Whether you’re saving for a property deposit, paying down debt, or simply building financial security, earning additional income outside your main job is one of the most effective ways to accelerate your financial progress.
This hub covers the best ways to earn extra income in Australia — from gig economy platforms to freelancing, passive income, and selling online.
Guides in This Section
- Best Side Hustles in Australia — The top options by time commitment and income potential
- Passive Income Australia — How to build income that works while you sleep
- Uber Driver Australia — Earnings, costs, and what rideshare driving actually pays
- Airtasker Australia — How much you can earn on Airtasker
- Freelancing in Australia — Getting started as a freelancer
Quick Comparison: Side Income Options
| Option | Monthly Potential | Time Required | Startup Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rideshare (Uber, Ola) | $500–$2,500+ | High (10–30hrs/wk) | Vehicle required |
| Food delivery (DoorDash, UberEats) | $400–$1,800+ | Medium | Bicycle or vehicle |
| Airtasker / handyperson | $500–$3,000+ | Medium | Tools/skills |
| Freelancing (writing, design, IT) | $500–$5,000+ | High | Low |
| Selling on Facebook Marketplace | $200–$1,500 | Low-Medium | Nil |
| Rental income (spare room) | $800–$2,500/month | Low | Property required |
| High-yield savings / term deposits | Passive — varies | Very low | Capital required |
| Dividend investing (ASX ETFs) | Passive — varies | Very low | Capital required |
Tax on Side Income in Australia
All income from side hustles is taxable in Australia. Key points:
- Report all income in your tax return (other income section in myTax)
- If earning over $75,000 total income from your business/side hustle, you may need to register for GST
- Keep receipts for deductible expenses related to your side income (vehicle costs, equipment, software)
- If operating via an ABN, you pay income tax at your marginal rate — no separate business tax rate
For personalised tax advice, speak with a registered tax agent.