Ontario is a hotbed for side hustle opportunities, especially in cities like Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, and London. With the rise of gig platforms and growing demand for local services, more and more people are finding ways to earn extra income on their own terms. Whether you’re looking to boost your savings, cover rising living costs, or eventually transition into full-time self-employment, choosing the right side hustle can make a big difference. Here’s a look at the top five most profitable side hustles in Ontario right now—and how you can get started.
- Delivery Driving (Food & Groceries)
Delivery driving continues to be one of the most in-demand and flexible ways to earn money on the side. Apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, and Instacart make it easy to find work with just a car and a smartphone. You can choose your own hours, work in your local area, and earn tips on top of your base pay. In busy areas like Toronto and Mississauga, drivers can earn competitive rates during peak hours—especially evenings and weekends. Some platforms even offer bonuses for meeting weekly targets or completing high-demand deliveries. - Tutoring and Academic Coaching
Tutoring is one of the most rewarding—and well-paid—side hustles in Ontario. Parents and students are always looking for academic support in subjects like math, science, English, and French. Tutors can charge $25 to $50 per hour or more, especially for high school or test prep subjects. You can offer in-person sessions in your community or go fully online, which opens the door to clients across the province. If you’re a post-secondary student, teacher, or just someone with a strong subject knowledge, tutoring can be a low-cost and profitable way to earn extra income. - Pet Care Services (Walking, Sitting, Grooming)
Ontario is full of pet lovers, and many of them are busy professionals who need help with their furry friends. That’s where pet care comes in—dog walking, pet sitting, and even basic grooming services are in high demand. Apps like Rover and Pawshake can connect you with clients, or you can advertise in local Facebook groups and community boards. Dog walkers typically earn $20 to $30 per walk, and pet sitters can charge even more for overnight stays or long weekends. Plus, if you genuinely enjoy animals, this side hustle won’t feel like work at all. - Content Creation & Social Media Management
If you’re comfortable on social media or have a knack for creating videos, writing posts, or designing visuals, content creation could be your calling. Small businesses across Ontario are looking for help managing their online presence—whether it’s running their Instagram account, editing TikTok videos, or writing blog content. Freelancers in this space often charge $30–$60 an hour or a flat rate per project. If you build a solid portfolio and show strong results, you can grow quickly through referrals or even create your own digital brand. - Handyman & Home Services
From small repairs to painting, furniture assembly, or hanging shelves, home services are always in demand. If you’re handy with tools and reliable, there’s money to be made helping homeowners who don’t have the time or know-how. You can promote your services on Kijiji, local classifieds, Facebook Marketplace, or word of mouth. Depending on your skills, you could earn anywhere from $25 to $75 an hour. This is especially profitable in suburban and rural areas where larger service companies may not be readily available or affordable.
How Job Skills Can Help You Turn a Side Hustle into Something Bigger
If you’re ready to get serious about your side hustle or want to explore the path to self-employment, Job Skills is here to support you every step of the way. We offer practical, hands-on Self-Employment Services including coaching, business planning, and financial literacy training. Not sure what kind of side hustle suits you best? Our Right Fit for You program helps you explore your interests, strengths, and options. For newcomers to Canada, the Self-Employment Pathways for Newcomers program offers tailored support to launch and grow a business. Stay connected and get inspired by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Your side hustle can be more than just a way to make ends meet—it can be your next big opportunity.
