Side hustle ideas in Houston, TX

Houston has long hot summers, plenty of homeowners in the suburbs and horse and ranch country nearby. That's where the paying work is. Here are side hustles that fit Houston, with what they cost to start, what people usually charge, and how to land your first customer this week.

1. 💦

   1. Pressure washing

   Driveways, decks, fences and siding. Before-and-after photos sell it for you.

   Start: $300–600Charge: $150–300 a driveway

   First step: Wash one driveway for free and post the before-and-after.

2. 🌿

   2. Lawn mowing route

   Weekly mowing and edging for homeowners on the same few streets.

   Start: $300–800Charge: $35–60 a yard

   First step: Sign up five houses on one street so your route stays tight.

3. 🏊

   3. Pool cleaning route

   Weekly skimming, brushing and chemical checks for backyard pools.

   Start: $200–500Charge: $100–180 a month per pool

   First step: Offer the first cleaning free to five neighbors with pools.

4. 🚗

   4. Mobile car detailing

   Interior and exterior detailing at the customer's home or office.

   Start: $200–600Charge: $100–250 a car

   First step: Detail a friend's car, film it, and offer a launch price to your first 10 customers.

5. 🔨

   5. Fence and deck repair

   Fixing boards, gates and posts, plus staining decks.

   Start: $200–500 (tools)Charge: $40–75 an hour

   First step: Offer free estimates on the neighborhood app and take before-and-after photos.

6. 🚛

   6. Junk removal and hauling

   Haul away old furniture, yard waste and garage junk with a truck.

   Start: Use your truck; dump feesCharge: $100–350 a load

   First step: Post in the neighborhood group with a photo of your truck and a flat price.

7. 🧹

   7. Pet waste cleanup

   Weekly yard cleanups. Recurring, simple and most people hate doing it.

   Start: $50–150Charge: $15–25 a visit

   First step: Door-hang flyers on a street where you see a lot of dogs.

8. 🎄

   8. Holiday light installs

   Hang and take down holiday lights for people who don't want to get on a ladder.

   Start: $150–400Charge: $200–600 a house

   First step: Post photos of one house you did in the neighborhood Facebook group in early November.

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