Side hustle ideas in Memphis, TN

Memphis has a big music and events scene, plenty of homeowners in the suburbs and long hot summers. That's where the paying work is. Here are side hustles that fit Memphis, with what they cost to start, what people usually charge, and how to land your first customer this week.

1. 🎸

   1. 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.

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. 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.

6. 🎧

   6. 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.

7. 📱

   7. Social media for local businesses

   Short videos and posts for restaurants, gyms and shops that don't have time.

   Start: $0–200Charge: $300–1,000 a month per business

   First step: Make a free sample Reel for one local shop and show them.

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 Memphis can be higher or lower, so check a few local listings before you set yours.