Side hustle ideas in Boulder, CO

Boulder has big colleges, outdoor lovers everywhere and a busy tech scene. That's where the paying work is. Here are side hustles that fit Boulder, with what they cost to start, what people usually charge, and how to land your first customer this week.

1. 🚲

   1. Bike tune-ups

   Mobile bike tune-ups and flat fixes at people's homes.

   Start: $150–400 (tools)Charge: $50–90 a tune-up

   First step: Offer $30 tune-ups on your street for the first month to get reviews.

2. 📸

   2. Portrait and event photography

   Senior photos, family shoots, graduations and small events.

   Start: $300–1,000 (camera)Charge: $100–300 a session

   First step: Do 3 free shoots to build a portfolio, then post them.

3. ✏️

   3. Tutoring

   Math, test prep or a subject you're strong in, in person or online.

   Start: $0Charge: $25–60 an hour

   First step: Tell 3 parents you know and post in a local parents group.

4. 📦

   4. Moving help

   Loading, unloading and small moves, busiest at the start and end of college terms.

   Start: $0–200 (dolly, straps)Charge: $30–50 an hour per person

   First step: List yourself on TaskRabbit and post on campus boards before move-in week.

5. 🎧

   5. Event DJ or sound setup

   Parties, school dances and small events.

   Start: $300–1,000 (speaker, controller)Charge: $200–600 an event

   First step: DJ a friend's party for free and film it.

6. 🎒

   6. Outdoor gear rental and delivery

   Rent out camping, ski or paddle gear, dropped off and picked up.

   Start: $300–1,500Charge: $25–80 a day per kit

   First step: Start with gear you already own and list it on a gear-rental site.

7. 🎸

   7. Music lessons

   Beginner guitar, piano or drums, in person or online.

   Start: $0Charge: $30–60 a lesson

   First step: Post in a local parents group offering a first lesson free.

8. 🔁

   8. Thrift flipping

   Buy underpriced furniture, gear or clothes and resell online.

   Start: $100–300Charge: Aim for 2–3× what you paid

   First step: Buy 5 items at garage sales this weekend and list them on Marketplace.

Prices are typical US ranges. What people pay in Boulder can be higher or lower, so check a few local listings before you set yours.