Burlington, Vermont, is a vibrant city. Burlington, Vermont, is known for its stunning lakefront, rich cultural scene, and thriving local economy. As a hub for tourism, education, and small businesses, Burlington presents plenty of opportunities for those looking to earn extra income. Whether you’re a student, a full-time employee, or someone working toward financial independence, starting a side hustle can be a great way to boost your earnings.
With a steady influx of visitors, a growing digital economy, and a supportive local community, Burlington is a fantastic place to launch a profitable side hustle. Depending on the gig, you could earn anywhere from $500 to over $5,000 per month—whether through online work, providing services to locals, or tapping into the city’s tourism industry.
This guide explores the best side hustles in Burlington, Vermont, covering a range of options from low-cost startups to high-profit ventures, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
1. Tourism-Related Side Hustles in Burlington, Vermont
Tourism is one of Burlington’s biggest industries, making it an ideal place to start a side hustle catering to visitors. From breathtaking waterfront views to historic landmarks and a lively downtown, the demand for unique local experiences and services is high. Here are some of the best side hustles in Burlington, Vermont that capitalize on tourism:
a) Tour Guide Business
If you love Burlington and enjoy meeting new people, becoming a tour guide can be both enjoyable and profitable. You can offer:
- History tours of Burlington’s landmarks and historic sites
- Brewery tours featuring local craft beer hotspots
- Food tours showcasing top restaurants and farm-to-table dining
- Scenic walking tours along the Lake Champlain waterfront and Church Street Marketplace
How to Get Started:
- List your tours on platforms like Airbnb Experiences, Viator, or GetYourGuide
- Create a simple website and promote your services through social media
- Partner with local hotels or businesses for referrals
b) Airbnb Co-Hosting & Property Management
Many homeowners in Burlington rent out their properties on Airbnb but struggle with managing guest check-ins, cleanings, and maintenance. As an Airbnb co-host or property manager, you can help with:
- Managing reservations and guest communication
- Coordinating check-ins and check-outs
- Arranging professional cleaning and maintenance
How to Get Started:
- Offer services on Airbnb’s Co-Host Marketplace or local Facebook groups
- Charge a percentage of the host’s earnings (typically 20–30% per booking)
- Build relationships with local property owners to grow your client base
c) Photography for Tourists and Events
Burlington’s scenic beauty makes it a prime location for photography. If you have photography skills, you can offer:
- Vacation photography for tourists looking for professional memories
- Event photography for weddings, business gatherings, and concerts
- Landscape prints of Burlington’s waterfront, mountains, and historic streets
How to Get Started:
- Advertise on platforms like Flytographer for vacation shoots
- List your services on local business directories and social media
- Sell prints online through Etsy, Shopify, or local markets
d) Boat and Kayak Rentals
Lake Champlain is one of Burlington’s biggest attractions. Renting out boats or kayaks can be a profitable seasonal side hustle. Visitors often look for ways to explore the lake, and rentals provide a convenient option.
How to Get Started:
- Invest in a few kayaks or paddleboards and offer hourly rentals
- Partner with existing rental businesses to manage bookings
- Promote services through tourism websites and social media
These tourism-related side hustles are some of the best side hustles in Burlington, Vermont, and can help you make anywhere from $500 to over $5,000 per month, depending on demand and effort. Whether you enjoy sharing Burlington’s history, helping visitors find accommodations, capturing special moments, or providing outdoor experiences, there is plenty of opportunity to earn extra income.
2. Local Services in Burlington, Vermont
Burlington has a strong community where locals and visitors often need various services. Offering your help with everyday tasks is a great way to earn extra income. Here are some of the best local services side hustles in Burlington, Vermont:
a) Pet Sitting & Dog Walking
With many pet owners in Burlington, offering pet sitting and dog walking services can be a lucrative side hustle. You can help locals and tourists who are visiting the area and need someone to care for their pets while they are away.
How to Get Started
- Sign up on pet care platforms like Rover or Wag! to connect with pet owners.
- Advertise your services on local Facebook groups, community boards, or Instagram.
- Offer additional services like feeding, playtime, or even overnight pet sitting.
b) House Cleaning & Short-Term Rental Cleaning
With many Airbnb listings in Burlington, there is always a demand for house cleaning and short-term rental cleaning services. You can partner with Airbnb hosts or homeowners who need a reliable cleaning service for quick turnover between guest stays. This side hustle doesn’t require any significant investment—just cleaning supplies and a willingness to work efficiently.
How to Get Started
- Reach out to local Airbnb hosts and offer your services.
- Advertise on TaskRabbit or other local job boards to attract homeowners and renters.
- Ensure you have the right cleaning supplies and can handle quick, thorough cleanings.
c) Virtual Assistant for Local Businesses
Many small businesses in Burlington need administrative help but cannot afford to hire a full-time employee. As a virtual assistant, you can help manage emails, social media accounts, scheduling, or other administrative tasks remotely. This side hustle offers flexibility and can be done from anywhere. This is an ideal option if you want to earn extra income without leaving your home.
How to Get Started
- Reach out to local businesses in Burlington and offer your virtual assistant services.
- Use platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or local job boards to find opportunities.
- Charge $15–$40 per hour depending on your skills and the tasks you’re handling.
These local services side hustles in Burlington, Vermont, can be profitable and allow you to tap into the strong local community. Whether you’re looking to take care of pets, help with cleanings, or provide virtual support to local businesses, these opportunities can help you make extra income while serving your community.
3. Online & Digital Side Hustles in Burlington, Vermont
One of the most flexible ways to make extra income is through online work. These jobs allow you to work from anywhere, making them perfect if you want to earn money while enjoying Burlington’s scenic beauty. Here are some of the best online and digital side hustles in Burlington, Vermont:
a) Social Media Management for Local Businesses
Many small businesses in Burlington—such as restaurants, hotels, and shops—need help growing their online presence. As a social media manager, you can assist these businesses by handling their social media accounts, creating engaging content, and building a strong online community.
How to Get Started
- Reach out to local businesses and offer your social media management services.
- Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to create tailored content and posts for each business.
- Offer services like content creation, posting, engagement, and even running paid ads.
b) Blogging & YouTube (Burlington Travel Content)
Burlington’s beautiful landscapes and vibrant local scene make it an ideal place for creating travel content. If you enjoy writing or making videos, you can create a blog or YouTube channel focused on Burlington travel tips, such as things to do, best restaurants, outdoor activities, and local events.
How to Get Started
- Start a blog using platforms like WordPress or Medium and share your insights on Burlington travel.
- Create YouTube videos about visiting Burlington, highlighting local attractions, and providing tips for tourists.
- Monetize your content through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
c) Freelance Writing or Graphic Design
If you have a knack for writing or graphic design, freelancing can be a great side hustle. You can offer your services on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or Craigslist, where businesses often look for writers and designers to create materials for marketing, such as menus, flyers, and blog posts.
How to Get Started
- Create profiles on freelance platforms like Fiverr or Upwork and showcase your skills.
- Specialize in local business needs such as menu design, flyers, or blog posts.
- Build a portfolio to showcase your work and attract more clients.
These online and digital side hustles provide great flexibility, allowing you to earn money from anywhere while leveraging your skills in social media, writing, and design. Whether you want to help local businesses grow online, create travel content, or offer freelance services, these hustles are perfect for making extra income in Burlington, Vermont.
4. Seasonal & Event-Based Side Hustles
Burlington, Vermont, is known for its lively festivals, outdoor activities, and seasonal events that draw crowds year-round. These events provide great opportunities to earn temporary income through various side hustles. Here are some of the best seasonal and event-based side hustles in Burlington, Vermont:
a) Food Truck or Pop-Up Stand
Burlington’s festivals, farmers’ markets, and outdoor events create high demand for food vendors. Starting a food truck or pop-up stand is a fantastic way to capitalize on the seasonal influx of visitors. You can sell local specialties like maple syrup treats, artisan coffee, or Vermont-inspired snacks.
How to Start
- Start small with a pop-up booth at local events, festivals, or farmers’ markets.
- Offer popular local foods like maple syrup products, cheese curds, or fresh baked goods.
- Obtain necessary permits for food vending in Burlington and market your stand through social media.
b) Festival Vendor (Handmade Goods & Art)
Burlington hosts several festivals, arts shows, and farmers’ markets that are perfect for selling handmade goods and art. As a festival vendor, you can sell unique Vermont-themed products such as crafts, paintings, or souvenirs that attract both locals and tourists.
How to Get Started
- Create or source handmade goods, such as jewelry, pottery, or artwork, inspired by Vermont culture and nature.
- Sign up for vendor opportunities at events like Burlington’s Farmers Market, local craft fairs, and Church Street Marketplace.
- Promote your products through social media to attract more customers to your booth.
c) Fall Foliage & Outdoor Tour Guide
Burlington’s stunning fall foliage season draws tourists from all over. If you love the outdoors, offering guided hikes or scenic tours during the busy fall season can be a lucrative side hustle. You can lead visitors to the best viewing spots or offer hiking tours to explore Burlington’s nature trails and nearby parks.
How to Start:
- Create tour packages that highlight the best fall foliage spots around Burlington and Lake Champlain.
- Charge tourists per person or group and offer both short and long tours depending on interest.
- Advertise your tours online or partner with local tour agencies and hotels to gain visibility.
These seasonal and event-based side hustles can help you make extra income while taking advantage of Burlington’s vibrant event calendar. Whether you’re serving delicious food at a local festival, selling handmade art, or guiding tourists through fall’s beauty, these opportunities allow you to capitalize on the city’s seasonal demand and diverse events.
Final Thoughts
Burlington, Vermont, offers countless side hustle opportunities, from tourism-based gigs like guiding and photography to local services such as pet sitting and house cleaning. Whether you prefer digital work, seasonal jobs, or community-based services, there’s something for everyone.
When choosing a side hustle, consider your skills, availability, and interests. Whether you want to work with local businesses, serve tourists, or create digital content, Burlington’s vibrant community provides plenty of ways to earn extra income.
Which side hustle interests you the most? Comment below and share your thoughts!