Introduction
Canadians are launching side hustles in record numbers, most often to offset the skyrocketing cost of living in this country. Omnisend conducted a study that the below press release covers.
I also have new information regarding the most profitable side hustles for 2026, which could be useful if you’re thinking about starting an online freelance side business or if you’re considering adding more services to an existing one.
- Life Coach – USD $150.00 per hour
- Content Creator for Brands – $40.00 per hour
- Affiliate Marketer – $37.50 per hour
- E-commerce Freelancer – $36.50 per hour
- Photographer – $35.00 per hour
- T-Shirt Designer – $33.00 per hour
- Influencer Marketing Freelancer – $32.50 per hour
- Writer / Copywriter – $32.00 per hour
- Tutor – $30.00 per hour
- Photo Editor – $26.50 per hour
Source: BestBrokers
“Freelancing income follows the same risk-return principle that governs investing,” says Alan Goldberg, Lead Data Analyst at BestBrokers. “The most stable, low-risk services function like cash-generating assets: they provide predictable revenue streams, but their earning capacity is constrained by the number of hours a freelancer can sell. At the other end of the spectrum, specialised advisory and performance-based services command a substantial premium because clients are paying for expertise that can directly influence revenue, growth, or strategic outcomes. For freelancers, the most effective capital allocation strategy is to use steady, lower-volatility work to maintain cash flow while reinvesting time into higher-value skills and client niches that expand pricing power and reduce dependence on hourly billing.’
For further guidance, we have lots of information for Canadian side hustlers on Online Business Canada, such as:
10 Low-Cost, Part-Time Businesses you can Start Online from Home
Best Online Side Hustles For Really Busy People
31% of Canadians Have a Side Hustle
CHARLESTON, SC. — May 21, 2026 — New research by Omnisend reveals that side hustles in 2026 are less about passion projects and more about financial necessity. In a survey of 1,029 Canadians, 31% report currently having a side hustle, and 85% admit they started for financial reasons rather than personal fulfillment or fun. Among those with side hustles:
- 57% wanted to earn extra money for bills or essentials
- 27% started to pay off debt, supplement existing income, or save for a goal
- Only 8% intended to pursue a passion or hobby, down from 17% since October 2025.
More than half (53%) earn $500 or less monthly from their side hustle, but 73% are still satisfied with that additional income. Collectively, this adds up to an average of $9.9 billion monthly across Canada, down slightly from $10.2 billion last year.
“Inflation may have cooled on paper, but everyday expenses like housing, groceries, and insurance remain stubbornly high,” says Marty Bauer, Ecommerce Expert at Omnisend. “An extra $200-$500 a month can cover groceries, utilities, or debt payments. That makes even low-earning side hustles feel worthwhile.”
Overall, 50% started their side hustle less than a year ago, and they’re able to maintain them without sacrificing large amounts of personal time. 91% spend fewer than 20 hours per week on them, with 5-9 hours being the most common range.
From Handmade Goods to Reselling, Ecommerce is the Most Popular Way to Earn on the Side
Ecommerce, including reselling, is the most common side-hustle category among respondents, with 48% saying they sell online. That puts ecommerce ahead of freelance work (17%), food delivery services (15%), and content creation (15%).
For online sellers, side hustles often start with accessible product categories: 27% sell vintage or second-hand items, 23% sell handmade or custom goods, and 11% sell print-on-demand products such as t-shirts or mugs.
The most popular platforms are established marketplaces, led by Facebook Marketplace at 53%, Amazon at 34%, eBay at 28%, and Etsy at 18%.
“Compared to freelancing or gig work, ecommerce – especially reselling – is relatively low-risk. It doesn’t require specialized skills or major upfront investment, but most importantly, it offers flexibility, making it the easiest starting point for people looking to earn extra,” says Marty.
Overall, 81% say they plan to continue their side hustle over the next 12 months.
Methodology
The survey was commissioned by Omnisend and conducted by Cint in April 2026. A total of 1,029 Canadian respondents were questioned. Quotas were placed on age, gender, income, and place of residence to achieve a nationally representative sample among users. The margin of error is +/-3 percent.
The estimated $9.9B figure was calculated using three factors: the percentage of Canadians with a side hustle, estimated average monthly side hustle earnings, and Canadian adult population data. Average earnings were estimated using weighted averages based on reported income brackets, excluding “prefer not to say” responses.
About Omnisend
Omnisend is an email & SMS marketing platform with a suite of features made specifically to help ecommerce stores grow their online businesses faster. One-click integration with major ecommerce platforms, pre-made automation & email templates, and award-winning 24/7/365 live customer support make it easy for brands of any size to sell more – all without the exaggerated cost.
Please share your experience or questions in the comments below, or join us in the Online Business Canada Facebook group.
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Last Updated on May 21, 2026 by Melody McKinnon, Online Business & Marketing Manager
