15 Quick Ways To Make Extra Money In Bakersfield, CA [2024]

Updated: February 22nd, 2024

15 Quick Ways To Make Extra Money In Bakersfield, CA [2024]

Are you looking to make easy money or start a business in Bakersfield, California?

Bakersfield, CA is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and abundant natural resources. With its warm and sunny climate, Bakersfield is a great place to live, work, and play. The city has a growing economy, a thriving arts and culture scene, and a strong sense of community.

Whether you are looking to start a side hustle or simply looking to enjoy all that Bakersfield has to offer, there is something for everyone in this great city.

The average side hustle income for individuals in Bakersfield is around $500 per month, which can greatly supplement their regular income. With the cost of living in Bakersfield being relatively low, many people are finding it easier to save money and improve their financial situation.

In this post, we provide you with 15 side hustle ideas and ways to make money in Bakersfield, CA.

Here they are:

1. Rent Out Your Attic Or Garage

Do you have an attic or a garage space that you do not use anymore? Then put it on rent to make some extra cash.

You can rent it to local people or businesses that are looking for space to run their operations and can function in the limited space of a garage or attic. A lot of small business owners look for this kind of space in the initial stage of their journey so you won't have a hard time finding a customer/client.

Earning Potential: Up to $100/month (depending on the size of your space and which city or state you are residing in)

Requirements: You will need an extra garage or attic that is habitable with basic facilities like electricity and ventilation.

Investment needed: $0 investment needed if the place is already in good condition.

How To Get Started: You can list your space and set your own price on websites like Airbnb, Apartments.com, LoopNet, Neighbor and more.

2. Become A Retail Sales Associate

A sales associate is a retail employee who greets customers on arrival and helps them with purchases. If a customer has a problem with a purchase, such as a damaged item or incorrect size, the sales associate will be the one assisting them with returns and refunds.

If you are thinking of becoming a sales associate, it can be great to make money as a side hustle in Bakersfield.

Earning Potential: Up to $18/hour

Requirements:: To become a sales associate, you will need to have an Associate's degree or high school diploma. Also, you'll need an understanding of customer service and sales. If you have basic skills in math, good communication, and a positive attitude, it will be beneficial for you.

Investment needed: $0 investment needed to become a sales associate.

How To Get Started: You can find sales associates and other relevant jobs on Indeed.com.

3. Become A Delivery Driver

Delivery drivers are responsible for delivering items from one location to another. Delivery drivers may need to deliver various goods like food, furniture, other household goods, etc, plus they are also responsible for loading & unloading.

Becoming a delivery driver is a good side hustle in Bakersfield as there are a lot of businesses that hire delivery drivers. You can earn a good income, work as per your time, and be independent.

Earning Potential: Up to $21/hour

Requirements: To become a successful delivery driver, you must have a valid driving license and your own car. Though no basic education is compulsory but still having a high school diploma or an equivalent certificate will be helpful. You also need to be physically fit as your job will include some heavy loading and unloading.

Investment needed: $0 investment needed

How To Get Started

You can find some delivery driver jobs here or here. Provide whatever documents they require, and work on establishing a strong delivery network.

4. Become A House Cleaner

House cleaning is a good side hustle for those who looking to earn extra money in Bakersfield. You can offer an on-demand house cleaning service over the weekend or during the holidays. The house cleaning side hustle is super scalable and does not require huge capital. Besides, it is easy to advertise and get referrals from past customers.

Earning Potential: Up to $19/hour

Requirements: No educational qualification is mandatory but a high school diploma or GED is preferred. Having a proven experience in house cleaning and knowledge of cleaning supplies and techniques can help you land a job faster. You must also be able to follow instructions, stand for long periods of time, and adapt to changing schedules. Plus, being disciplined & having good communication skills can prove t be good for you.

Investment needed: $0 investment needed

How To Get Started:

You can apply for house cleaner jobs on Indeed, or Glassdoor. Also, you can contact your local cleaning services and offer your services.

5. Become A Merchandise Associate

Merchandise Associates will act as a salesperson in Bakersfield during home games. They will be responsible for selling retail items to Condors fans, ringing up purchases on Clover POS machines, and stocking & organizing merchandise inventory.

Individuals working the merchandise booth should be able to help increase sales volume and have the ability to stimulate interest and entice customers to make a purchase. Also needs to actively engage with fans on the concourse and promote the Bakersfield Condors brand and merchandise.

Earning Potential: Earn around $16-$20 per hour

Requirements: This job is based on the ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, subordinates, and fans in a professional manner & Able to complete basic math calculations when filling out merchandise inventory information or dealing with customer transactions. Additional hours for set up and tear down of concourse merchandise stands pre-game and post-game is also a part of this job.

Investment needed: $0 starting cost if you have the mentioned skills.

How To Get Started: There are several platforms where you may find pleasant and satisfying employment in this industry, such as Linked in,Indeed & Simplyhired.

6. Become A Data Entry Clerk

A data entry clerk is responsible for accurately inputting and updating large amounts of information into computer systems and databases. These tasks require strong organizational and attention to detail skills, proficiency in computer programs, and excellent communication skills. You will find both full-time and part-time remote opportunities in this field.

Earning Potential: Earn upto $35 - $250 per hour

Requirements: You'll need a computer with internet access. Must be able and comfortable working in an environment without immediate supervision. Ability to read, understand, and follow oral and written instructions is also a must for this job.

Investment needed: $0 investment with the mentioned required skills.

How To Get Started: You can find many platforms that offer you the opportunity to be a data entry clerk in Bakersfield and make a good amount of money like jooble.

7. Seasonal Digital Specialist

The Digital Support Specialists in Bakersfield is responsible for the successful execution of all types of digital operations in order to drive sales growth and profitability through Ship From Store, BOPIS, and Curb Side Pick Up.

Digital Support Specialist ensures consistency with product picking, packaging, & shipping in the store and is accountable for a reduction in time spent on digital operations due to increased familiarity and process efficiencies. The Digital Support Specialist is part of a team that prioritizes and cares for our customers by delivering an outstanding Omni experience.

Earning Potential: Earn around $33-$40 per hour

Requirements: This job requires professional Interaction and effective verbal and written communication with all employees, peers, and customers. It also needs knowledge of the store product and strong organization skills with the ability to work within a team environment; build positive team relationships that benefit the overall store performance.

Investment needed: $0 starting cost if you have the mentioned skills.

How To Get Started: There are many platforms that offer you the opportunity to find yourself with a satisfying and rewarding career in this field, like military.com,lensa.com & glassdoor.com.

8. Become A Nurse

Nursing in Bakersfield is all about actively providing exceptional care to patients at the appropriate time and in the correct location. This job requires planning and delivering professional nursing care to patients in a virtual clinic setting in compliance with medical and nursing plans of care and established rules and procedures.

The nurse will use multiple telehealth platforms, including but not limited to video visits and remote patient monitoring equipment, to deliver nursing duties, education, and technical assistance to the patient and providers.

Earning Potential: Earn around $38-$40 per hour

Requirements: This work needs a BSN, an Associateโ€™s Degree in Nursing, or a Nursing Diploma from a recognized institution. All registered nurses who do not have a Bachelorโ€™s degree in Nursing (or above) will be expected to enroll in and finish a suitable BSN program within two years of their start date.

Investment needed: $0 starting cost if you have the mentioned skills.

How To Get Started: many platforms offer you the opportunity to find a satisfying and rewarding career in this field by making a decent amount of money like Indeed.

9. Make Money Renting Out Your Camera

If you are a photographer or videographer with a variety of camera accessories gathering dust, you can make good money by simply renting that equipment. because there is a sizable market and rising demand for renting out equipment in Bakersfield.

You can rent out your cameras or equipment on the Sharegrid platform. It is a fantastic way to earn some extra cash and save your camera from getting nonfunctioning.

Earning Potential: Up to $60/day

Requirements: Simply post images of your old equipment or camera on the rental website or app and wait till your ad reaches your potential customers. You don't need to consider anything else besides that.

Investment needed: You don't have to pay anything to list your items on rental websites because they are all free. If you already own a camera and other photography equipment there is no investment necessary.

How To Get Started: Visit websites like sharegrid.com and list your camera for rent.

10. Become A Cashier

A cashier maintains knowledge of weekly ad items, gives customers direction on product location throughout the store, is familiar with events and seminars going on or coming up, and maintains excellent communication with the front end manager and head cashier at all times.

Earning Potential: Up to $2.5k/month

Requirements: Be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent, and 1-2 years of recent cashiering experience. Have and show an outgoing and friendly behavior, a positive attitude, and the ability to interact with our customers.

Investment needed: No investment needed!

How To Get Started: You can log into simplyhired.com and start your journey as a cashier here.

11. CDL Truck Driver

A CDL (Commercial Driver's License) truck driver is responsible for operating and driving a commercial truck, typically over long distances, to transport goods and materials. The job duties will include inspecting and maintaining the vehicle, loading and unloading cargo, keeping accurate records of deliveries, communicating with dispatchers, performing basic vehicle maintenance, and adhering to hours of service regulations among others.

Inspecting and maintaining the vehicle

Becoming a CDL truck driver is one of the most lucrative ways to make extra cash in Bakersfield. Not just because of the flexible schedule, but the revenue you generate!

Earning Potential: You can make $28.52/hour on an average

Requirements: To become a CDL truck driver, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass a written test and a road test to obtain a CDL. Employers may also require a minimum number of years of experience and a clean driving record.

Investment needed: $0 investment needed

How To Get Started: Apply to be a truck driver find here.

12. Get A Part Time Bartending Gig

If you live in in Bakersfield and your surrounding neighborhood is filled with bars and pubs, you can work as a part-time bartender and make some extra cash.

If you enjoy socializing and a fast-paced environment, bartending can be extremely lucrative and a fun way to meet new people.

Earning Potential: Bartenders make $14/hour on average.

Requirements: You'll need to meet the minimum age of your state to serve alcohol, a high school diploma & training or certificate in this field can get you ahead of others. You might have to be flexible about working night shifts and working on weekends. Having a positive & engaging personality along with good communication skills can work as a bonus.

Investment needed: $0 starting cost if you have prior experience working as a bartender. Otherwise, a 40-hour bartending program can cost anywhere between $200 - $800.

How To Get Started: You can drop off your CV at your local pubs or bars or, you can apply for bartending jobs on job searching platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn.

13. Become a Shift Manager

Shift Managers are in high demand in Bakersfield due to the city's growing economy. The city has a strong focus on industry, with many companies specializing in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. As a result, there is a great deal of opportunity for people with the right skills and experience to make a significant impact in the city's business community.

Being a Shift Manager is a challenging and rewarding career path. It requires a combination of skills and experience that make it an ideal opportunity for people looking to make a difference in the business world. If you have what it takes, then this could be the perfect role for you!

Earning Potential: Earn around $35-$40 per hour

Requirements: If you are interested in a career as a Shift Manager in Bakersfield, you will need to have excellent communication skills, be able to work well under pressure, and have strong attention to detail. You will also need to be able to motivate and inspire your team to achieve their goals and to solve problems in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Investment needed: $0 starting cost if you have the mentioned skills.

How To Get Started: There are many platforms that offer you the opportunity to find yourself with a satisfying and rewarding career in this field by making a decent amount of money like snagajob.

14. Become A Part-Time Photographer

Have you had a passion for photography? Are you the designated photographer for your friend group? You can put those photography skills to use by working as a part-time photographer. Start by clicking pictures at events & ceremonies hosted in your close circle or neighborhood and then once you have a portfolio to show you can expand that business further and even make it a full-time job.

Earning Potential: As a freelance part-time photographer you can earn up to $23/hour

Requirements: There's no minimum education required, but having a high school diploma would help. You have to have knowledge of photography, have an eye for detail, have an understanding of different angles & lenses, and be tech-savvy and know the use of basic photography tools. As for the equipment you'll need - a camera with a good quality lens, tripod, flashlight, and editing software.

Investment needed: Depends on the camera & lens quality but you can get started at around less than $1000.

How To Get Started: You can start with spreading the word in your close group and on all your social media pages to land your first clients. Other than that, you can use platforms like SimlyHired or Indeed to search for freelance photography jobs in your area.

15. Provide Virtual Bookkeeping Services

Virtual bookkeeping or cloud accounting jobs allows a bookkeeper or an accountant to work from remote. If you have accounting knowledge and basic computer skills then you can also become a virtual bookkeeper and have a source of additional income.

Earning Potential: Up to $60/hour

Requirements: A high school diploma, accounting knowledge, math skills, and basic computer skills.

Investment needed: $0 investment if you have a laptop

How To Get Started: Visit online job portals like indeed and look for virtual bookkeeping posts and apply directly from there.

meet the author
Pat Walls