Military Spouse Side Hustles: 8 Ideas to Try

Photography/Video Services: Shoot events or sell stock photos. Hourly pay: ~$39. Startup cost: $2,000–$7,000.

These side hustles adapt to frequent relocations and unpredictable schedules, making them ideal for military families. Start with what aligns with your skills and interests to build a portable income stream.

7 Side Hustles For Military Members To Make $300+ Per Day

1. Freelance Writing and Content Creation

Freelance writing is a flexible and portable side hustle, making it an excellent fit for military spouses. With 73.3 million freelancers currently working in the U.S. - a number expected to reach 90 million by 2028 - this growing market offers plenty of opportunities. Interestingly, 60% of freelancers worldwide now earn more than they did in traditional jobs.

Military spouses have a unique advantage when it comes to freelance writing. Their experiences with military life, frequent relocations, and family dynamics provide a rich perspective that can resonate with audiences. These insights help carve out a niche and build skills that attract paying clients. Plus, the nature of freelance writing aligns well with the challenges of a military lifestyle.

Portability

One of the biggest perks of freelance writing is its portability. As long as you have Wi-Fi, you can work from virtually anywhere. Whether stationed overseas or moving between bases, you can continue working without skipping a beat. To prepare for each PCS move, research local spots with reliable internet access to ensure your workflow stays uninterrupted.

Flexibility

Freelance writing also offers the freedom to set your own hours and choose projects that fit your schedule. This flexibility is especially helpful when juggling deployment schedules, field exercises, or family commitments. Tools like project management software and virtual communication platforms make it easier to stay organized, even when life gets unpredictable.

Low Startup Costs

Getting started as a freelance writer doesn’t require a hefty investment. All you need is a reliable computer, a stable internet connection, and basic writing software. For military spouses, getting published in Military Spouse magazine can be a great way to break into the industry without needing an extensive portfolio.

With such minimal upfront costs, you can focus on building your income right away.

Income Potential

Freelance writing can be lucrative, with average annual earnings around $51,250. Your actual income will depend on factors like your niche, client base, and how much time you dedicate. Many freelance writers charge between $25 and $100 per hour, with specialized fields like technical writing often commanding higher rates. By narrowing your focus, gradually increasing your rates, and negotiating with confidence, you can maximize your earnings.

Getting Started

To kick off your freelance writing career, consider platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Scripted, nDash, and Compose.ly, which charge service fees ranging from 0–20%. Job boards like FlexJobs and Freelance Writing Jobs also post remote writing opportunities regularly.

Success in freelance writing comes from persistence and smart positioning. Write consistently to improve your skills and develop a strong pitch. While rejection is part of the process, treat your profile as your most valuable marketing tool. Focusing on a specific niche can help you stand out and attract the right clients.

2. Virtual Assistant Services

Virtual assistant (VA) work has become a natural fit for military spouses, offering a practical way to navigate the unique challenges of military life. With an unemployment rate of 20–25% - nearly seven times higher than the national average - many military spouses turn to VA roles for reliable income opportunities. Interestingly, over 33% of military spouses hold a four-year college degree, which is about 10% higher than the rate among their civilian peers.

The skills military spouses develop through their lifestyle often align seamlessly with VA roles. Mary Elaine Baker, Co-Founder of VAUSA, highlights this connection:

"We're really looking for those soft skills. For us, it's a matter of what have you been doing with your time as a military spouse? If it's volunteering, we want to see that, because there are so much that goes on administrative wise with organizational skills that goes on with volunteering. I mean, truly even people who worked in the service industry, that is extremely valuable."

Just like freelance writing, VA work offers the portability and flexibility that are essential for a mobile military lifestyle.

Portability

One of the biggest advantages of VA work is that it travels with you. With over 600,000 military families relocating across state lines each year due to permanent change of station orders, having a job that only requires a laptop and internet connection is invaluable. Your virtual office moves wherever you do, eliminating employment gaps caused by frequent relocations.

Flexibility

The flexible nature of VA work is another major perk. Military life often comes with unpredictable schedules, from deployments to family emergencies. VA roles allow you to set your own hours, making it easier to balance work with the demands of military life. Whether you're managing a move, homeschooling, or planning events, the organizational and multitasking skills you've honed can help you thrive in this field.

Low Startup Costs

Getting started as a virtual assistant doesn’t require a big financial commitment. All you need is a reliable computer, a stable internet connection, and basic software skills. Military spouses often already possess key abilities like strong communication, attention to detail, and excellent organizational skills. Experiences from volunteering or participating in spouse clubs can also provide a great foundation for launching a VA business.

Income Potential

Virtual assistant work offers not only flexibility but also solid earning potential. On average, VA hourly rates hover around $26.20, with annual earnings reaching $50,749. Specialized roles can bring in up to $70,000 per year. To increase your income, consider focusing on high-demand services like digital marketing, sales funnel creation, or copywriting. Transitioning from hourly rates to project-based packages can also be a smart move.

Building a strong professional profile is key to success. Showcase your achievements in a portfolio, collect client testimonials, and establish clear boundaries for working hours and communication. Rebranding yourself with titles like "Marketing Strategist" or "Sales Funnel Specialist" can highlight your expertise and justify higher rates. With the right approach, VA work can be a rewarding and profitable career choice for military spouses.

3. Etsy Shop Business

Military spouses are finding creative ways to generate income by opening Etsy shops. This global marketplace connects artisans and buyers, making it a perfect fit for families who frequently relocate due to military orders. Take Army wife Emma Simpkins, for example. She runs SimpkinsWoodwork from Yelm, Washington, where she crafts wood products like coasters and charcuterie boards.

An Etsy shop aligns well with the unpredictable nature of military life. It offers complete location independence, flexible work hours, low startup costs, and the potential for a steady income. Let’s break down why this side hustle works so well.

Portability

One of Etsy’s standout benefits is its portability. Unlike a brick-and-mortar store, your Etsy shop can move with you, no matter where the military sends your family. When you’re preparing for a permanent change of station, you can pack up your supplies, activate Etsy’s vacation mode during the transition, and reopen your shop once you’ve settled in. This flexibility ensures your business doesn’t have to pause for long.

Flexibility

Etsy allows military spouses to set their own schedules, making it easier to balance work with the demands of military life. Whether you’re managing a deployment, dealing with family emergencies, or just navigating unpredictable schedules, you can adjust your shop’s activity to fit your needs. For instance, you can pause taking orders during hectic times and resume when life settles down. It’s especially ideal for those with crafting skills, artistic abilities, or experience with DIY projects.

Low Startup Costs

Starting an Etsy shop doesn’t require a big financial commitment. On average, the initial investment is about $1,000, which is manageable for many military families. You’ll need basic crafting supplies, a camera or smartphone for product photography, and materials for packaging and shipping. Setting up your shop involves creating an Etsy account, setting up a PayPal account for payments, and dedicating time to build your storefront.

Income Potential

Etsy shops have a wide range of earning potential, from $100 a month to as much as $750,000. For example, Chasing Planner Peace began by selling planner inserts and eventually expanded to customizable planner products, earning up to $25,000 per month during peak seasons. Achieving success on Etsy takes more than just crafting; it requires strategic planning.

Here are some tips to maximize your shop’s potential:

Write clear, concise product descriptions optimized for mobile shoppers.
Include detailed shipping information and turnaround times.
Offer variations like different sizes or rush order options to increase order value.
Use Etsy’s built-in marketing tools, such as SEO optimization, to boost visibility.

Building momentum may mean selling your first few items at cost to establish a strong sales history and earn customer reviews. Successful sellers focus on creating in-demand products and continuously refining their approach to stand out in a competitive marketplace.

4. Online Tutoring and Coaching

Online tutoring is a fantastic way for military spouses to turn their skills and knowledge into a steady income. It’s flexible, portable, and fits perfectly with the mobile lifestyle many military families lead. Whether you’re teaching math, foreign languages, or offering test prep, this side hustle allows you to work from anywhere while making a meaningful impact.

The tutoring industry is booming, with projections estimating it will hit $120.88 billion by 2024, growing at a compound annual rate of 8.9%. This growth opens up plenty of opportunities for military spouses to dive into a thriving market.

Military spouses bring unique qualifications to the table. Language skills from international postings, academic achievements, professional certifications, and specialized military training can all serve as strong foundations for tutoring.

"Military spouses are resilient leaders with diverse perspectives, making them powerful assets to the workplace", says Mary Spence, Program Manager and Military Spouse.

The combination of low startup costs and flexibility makes online tutoring an excellent choice for military families.

Portability

One of the biggest perks of online tutoring? You can do it from anywhere. Whether you’re stationed in California or halfway around the world, all you need is a stable internet connection to connect with students. This makes it an ideal option for military families who frequently relocate.

Established platforms like Preply or Tutor.com handle the technical side, so you don’t need to worry about building your own system. You can focus on teaching while these platforms manage logistics like scheduling and payments.

Flexibility

Online tutoring offers unmatched flexibility. You can set your schedule around deployments, family responsibilities, or other military commitments. Whether you prefer early morning sessions, late-night lessons, or something in between, you’re in control.

Platforms like Preply allow you to adjust your availability and match with students who fit your schedule. If you need to pause during a PCS move or family emergency, you can easily pick up where you left off when you’re ready.

Low Startup Costs

Getting started with online tutoring doesn’t require much upfront investment. A reliable computer or tablet, a headset, and a good internet connection are all you need. Most platforms handle the software and payment processing, so you can focus on teaching.

To establish yourself, consider building a simple website showcasing your resume, the subjects you teach, pricing, and availability. Social media is another free way to promote your services and connect with potential students.

With minimal expenses, the earning potential is impressive.

Income Potential

Hourly rates for online tutors vary widely, ranging from $15 to $200 depending on the subject and level of expertise. Subjects like test preparation often command higher fees, with averages between $45 and $100 per hour. Specialized fields such as math, physics, chemistry, and foreign languages also tend to pay more due to the expertise required.

To increase earnings, many tutors create and sell learning materials alongside their sessions, generating passive income while expanding their reach. Platforms like Tutor.com and Kaplan University cater specifically to military spouses, recognizing their unique qualifications and need for flexibility.

The secret to success lies in identifying your strongest subjects and targeting students who need help in those areas. Military spouses often excel in leadership coaching, language instruction, and technical subjects, thanks to their diverse experiences and training. With dedication and strategic planning, online tutoring can become a rewarding and portable career.

5. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

If you're looking for a side hustle that fits seamlessly into the unpredictable lifestyle of a military spouse, pet sitting and dog walking could be the perfect match. This line of work combines flexibility with income potential, making it ideal for anyone who loves animals and needs a job that can move with them. With the pet care industry thriving, there's no better time to turn your love for furry friends into a reliable source of income.

Military spouses often deal with unique challenges like frequent relocations, deployments, and irregular schedules. Pet sitting offers a practical solution, adapting to the mobility and demands of military life.

Flexibility

One of the biggest perks of pet sitting is the ability to set your own schedule. You decide when you're available, what services to offer, and how many clients to take on.

Take Chelsea S. from Ft. Irwin, CA, for example. She uses Rover.com to earn $34 per night for house sitting, $20 for drop-in visits, and $21 per walk. With a stellar 5-star rating from 43 reviews and 11 repeat clients, Chelsea has built a thriving business that works around her military lifestyle. She highlights having "a lot of downtime and an open, flexible schedule", making pet sitting a perfect fit for her needs.

Fetch! Pet Care, a leading provider of pet sitting and dog walking services, also acknowledges the value of flexibility for military spouses. They emphasize:

"For you, we provide a positive environment, flexible schedule, and the opportunity to care for pets in your area. It's our mission to improve the lives of pets and their parents. You are invited to join us!"

Portability

One of the standout advantages of pet sitting is its portability. Wherever the military sends you, this job can come along. Online platforms like Rover.com make it easy to transfer your profile and reviews, so you can quickly establish credibility in a new location. This means you won’t have to start from scratch every time you move.

Low Startup Costs

Getting started as a pet sitter is surprisingly affordable. The essentials? A cell phone, a computer, and poop bags - items most military families already have on hand. This low barrier to entry makes it easy to jump in without significant upfront costs.

Here’s a quick look at potential startup expenses:

Many military spouses start with just the basics and reinvest their earnings to grow their business. Certifications and insurance can wait until you’ve built a steady client base.

Income Potential

Pet sitting can be surprisingly lucrative, especially in areas with a high demand for pet care. Dog walkers in urban areas can earn up to $50 per walk, and offering a variety of services can further increase your income.

Diversifying your offerings is key. Successful pet sitters often provide additional services like puppy visits, cat sitting, holiday care, and even pet transportation. These extra services can boost profit margins by as much as 25%, especially when paired with strong client relationships and technology.

Courtney Anderson of waggitytails.com is a shining example of the growth potential in this field. Starting her business in 2014, she expanded within a year, eventually employing 13 pet sitters and a part-time office manager. Today, her team serves over 200 clients, with 50 recurring weekly customers. Her annual revenue has grown by an incredible 652%.

Client retention is another critical factor. Businesses that prioritize client engagement - like sending updates, sharing photos, or offering loyalty programs - see 30% higher retention rates. These small touches go a long way in building trust and keeping clients coming back.

And the earning potential doesn’t stop there. In 2022 alone, Time To Pet customers earned over $12.2 million in tips, proving how much pet owners appreciate quality care. Offering specialized services like dog training, which can command $30 to $80 per session, can also open up additional income streams.

Military spouses bring unique strengths to the table, such as discipline, reliability, and responsibility - qualities that pet owners highly value in a caregiver. Pair these traits with a love for animals, and you’ve got a recipe for success in the pet care industry.

6. Social Media Management

For military spouses, social media management stands out as an ideal side hustle. Its portability and flexibility align perfectly with the realities of frequent relocations, while the growing demand for businesses to engage with customers online creates ample opportunities. With 90% of consumers using social media to track trends and 81% relying on it to shop, businesses are eager for professionals who can manage their digital presence effectively.

Military spouses bring unique strengths to this field. According to Military OneSource, over 90% of service members and their spouses are active on at least one social media platform. This firsthand familiarity with social platforms, paired with the discipline and organizational skills honed through military life, gives them a head start in this career. Let’s break down why social media management is such a great match for military spouses.

Portability

One of the biggest perks of social media management is how portable it is. All you need is a laptop and an internet connection, making it a seamless fit for military families who often move. Whether you're stationed in California or halfway around the world in Germany, you can continue working with clients no matter where the military sends you.

This career also enables you to grow your business wherever you land. You can maintain relationships with existing clients while tapping into new opportunities at your next duty station. As Military OneSource explains:

"Remote work provides military spouses the opportunity to pursue professional goals without sacrificing stability for their families".

This ability to adapt and expand makes social media management a reliable option, no matter how often you relocate.