11 Quick Ways To Make Extra Money In Joliet, IL [2024]

Updated: February 22nd, 2024

11 Quick Ways To Make Extra Money In Joliet, IL [2024]

Are you looking to make easy money or start a business in Joliet, Illinois?

Joliet is a city in Illinois that offers many opportunities to earn extra money, and we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to do so.

From part-time jobs to freelance work, we’ll explore different avenues that you can pursue to increase your income.

For those who prefer more flexible work schedules, we’ll explore some freelance work opportunities. These could include writing, graphic design, or web development. We’ll also discuss the option of starting your own business, whether it’s a side hustle or a part-time venture.

If you want to boost your income and earn extra cash, various options are available for starting an extra-income career in Joliet. Whether you’re a student, a stay-at-home parent, or someone who wants to make some additional income, we’ve got you covered with great ideas.

This post provides 11 side hustle ideas and ways to make money in Joliet, IL.

Here they are:

1. 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 Joliet 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.

2. 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 Joliet. 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 written and road tests to obtain a CDL. Employers may also require a minimum 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.

3. Become A Warehouse Associate

If you don’t enjoy doing desk jobs, like interacting with people, and want to work in the logistics or related sector, then working as a warehouse associate could be your calling. You can do this as a part-time or a full-time job and earn a living.

Earning Potential: Up to $21/hour

Requirements: You’ll require at least a high school diploma, have to be physically fit & hardworking, have good time management & interpersonal skills, inventory control & documentation skills, be organized & have an eye for detail, and most importantly, the ability to work with a team.

Investment needed: Don’t need to invest any amount to start working as a warehouse associate.

How To Get Started: Search for warehouse associate jobs on ZipRecruiter and Indeed.

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 Joliet.

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. Room Attendant

The room attendant is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the guest rooms assigned. Previous cleaning experience and the ability to communicate with guests are preferred.

This job environment demands exceptional performance yet reaps great rewards. Whether it's career opportunities, job enrichment, or a supportive work environment, if you are ready for this challenge, then it's best for you.

Earning Potential: Earn upto $2k-3k per month

Requirements: Working as an individual who is focused on providing efficient service and meaningful experiences with refined verbal and written communication skills.

Investment needed: Training to become a housekeeping room attendant can cost $1.5k-$2k.

How To Get Started: many platforms offer you the opportunity to make a decent amount of money in this field, from jooble.

6. 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 Joliet 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.

7. Become a Shift Manager

Shift Managers are in high demand in Joliet 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 Joliet, 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.

8. Become A Nurse

Nursing in Joliet 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 Associate’s Degree in Nursing, or a Nursing Diploma from a recognized institution. All registered nurses who do not have a Bachelor’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. Get A Part Time Job As A Waiter / Waitress

As a restaurant server in Joliet, 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.

10. Become A Hair Stylist

If you have a few hours on hand every day or have the whole weekend free and want to use this time to have an additional income you can consider working as a hairstylist assistant.

A hair stylist assistant assists a lead stylist with daily tasks. Duties may include gathering supplies, mixing colors, shampooing hair, sterilizing tools, and general cleaning. Some assistants also greet clients and schedule appointments.

Earning Potential: Up to $17/hour

Requirements: You need to have a minimum high-school diploma or GED and some basic training in hairdressing from a cosmetology school. If you have a cosmetology license then it will be beneficial for you. If you don't have a license you can still work as a hairstylist assistant and in most cases, you will get on-the-job training at the salons you will be working in.

Investment needed: $0 investment needed if you have a cosmetology license.

How To Get Started: Apply to be a hair stylist assistant click here.

11. Start Babysitting

If you love spending time with babies then the babysitting business can be a fulfilling and rewarding business for you to venture into. This is a very well-paid job in Joliet and plus it's quite flexible since you can choose your working hours and work independently.

Earning Potential: Up to $23/hour

Requirements: You should be responsible & reliable, should be punctual, creative & playful, must possess a lot of patience, have good manners, and should not have any criminal background. It will be a bonus if you have a driving license and have done a basic babysitting course.

Investment needed: $0 investment needed

How To Get Started: Network and let your family, friends, and neighbors know that you are interested in working as a babysitter. Look for mom's groups on social media platforms, and contact your local kindergarten or junior schools. You can also sign up with apps that connect parents with babysitters such as UrbanSitter, Bambino, or bubble.

meet the author
Pat Walls