15 Quick Ways To Make Extra Money In Durham, North Carolina [2024]

Updated: February 22nd, 2024

15 Quick Ways To Make Extra Money In Durham, North Carolina [2024]

Durham is the place to go if you want to make some money. You may meet people from many walks of life, from healthcare to law and finance. If you incorporate the locals, you may have a great chance of success.

Looking to make easy money or start a business in Durham, North Carolina?

Many individuals are looking for methods to create additional money, yet it frequently appears that there is nothing left. Fortunately, Durham has a plethora of chances for increasing one's income through entrepreneurship and startups in general. If you have the necessary talents to start a side business.

Making money isn't always simple. That is why we have outlined 15 great side hustle ideas in Durham, North Carolina for you to get additional money.

Here they are:

1. Become a theatre team member

Becoming a theatre team member can be a good side hustle idea if you are passionate about acting and want to be a part of a theatre group to pursue your dreams. It's important to network with theater professionals in the area and attend auditions or open calls for productions.

It's also useful to have a strong understanding of the theater industry, including knowledge of popular plays and playwrights, as well as current trends and developments in the field. It is also important to be passionate and dedicated to the craft of theater and be willing to work hard and learn on the job.

Earning Potential: up to $25/hour

Requirements: You must be available to work flexible hours which include evenings, weekends, and holidays. It also requires consistent attendance & energetic and friendly attitude during each shift. In addition, having a formal education in theater or a related field, such as drama or theater arts, can also be beneficial.

How To Get Started: You can apply to be a member by searching websites like Glassdoor.

2. Become A Part Time Barista

If you love the smell of coffee and want to be surrounded by the smell of it then the barista job is for you. You can work as a barista in your local coffee shop in your free time and earn a side income. Your job will be to make coffee or coffee-based beverages and serve them to the customers.

Earning Potential: Up to $16/hour

Requirements: Be at least 18 years of age, have the flexibility to work multiple shifts, good communication skills & basic math skills. It will work as a bonus if you can show any previous experience of working as a waiter/waitress or barista, also having knowledge of how to handle brewing equipment will be an extra plus.

Investment needed: $0 starting cost to work as a barista if you want to start as a fresher. Otherwise, if you want to take a professional barista training it can cost you anything between $120 - $$2,600.

How To Get Started: You can search for barista job listing on popular job portals like Indeed.

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 Durham 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 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 Durham.

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.

5. Start A Food Delivery Service

With the rising demand for food delivery options, starting a food delivery business can make a great side hustle. You can start your own delivery service in Durham by partnering with your local cafes, restaurants, or pubs, or you can also join an established food delivery service in your city and deliver for them. Most food delivery companies will provide higher commissions if you move higher volumes.

Therefore, with food delivery being your side hustle, you can earn a good income, work as per your time, and be independent.

Earning Potential: $5-$20/hour

Requirements: No educational qualification is necessary, but having a high school degree can be of help. You must be 18 or above, and having a car or motorbike with a valid driver's license, and a mobile with an internet connection is required. Also, having previous experience working as a delivery guy will make you more eligible, plus good communication skills and friendly behavior are important in any customer service job.

Investment needed: $0 investment needed

How To Get Started

Find a food delivery service available in your city, obtain whatever documents they require, and work on establishing a strong delivery network.

6. 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.

7. Call Center Customer Service Representative

A job at a call center typically involves receiving and making telephone calls to and from customers, clients, or other businesses. The calls may involve customer service, sales, technical support, or other types of information.

Call center representatives may also be responsible for handling and resolving customer complaints or issues. The job may involve working in a fast-paced, high-stress environment, and may require strong communication and customer service skills.

Earning Potential: Up to $2.5k/month

Requirements: Call centers are certainly still a thing in the Lone Star state. If you prefer to be behind the scenes but are able to make sales, there are plenty of locations to apply for and work part-time during the week. You will need to be 18+ for commissions and a regular salary once you advance in the ranks.

Investment needed: No investment needed!

How To Get Started: You can apply for this kind of job by applying on highestpayinggigs.

8. 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 Durham. 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.

9. Drive For Uber Or Lyft

If you've got a car and time on a Saturday, you could be making some cash driving people around. Instead of wasting your time sitting through traffic when you sign off from work, you can drive an Uber or Lyft and earn some extra cash in Durham by the time you reach home!

Ridesharing apps are one of the most lucrative ways to make extra cash. Not just because of the flexible schedule, but the revenue you generate!

Earning Potential: Up to $26/hour

Requirements: Meet the minimum age to drive in your city, have at least one year of driving experience, and clear a background check. See all requirements

Investment needed: $0 upfront if you already have a car!

How To Get Started: Apply to be a driver at Uber here, or Lyft driver here.

Don't have a car? Rent a car for ridesharing or deliveries with HyreCar.

10. Get A Part Time Job As A Waiter / Waitress

As a restaurant server in Durham, you will need to attend to customers, make suggestions as per their liking, wait tables, handle queries, deliver checks & receive payments.

Earning Potential: Servers make $13.95/hour (on average) + tips

Requirements: If you can show any previous waiting or restaurant serving experience you'll get a preference. Other than that you'll need to have patience, be good at customer service, have a pleasant personality, pay attention to customer safety & cleanliness, and be reliable & responsible. Having a high school diploma is also helpful for your resume.

Investment needed: $0 investment needed to get started as a restaurant server.

How To Get Started: Reach out to people in your circle and ask them whether they know someone in the restaurant business. Or apply for restaurant server jobs on Indeed.

11. Become A Valet Parking Attendant

Looking for side gigs to earn extra income in your free time in Durham? Start working as a valet parking attendant. If you know how to drive and possess basic people skills this can be a great career option. You can work at restaurants, hotels, clubs, airports, and other business complexes as a parking attendant.

As a valet parking attendant, you'll be responsible for greeting customers as they enter the property, parking & bringing back the guests' cars from the parking space, and ensuring this whole operation is performed smoothly. In addition to providing excellent customer service, you'll also be responsible for keeping the parking lot clean and organized.

Earning Potential: Up to $14/hour + tips

Requirements: A valid driver's license, zero traffic offenses, neat appearance and uniform upkeep, and excellent customer service & communication skills.

Investment needed: $0 investment needed

How To Get Started:

Identify office blocks, restaurants, or office compounds with good traffic and talk to the management to get started. For inspiration, observe how professional valet services like Royal Parking operate and borrow a leaf from them.

12. Become A House Cleaner

House cleaning is a good side hustle for those who looking to earn extra money in Durham. 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.

13. Get A Part Time Bartending Gig

If you live in in Durham 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.

14. Become A Nurse

Nursing in Durham 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.

15. Become A Subway Sandwich Artist

A Subway Sandwich Artist is a customer service role at a Subway restaurant. In this position, you would be responsible for preparing and making sandwiches, handling food and ingredients, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

The job may also include cash handling, cleaning, and other duties as required by the store. You can apply for the job by visiting a Subway store in Durham or by searching for open positions on the Subway website.

Earning Potential: Up to $1.5/month

Requirements: No previous experience is required. Ability to understand and implement written and verbal instruction. Must be able to work any area of the restaurant when needed and to operate a computerized Point of Sale system/cash register.

Investment needed: No investment needed!

How To Get Started: Download the Indeed app and start your journey as a subway sandwich artist here.

meet the author
Pat Walls