Check out The Top Side Hustles for Military Spouses That Will Actually Fit into Your Life!
Military life is a whirlwind, isn’t it? Between deployments, PCS moves, unpredictable schedules, and managing everything at home, it can feel nearly impossible to carve out a little time for yourself—let alone a side hustle! As a military spouse who has recently moved from the U.K. to the U.S.A., I know the struggle all too well. But I’m here to tell you—it is possible. If you’ve ever felt like making a little extra income from home without committing to a rigid full-time schedule, this article is for you.
Let me also mention this upfront: while many traditional work-from-home full-time jobs like being a travel agent or working remotely within a H.R. role sound appealing, the seasoned military spouse knows they can often be incompatible with the unpredictability of military life. It’s tough to commit to a strict 9-to-5 schedule when you’re balancing everything from last-minute moves to kids’ soccer games. That’s why flexible and creative side hustles are such a game-changer!
To help you out, I’ve compiled a list of achievable, adaptable side hustles for stay-at-home military spouses that can fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. Plus, I’ve added some tips, recommendations, and affiliate links to make getting started even easier. Be sure to share this article with other military spouses—you’ve got this!
1. Become a Photographer!
If you love capturing moments, photography could be your perfect side hustle. The best part? You control your schedule, set your own prices, and decide what services to offer—whether it’s family sessions, newborn shoots, or event photography.
Why It Works for Military Spouses:
Photography is adaptable and portable—two things every military spouse needs in a side hustle. You can set up a home studio or take your skills outdoors, and the best part is it works well with your family’s schedule. Wherever you move, people are always looking for skilled photographers, making this side hustle PCS-proof.
Pro Tip: Networking within your local military community and on social media pages can help you land your first clients quickly. Base-specific Facebook groups or neighborhood pages are great places to share your services and build a client base.
Personal Story to Inspire You:
Meet our featured military spouse Samantha, who runs the blog Dreams of Grace and Grit from her home on a military base in the PNW as well as a photography business! She blends photography, crafting, her love of Jesus and homeschooling tips into a thriving online presence — all while juggling her family, military spouse life and navigating ongoing health challenges. Samantha’s story is a beautiful reminder that you can turn your passion into a sustainable side hustle!
Be sure to check out her inspiring posts, including one about finding grace amidst chaos: Read here! Samantha loves to chat to other military spouses about how to start their own side hustles – be sure to visit her site!
What You’ll Need:
- Camera Gear: You don’t need to break the bank—start with a decent quality camera that you can upgrade later.
- Online Courses: Military spouses often find it challenging to attend traditional, in-person education classes, so why not explore online courses instead? If eligible, check out programs like the MYCAA Military Spouse Scholarship to cover some of the costs of your education.
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2. Start a Blog (like this one!)
Blogging is hands-down one of the most flexible and rewarding side hustles out there. It allows you to share your passion, connect with like-minded people, and—yes—earn an income, all from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re writing about military life, crafting, cooking, home décor, or personal finance, there’s a niche for everyone.
Why It Works for Military Spouses:
Blogging is incredibly adaptable and super cheap to start out. You can work on posts during naptime, late at night, or during quiet moments throughout the day. Plus, blogging travels with you wherever the military sends your family, making it PCS-proof. Whether you’re stationed in Alaska, Hawaii, or abroad, a blog allows you to carry your work wherever life takes you.
I personally started my blog with zero tech skills, and it’s now a small but growing business that brings in extra income to our home—and all in less than six months! Check out more about that on my Blogging Resources page if you’re interested – all my information is free, no need to sign up so be sure to check it all out before signing up for any of the expensive courses out there!
My top blogging must-haves:
- Hosting Platform: I use BigScoots Hosting – Reliable and affordable hosting for bloggers.
- Pinterest Tool: I could not make blogging work for me without Tailwind – Schedule and automate Pinterest posts, a lifesaver for busy spouses!
- Ad Agency: I’m with the Journey by Mediavine – A great way to start earning ad revenue even with low page views, just download the plugin and let it run in the background for 30 days before applying so that it can count your page views etc and you’re good to go!
3. Dog Walking and Pet Sitting
If you’re an animal lover, dog walking or pet sitting can be a fun and flexible way to earn extra income. Military bases are full of busy families who often need help caring for their pets, especially during deployments or TDYs.
Why It Works for Military Spouses:
This is a fantastic low-investment side hustle. You can set your availability based on your family’s schedule, and it’s an active, outdoor job—perfect for those who don’t want to be stuck behind a desk. Many military families are happy to hire someone within the community whom they know and trust with their pets.
What You’ll Need:
- Pet Care Apps: Rover – A platform to find clients in your area for dog walking or even those who need accommodation for their pets overnight.
- Pet Accessories: Durable leashes, harnesses and safety gear are a must!
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4. Leveraging Your Social Media (like I do!)
In today’s world, social media isn’t just for sharing cute dog photos or what’s for dinner—it can actually be a way to build something meaningful and, yes, even make money! Some of the most inspiring military spouses I know have found a way to grow their presence on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook and turn it into a steady income stream. And you don’t have to be an influencer with millions of followers to make it work—you just need a genuine connection with your audience.
This has honestly been life-changing for me. Leveraging my social media alongside my blog puts money in my pocket with minimal effort. It’s flexible, portable, and something I can work on whenever my family schedule allows. Whether you’re sharing your PCS adventures, offering parenting tips, or simply talking about the products you already use and love, your unique perspective as a military spouse can resonate with people far and wide.
Why It Works for Military Spouses:
Social media is flexible, portable, and uniquely tailored to fit the unpredictable nature of military life. Whether you’re sharing your PCS journeys, parenting hacks, home decor tips, fitness routines, or favorite recipes, you already have a unique perspective that resonates with a specific audience. Why not turn that authenticity into a source of income?
Popular Affiliate Monetisation Options Include:
Affiliate Marketing: Recommend products or services you use and love through affiliate programs, earning a commission for every sale generated through your links.
- Sponsored Content: Work with brands to create content that aligns with your personal style and audience.
- Ad Revenue: Platforms like YouTube offer opportunities to earn money through ad views.
- Selling Digital Products: Use your platform to promote things like printables, ebooks, or courses.
How to Get Started:
- Focus on building your audience authentically by creating valuable, engaging, and consistent content.
- Join affiliate networks such as Temu, ShareASale, Rakuten, Impact, Amazon and CJ Affiliate to connect with brands and find relevant products to promote.
- Use tools like Canva to create polished graphics, and take advantage of free or affordable social media schedulers like Tailwind to streamline your posting schedule.
Tried-and-True Affiliate Programs to Consider that I Personally Use:
- Temu Affiliate Program – Start out with this popular bargain brand that offers everything from fashion to home goods. Perfect for showcasing clothing hauls and affordable finds! Easy to join and great for new affiliates. Free sign up and great bonuses.
- Amazon Associates / Influencer Program – A beginner-friendly way to earn from nearly any product, with options to create a custom storefront for commissions! Now, as an Amazon Associate you will need to look at a plugin that allows you to place images in your blogs and posts – I recommend the budget AAWP plugin which is what I use and love and is waaaaayyyyyy cheaper than the rivals! Don’t pay more than you have to people!
- ShareASale – A network offering partnerships with thousands of brands across categories like fashion, fitness, and home goods. This one is a must but you may need a little following first before they accept you.
- Rakuten Advertising – A reliable option for monetizing your blog or social platforms, with high-profile merchants and competitive commission rates.
- Impact – Perfect for working with big-name brands and managing multiple affiliate relationships.
- CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction) – Offers an extensive range of brands in various niches, ideal for content creators looking to diversify their affiliate streams.
5. Baking or Selling Homemade Food
Got a knack for baking? Turn your kitchen into a micro-bakery! On our military base, there’s an artisan baker who makes everything from cookies to retirement cakes—and she sells out every single day.
Why It Works for Military Spouses:
Baking and cooking can be done around your own schedule. You can specialize in anything from cupcakes to meal prep kits, depending on your passion. Just be sure to check your local food certification requirements (rules vary by state and base).
What You’ll Need:
- Good Quality Mixer: A must-have for any baker wanting to get serious about running a business from home.
- Packaging: Professional-looking packaging for your goodies makes you stand out from the crowd and can help increase sales.
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6. Set Up a Homeschool Co-op or Tutoring Service
If you’re great with kids and enjoy teaching, consider starting a homeschool co-op or offering tutoring services. These can range from one-on-one lessons to small group sessions in your home or online.
Why It Works for Military Spouses:
This side hustle is highly rewarding, especially if you’re already homeschooling your own children. It’s an opportunity to connect with other families on base and share your knowledge. Many parents are eager to pay for extra help with subjects like math, reading, or test prep.
What You’ll Need:
- Teaching Tools: Grab a sturdy magnetic white board and some markers to create a usable and flexible bulletin board to display all your homeschool info on each semester.
- Educational Resources: There’s some great homeschool resources available!
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7. Create and Sell Personalized Products
Crafty and creative? Invest in a Cricut machine and start making custom items like t-shirts, mugs, and tote bags. Personalized products are always in demand, especially on military bases where you can make PCS-related items, squadron gear, or gifts for special events.
Why It Works for Military Spouses:
This side hustle is scalable and can start as a small, at-home project. With platforms like Etsy or Facebook Marketplace, you can reach a wide audience quickly.
What You’ll Need:
- Cricut Machine: The home crafter’s must-have for making crafting into a side hustle! There’s a variety of Cricut machines to suit all budgets and skill levels so make sure to check a few models out before committing to a purchase.
- Heat Transfer Vinyl: A must for personalized shirts and bags.
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8. Offer Cleaning, Laundry, or Yard Care Services
These services are always in demand, especially on military bases where families often don’t have the time or energy for housework during hectic seasons or throughout long deployments. Offering services like laundry pick-up, house cleaning, or even lawn care is a straightforward way to earn extra cash.
Why It Works for Military Spouses:
This side hustle requires minimal upfront investment and lets you choose your schedule. Plus, word of mouth spreads fast in military communities!
What You’ll Need:
- A cleaning caddy – if you’re setting up a home cleaning business you’ll need something sturdy and practical that can store all your cleaning items and also keep your own home clutter free!
- A lawn care set – More expensive to start-up but can often pay well and jobs tend to be quicker than full home cleans, You’ll need all the basic lawn care things like a mower, gloves and a weed whacker.
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9. Car Detailing as a Side Hustle
If you love making things sparkle and shine, car detailing could be a fantastic side hustle. Many military families value convenience, and having someone local who can clean and detail their vehicles at an affordable price is a service in high demand. Whether it’s removing post-road-trip crumbs or preparing a car for sale, there’s always work for meticulous detailers.
Why It Works for Military Spouses:
Car detailing is flexible and low-cost to start. You can work around your family’s schedule, and all you need is a driveway or garage space to get going. It’s also portable—if you move to a new duty station, you can take this skill with you! Plus, word of mouth spreads quickly in military communities, which can help you establish a steady client base.
Pro Tip: Offer a “PCS Cleaning Special” to help families prepping to sell or ship their cars during a move. It’s a great way to attract new clients!
What You’ll Need:
- Detailing Kit: A professional car detailing kit like is perfect for beginners and has all the tools you need.
- Pressure Washer: Make sure to grab one that is both high quality and portable.
- Vacuum: A powerful shop vacuum makes cleaning interiors easy. If you’re able to work from your garage a wall-mounted option gives a professional finish and takes up less storage space!
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10. Hair and Beauty Services from Home
Do you have a knack for hair, nails, or beauty treatments? Many military spouses set up small salons from home, offering services like haircuts, coloring, waxing, manicures, pedicures, or even facials. It’s a great way to use your skills, earn extra income, and build lasting relationships with your local community.
Why It Works for Military Spouses:
Setting up a home salon allows you to work on your own terms. It’s perfect for military life because you can manage your schedule around deployments, school pickups, and other responsibilities. The beauty industry also thrives on word-of-mouth referrals, which means your services can quickly gain popularity within the military community.
Pro Tip: Create a welcoming, professional setup with a dedicated space in your home. Offering package deals for military families or discounts for referrals can help grow your clientele quickly.
What You’ll Need:
- Storage: First make sure you have adequate storage so your home stays clutter free!
- Nail Supplies: If offering nail services, look professional with a full starter kit containing everything you need to start out offering great value nail care to your customers.
- Salon Chair: A comfortable and adjustable chair adds professionalism to your setup.
- Waxing Kit: A beginner-friendly kit is great for offering waxing services.
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11. Gig Economy Jobs: Flexible Income Opportunities
If you’re looking for a side hustle that lets you work on your own terms, gig jobs are a perfect choice. Companies like Amazon Flex, Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub allow you to deliver anything from groceries and meals to packages. These roles are ideal for military spouses who need flexibility and want to stay close to home.
But that’s not the only type of gig economy work out there – one of the most lucrative ways to make some extra money in your spare time can actually be by writing or doing digital work for others. That’s right – check out places like Fiverr where you can make money by writing blog posts, social media posts, designing logo’s, becoming a virtual assistant and much more! You could even outsource your own blog posts if you have the vision but you’re short on time!
Why It Works for Military Spouses:
Gig economy jobs are incredibly adaptable to the unpredictability of military life. You decide when and where to work, making it easy to fit into your schedule between appointments, deployments, or kids’ activities. Plus, driving in areas near your base can cut down on mileage and travel expenses.
Pro Tip: Check The Restaurants and Stores on Base First! Don’t forget about pizza places and restaurants on your base! They often need delivery drivers who know the area well. This can be a great way to make money while staying closer to your family.
What You’ll Need:
- Insulated Delivery Bags: Perfect for keeping pizzas or groceries fresh.
- Car Cleaning Wipes: Delivering packages or food regularly can take a toll on your car. Keep your vehicle looking professional and clean with a handy pack of wipes.
- Smartphone Car Mount: Easily attaches your smartphone to assist in navigation whilst keeping you safe and hands-free!
- Power Bank or Phone Charger: Essential to ensure your phone doesn’t run out of battery.
- Mileage Tracker: Makes tracking mileage for tax deductions easy.
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12. Publish a Book on KDP (if I can do it so can you!)
Have you ever thought about writing a book or creating something like a journal, planner, or even a puzzle book? Thanks to Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), it’s easier than ever to turn your ideas into a published book—and start earning passive income! Whether it’s a children’s story, a memoir, or a fun low-content book, KDP makes self-publishing accessible to everyone.
Why It Works for Military Spouses:
Life as a military spouse is busy, but KDP is super flexible! You can work on your book at your own pace, making it a great fit for hectic schedules. And the best part? Once it’s published, your book continues to sell wherever you are—totally PCS-proof passive income!
Pro Tip: Start simple with a low-content book like a journal, coloring book, or planner. These are quick to make, fun to design, and can still earn you a steady income.
What You’ll Need:
- Design Software: Tools like Canva or Adobe InDesign make it easy to create professional-looking book interiors and covers.
- Book Bolt: This is the tool we used to create our first spring-themed puzzle word search book—and we made it in less than 4 hours!
- KDP Tools: Publisher Rocket is fantastic for finding keywords and niches that help your book get discovered on Amazon.
- Inspiration and Guidance: There are tons of great online communities and courses to help you get started with KDP.
Tried-and-True Tips:
- Write about something you’re passionate about or knowledgeable in—it makes the process more enjoyable and authentic.
- Check out what’s trending in your niche on Amazon for inspiration.
- Use your blog, social media, or even email newsletters to promote your book once it’s live.
And here’s a little proof of how doable this is: Below is an image of our first spring-themed puzzle word search book that we created using Book Bolt in less than 4 hours. If I can do it, so can you! Feeling shy? You can use a pen name – we used our dog’s!
Could These Side Hustles Work For Active Duty Members Too?
Absolutely! The only extra thing you will need to do is make sure that you have informed your chain of command as that’s a requirement of any active duty personnel. And, of course, your military commitments must come first! Thank you for your service!
Taxes and Record-Keeping
Before diving into any side hustle, make sure you’re keeping track of your income and expenses for tax purposes. Staying organized from the start will save you major headaches down the road. Consider using software like TurboTax or hiring a CPA who understands military life to help you navigate the rules.
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Other Resources
One thing that really freed up my time to start blogging was investing in a robot vacuum and mop. It shaves off a couple of hours of housework every week, giving me more time to focus on writing and managing my website. If it’s within your budget, I highly recommend it! I’ll link mine below – it’s paid for itself several times over and they even sell just the replacement mop cloths for a super affordable price – I couldn’t be without mine now!
Other than that my biggest tips would be to plug in to your community, where you’re stationed and beyond via social media and books and courses etc – the milspouse community is large, kind, encouraging and helpful!
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The Takeaway
Military life is full of challenges, but finding a flexible and fulfilling side hustle is entirely possible. From blogging to baking, there are countless ways to earn extra income while still prioritizing your family and adapting to military schedules.
What to Read Next?
Still looking for more military life inspo? Check out these articles we think you’ll love too!
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What’s your favorite side hustle? Have you tried any of the ones listed here? Share your experiences in the comments below and pin this article on Pinterest to spread the word!
Last update on 2025-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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