While AI has made it easier to analyze information, work faster and create things, it has also put many careers and side gigs at risk, especially those that require repetitive or data-focused work.
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A recent Microsoft study listed translators, writers, salespeople, customer service workers and telemarketers as some of the professionals with a high AI exposure risk.
If you want a reliable side income in 2026, it’s smart to look into AI-resistant gigs, which often involve hands-on tasks, emotional intelligence or your physical presence. Here are six diverse options that can bring in extra cash and maybe even help you build your skills.
Pet Sitter or Dog Walker
Watching pets or walking dogs requires your physical presence and care, so AI won’t be taking this type of work anytime soon. Such side gigs are great if you love animals and want something that lets you get outdoors or pick your hours.
You can offer services locally or sign up for a platform like Rover, which helps clients find you and includes perks like vet care reimbursement.
While you can expect to set your own rates for pet services, Indeed reported average hourly wages of $25.77 for pet sitters and $21.29 for dog walkers. Keep in mind that booking platforms will often take a cut of your earnings.
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Babysitter
Child care is an AI-resistant side gig because it requires responding to unpredictable situations and providing personalized care and constant supervision. It’s also in demand with many parents looking for a trusted person to watch their children while they work or enjoy a night out.
To get started, you can directly advertise to families in your town, post on community sites or join platforms like Care.com. Having child care experience, references and CPR certification can help you stand out.
According to Indeed, babysitters and nannies earn on average $22.43 per hour, though you should consider the market in your area when you set your child care rates.
Handyman Service Provider
If you’d like to make money tackling household projects, making repairs or helping people move, you’re in luck since there’s not a danger of robots coming to take over these hands-on jobs yet.
You can consider becoming a handyman on a platform like TaskRabbit or Thumbtack, which both let you advertise various services at your own rates. You’ll just need to have the skills and tools for the project, and pass any required background checks.
Indeed showed an average hourly wage of $23.63 for handyman work. Your potential pay can depend on the location and type of work you’re doing, such as assembling items, fixing electrical problems, painting rooms or moving heavy furniture.
House Cleaner
Although robotic cleaning gadgets exist to make the job easier, there will still be plenty of demand from businesses and families who want humans to help clean their properties.
If you’re willing to put in the physical work, you can choose between joining a cleaning company as a part-time employee or going the self-employed route. The latter is often more flexible, but requires providing your own supplies.
Indeed listed an average hourly rate of $20.65 for house cleaners, while Angi noted noted that cleaners typically charge between $25 and $80 hourly. The job type also matters, as many charge their clients more for deep and move-out cleanings than routine cleaning services.
Tutor
While students often turn to ChatGPT for schoolwork, AI likely won’t replace all human tutors in 2026. Not only can AI tools be inaccurate, but some parents and students also prefer a human connection and someone with real-life experience.
If you’ve got subject-specific knowledge or a degree, you can consider tutoring local students or working online for platforms like Tutor.com or Wyzant. The requirements will vary, with tutoring platforms often requiring interviews or skill tests.
According to Indeed, tutors make an average hourly wage of $26.04. Generally, you’ll make more money tutoring STEM subjects like physics and calculus than English or history.
AI Trainer
If you prefer online work, AI training is a unique, in-demand gig worth considering. While AI models have improved, companies still need human help to fine-tune the responses and test out new features. You’ll typically do multiple types of tasks with this gig.
While a bachelor’s degree is a common requirement, you don’t necessarily need a computer science background. Often, you’ll sign up for various platforms (like Data Annotation or Outlier), take assessments to get approved for a project, work a flexible schedule and earn money by the hour or task.
According to Indeed, the average hourly pay for AI training specialists is $25.48. You might make much more than that if you land projects requiring experience in areas like computer science, law or medicine.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: AI Is Taking Over — but These 6 Side Gigs Are Still Safe in 2026
