If you’re living in or around Burlington, Vermont, and you’re looking for ways to boost your income, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a student, a stay-at-home parent, or someone with a full-time job, side hustles can be a game-changer—allowing you to make extra money on your terms. Burlington’s unique blend of natural beauty, a strong local economy, and a thriving creative scene means there are countless opportunities to explore. In this guide, we’ll uncover some of the best side hustles in Burlington, Vermont, giving you the information you need to find a side gig that suits your lifestyle and helps you make good money.
1. Start an Outdoor Tour Business
Burlington’s stunning landscapes make it the perfect place for outdoor adventures. If you’re someone who loves the great outdoors and enjoys showing people around, why not turn that passion into a profitable side hustle?
Why It Works:
- Burlington’s Outdoors: Between the shores of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains, there’s a wide range of outdoor activities year-round—hiking, biking, kayaking, and more.
- Low Startup Cost: You don’t need much more than local knowledge and a vehicle (if necessary) to get started.
What You Can Do:
- Offer guided hikes, bike tours, or kayaking trips.
- Create seasonal experiences, such as winter snowshoe tours or autumn foliage tours.
As people flock to Burlington for its natural beauty, you can tap into the growing eco-tourism and outdoor adventure market. With a bit of marketing and word of mouth, this side hustle could grow quickly, and this can be the best side hustle in Burlington Vermont for you.
2. Freelance Writing or Content Creation
If you have a knack for writing or digital content creation, you can turn that talent into a profitable side hustle. Burlington’s local businesses and organizations need help with everything from website copy to social media management.
Why It Works:
- Local Demand: Burlington is home to a number of small businesses, nonprofits, and educational institutions that regularly need content for marketing.
- Flexible Work: You can work from home, set your own hours, and choose the projects that interest you most.
What You Can Do:
- Freelance as a writer, creating blog posts, product descriptions, and website copy.
- Offer social media management or photography services to help local businesses build their online presence.
If you’re someone who loves to write or create content, freelancing is a great way to make extra income on your own terms. Plus, there’s always room to scale up, offering services to more businesses and individuals as you gain experience.
Read More: 5 Best Freelance Websites for beginners to Find Your First Job
3. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
With Burlington being a pet-friendly city, there’s always a demand for pet sitting and dog walking services. If you love animals and want a side hustle that allows you to stay active, this could be an ideal opportunity.
Why It Works:
- Pet-Friendly Community: Many Burlington residents work full-time or travel, creating the need for pet care services.
- Low Startup Cost: You can get started with just a few local ads or by signing up on platforms like Rover or Wag.
What You Can Do:
- Offer dog walking services during lunch hours or weekends.
- Provide pet sitting for residents who travel, ensuring pets are fed, exercised, and cared for in their own homes.
If you’re an animal lover, this side hustle not only allows you to make money, but it also gives you the joy of spending time with pets. Plus, it offers flexibility—you can work as much or as little as you like.
4. Farmers’ Market or Local Goods Sales
Burlington has a thriving farmers’ market scene, especially during the warmer months. If you’re crafty or have a talent for baking, you can make extra income by selling your goods at the local market.
Why It Works:
- Local and Tourist Demand: Farmers’ markets attract both locals and tourists, eager for fresh produce and handmade goods.
- Low Barrier to Entry: You can start small and expand as you gain experience.
What You Can Do:
- Sell handmade products such as jewelry, pottery, or art, or offer food items like baked goods, jams, or honey.
- Consider selling your goods at the Burlington Farmers’ Market or other local fairs.
This side hustle gives you the opportunity to showcase your creativity and make money while engaging with the community.
5. Event Planning and Coordination
Burlington is a popular destination for weddings, corporate retreats, and local events. If you’re organized and enjoy working with people, event planning could be an exciting and profitable side hustle.
Why It Works:
- Steady Demand: Burlington hosts numerous events throughout the year, from weddings to festivals.
- Networking Opportunities: Local businesses and venues often rely on event planners to handle logistics.
What You Can Do:
- Offer event coordination services for weddings, birthdays, corporate events, or community festivals.
- Manage everything from vendor coordination to event promotion.
Event planning can be a rewarding and profitable side hustle, especially if you enjoy organizing and coordinating details.
6. Ride-Share or Delivery Driver
Rideshare driving or delivery services like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or Instacart can be a flexible side hustle that allows you to earn money on your own schedule. Burlington is a popular destination for tourists, and residents often need transportation or food delivery services, especially during busy seasons like fall foliage time or ski season.
Why It Works:
- Flexible Schedule: You can work whenever it fits into your schedule, whether part-time or full-time.
- Easy to Start: You just need a car and a smartphone to get started with services like Uber, Lyft, or DoorDash.
What You Can Do:
- Drive for Uber or Lyft, offering rides to locals and tourists.
- Deliver food or groceries for services like DoorDash or Instacart.
If you’re looking for a quick and flexible way to earn extra income, driving for rideshare or food delivery services can be a great fit.
7. Freelance Photography or Videography
Burlington is known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant arts scene, which makes it an ideal location for photographers and videographers to showcase their talents.
Why It Works:
- High Demand for Local Photography: Local businesses, realtors, and events (like weddings) often need professional photography services.
- Creative Outlet: If you already have a passion for photography or videography, this side hustle can turn your hobby into a money-making venture.
What You Can Do:
- Offer event photography for weddings, birthdays, or corporate events.
- Provide commercial photography for local businesses needing product or marketing photos.
If you’re skilled with a camera, this side hustle can be both rewarding and profitable. Whether you’re photographing events, local businesses, or offering portraits, there’s always a need for high-quality images. So this idea can help to grow your career if you want to be a photographer. As a photographer or videographer, this can be best side hustle for you in Burlington Vermont.
8. Handyman Services or Lawn Care
With its mix of older homes and outdoor spaces, Burlington is always in need of home repair and lawn maintenance services. If you have a talent for fixing things or maintaining gardens, this can be a profitable side hustle with high demand.
Why It Works:
- Evergreen Need: Homeowners and renters often need help with repairs or seasonal tasks like lawn care.
- Quick to Start: You don’t need much more than some basic tools and a bit of experience to get started.
What You Can Do:
- Offer services like fixing leaky faucets, assembling furniture, or minor home repairs.
- Provide lawn care services like mowing, raking leaves, or snow removal in the winter.
These services are always in demand, especially during the busy summer months when homeowners need help maintaining their property. If you’re handy or love working outdoors, this could be a highly lucrative side hustle.
9. Teaching or Tutoring
Burlington is home to the University of Vermont and a number of other educational institutions, which means there’s always a market for tutoring and educational services.
Why It Works:
- Diverse Market: With a mix of university students, families, and adults looking to learn new skills, there’s always demand for tutoring services.
- Flexible Scheduling: Tutoring can be done in person or online, and you can set your own hours.
What You Can Do:
- Tutor students in subjects you’re proficient in, such as math, English, or test prep.
- Offer music lessons, language instruction, or even fitness coaching.
If you’re passionate about teaching, this side hustle can be both fulfilling and profitable. With the right marketing, you can build a steady stream of clients and potentially turn this side hustle into a full-time business.
10. Affiliate Marketing and Online Sales
If you’re tech-savvy and have a knack for online marketing, affiliate marketing could be a highly profitable side hustle. You can earn commissions by promoting products or services through your blog, YouTube channel, or social media.
Why It Works:
- Scalable Income: Once set up, affiliate marketing can generate passive income.
- Work From Anywhere: All you need is a computer, an internet connection, and the ability to promote products to a targeted audience.
What You Can Do:
- Start a blog or YouTube channel where you review products, services, or offer advice on topics like tech, home improvement, or lifestyle.
- Promote affiliate products to your audience and earn commissions on sales.
This is a perfect side hustle if you’re looking to earn money from the comfort of your home or while traveling. Plus, as you grow your online presence, the income potential can increase exponentially.
Conclusion: Start Earning Today
Burlington, Vermont, offers a wealth of opportunities for those looking to add a side hustle to their schedule. Whether you’re leveraging your outdoor knowledge, creative talents, or professional skills, there’s a side gig for everyone in this vibrant city. By choosing a hustle that aligns with your interests and strengths, you can start earning extra income while enjoying the flexibility and satisfaction that comes with being your own boss.
So, if you’re ready to start making money on your own terms, explore the best side hustles in Burlington, Vermont, and find the one that fits you best. The possibilities are endless, and your next paycheck is just one idea away.
Read More:
8 Best Side Hustles for Stay-at-Home Moms Looking to Make Extra Money