Michigan's side hustles split by season and by city. Here are nine that pay in 2026.
1. Local Friend: show visitors Detroit's comeback, at your rate#
Visitors are coming back to downtown Detroit and want someone to show them what changed: Eastern Market on a Saturday, Corktown and the restored Michigan Central station, the Riverwalk, Motown and the music history, a Tigers or Lions game, Coney dogs and Detroit-style pizza with an opinion attached. Up North in summer: Traverse City, Mackinac, the lakeshore. You set your rate (commonly $20 to $40), Roavi lists you free and takes no commission. Very few are listed in Michigan. No licence is needed. How it works in the US.
2. Rideshare at DTW#
The airport, the stadium district downtown, the auto-show and convention weeks. After gas, $16 to $24 an hour.
3. Delivery#
$14 to $20 an hour after costs, noticeably better in winter.
4. Paid research studies in Ann Arbor#
The University of Michigan and its health system enrol volunteers year-round. $25 to $150 a session.
5. Stadium staffing#
Ford Field, Comerica Park, Little Caesars Arena, and Michigan Stadium's 100,000-plus Saturdays in Ann Arbor. $15 to $24 an hour.
6. Arabic and Spanish interpreting#
Dearborn and the surrounding area have one of the largest Arabic-speaking communities in the country, and southwest Detroit a large Mexican community. Medical, legal and school interpreting pays $25 to $50 an hour.
7. Snow removal#
Driveways and sidewalks after every storm, $25 to $60 a driveway, more for businesses.
8. Up North co-hosting#
Cottages and cabins around Traverse City, the Lake Michigan shore and the Upper Peninsula rent all summer. 10 to 20 percent of bookings.
9. Tutoring#
Ann Arbor and the Oakland County suburbs, $25 to $55 an hour.
What makes Michigan different#
The seasons, the university, the communities. And the taxes: a flat state income tax of about 4.25 percent plus a city income tax in Detroit and some other cities; set aside 25 to 30 percent with federal and self-employment tax.
Live in Michigan? Show visitors Detroit at your rate.
Become a Local FriendFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best side hustle in Michigan?
In winter, snow removal and delivery, which pay more when nobody wants to go out. In Ann Arbor, paid research studies at the University of Michigan and its hospital. Around Dearborn, Arabic interpreting. In summer, co-hosting cottages Up North. And Local Friend in Detroit, where visitors are coming back downtown and want someone to show them the comeback.How much can you make with a side hustle in Michigan?
After costs, typical 2026 ranges: rideshare $16 to $24 an hour after gas; delivery $14 to $20; research studies $25 to $150 a session; stadium staffing $15 to $24; Arabic or Spanish interpreting $25 to $50; snow removal $25 to $60 a driveway; Up North co-hosting 10 to 20 percent; tutoring $25 to $55; Local Friend at the rate you set, commonly $20 to $40.How are side hustles taxed in Michigan?
A flat state income tax of about 4.25 percent, plus a city income tax in Detroit (about 2.4 percent for residents) and a couple dozen other cities, on top of federal income and self-employment tax. Set aside about 25 to 30 percent.What is a Local Friend and how does it work in Detroit?
Someone who lives there and shows visitors it by the hour: Eastern Market on a Saturday, Corktown and Michigan Central, the Riverwalk, Motown and the music history, a Tigers or Lions game, Coney dogs and Detroit-style pizza with an opinion. You set your rate, Roavi lists you free and takes no commission. Very few are listed in Michigan. No licence is needed.