Home Business Ideas

1. Voice Acting

Perhaps you’ve always received compliments on having a great voice. Or maybe, you can make super-convincing vocal sound effects. While a lucrative career in voice acting doesn’t happen overnight, all you need to get started is some quality home recording equipment and perseverance. Voice actors are typically paid per job, ranging from just $20 to several hundred for an hour’s worth of work.

2. Virtual Decor Refreshers

Do you have an eye for design and a proven ability to nurture client relationships? A new market catering to homeowners who would like a little help refreshing their homes also provides an innovative, multidimensional revenue stream for entrepreneurs with flair. Decor Refreshers working from home will need to invest in an attractive website and brand awareness. Fees vary with location and range of service but are ultimately at your discretion.

3. Tutoring Online

Are you a math whiz or have hours under your belt helping kids with homework? Working as an online tutor is a great way to earn cash on a flexible schedule. Many online tutors get their start as an independent contractor for an online tutoring company though each have their own experience requirements from “strong knowledge” up to a Ph.D. All that’s required for sure is a strong internet connection to start earning from $9-30 per hour.

4. Startup Consultant

If you have experience in project management or some success as an entrepreneur, fledgling startups are seeking your help! Coach startups through business set up, financial and operational strategy, funding possibilities, and market entry. However, stakes are high and only those with an MBA, or at least an undergraduate degree and proven results, should consider this field. Rates are dependant on experience and range from $40-60 per hour or a flat rate per project.

5. Graphic Design

Businesses always need graphic designers to help them convey information visually, through logos, advertisements, posters, websites, and the like. While it is possible to be an entirely self-taught graphic designer, most have either a certification or a degree. Other than the cost of design software, this business has very little overhead and can be done anywhere with a dedicated computer. While rates are at your discretion, the median salary of graphic designers is $45,000 per year.

6. Bookkeeping

This is a perfect business idea for trained accountants who would like to work from home, although it is not necessary to be a Certified Public Accountant in order to become a freelance bookkeeper—it is necessary to have the background knowledge that bookkeeping courses at any community college can offer. This kind of freelance work is especially helpful for small businesses that do not need or cannot afford a full time bookkeeper, making it possible for you to have full time work through several smaller clients. The average salary is $34,000 per year.

7. Virtual Assistant

Virtual Assistants are just like a secretary in another part of the world. This industry is growing very quickly due to the booming number of entrepreneurs who need an extra helping hand. Virtual assistants should be able to handle any number of small tasks for a business or individual, including answering emails, data entry, scheduling, managing blogs, and even shopping. According to Indeed.com, the average salary for virtual assistants is $42,000.

8. Blogger

Start blogging, and build a following with your blog and social media networks. Having a blog not only makes you more influential as an entrepreneur, but it also makes it easier for you to establish yourself as a thought leader in the industry. Where is your passion: education, technology, startups, payments? Learn about that industry and write about it. Your idea might just come naturally! However, blogging does require a lot of creativity and mental energy before seeing profit. Pay ranges, however if you’re willing to work, cracking six-figures is possible.

9. Tax Preparation

No one likes doing taxes, and they need to be paid whether the economy is booming or tanking. This is why at-home tax preparation can be a great business for anyone with a tax background, or anyone willing to take training courses. Since there are annual changes to the tax code, you will need to refresh your training each year, and you will also need to register with the IRS as a tax preparer. This is more of a seasonal business than a year-round endeavor, but it can be a great way to earn some extra income each winter/spring. The average salary is $30,900 per year.

10. Grant Writing

Non-profits, universities, hospitals and other community organizations all have a great need for grant money to supplement their budgets, but grants are notoriously tricky to write for the first time. If you have experience writing grants or are willing to learn how to do it by practicing your skills without pay for a few non-profits, you can start a lucrative freelance grant writing business. According to eHow, grant writers can make anywhere from $40, 300 to $67,000.

11. Debt Collector

It takes a very thick skin to go into this business, but debt collectors only need a telephone and a computer to work, making it a great work-at-home business. It’s also a recession-proof (or even recession-loving) business. Licensing requirements vary from state to state, so make sure you do your homework before setting up shop. The average salary is $31,300 per year.

12. Mobile App Developers

Creating a profitable app for smartphones isn’t necessarily about having the best or most innovative idea: it’s about creating the best user experience for that idea. That’s how app designers are able to make their work-from-home a full time job—and then just live off the passive income. Depending on your experience and skill level, mobile app developers can range from $30 per hour to over 200k per year.

25. Computer Repair

These days, more and more companies are looking to save by outsourcing key functions, including computer repair. You can set up a service catering to these businesses as well as to individuals. If you require training before getting started, there are numerous technical schools teaching computer repair, and many online directories to help you find a program in your state. However, earning potential is dependant on how much competition already exists in your area and whether or not there is a gap niche in which you can fill.

26. Home-Based Bakery

Does everyone rave about your baked goods? Food production from a home is heavily regulated, but it’s not impossible. Before you start a home-based food business, you will need to understand the rules and regulations that govern the production of food for public consumption in an at-home environment. For example do you need a separate kitchen? What about product labeling? Be warned that if improperly run, a home-based bakery can lose money quickly. However, those who get their cakes in a row can enjoy the sweetness of unlimited earning potential

27. Translator

Are you bilingual or know more than a couple of languages? Language translators are in big demand these days. International commerce is growing as fast as the internet, so those who can translate documents from one language to another are in high demand. As a language translator, you’ll interpret all sorts of documents, from books to private letters to product labels, but your greatest source of revenue will be legal and medical companies. Starting up a home-based translation service has limited overhead aside from a certificate of fluency, and yields an average of $47,000 annually.

28. Freelance Copy Editor

Proofread, copy-edit, and stretch your skills related to publishing by working with writers and journalists in an editorial capacity. Working as an editor from home requires experience and knowledge, but there is no degree requirement (though it can help!). Projects pay by the hour, averaging from $10 to $30, or are priced at a flat rate.

29. Freelance Writer/ Journalist

If you have a way with words and can write creative and compelling articles, then this may be for you. All you need is a computer, internet, and an expert grasp of the English language. There are many sites like upwork.com or elance.com that allow writers to find ample clients. Earning potential is high. However, so is the competition. To be a successful freelance writer, it’s important to not only brush up on grammar, but your business skills, as well.

30. Home Inspection

An important part of the home-buying process is having a professional home inspector go through the house to determine the condition of the building and point out any potential problems. To ensure the process is standardized, a home inspector needs to meet the state regulations for the profession which varies from state to state—although anyone who has worked in the construction or housing industry will have a leg up on earning an average of $52,000 annually.

31. Photographer

Making money as a photographer can be done in a number of different ways. You can specialize in one area, the most common being weddings. There are niches you can explore for photography: portraits of people and their pets, families, and homes; photographs of holiday events, birthday parties or Christmas cards; the possibilities are endless. What you charge for services depends on your equipment, experience, and location. However, because of the desirability of this career, making a name for yourself requires hustle.

32. Day Trader

With just a few thousand dollars, you can get started day trading from home. The pursuit offers unlimited thrills and opportunities. But it also requires a high tolerance for risk. Before biting the bullet, consider investing in simulation software that allows you to make pretend trades and learn the ropes. Overhead projections should also factor in a daily subscription to the Wall Street Journal and the effort to develop a solid business strategy. For those who are successful, day trading can net you several hundred thousand per year.

33. Energy Efficiency Consultant

Homeowners and businesses are looking for any way they can to cut costs, but figuring out how to lower energy expenses isn’t as easy as you might think. Anyone who has a background in utilities or construction and can advise homeowners or businesses on how to better insulate, install smart meters, reduce water usage, etc., has a valuable service to offer. For those with experience and the ability to build up clientele, an energy efficiency consultant can expect an average of $65,000 a year.

34. Career or Life Coach

It isn’t always easy for people to figure out what’s best for them. Sometimes we just need someone to help us along and to get us through the rough patches. Career and life coaches can help people get to that better place more easily and quickly than they would on their own. If you love people and have a true desire to help them, this may be the home business opportunity for you. The requirements for career and life coaches vary by location and experience but often include certification. Earnings average $100-235 per hour.

35. Customer Service Rep.

Perfect for “people” people who can list patience as their greatest asset, working from home as a customer service representative only requires a pleasant disposition, reliable internet and phone service. This field offers the additional opportunity of working from home while maintaining steady employment with a large company. Pay can range from $8-18 per hour, though applicants may need to pay a small fee for a background check before being hired.