This Side Hustle is Growing in Demand—and Can Pay as Much as $100 per hour

In the modern "gig economy," side hustles have become more than just a trendy way to make extra cash—they’re essential for financial stability, career growth, and personal fulfillment. The traditional 9-to-5 job no longer guarantees long-term security, leaving many people seeking alternative ways to increase their income and diversify their skill sets.

Side hustles offer a flexible way to earn money, whether through freelance writing, consulting, tutoring, or even running a small business. With inflation, rising living costs, and job instability, having a second or third income stream can provide much-needed financial peace of mind. For many, side gigs aren’t just about survival—they’re a way to pursue passions that might not fit within their primary job roles.

The gig economy has also reshaped how we view work. Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Etsy have made it easier than ever to turn hobbies into profitable ventures. Beyond the financial benefits, side hustles allow people to build new skills, explore entrepreneurship, and expand their professional networks.

Podcasts are more popular than ever, and their audience is only growing. According to projections from eMarketer, an estimated 141 million Americans will tune into podcasts in 2025 — an increase from 135.4 million in 2024.

With the medium’s rapid growth, more creators are launching their own shows. However, producing a podcast is no small feat, and the workload often catches new podcasters off guard.

"In the beginning, everyone is excited to start their podcast," says Angelique Rewers, CEO and founder of BoldHaus, a consulting firm for small businesses. "Then they realize how much of a grind it really is."

As podcasts continue to boom, Rewers points out that the demand for podcast assistants is on the rise. For anyone considering a new side hustle in 2025, this could be a promising opportunity.

What Does a Podcast Assistant Do?

Podcast assistants help handle the various tasks involved in producing a podcast. Their responsibilities can include:

• Researching and booking guests
• Managing email communications
• Editing audio and video content
• Publishing episodes to podcast platforms
• Writing show notes
• Marketing the show on social media
• Securing brand partnerships and sponsorships

Many podcasters are now incorporating video into their episodes, uploading them to platforms like YouTube. This has created an increased need for video editors as well.

Depending on the specific duties they take on, podcast assistants may use different titles, such as podcast producer, podcast editor, or podcast marketing strategist.

How to Get Started in Podcast Assistance

If you're interested in this side hustle, start by identifying your skills and figuring out which services you'd like to offer.

Nicaila Okome, host of the "Side Hustle Pro" podcast, recommends checking freelance platforms like Fiverr and Upwork to see what rates podcast assistants are charging. On Fiverr, freelancers often list their fees per project, while Upwork typically features hourly rates.

"You can easily go onto Fiverr and Upwork and see what people are charging," Okome says. "From there, you can build your service packages."

Beyond freelance platforms, you can also explore job opportunities on LinkedIn, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and Google Jobs. Additionally, podcast-related Facebook groups can be a great place to find job postings and connect with potential clients.

How Much Can You Earn?

Rates for podcast assistants can vary significantly based on experience, services offered, and project length. Some gigs may require just a few hours of work, while others are ongoing commitments.

For example, one podcast producer on Upwork is charging up to $100 per hour for their services.

With the rising popularity of podcasts and the growing need for support roles, becoming a podcast assistant could be a lucrative way to dive into the podcasting world while leveraging your skills.

Now might be the perfect time to turn your love of storytelling, editing, or marketing into a rewarding side hustle that helps bring podcast ideas to life.