10 Places Where Side Hustles Abroad Earn More Than Full-Time Jobs in the U.S.
Many Americans view full-time jobs as the primary source of steady income, but they also rely on side hustles to supplement their income. Some countries offer side gigs that pay more than full-time U.S. jobs. You do not have to quit your main job.
Here are ten places where side gigs out-earn full-time U.S. work.
Portugal for Freelance Writing
Portugal has a growing demand for English content creators. Companies eager to reach international audiences pay well for freelance writing. The cost of living remains relatively low compared to the U.S., allowing your earnings to stretch further. Writers often find that side gigs here cover more than basic expenses, sometimes surpassing a U.S. full-time salary.
Vietnam for Online Teaching
Teaching English online from Vietnam offers a combination of low living costs and decent pay. Platforms offering flexible hours often pay higher rates than similar U.S.-based online jobs. Many teachers report they can earn more by tutoring students abroad on the side than working full-time at home.
Thailand for Digital Marketing
Thailand’s booming tourism and business sectors drive demand for digital marketing skills. Freelancers helping local brands with social media and ads can charge competitive rates. Compared to the median U.S. salary, some digital marketers earn an extra income, which is hard to ignore, especially given their lower expenses.
Poland for Software Development
Poland is fast becoming a tech hub. Remote software developers can take on freelance projects for European clients who offer generous compensation. With Poland’s affordable living, side projects often add a significant boost to income, sometimes rivaling the salaries of full-time U.S. software engineers.
Colombia for Graphic Design
Graphic designers freelancing in Colombia benefit from a rising creative market and affordable living. Local startups and international clients offer well-paid gigs. Many designers find that their side hustle income here competes well against typical U.S. design salaries.
Mexico for Translation Services
Mexico’s proximity to the U.S. creates a steady demand for bilingual translators. This spot offers freelance translators decent pay and flexible schedules. Side gigs often pay enough to outperform many full-time roles in the States, especially for Spanish-English pairs.
Estonia for Web Development
Estonia’s digital-first approach attracts many tech freelancers. Web developers can find side work through European networks that offer competitive pay. When combined with Estonia’s reasonable costs, the extra earnings can beat U.S. full-time wages.
The Philippines for Virtual Assistance
The Philippines hosts a large virtual assistant industry. VAs with specialized skills earn more than their U.S. counterparts, thanks to lower local costs and strong demand. Many find they can build a profitable side hustle here that surpasses traditional jobs.
Chile for Photography
Chile’s scenic beauty draws tourists and businesses needing professional photographers. Freelance photographers capturing weddings or commercial projects charge competitive fees. The income from side jobs often exceeds what photographers earn full-time in the U.S.
Greece for Consulting
Consultants offering advice to local companies or startups in Greece find well-paying side opportunities. Tourism, tech, and export businesses often seek foreign expertise. Consultants can earn fees that exceed the average U.S. salary, particularly with lower living expenses.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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