3 AI Side Hustles That Pay Up To $100,000+ In 2025 – Forbes

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If you’re still relying on your single paycheck, you’re way behind in your career and you’re putting yourself at risk. Layoffs in the first few months of the year alone are higher than they’ve ever been in the U.S. since 2020; AI is replacing and making roles extinct; and the price of eggs continues to soar at outrageous prices.

The very concept of job security and stability is outdated. Perhaps this is why increasing numbers of professionals are turning to freelancing and the gig economy as a viable solution for continuing their careers. In fact, Statista analysts estimate that by 2027, there will be 86.5 million freelancers in the United States–that’s more than half of the total U.S. workforce.

So how can you future-proof your finances and career and get to the point where you no longer need to report to an employer? Where you no longer dread Mondays? Where you thrive in your work and carry a sense of passion, freedom, and flexibility in what you do?

With the advancement of AI and technology, and increasing numbers of companies who favor working with freelancers compared to hiring in-house talent, you actually have quite a few options to choose from.

In this article we’ll explore just a few of these options and how you can transition from side hustle to full-time career that eliminates you ever needing to report to a boss or endure endless meetings again.

1. AI Consulting

AI consulting is a relatively new player on the side hustle field, but it has large scope for high-earning potential. Analysts at BCC Research indicate that the market for artificial intelligence consulting services “is projected to grow from $11.3 billion in 2022 to $643.0 billion in 2028,” representing a jump of 5,590% in just six years. This is understandable, given the fact that “almost all organizations in the U.S. will be AI-enabled,” according to an AWS survey, with “92% of the organizations surveyed plan to use AI-powered solutions by 2028.”

As a freelance AI consultant, your work would involve advising businesses on how to incorporate AI into their technology and processes, developing strategies, and teaching AI to non-technical professionals (your clients). You’d work with them on developing the infrastructure for in-house tech solutions that incorporate artificial intelligence to help them be more accurate and efficient, increase their competitive advantage, and save money.

You’d need a deep understanding of AI for you to be considered reputable enough to consult businesses on AI integration and adoption.

This has potential to be extremely lucrative, with consultants reported to be making between $8,000 to as much as $175,000 per project–certainly a great replacement for your current job if you’re not self-employed.

2. AI Content Reviewer

Are you tired of seeing AI-generated content shared online that contains factual errors and inaccuracies? This remote freelance job opportunity actually enables you to make a difference. As an AI content reviewer, you can get paid to fact-check and improve the answers that generative AI creates. This ensures AI outputs are more accurate and enables them to be finetuned to improve the overall user experience.

Outlier is one such website that allows you to make money through reviewing AI content. On its website, they say, “Outlier helps the world’s most innovative companies improve their AI models by providing human feedback. We’re seeking experienced English writers who want to make a meaningful impact in the rapidly evolving AI industry.”

It has several freelance remote job postings for AI content reviewers, AI content trainers, AI STEM writing coach, AI English writing coach, and AI freelance writer and trainer. According to Outlier’s website you can get paid weekly (subject to project availability) and earn up to $27 an hour depending on your level of writing experience.

3. AI-Powered Marketing Consulting

Another fantastic idea for making money online and building a sustainable side hustle using AI, is starting an AI-powered marketing business. Marketing professionals are some of the most in-demand in 2025 and beyond, especially when it comes to social media and content marketing. In fact, this skill set is estimated to be worth up to $1.5 trillion in the market by 2030, and job demand for marketing managers is projected to increase by 8% according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

As a freelance marketing manager or marketing consultant, you can use AI tools to help you dig into your client’s analytics and understand their customer base. This can help you design targeted marketing campaigns and fuel lead generation.

As a freelance marketing consultant you can charge by the hour, or you can bill per project or charge a retainer rate which can be several thousand dollars. This can be more sustainable financially in the long term.

It’s time to own your career. Take charge of your future, and start building towards your goals by building multiple income streams and leveraging AI. Use the ideas above as a starting point and begin today to take steps towards achieving career resilience and financial stability.

AI Side Hustle FAQs

Can I use AI to make passive income?

Yes of course you can. GenAI tools make it easier and faster to create digital products like e-books, courses, and printables, and even faceless YouTube channels, so you can create passive income with minimal expense.

How much money can you make with AI?

The only limit is your imagination, unique skills and expertise, and market demand. There are plenty of use cases for AI, so it’s down to you to experiment and discover what works best for you and your business idea. Ultimately, the goal is to use AI to augment your work and help you make money; it won’t create money like magic. Your human input and experience are still needed. But as long as your idea is viable, you can realistically make six figures within a few years at most.

What are some AI side hustles for beginners?

If you’re relatively new to AI and are not at the level of a seasoned machine learning specialist or engineer, some great AI-powered side hustles to start (which hardly cost anything) include freelance/content writing, AI video creation, copywriting, chatbot development, and creating digital products and AI artwork.