvesting profits to expand their product selection.

This hustle is particularly attractive to younger Singaporeans passionate about sustainable fashion and consumer habits.

9. Pet Care Services

Singapore’s pet ownership rates are rising, and so is the demand for pet sitting, dog walking, and grooming services.

  • Potential earnings: $15–$40 per session; $500–$2,000 per month depending on volume.
  • Skills required: Love for animals, basic pet care knowledge.
  • Startup costs: Minimal for walking/sitting; grooming may require $1,000+ in equipment and training.
  • Getting started: Register on platforms like Pawshake, advertise locally, or use Facebook groups to reach pet owners.

Pet care side hustles suit those who enjoy spending time with animals while earning extra income.

10. Event Services

From freelance photography and emceeing to balloon decoration and wedding planning, event services remain in high demand in Singapore.

  • Potential earnings: $200–$2,000 per event depending on role.
  • Skills required: Varies—organisation, creativity, or performance skills.
  • Startup costs: $500–$2,000 for equipment such as cameras or sound systems.
  • Getting started: Build a portfolio, offer discounted services for initial clients, and leverage Instagram to showcase your work.

This is a great option for creative individuals who thrive in dynamic environments.

Balancing Side Hustles with a Full-Time Job

While side hustles can be rewarding, balancing them with a full-time job requires discipline. Some tips include:

  • Set clear boundaries to avoid burnout.
  • Prioritise side hustles that align with your interests or strengths.
  • Automate tasks using digital tools (e.g. scheduling posts, tracking finances).
  • Start small and scale gradually rather than overcommitting from the start.

Employers in Singapore are generally supportive of side hustles, provided there are no conflicts of interest. Always check your company’s HR policies to ensure compliance.

Leveraging Government Schemes and Digital Tools

Singapore provides several resources to support aspiring entrepreneurs and side hustlers. SkillsFuture credits can be used to upskill in areas like digital marketing or coding. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) offers grants for small businesses going digital. Enterprise Singapore also provides guidance and resources for microbusiness owners.

Digital tools such as Canva, Shopify, and QuickBooks can streamline operations, from design to online sales to accounting.

Conclusion: Building Long-Term Financial Resilience

10 Lucrative Side Hustles You Can Start in Singapore Today

Side hustles are no longer just about pocket money—they’re a pathway to financial independence, career flexibility, and even entrepreneurship. In Singapore’s ever-evolving economy, having multiple income streams is both a safeguard and an opportunity.

Whether you’re teaching maths on weekends, baking pastries at night, or driving Grab after office hours, these efforts add up. With persistence, creativity, and the right tools, your side hustle could one day transform into a main hustle.

Now is the time to explore, experiment, and take that first step. After all, the most lucrative side hustle is the one you actually start.