Looking for an easy side hustle to boost your income while helping others? If you’re fluent in English, you can teach English as a second language (ESL) side hustle and earn money from anywhere. Whether you want to save for a big purchase, pay off debt, or just have extra cash each month, teaching ESL is a great way to achieve your financial goals without requiring a specialized degree or extensive experience.
📌 Quick Overview
✅ Initial Investment:
- A computer/laptop with a webcam
- Reliable internet connection
- Headset with a microphone
- Some platforms may require TEFL certification ($30–$100 for budget-friendly options)
✅ Skills Required:
- Fluent or native-level English
- Basic communication and teaching skills
- Patience & cultural awareness
✅ Time Commitment:
- 5–20 hours per week for meaningful earnings
- Flexible hours based on student demand
✅ Potential Earnings:
💰 $10–$30/hour (depending on platform & experience)
💰 $15–$50/hour (for private tutoring, specialized lessons like TOEFL prep)
✅ Target Audience/Market:
- International students needing English improvement
- Business professionals learning English for work
- Parents seeking tutors for their children
- Immigrants adjusting to English-speaking countries
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
✔ Work from anywhere (remote-friendly)
✔ Flexible schedule – set your own hours
✔ No teaching degree required (some platforms require certification, but not all)
✔ Great for social people who enjoy teaching
❌ Cons:
✖ Inconsistent income depending on demand
✖ Some platforms take a commission on earnings
✖ May need TEFL certification for higher-paying opportunities
🚀 Getting Started – Quick Action Plan
1️⃣ Choose a platform: Sign up for Cambly, Preply, iTalki, or VIPKid
2️⃣ Set up your teaching space: Get a good headset, webcam, and quiet environment
3️⃣ Create an engaging profile: Highlight your skills, language expertise, and friendly approach
4️⃣ Start with lower pricing: Gain reviews and attract students
5️⃣ Promote your services: Offer trial lessons, advertise on Facebook groups, Craigslist, or LinkedIn
💡 Examples & Tools to Use
📌 Popular Platforms:
- Cambly – No experience needed, casual conversation practice
- Preply – Set your own rates, structured lessons available
- iTalki – One-on-one tutoring with flexible pricing
🎯 Recommended Tools:
- Logitech C920 HD Webcam (for clear video)
- Blue Yeti USB Microphone (for professional-quality audio)
- Google Docs & Zoom (for lesson planning & teaching)
Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) side hustle is a low-cost, high-reward way to make extra money while helping others learn. With flexibility, remote options, and global demand, it’s a great side hustle for anyone looking to save money while earning extra income!
Why Teach English as a Second Language (ESL) as a Side Hustle?
Teaching ESL is a low-barrier, flexible, and rewarding way to make extra money. Here’s why it’s an excellent side hustle:
✅ Flexible Schedule: Choose your hours and work part-time.
✅ No Teaching Degree Required: Many platforms only require fluency in English.
✅ Work from Anywhere: Teach online or in-person.
✅ Steady Demand: Millions of students worldwide are looking for English teachers.
How to Get Started with an English as a Second Language Side Hustle
1. Choose Your Teaching Format
There are two main ways to teach English as a Second Language as a side hustle:
- Online Teaching: Ideal for remote work with platforms like Preply, Cambly, or iTalki.
- In-Person Tutoring: Teach local students in your area or offer private lessons.
2. Pick a Teaching Platform
If you prefer online teaching, here are some beginner-friendly platforms to consider:
- Cambly – No teaching experience required; casual conversation with students.
- VIPKid – Structured lessons for kids, requires a bachelor’s degree.
- iTalki – Set your own rates and teach conversational English.
- Preply – Flexible teaching with options to tutor both kids and adults.
For in-person lessons, advertise your services on:
- Craigslist
- Facebook Marketplace
- Local community centers
3. Get the Right Equipment
To teach ESL online, you’ll need:
✔ A laptop or tablet
✔ A good headset with a microphone
✔ A stable internet connection
✔ A webcam for video lessons
Suggested Product: Logitech C920 HD Webcam – High-quality video for online classes.
How Much Can You Earn?
💰 Online Platforms: $10–$30 per hour
💰 Private Tutoring: $15–$50 per hour (higher if you specialize in test prep like TOEFL or IELTS)
Your earnings depend on:
✅ Experience & qualifications
✅ The platform you use
✅ The number of hours you work
Tips to Succeed as an English as a Second Language Tutor
🔹 Be Patient & Encouraging: Language learners need confidence boosts!
🔹 Use Engaging Materials: Flashcards, videos, and real-world examples make lessons fun.
🔹 Market Yourself: Create a LinkedIn profile or personal website to attract students.
🔹 Offer Trial Lessons: Give potential students a free or discounted first session to build trust.
Who is This Side Hustle Best For?
✔ Stay-at-home parents
✔ College students
✔ Freelancers looking for extra income
✔ People who want a remote side hustle
If you’re comfortable chatting, teaching basic English skills, and helping students gain confidence, this could be a perfect side hustle for you!
Start Your English as a Second Language Side Hustle Today
Teaching English as a second language (ESL) side hustle is one of the easiest and most flexible ways to earn extra money. Whether you want to work online or in person, there are tons of opportunities to start teaching today.
Ready to get started? Sign up on Cambly, Preply, or iTalki and start making money with your English skills today!
Do you have experience teaching ESL? Share your tips in the comments below!