Do you often look for ways to make extra money using your skills? If so, you might be a born hustler. If you know a lot about building and construction, finding a side job that matches your expertise isn’t just possible—it can be very profitable. According to Investopedia, skilled workers in construction often earn extra income through specialized services because there’s high demand for them. The study showed that construction pros who take on side jobs can greatly boost their main income if they are skilled and hardworking.
If you’re ready to learn about the best side hustles in construction, get set to put your skills to good use. These side gigs not only pay well but also help you grow professionally and financially.
10 Side Hustles as Skilled Labor in Construction
The construction industry is full of opportunities for those with the right skills. Whether you’re good at carpentry, electrical work, or landscaping, there’s a high demand for various services that can make for profitable side jobs. Here are ten in-demand and well-paying side gigs in building and construction, along with why they make great side hustles.
1. Freelance Carpentry
- Skills Needed: Woodworking, precision, project management.
- Role and Responsibilities: Making custom furniture, installing cabinets, and doing trim work.
- Earnings: $25-$50 per hour, depending on the job and your client base.
Carpentry projects can be done on your own time and often pay well. Custom jobs usually fetch higher prices, and happy clients can lead to more work through word-of-mouth referrals.
2. Electrical Work
- Skills Needed: Electrical certifications, problem-solving, safety knowledge.
- Role and Responsibilities: Installing wiring, fixing electrical issues, upgrading panels.
- Earnings: $30-$60 per hour; licensed electricians can earn even more.
Electrical work is always in demand for new installations and repairs. Licensed electricians can command higher fees, making this a very profitable side gig.
3. Plumbing Services
- Skills Needed: Plumbing certifications, mechanical skills, customer service.
- Role and Responsibilities: Fixing leaks, installing fixtures, emergency repairs.
- Earnings: $45-$75 per hour, with higher rates for emergencies.
Plumbing problems are common in homes and businesses, offering steady work. Emergency services can be especially profitable, and good service can lead to repeat clients.
4. Handyman Services
- Skills Needed: Versatility in various repairs, basic carpentry, plumbing, and electrical skills.
- Role and Responsibilities: Minor repairs, home maintenance, furniture assembly.
- Earnings: $25-$50 per hour, with potential for repeat business and referrals.
You can take on a variety of tasks, ensuring there’s always something to do. Being reliable and versatile can quickly build a loyal customer base.
5. Landscaping and Gardening
- Skills Needed: Knowledge of plants, landscape design, physical stamina.
- Role and Responsibilities: Lawn care, planting, landscape designing.
- Earnings: $20-$40 per hour; specialized projects can pay more.
Landscaping is visually rewarding and often leads to satisfied clients who refer you to others. Seasonal changes also bring new opportunities for work.
6. Masonry Work
- Skills Needed: Bricklaying, stonework, structural knowledge.
- Role and Responsibilities: Building and repairing walls, patios, and walkways.
- Earnings: $30-$50 per hour, with higher earnings for large projects.
Masonry work is long-lasting and gives a sense of permanence. Skilled masons are in high demand, allowing you to charge premium rates.
7. Drywall Installation and Repair
- Skills Needed: Precision in cutting and fitting drywall, finishing skills, safety knowledge.
- Role and Responsibilities: Installing drywall, applying joint compound, sanding and finishing.
- Earnings: $20-$35 per hour, with extra pay for textured finishes and complex jobs.
Drywall installation is needed in almost every building project, from new construction to renovations. This ensures a steady flow of work.
8. Painting Services
- Skills Needed: Surface preparation, color matching, attention to detail.
- Role and Responsibilities: Interior and exterior painting, surface prep, finishing touches.
- Earnings: $20-$40 per hour, potentially more for specialized techniques.
Painting can transform spaces for relatively low costs in tools and materials. High client satisfaction often leads to more work, and specialized techniques can boost your earnings.
9. Roofing Services
- Skills Needed: Safety training, knowledge of roofing materials, physical endurance.
- Role and Responsibilities: Installing and repairing roofs, inspecting for damage, cleaning gutters.
- Earnings: $25-$50 per hour; emergency repairs can pay even more.
Roofing is crucial for home safety and integrity. While it can be physically demanding, it pays well, especially for emergency repairs or seasonal maintenance.
10. Flooring Installation
- Skills Needed: Knowledge of different flooring materials, precision in cutting and fitting.
- Role and Responsibilities: Installing hardwood, laminate, tile, or carpet flooring; preparing subfloors.
- Earnings: $30-$50 per hour, with higher rates for complex installations.
Quality flooring installation can significantly increase property value. This allows you to charge premium rates for your expertise, making it a profitable side job.
You can take advantage of these in-demand side hustles in the construction industry by developing your abilities and selling your services well. Each role offers substantial earning potential and helps you grow both professionally and financially.
Where and How to Find Construction Side Hustles
Finding work in the construction industry can be easy if you know where to look and how to market your skills. Here are some practical ways to land those high-paying side hustles:
Networking
Join local trade associations to connect with other professionals; this can help you find job opportunities. Also, don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. Let friends, family, and neighbors know about your services, as personal recommendations can be very effective.
Online Platforms
Freelance websites like Upwork, Thumbtack, and TaskRabbit often have listings for various types of handyman and construction work. Additionally, using social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to showcase your completed projects can engage potential clients and generate leads.
Local Listings
Check local community boards or classifieds such as Craigslist for job postings. Home improvement stores also often have bulletin boards where people post requests for skilled labor.
Marketing Your Services
Creating a professional website can make it easier for clients to find and contact you. Distributing business cards and flyers in your local area can help spread the word about your services. Finally, encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews online, as positive testimonials can significantly boost your credibility and attract new clients.
You can effectively find construction side gigs that fit your skills by using these resources, which will help you expand your professional network and income. Happy hustling!
