20 Quick Ways To Make Extra Money In Newark, New Jersey [2024]

Updated: February 8th, 2023

Looking to make easy money or start a business in Newark, New Jersey?

Newark is a great place to start a business or side hustle because of its rich history and diverse culture.

With a strong economy and a large population of over 285,000, there are many opportunities for entrepreneurs and individuals looking to make extra money.

Whether you’re a student, a stay-at-home parent, or simply looking for a way to supplement your income, there’s something for everyone in Newark.

This post provides 20 side hustle ideas and ways to make money in Newark.

Here they are:

1. Start a food delivery service

One great way to make extra money in Newark, New Jersey, is to start a food delivery service. Newark is home to a diverse population and a thriving food scene, making it an ideal location for a food delivery business. With the rise of online food delivery platforms like GrubHub and UberEats, starting a food delivery service is easier than ever.

How To Get Started

To get started, research the different food delivery platforms available and choose the best. Then, create a profile and start reaching out to local restaurants to see if they are interested in partnering with you. You can also use social media to promote your service and attract customers.

  • Potential Earnings: Earnings vary depending on the platform you choose, but delivery drivers can earn an average of $10-$20 per hour.
  • Cost To Start: Low
  • Tools Needed:
    • A reliable mode of transportation (car, bike or scooter)
    • Smartphone with internet access
    • GPS navigation
    • Delivery bags (if required by the platform)

2. Become a Professional Dog Walker

This involves walking dogs or providing pet-sitting services in Newark, NJ. Ideally, Newark has a high population of pet owners and a strong demand for pet-related services. Dog walking is also a fun and profitable way to make money as you spend time with animals and set your schedule.

How To Get Started:

  • Research and learn about the dog walking business and local laws and regulations
  • Obtain any necessary licenses and insurance
  • Create a business plan and set your rates
  • Build a network of clients through advertising, word-of-mouth, and social media
  • Create a schedule and stick to it

To operate a successful dog walking business in Newark, NJ, provide excellent customer service, and maintain good communication with clients. Also, keep business records, continuously market your business, and expand your services if desired.

  • Potential Earnings: The average hourly rate for dog walkers in New Jersey is $17 per hour. The rate can vary depending on location, experience, and service type.
  • Cost To Start: Low
  • Tools Needed: leashes, poop bags, and a cell phone for communication with clients

3. Start bookkeeping and accounting services

This involves providing accounting and tax preparation services for small business owners and individuals. The services can include bookkeeping, record keeping, financial statements, tax preparation, and other financial management tasks.

Starting a bookkeeping and accounting services business in Newark, NJ is a good idea because of the large number of small businesses in the city. Many small business owners struggle with keeping their financial records organized and accurate, so they may be looking for someone to help them with these tasks.

How To Get Started:

To get started, pick a niche, research the industry, and get certified as a bookkeeper. Then, create a business plan, set your rates, and come up with a business launch strategy, You can build a network of clients through advertising, word-of-mouth, and social media.

  • Potential Earnings: $20 - $40 per hour.
  • Cost To Start: Low.
  • Tools Needed: A computer, internet access, and accounting software.

4. Start a Personal shopping & Errands Business

Starting a personal shopping and errand-running business in Newark, NJ, can be a great way to make extra money while helping busy individuals and families with their daily tasks. The services can include grocery shopping, package delivery, laundry, dry cleaning, picking up prescriptions, and other errands.

Starting a personal shopping and errand-running business in Newark is a good idea because of the city’s enormous population and many residents’ busy lifestyles. Many people are looking for assistance with their daily tasks, and as a personal shopping and errand-running service provider, you can help them save time and energy by doing these tasks for them.

How To Get Started:

To start a personal shopping and errand running business in Newark, NJ conduct research on the industry, and create a business plan. Apply for a business license from your city administration office, and focus on delivering excellent services to your customers.

  • Potential Earnings: $15 - $25 per hour
  • Cost To Start: Low
  • Tools Needed: A car, smartphone, internet, and GPS.

5. Start a Cleaning and Laundry Service

Starting a cleaning and laundry services business in Newark, NJ can be a great idea for several reasons. The business idea is to provide professional cleaning and laundry services to residential and commercial customers in the Newark area.

One reason why it may be a good idea to start this business in Newark is that the city has a large population and a high demand for such services. Additionally, there may be a lack of existing cleaning and laundry service providers in the area, providing an opportunity for a new business to fill a gap in the market.

How To Get Started:

Research and understand Newark’s current cleaning and laundry services market, including the types of services offered and pricing, and define your target customer base. This research can also help you identify potential gaps in the market that your business can fill.

  • Potential Earnings: The average salary for a Laundry Attendant is $14.57 per hour in New Jersey
  • Cost To Start: Low
  • Tools Needed:
    • Cleaning supplies like mops, brooms, and cleaning products
    • Laundry detergent and fabric softeners
    • Reliable vehicle to transport equipment and supplies to job sites
    • A laptop or smartphone to manage bookkeeping, scheduling, and customer communication.

6. Become A Handyman

Starting a handyman business in Newark, NJ is a great idea for those who are looking for a fun and profitable way to make money. The business idea is simple: offer a wide range of home repair and maintenance services to homeowners and renters in the area. This can include everything from fixing leaky faucets and unclogging drains to painting and drywall repairs, to installing new light fixtures and ceiling fans.

One of the reasons why starting a handyman business in Newark is a good idea is because the city is home to a diverse population with a wide range of housing options. From historic brownstones and Victorian homes to modern apartments and condos, there is a need for skilled handymen to help maintain and repair these properties. Additionally, the city's proximity to New York City makes it an attractive location for professionals and families who are looking for affordable housing options while still being close to the city.

How To Get Started:

Get a home improvement contractor license from the City administration office and get a business license. Then, advertise your business online and offline, targeting the neighborhoods you intend to offer services. While it's not hard to find clients, you must ensure quality services so your customers can recommend your services to their friends and family.

  • Potential Earnings: The average salary for a Handy Man is $19.71 per hour
  • Cost To Start: Medium
  • Tools Needed:
    • Basic hand and power tools depending on the services you plan to offer.
    • A service van
    • Personal Protection Equipment (PPEs)

7. Become an Online Tutor

For several reasons, starting an online tutoring business in Newark, NJ, is an excellent idea. First, Newark is a diverse city with a large population of students of all ages who need academic support. Additionally, the city has a growing population of families looking for affordable and accessible educational resources for their children.

How To Get Started:

  1. Identify what you need to get started.
  2. Understand your target audience.
  3. Select a subject area to focus on.
  4. Decide on a specific curriculum.
  5. Establish the format for your courses.
  6. Select a platform to market and sell your courses.
  7. Administer and manage your courses.
  • Potential Earnings: Hourly earnings for online tutors can range from $20 to $50, depending on the subject and level of expertise.
  • Cost To Start: Low
  • Tools Needed: Computer, Internet, Video conferencing platform, Interactive whiteboard.

8. Become a Fitness Instructor

A fitness Instructor offers personal training and group fitness classes in various styles, such as yoga, Pilates, kickboxing, and more. You can hold classes at various locations around Newark, including parks, community centers, and private studios. The goal is to make fitness accessible and affordable for everyone, regardless of their fitness level or experience.

Starting a fitness instructor business in Newark, NJ is an excellent idea because many people are looking for ways to stay active and healthy. Additionally, Newark has a diverse population with many different cultures and communities, making it an ideal location for a fitness instructor business that caters to a wide range of clients.

How To Get Started:

To become a fitness instructor, register for the certification exam and become a Certified Fitness Instructor. Define your target audience and build a business website.

  • Potential Earnings: The average hourly pay rate is $25.78
  • Cost To Start: Medium
  • Tools Needed: Dumbbells, resistance bands, yoga mats, and other fitness props.

9. Start a Landscaping Business

Starting a landscaping business in Newark, NJ is an excellent idea for those who are passionate about gardening and have a knack for creating beautiful outdoor spaces. The business idea is to provide a wide range of landscaping services such as lawn care, garden maintenance, tree trimming, and planting.

One of the reasons why starting a landscaping business in Newark is a good idea is that the city has a diverse population that values beautiful outdoor spaces. Many residents in Newark take pride in their homes and are willing to invest in maintaining their gardens and lawns. This presents an excellent opportunity for a landscaping business to thrive.

How To Get Started:

Decide on the services you want to offer and whether you want to rent or buy equipment. This will help you determine the costs and expenses involved in starting your business. Next, you must obtain the required business insurance, licenses, and EIN. Additionally, it would be best to consider getting liability insurance before scaling your business.

Another critical step is to develop a marketing plan and decide on competitive and fair prices. This will help you attract and retain customers and establish a strong reputation in the industry.

  • Potential Earnings: The average rate is $18 per hour
  • Cost To Start: Medium
  • Tools Needed: Shovels, Rakes (Steel and Leaf), Push brooms, Pruners/hedge shears, Forks, service van.

10.Become An Event Planner

Starting an event planning business in Newark, NJ, is a good idea because of the diverse population and the presence of many organizations in the city. The city also has a strong demand for events and a wide range of venues and vendors. Additionally, there is a growing demand for online event planning services, making it an excellent opportunity for an online-based business.

How To Get Started:

Register a company and define your target market to start an event planning business. Then, depending on the target market, consider startup costs and settle on price structure before marketing your business. Then, hire employees to help you manage and coordinate events.

  • Potential Earnings: $25 - $50 per hour, depending on the nature of events
  • Cost To Start: Medium
  • Tools Needed: A computer, internet access, phone, and a good network of vendors and venues.

11. Become a Photographer

Starting a photography business in Newark, NJ, can be a great way to make extra money while doing something you love. The business idea is to provide photography services for events, portraits, and commercial projects such as product photography, real estate photography, and more.

Newark has a diverse population and a vibrant culture, providing photographers with a wide range of opportunities to capture beautiful and unique photos. The city is known for its architecture, street art, and urban landscapes, making it an excellent place for photographers to capture cityscapes and street photography.

How To Get Started:

Research the industry, take courses or workshops to improve your skills, build a portfolio, create a business plan and set your rates, build a network of clients through advertising, word-of-mouth, and social media, and purchase necessary equipment such as a camera and editing software, keep records of your income and expenses for tax purposes, and market your business.

  • Potential Earnings: $50 - $150 per hour.
  • Cost To Start: Low.
  • Tools Needed: Professional Camera, Lenses, Camera Bag, Lighting, Backdrops.

12. Become An Interior Designer

The interior design business offers services such as home staging, space planning, and color consultation to residential and commercial clients in the Newark area.

Newark is an excellent location to start an interior design business because it is a city with a diverse population and a growing real estate market. There is a high demand for interior design services as many want to renovate or update their homes and businesses. Additionally, Newark is a highly populated city in New Jersey, which can give you many opportunities to grow your business.

How To Get Started:

To start an interior design business, determine what services you’ll offer, your style & areas of specialty. Then, choose a catchy business name & register it. You will then need to hire someone to build a beautiful website. Create an online presence, focus on building a business portfolio, and set your rates. Finally, promote your business and focus on attracting repeat clients.

  • Potential Earnings: $20 - $30 an hour.
  • Cost To Start: Medium.
  • Tools Needed: CAD Software, Measuring Tape, 3D Modeling Tool, Sketchbook.

13. Start a social media management and marketing agency

A social media management and marketing agency offers advertising services to help businesses and individuals create, manage, and promote their online content on various social media platforms.

Starting a social media management and marketing services business in Newark, NJ, is a good idea because of the increasing use of social media in today’s digital world.

Many small businesses and individuals struggle with managing and marketing their social media presence effectively, so they may be looking for someone to help them with these tasks. Additionally, with the high population density in Newark, NJ, small businesses and individuals will be looking to expand their reach to the local community.

How To Get Started:

To start a social media management and marketing agency, first, you need to choose a niche, like the type of business you want to work with or the specific platforms you want to focus on. Next, determine the services you want to offer and the pricing.

Then, determine your unique selling points and create a business plan that highlights those points. After that, start pitching your services to potential clients and track your progress in a portfolio to use as social proof. As you grow your agency, finding a community and taking a slow and steady approach to growth is essential.

  • Potential Earnings: The average pay for a Social Media Manager in New Jersey is $24 per hour.
  • Cost To Start: Low.
  • Tools Needed: A computer, internet access, and social media management and marketing software.

14. Start stock photography business

Stock photography businesses sell photographs that can be used for various purposes, such as commercial use, marketing, and advertising.

Starting a stock photography business in Newark, NJ, is a good idea because of the city’s diverse culture and landmarks, which provide ample opportunities for unique and exciting photos. Additionally, with the increasing use of visual content in various industries, such as website design, social media, and advertising, there is a growing demand for high-quality stock photography.

How To Get Started:

To start a stock photography business, you must first write a business plan outlining your goals and strategies. It is also essential to be clear about your costs, such as equipment and marketing expenses. Investing in good photography gear and learning to take stock photos is crucial.

Building an online presence through platforms such as Shutterstock and iStock will also help to increase visibility and sales. Creating an online portfolio of your work will make it easy for clients to browse and purchase your photos.

  • Potential Earnings: $50 - $150.
  • Cost To Start: Low.
  • Tools Needed: Camera, Lenses, Tripod, Lighting equipment, Computer, Editing software.

15. Sell handmade goods and crafts

Starting a handmade goods and crafts business in Newark, NJ, is a good idea because of the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene. Newark is home to many art galleries, museums, and cultural events, and there is a large market for handmade goods and crafts. Additionally, with the rise of online marketplaces such as Etsy, it has become easier to reach a global audience for handmade goods.

How To Get Started:

Research the industry, create a business plan, create a portfolio of your work and build a network of clients through advertising, word-of-mouth, and social media, purchase necessary materials and equipment, keep records of your income and expenses for tax purposes, continuously market your business and expand your product line if desired.

  • Potential Earnings: Varies depending on the items you are selling
  • Cost To Start: Low
  • Tools Needed: Materials for your products and a computer or smartphone to set up an online store or advertise your goods.

16. Become a software developer

You can start designing, developing, and maintaining software applications for various clients if you are a software engineer. This can include mobile apps, web applications, desktop software, and more.

Starting a software development business in Newark, NJ, is a good idea because of the city’s strong economy and growing technology sector. Newark is home to many large corporations, startups, and small businesses, all of which may need software development services. Additionally, there is a high global demand for software development services, making it a profitable business opportunity.

How To Get Started:

To become a software developer, you can follow these steps:

Learn the basics of programming: Start by learning a programming language, such as Python or JavaScript, and familiarize yourself with basic programming concepts like variables, loops, and functions.

Build projects: Practice your skills by building small projects, such as a simple calculator or a to-do list app, to apply what you’ve learned and gain experience.

Learn more advanced concepts: As you gain experience, learn more advanced concepts such as data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming.

Get a degree in computer science or a related field: Consider pursuing a degree in computer science or a related field to gain a deeper understanding of the theoretical foundations of software development.

Get experience through internships or work on open-source projects: Get practical experience by interning at a software company or contributing to open-source projects.

Keep learning: Stay updated with new technologies and programming languages by reading blogs, taking online courses, and attending conferences.

  • Potential Earnings: $54.18 per hour.
  • Cost To Start: Low.
  • Tools Needed: A computer, internet access, and software development tools.

17. Start Airbnb Business

Starting an Airbnb business in Newark, NJ, can be a great way to make extra money by providing lodging for guests visiting the city. Newark, NJ, is a popular tourist destination with various attractions, such as the Prudential Center, the Newark Museum, and the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, making it a great place to start an Airbnb business.

Starting an Airbnb business in Newark, NJ, is a good idea because of the high demand for short-term rentals. The city is home to many tourists and business travelers looking for affordable and convenient lodging options. Additionally, with the rise of the sharing economy and the popularity of Airbnb, starting an Airbnb business can be a profitable way to make money.

How To Get Started:

To start an Airbnb business in Newark, NJ, you must comply with local laws and regulations, including obtaining permits and licenses and ensuring your property meets zoning and safety requirements. Next, create a listing on the Airbnb platform with detailed information and high-quality photos, and market the listing to attract guests. Be responsive to guests’ needs and inquiries, keep your property well-maintained and clean, and market your listing to increase its visibility.

  • Potential Earnings: $65 to $150 per night.
  • Cost To Start: Low
  • Tools Needed: A computer, internet access, and a camera.

18. Become a Uber Driver

Starting an Uber driver business in Newark is a good idea because of the city’s high population and strong demand for transportation services.

With a large number of residents and visitors, there is always a need for transportation services, and as an Uber driver, you can help fill that need. Additionally, Uber offers a flexible schedule, so it’s an excellent opportunity for those looking for a side hustle or a full-time job.

How To Get Started:

Meet Uber’s minimum driver requirements, which include having a valid driver’s license, insurance and passing a background check. You will also need a qualifying vehicle that meets Uber’s requirements. Then, sign up to become a driver on the Uber platform and start accepting rides.

Before you start driving, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the area and plan your routes to ensure efficient pickups and drop-offs. Maintain a high rating from riders by providing good customer service and keeping your vehicle clean.

  • Potential Earnings: 15.89 an hour
  • Cost To Start: Medium.
  • Tools Needed: A car, smartphone, and GPS.

19. Start freelance writing business

Starting a freelance writing business in Newark, NJ, can be a great way to make extra money by copywriting, editing, and proofreading for individuals, small businesses, and organizations. The services can include blog posts, articles, website content, product descriptions, and more.

Starting a freelance writing business in Newark, NJ, is a good idea, as there is a strong demand for written content in today’s digital age. With the rise of digital marketing and online presence, businesses and organizations constantly look for high-quality written content to attract and engage their audiences. Additionally, there is a growing remote working trend, making it an excellent opportunity for a location-independent business.

How To Get Started:

First, you must determine your niche or area of expertise, such as copywriting, technical writing, or content creation. Next, build a portfolio of your work to showcase to potential clients. This can include writing samples, testimonials, and a list of your writing services. You should also create a website, or a professional social media profile, to promote your business and make it easy for clients to find you.

  • Potential Earnings: $29.92 an hour
  • Cost To Start: Low.
  • Tools Needed: A computer and internet access.

20. Start a car wash

Starting car washing, detailing, and other car-cleaning services in Newark, NJ, is a good idea because of the high population density in the city and the high number of cars on the road. Additionally, Newark is a central business hub with many offices and businesses that may require regular car cleaning services. It’s also a low-cost business idea, as the main tools you’ll need are equipment and cleaning supplies.

How To Get Started:

To start a carwash business in Newark, NJ, you will need to research the local market, secure funding, acquire necessary permits and licenses, choose a location, buy or lease equipment and supplies, and market your business. You will need to determine the feasibility of your business idea and identify potential competitors, demand for carwash services in the area, and target market.

  • Potential Earnings: $12.38 an hour
  • Cost To Start: Low
  • Tools Needed: Pressure washers, water tanks, brushes, soaps, and other cleaning products
meet the author
Pat Walls