ChatGPT Suggested Summer Side Hustles -- and a Money Coach Reviewed Them
The summer season is fully underway, and now is a great time to try out a new side hustle. Some services have a higher demand during the summer months, making them a great opportunity to earn some extra money.
To figure out which side hustles are considered summertime money-makers, MoneyLion asked ChatGPT to list its top six summer gig ideas. The chatbot generated a solid list of options, but we also wanted to get an expert's take on ChatGPT's choices. So, we reached out to Crystal Gilmore, CFO at The Spearhead Group, who regularly advises clients on side hustles, staffing and startup monetization.
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Overall, Gilmore gave ChatGPT high marks for its “strong and realistic” summer side hustle categories. However, she said actual earnings potential and sustainability “vary more than artificial intelligence (AI) models usually reflect.”
Keep reading to find out which side gigs ChatGPT chose, along with Gilmore's review.
Lawn Care and Yard Work
Typical earnings: $20 to $60 per hour
ChatGPT’s take: There should be plenty of work in the summer and you’ll have minimal startup costs.
Expert take: “This is a solid, high-demand seasonal option,” Gilmore told MoneyLion. “It works well because it’s local, recurring and tied to a non-discretionary need. The main limitation is scalability. It tends to cap out quickly unless you build a route-based business with multiple clients or expand into commercial contracts. Equipment costs can also increase faster than expected if you grow.”
Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Typical earnings: $15 to $40 per walk; much more for overnight pet sitting.
ChatGPT’s take: Summer vacations create strong demand for pet care. The job often allows for flexible scheduling, with little to no upfront investment. Many clients become repeat customers year-round.
Expert take: “One of the more stable gig options,” Gilmore said. “Demand spikes in summer, but it also carries into holidays and weekends year-round. It is highly trust-based, so reputation matters more than marketing. The upside is strong repeat business, but income is limited by time since it is not easily scalable without hiring others.”
Freelance Services
Typical earnings: $25 to $100 per hour
ChatGPT’s take: Examples include writing, graphic design, bookkeeping, social media management and tutoring. Can be done entirely from home and typically involves skills you already have. No inventory or physical equipment is usually needed. This could also grow into a substantial side business.
Expert take: “Freelancing is not instantly accessible at high rates unless someone already has a marketable skill and portfolio,” Gilmore said. “However, once established, it is the only category listed here that can realistically turn into a full-time income stream or small agency model.”
Food/Grocery Delivery
Typical earnings: $15 to $30 per hour before expenses
ChatGPT’s take: Popular platforms include DoorDash, Uber Eats and Instacart. This side hustle offers immediate earnings potential and flexible hours, and work tends to pick up during summer due to seasonal events and travel.
Expert take: “This is the fastest to start, but often overstated in terms of net earnings,” Gilmore said. “After fuel, vehicle wear and time between orders, real take-home pay is usually lower than advertised. It works best as short-term or gap income rather than a long-term strategy.”
Selling/Reselling Used Items
Typical earnings: Can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars over a full summer
ChatGPT’s take: Summer is a busy season for garage and moving sales, where you can pick up cheap items to resell. The work is scalable if you develop an eye for profitable resale opportunities.
Expert take: “This is one of the most underrated options because it requires no skill barrier and immediate cash flow,” Gilmore said. “However, it is not consistent income unless someone intentionally builds sourcing systems or flipping expertise.”
House Sitting and Vacation Property Services
Typical earnings: $20 to $100 per visit, with higher rates for extended responsibilities
ChatGPT’s take: Services can include house/pool checks, watering plants, collecting mail or managing short-term rental turnovers. Demand rises during the summer travel season and can often lead to recurring opportunities throughout the year.
Expert take: “This is a strong supplemental option with low competition in many markets,” Gilmore said. “The main variable is trust and network access. Most opportunities come through referrals rather than open marketplaces, which limits scalability but increases reliability once established.”
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This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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