13 Easy Fall Side Hustles (Best Ways to Make Money in Fall!)

Hey there! Can you feel it? That crisp autumn air, the scent of pumpkin spice wafting from every café, and the subtle rustle of leaves under your feet.

Fall is here, my friend, and with it comes many opportunities – ones that could pad your wallet and spice up your life just like that latte you’re sipping.

Did you know that according to a recent survey, more than 36% of Americans have a side hustle? But here’s the thing – fall might just be the best time to join their ranks.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Another job? I barely have time to breathe!”

But hear me out.

What if I told you that the next few months could be your ticket to not just extra cash, but also new adventures, skills, and maybe even a dash of mystery?

You will be surrounded by the fiery colors of autumn, laughing with new friends as you work at a bustling fall festival. Or how about the thrill of donning a spooky costume and scaring the living daylights out of haunted house visitors?

These aren’t just jobs, my friend. They’re experiences waiting to happen, stories waiting to be told. And the best part? They could be yours for the taking.

Among the 13 gig jobs I’m about to share with you, there’s one that’s a bit… unusual. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for the right person, it could be the most rewarding of all. Can you guess which one it is? I think you can.

So, are you ready to take on this autumnal adventure? Let’s dive into the world of fall side hustles.

Trust me, by the time we’re done, you’ll be seeing those falling leaves as falling opportunities – and you won’t want to miss a single one.

Outdoor-focused Fall Side Jobs

As the leaves begin their colorful dance from treetops to lawns, a whole world of outdoor opportunities opens up.

These jobs not only put some extra cash in your pocket but also let you soak in the beauty of autumn while you work.

So, pull on your favorite flannel shirt, lace up those boots, and let’s explore these fall-tastic options!

1. Leaf Removal and Yard Cleanup

Here is how it goes: You’re breathing in the crisp autumn air, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and gold leaves. But instead of just admiring the view, you’re turning it into cold, hard cash.

Leaf removal and yard cleanup is the quintessential fall side gig for teens. Many homeowners dread this annual chore, which is where you come in, armed with your rake and entrepreneurial spirit.

What it involves:

• Raking and bagging leaves
• Clearing gutters
• Trimming dead branches
• General yard tidying

Potential earnings: You could charge anywhere from $25 to $50 per hour, depending on your location and the complexity of the job. Some leaf removal pros report earning up to $300 per day during peak season!

Pro tip: Invest in a good leaf blower. It’ll speed up your work and justify higher rates.

2. Pumpkin Patch or Apple Orchard Worker

Ever dreamed of spending your days surrounded by the literal fruits of your labor? Welcome to the world of pumpkin patches and apple orchards!

This job is perfect for those who love the outdoors and don’t mind a bit of physical work. Plus, you get to be part of people’s cherished fall memories – how cool is that?

What it involves:

• Assisting visitors with picking apples or selecting pumpkins
• Operating hayrides or corn mazes
• Running cash registers
• Maintaining the grounds

Potential earnings: Expect to make around $10 to $15 per hour, plus the perk of taking home some delicious apples or the perfect jack-o’-lantern pumpkin!

Fun fact: The largest pumpkin ever grown weighed 2,702 pounds! Imagine trying to load that onto a customer’s wagon!

3. Fall Festival Staff

If you thrive on energy and excitement, working at a fall festival might be your perfect autumn gig. From harvest celebrations to Oktoberfests, these events need all hands on deck.

What it involves:

• Setting up and manning booths
• Selling tickets or merchandise
• Assisting with games and activities
• Helping with crowd control

Potential earnings: Pay can range from minimum wage to $15 per hour, often with bonuses for weekend or evening shifts. Some festivals also offer perks like free admission on your days off.

Insider tip: Festival jobs can lead to great networking opportunities. You never know who you might meet while serving up that pumpkin ale!

4. Haunted House Actor or Staff

Now, here’s where things get spooky – and potentially lucrative! If you’ve got a flair for the dramatic and don’t mind working nights, becoming a haunted house actor could be your calling.

What it involves:

• Getting into character with makeup and costumes
• Scaring visitors (within safety guidelines, of course)
• Maintaining your designated area
• Adhering to safety protocols

For the less theatrically inclined, haunted attractions also need behind-the-scenes staff for ticket sales, security, and operations.

Potential earnings: Haunted house actors can make anywhere from $10 to $20 per hour, with experienced performers or those in major attractions earning even more. Behind-the-scenes staff typically earn similar rates.

Did you know? Some professional haunted house actors make a full-time career out of it, traveling to different attractions throughout the year!

Retail and Sales Side Jobs

These opportunities are perfect for those who love interacting with people, have a knack for sales, or simply enjoy being at the heart of seasonal festivities.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves and explore these autumnal adventures in the world of commerce!

5. Halloween Store Associate

As the leaves begin to turn and there’s a chill in the air, something magical happens in strip malls and empty storefronts across the country.

Almost overnight, Halloween superstores pop up, filled to the brim with costumes, decorations, and all things spooky.

It’s a retail phenomenon that’s as mysterious as it is exciting, and you could be right in the middle of it all.

In this job you will be surrounded by an endless array of costumes, from classic vampires to the latest pop culture sensations. You will be helping a frantic parent find the perfect princess dress or advising a group of college students on their group costume idea.

What it involves:

• Assisting customers in finding the perfect costume or decoration
• Organizing and restocking merchandise
• Operating cash registers and processing sales
• Setting up and maintaining store displays
• Potentially helping with costume fittings or makeup demonstrations

Potential earnings: Most Halloween store associates earn between $10 and $15 per hour. Some stores offer bonuses for meeting sales targets or working late-night shifts closer to Halloween.

Insider scoop: Many Halloween stores offer significant employee discounts, perfect for building your own costume collection or decorating for your epic Halloween party.

6. Farmers’ Market Vendor

The local farmers’ markets are in full swing during fall, where fall’s bounty is laid out in vibrant displays.

Being a farmers’ market vendor is more than just a job; it’s a chance to be part of a community, to connect with people who share your love for quality, locally-sourced products.

Whether you’re selling your own homegrown vegetables, handcrafted jewelry, or representing a local farm or business, this gig lets you tap into the farm-to-table trend that’s more popular than ever.

What it involves:

• Setting up your booth or stand early in the morning
• Displaying and selling products
• Educating customers about your goods
• Handling cash and possibly credit card transactions
• Building relationships with regular customers and other vendors

Potential earnings: This can vary widely depending on what you’re selling and the size of your market. Some vendors report making anywhere from $100 to $1,000 per market day. If you’re selling your own products, your profit margin could be quite high.

Fun fact: Farmers’ markets aren’t just for produce! Many markets welcome vendors selling baked goods, preserves, crafts, and even ready-to-eat foods. So don’t be afraid to get creative with what you offer.

7. Holiday Decoration Installer

As the days grow shorter and the holiday season approaches, a twinkling transformation begins to take place.

Houses and businesses start to sparkle with festive lights, inflatable Santas appear on lawns, and wreaths adorn doors. Behind this magical metamorphosis are the unsung heroes of the holiday season: holiday decoration installers.

This job is perfect for those who have a keen eye for design, aren’t afraid of heights, and want to spread some serious holiday cheer.

Imagine being the person responsible for turning an ordinary home into a winter wonderland or making a business shine bright enough to rival the North Pole itself!

What it involves:

• Planning and designing holiday light displays
• Safely installing lights on roofs, trees, and other structures
• Setting up large decorations like inflatable characters or nativity scenes
• Ensuring all electrical connections are safe and weatherproof
• Potentially offering removal services after the holiday season

Potential earnings: Holiday decoration installers can earn anywhere from $15 to $30 per hour, with experienced installers or those working on large commercial projects earning even more. Some installers charge by the project rather than hourly, with rates ranging from $200 for a small home to several thousand for elaborate displays.

Pro tip: This gig often starts earlier than you might think! Many businesses and eager homeowners start their holiday decorating as early as late October or early November. So be prepared to start spreading that holiday cheer while the leaves are still falling.

Education and Tutoring Side Jobs

These are perfect for those who love to share knowledge and help others succeed. As the school year kicks into high gear, these opportunities can be both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling.

So, sharpen those pencils and let’s explore these brainy fall side gigs.

8. Test Prep Instructor (for fall standardized tests)

Ah, fall. The season of pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters, and… standardized tests? That’s right!

For many students, autumn means gearing up for SATs, ACTs, GREs, and a alphabet soup of other important exams.

And where there are stressed-out test-takers, there’s an opportunity for you to swoop in like an academic superhero.

As a test prep instructor, you’re not just teaching content; you’re teaching strategies, boosting confidence, and helping students navigate the often-stressful world of standardized testing.

It’s a role that requires equal parts knowledge, patience, and cheerleading skills.

What it involves:

• Teaching test-taking strategies specific to each exam
• Reviewing key content areas and identifying knowledge gaps
• Administering and reviewing practice tests
• Helping students manage test anxiety
• Potentially working with groups or one-on-one

Potential earnings: Test prep instructors can earn significantly more than general tutors, with rates ranging from $30 to over $100 per hour. Working for established test prep companies might offer lower hourly rates but more consistent work.

Insider tip: Many test prep companies ramp up their hiring in late summer and early fall to prepare for October and November test dates. Start applying early to secure your spot!

9. College Application Consultant

Would you like to be a Gandalf to a high school senior’s Frodo, guiding them through the perilous journey of college applications.

That’s what college application consultants do. You’re part coach, part editor, part therapist, and all-around application guru.

This role is perfect for those who have successfully navigated the college application process themselves and want to help others do the same.

It’s a job that requires a mix of writing skills, knowledge of the college admissions landscape, and the ability to help students showcase their unique strengths.

What it involves:

• Advising students on college choices based on their academic profile and career goals
• Helping brainstorm and edit college essays
• Reviewing and providing feedback on application materials
• Assisting with scholarship applications
• Potentially helping students prepare for college interviews

Potential earnings: College application consultants can charge anywhere from $50 to $200 per hour, with some consultants offering package deals for comprehensive application support. Rates can be even higher in competitive markets or for consultants with a track record of getting students into top-tier schools.

Fun fact: The college application season isn’t just limited to fall! Many students start the process in their junior year, and transfer applications often have different deadlines. This means you could potentially turn this side gig into a year-round business.

So, if you’ve got knowledge to share and a passion for helping others succeed, why not give one of these brainy side gigs a try?

Other Fall Side Jobs

These opportunities blend the best of autumn’s charm with interesting work experiences. So, grab your favorite fall beverage, and let’s dive into these diverse seasonal gigs.

10. Winery Harvest Helper

This job is a dream come true for wine enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those who enjoy a good workout mixed with a dash of agricultural education.

It’s a chance to be part of the age-old tradition of winemaking, right at the crucial moment when grapes transform from fruit on the vine to the start of something spectacular in the bottle.

What it involves:

• Hand-picking grapes at the peak of ripeness
• Sorting harvested grapes for quality
• Assisting with the initial stages of the winemaking process
• Potentially helping with crush parties or other harvest events
• Learning about viticulture and winemaking techniques

Potential earnings: Winery harvest helpers typically earn between $12 to $20 per hour. Some wineries might offer perks like wine discounts or end-of-harvest celebrations.

11. Fall Wedding Photographer or Assistant

Fall weddings, with their rich colors, cozy atmospheres, and romantic vibes, autumn nuptials are a photographer’s dream.

As a fall wedding photographer or assistant, you will be capturing moments that will be treasured for a lifetime.

This gig is perfect for those with a keen eye for composition, a steady hand with a camera, and the ability to wrangle large groups of people into the perfect shot. And let’s not forget the magic of fall foliage as your natural backdrop!

What it involves:

• Capturing key moments throughout the wedding day
• Setting up and managing lighting equipment
• Directing poses for formal shots
• Editing and retouching photos post-event
• For assistants: supporting the main photographer, managing equipment, and potentially shooting secondary angles

Potential earnings: Wedding photographers can earn anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 per wedding, depending on their experience and the package offered. Assistants might earn $100 to $500 per wedding.

Pro tip: Fall weddings often have unique challenges like unpredictable weather and early sunsets. Brush up on your low-light photography skills to really make those autumn colors pop.

You can also sell fall based stock photographs which are always in demand.

12. Holiday Travel Planner

As the leaves start to turn, many people’s thoughts turn to holiday travel plans. Enter the holiday travel planner – part logistical wizard, part dream-maker, all-around holiday hero.

In this role, you’ll help stressed-out families, couples, and solo travelers navigate the complexities of holiday season journeys.

From finding the best deals to crafting itineraries that keep everyone happy (no small feat when you’re dealing with Uncle Bob and his picky eating habits), you’re the key to turning potential travel nightmares into cherished memories.

What it involves:

• Researching and booking flights, accommodations, and activities
• Creating detailed itineraries tailored to clients’ interests and budgets
• Advising on travel insurance, visa requirements, and health precautions
• Handling last-minute changes and travel emergencies
• Potentially specializing in specific types of travel (luxury, adventure, family-friendly, etc.)

Potential earnings: Holiday travel planners can charge anywhere from $100 to $500 for simple trips, with complex itineraries or luxury travel planning commanding even higher fees. Some planners charge hourly rates of $50 to $150 or take a percentage of the total trip cost.

Fun fact: With the rise of “revenge travel” post-pandemic, holiday travel planning is booming. People are looking for experts to help them make the most of their long-awaited trips!

13. Weatherproofing Specialist

As the leaves start to turn and there’s a nip in the air, homeowners everywhere begin to fret about drafty windows and sky-high heating bills.

But where they see problems, you see opportunity.

Welcome to the world of the weatherproofing specialist – a fall side hustle that’s as rewarding as it is practical.

It’s a job that combines practical skills, a bit of detective work (finding those sneaky drafts!), and the satisfaction of making an immediate, tangible difference in people’s lives.

What it involves:

• Conducting home energy audits to identify problem areas
• Sealing windows and doors with weatherstripping and caulk
• Installing or upgrading insulation in attics and crawl spaces
• Applying plastic film to windows for extra insulation
• Advising homeowners on energy-saving practices

Potential earnings: As a weatherproofing specialist, you could charge anywhere from $50 to $100 per hour, depending on your experience and the complexity of the job. For larger projects like attic insulation, you might charge by the square foot, potentially earning $500 to $1,500 per job.

Getting started:

1. Educate yourself on weatherproofing techniques through online courses or workshops at your local hardware store.
2. Invest in basic tools like caulk guns, weatherstripping, and a thermal leak detector.
3. Practice on your own home or offer to help friends and family to gain experience.
4. Consider getting certified as an energy auditor for added credibility.

Pro tip: Partner with local real estate agents. They often have clients looking to weatherproof before selling or after buying a new home.

So, if you’re handy with tools, and have an eye for detail why not give weatherproofing a try? After all, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of turning a drafty house into a snug haven – all while padding your bank account for those holiday shopping sprees.

Tips for Finding and Succeeding in Fall Side Jobs

A. Where to look for seasonal opportunities

1. Online job boards: Don’t just stick to the big names like Indeed or Monster. Check out seasonal-specific sites like CoolWorks.com or SeasonalEmployment.com. These platforms often have a treasure trove of fall-specific gigs.
2. Local community boards: Your local coffee shop, library, or community center might have a goldmine of opportunities posted on their bulletin boards. It’s old school, but effective!
3. Social media: Follow local businesses, farms, and event organizers on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. They often post seasonal job openings to their followers first.
4. Networking: Let your friends and family know you’re looking for fall work. You’d be surprised how often opportunities come through word-of-mouth.
5. Temp agencies: Many businesses use temp agencies to fill seasonal positions. Sign up with a few in your area to increase your chances.
6. Create your own opportunity: Don’t be afraid to approach businesses directly with your skills. A local pumpkin patch might not have thought about hiring a photographer for family portraits, but you could pitch the idea!

B. How to balance a side job with other commitments

1. Time management is key: Use a planner or digital calendar to block out time for your main job, side gig, and personal commitments. Color-coding can be a lifesaver!
2. Be realistic about your capacity: It’s better to under-commit and over-deliver than to burn out trying to do too much.
3. Communicate clearly: Make sure your main employer, family, and side gig all understand your availability and commitments.
4. Use your commute wisely: If you take public transport, use that time for planning or answering emails related to your side job.
5. Learn to say no: It’s okay to turn down opportunities that don’t align with your schedule or goals.
6. Take care of yourself: Don’t sacrifice sleep, healthy eating, or exercise. You’ll be more productive if you’re well-rested and healthy.

C. Making the most of short-term employment

1. Set clear goals: Know what you want to achieve from this seasonal job, whether it’s earning a specific amount or gaining particular skills.
2. Network, network, network: Seasonal jobs are great for making connections. You never know where they might lead!
3. Learn transferable skills: Even if the job isn’t in your usual field, focus on developing skills that can apply to your career goals.
4. Go above and beyond: Seasonal doesn’t mean slack. Treat the job as if it’s a long-term position. Your dedication might lead to future opportunities.
5. Ask for feedback: Regular check-ins with your supervisor or customers can help you improve and potentially lead to a glowing reference.
6. Keep records: Document your achievements, hours worked, and skills learned. This will be valuable for your resume and future job searches.
7. Consider it a trial run: If you enjoy the work, explore possibilities for extending your employment or returning next season.

Final Thoughts

Fall brings a wealth of opportunities for those seeking side jobs. Whether you’re interested in outdoor work, retail, education, or specialized seasonal roles, there’s likely a gig that fits your skills and schedule.

These autumn side hustles offer more than just extra income. They’re chances to gain experience, meet new people, and potentially discover new career paths.

As you explore these opportunities, focus on finding a side job that not only pays well but also aligns with your interests and goals.

With the right approach, your fall side gig could be both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling.

So, take action now. Choose a side job that excites you, apply these tips, and make this fall season work for you. Your next great opportunity is just around the corner.