Top side hustles in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is two cities in one. From Memorial Day to Labor Day it's a resort town, with crowds on the Atlantic Avenue boardwalk, full rentals in Sandbridge and traffic backed up on the Expressway. The rest of the year it's a big suburban city built around the Navy, with families in Kempsville, Red Mill and Great Neck who need the same services as anyone else. The best side hustles in Virginia Beach let you ride the summer wave without going broke in January.
Here are 18 side gigs that work here, what each one typically pays, startup costs and how to balance seasonal tourist work with steady local income.
Why Virginia Beach is a strong side-hustle market
- A summer tourist economy. The Oceanfront, Sandbridge and the Chesapeake Bay beaches fill with visitors in summer, and events like the Neptune Festival in late September and the Shamrock Marathon in March stretch the season.
- One of the largest military communities in the country. Naval Air Station Oceana, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story and Dam Neck sit inside the city, with Naval Station Norfolk next door. Military families move often and need help every time.
- Year-round suburbs. Neighborhoods from Kempsville to Princess Anne and Pungo have lawns, leaves, gutters and pets regardless of tourist season.
- Steady civilian employers. Sentara Healthcare, the city and schools, GEICO and Stihl, plus Regent University and Virginia Wesleyan University, keep demand for local services consistent.
The best side hustles in Virginia Beach: top 8
Start with these. They have the strongest local demand and the fastest path to a first paycheck.
1. Vacation rental turnover cleaning
Sandbridge homes and Oceanfront condos turn over on tight Saturday and Sunday schedules all summer. Property management companies hire independent cleaners, and reliable ones get booked every weekend. Pricing per property rather than per hour rewards speed.
2. Summer rideshare driving
Summer evenings along Atlantic Avenue, concerts at the amphitheater, Town Center nightlife and runs to Norfolk International Airport are the high-demand windows. Off-season demand drops, so plan to switch to delivery in winter. Our Lyft and Uber guide covers requirements.
3. Food and grocery delivery
DoorDash, Uber Eats and Instacart work year-round. Summer brings orders from rentals and hotels at the Oceanfront; winter shifts demand to the suburbs around Hilltop, Kempsville and Red Mill. Rainy days and nor'easters push pay up.
4. Moving help and move-out cleaning for military families
Navy families arrive and leave all year, with a summer peak. They need loading help, packing, furniture assembly and move-out cleaning to pass inspections or get deposits back. Spouse groups and moving-labor apps are the best lead sources.
5. Pressure washing
Salt air, humidity and pollen coat homes, decks and driveways. Spring cleanups before summer guests arrive and fall cleanups after the season are both busy. An electric pressure washer handles most residential work, and photos sell your service on Nextdoor.
6. Lawn care and leaf cleanup
Unlike Florida, Virginia Beach has real seasons: mowing from spring through fall, then leaves in November. Build a route in Great Neck, Kings Grant or Salem and add gutter cleaning for extra fall income.
7. Pet sitting and dog walking
Deployments, travel and long shifts at Sentara hospitals mean steady demand. Rover and Wag are active, and overnight stays during the holidays and summer vacations book weeks ahead.
8. Remote freelancing and virtual assistance
Portable work fits a military town perfectly. Writing, design, bookkeeping and admin support move with you at the next transfer. Start on Fiverr to build reviews, then pitch local realtors and contractors.
Driving pays well in July and much less in February. Check what you actually keep after gas and wear:
Gig Driver Earnings Calculator
Uber, Lyft, DoorDash or Instacart — see what you really earn per hour after gas and wear on your car.
Side jobs in Virginia Beach: pay and startup costs
| Side hustle | Typical pay | Startup cost | Time to first dollar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental turnover cleaning | $90–$200 per turnover | $100–$200 | 1–2 weeks |
| Rideshare | $15–$25/hr before expenses | Eligible car | 1–2 weeks |
| Delivery | $14–$22/hr before gas | Car or e-bike | Under 1 week |
| Military moving help | $25–$50/hr | $50–$200 | Days |
| Pressure washing | $150–$400 per job | $250–$600 | Days |
| Lawn care | $35–$60 per lawn | $0–$500 | Days |
| Pet sitting | $18–$70 per booking | $0 | 1–3 weeks |
| Freelancing | $20–$75/hr | Laptop | 2–6 weeks |
Summer-season side gigs at the Oceanfront
9. Event and festival staffing
Concerts at the amphitheater, events at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, Oceanfront festivals and the Neptune Festival all need concessions, security support, setup and cleanup crews. Staffing agencies post shifts throughout the season.
10. Beach gear rental and delivery
Deliver chairs, umbrellas, bikes and coolers to rental homes in Sandbridge and the North End. Partner with property managers for referrals. Stock mineral sunscreen as an easy add-on.
11. Beach and family photography
Sunrise family sessions on the beach, engagement shoots at First Landing State Park and military homecoming photos are popular. Check park rules for commercial photography before booking.
12. Surf, paddleboard and fishing lessons
Experienced surfers and anglers can teach visitors and newcomers. Get liability insurance and check city rules for commercial activity on the beach and in the water.
Year-round local services
13. Boat cleaning and detailing
Marinas on Rudee Inlet and Lynnhaven and backyard docks in Bay Colony and Lake Smith need regular wash-downs, waxing and winterizing help. Learn marine-safe products first.
14. Handyman and furniture assembly
Rental properties and military moves keep TaskRabbit busy with furniture assembly, TV mounting and small repairs. Stay away from electrical, plumbing and structural work that needs a license.
15. Mobile car detailing
Salt air, beach sand and spring pollen are hard on cars. Offer on-site detailing at office parks near Town Center and to service members who don't have time on weekends.
16. Tutoring and childcare
Military families who move mid-year often need tutoring to catch up, and parents with deployed spouses need reliable sitters. Students at Regent, Virginia Wesleyan, ODU and TCC can fill both roles.
17. Storm prep and cleanup
Hurricanes and nor'easters both hit the coast. Offer gutter cleaning, securing outdoor furniture, and debris cleanup afterward. A cordless leaf blower doubles for fall leaves and post-storm cleanup.
18. Reselling and furniture flipping
Military families sell furniture quickly before moves, and estate sales in established neighborhoods are good sourcing. Refresh and resell on Facebook Marketplace or list online through Shopify once you have a niche.
A year of side gigs in Virginia Beach
- March–May: pressure washing, spring yard cleanups and detailing after pollen season. The Shamrock Marathon and the Pungo Strawberry Festival bring early-season visitors.
- June–August: peak season. Max out rental cleaning, rideshare, beach gear delivery and event shifts, and catch the summer wave of military moves.
- September–November: the Neptune Festival, fall cleanups, leaf removal and storm prep. Hurricane season runs through November.
- December–February: slower for tourism. Lean on delivery, pet sitting during holiday travel, tutoring and remote work.
How to start a side hustle in Virginia Beach this month
- Pick one summer gig and one year-round gig. For example, rental cleaning plus pet sitting, or rideshare plus lawn care.
- Register with the city. Contact the Commissioner of the Revenue about a business license and complete the home-use zoning form if you work from home.
- Find clients where locals look. Nextdoor, Facebook neighborhood and military spouse groups, and calls to Sandbridge and Oceanfront property managers in early spring.
- Collect five reviews quickly. Offer an introductory rate to early clients in exchange for honest reviews.
- Set aside 30% of profit. Virginia income tax plus federal and self-employment tax add up. Our self-employment tax calculator helps you plan.
Virginia taxes and Virginia Beach rules
- State income tax: Virginia's graduated rates run from 2% to 5.75%, and the top rate applies to taxable income over $17,000. Most side income is taxed at 5.75%.
- Estimated payments: if no tax is withheld from your side income, you may need to make quarterly Virginia estimated payments in addition to federal ones.
- Self-employment tax: 15.3% federal on net profit, plus federal income tax.
- Business license and BPOL: Virginia Beach requires a business license, including for home-based businesses, and charges a Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) tax based on gross receipts and business category. Ask the Commissioner of the Revenue what you owe at your income level.
- Sales tax: if you sell physical goods, register with Virginia Tax and collect sales tax.
Compare other cities
See our guides to the best side hustles in Raleigh, Washington, DC and Baltimore. Virginia Beach has a shorter peak season than those cities but a large, steady military population that needs help year-round. Our advice at Better Side Hustles: build summer savings, keep one local service going all year and track every dollar.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best side hustles in Virginia Beach?
The best options are vacation rental cleaning at the Oceanfront and Sandbridge, summer rideshare and delivery, moving help and services for military families, pressure washing, lawn care, pet sitting, boat cleaning and remote freelancing. Virginia Beach combines a busy summer tourist season with a large, year-round military and suburban population.
How can I make money in Virginia Beach fast?
Delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats and Instacart, event staffing for summer concerts and festivals, Rover pet sitting and rental turnover cleaning can pay within one to two weeks. In summer, property managers in Sandbridge and the Oceanfront often need extra Saturday cleaners on short notice, which is one of the quickest ways to start earning.
Do I need a business license for a side hustle in Virginia Beach?
Generally yes. Virginia Beach requires a business license through the Commissioner of the Revenue, including for home-based businesses, which also need zoning approval for home use. The city levies a BPOL tax based on gross receipts and business category. Contact the Commissioner of the Revenue to confirm what applies at your income level.
How is side hustle income taxed in Virginia?
Virginia has a graduated state income tax from 2% to 5.75%, with the top rate applying to taxable income over $17,000, so most side income is taxed at 5.75%. You also owe federal income tax and 15.3% self-employment tax on net profit, and you may need to make Virginia estimated payments during the year.
How much can I earn from side jobs in Virginia Beach?
Working 8–15 hours a week, most people typically earn $400–$1,500 a month, with summer months higher. App-based driving and delivery usually net $14–$22 an hour after gas, while cleaning, pressure washing, moving help and freelancing often pay $30–$75 an hour once you have repeat clients.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Virginia Beach?
Only in certain areas and with the right approvals. Virginia Beach limits short-term rentals to specific zones, such as parts of Sandbridge and the Oceanfront, and requires registration and permits. Rules have changed several times, so check the city's current short-term rental requirements before you host, co-host or clean for a property.
Better Side Hustles Editorial Team. We research side hustles the practical way — platform fees, real pay ranges and what it takes to land your first dollar. How we write our guides.
Last reviewed October 26, 2026. Pay ranges are estimates and vary by city, season and effort. This article may contain affiliate links; see our disclosure.
