15 Top Side Hustles for Firefighters (2026): Make Over $1,000 a Month

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      Given their special schedules, nearly every firefighter I’ve met has at least one side hustle!

      In this article, I’ll outline my favorite side hustles for firefighters based on:

      My 15+ years of side hustle experience

      Discussions with actual firefighters

      Flexibility of schedule and earning potential

      According to Career Explorer, firefighters earn an average annual salary of $78,000, but they often have significant downtime to pursue additional money-making opportunities. Here are my top recommendations.

      Ready? Let’s dive in!

      1. Hotshot Crew Firefighting

      Any firefighter knows that the quickest way to boost your income is to take on extra shifts. Demand peaks during wildfire season.

      Of course, this job is very risky, but for many firefighters, the pay justifies the danger. "Hotshot" crew members receive hazard pay along with overtime in addition to their regular wages.

      However, it may be challenging to find time off from your regular duties to join a hotshot crew.

      2. Resell Furniture Returns

      Reselling furniture returns is a unique low-risk side hustle.

      You join Sharetown as a local “reverse logistics” representative. Sharetown collaborates with direct-to-consumer mattress and furniture brands to manage their return requests.

      When customers decide they don’t want to keep an item, you’ll be sent to pick it up. After that, you’ll:

      clean it

      photograph it

      list it for resale on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace

      The Sharetown representatives I’ve spoken with aim for $150-250 per flip — and importantly, you don’t have to pay Sharetown for the inventory until the item sells. Check out my complete Sharetown review for additional details.

      3. Handyperson Service

      If you enjoy fixing things, why not start a handyman business?

      Although this might seem like a typical blue-collar business, if you already possess the necessary tools for home projects, your startup costs will be low.

      Utilizing odd job apps like TaskRabbit, Thumbtack, and NextDoor can connect you with individuals in your area who need assistance.

      Apps such as TaskRabbit enable you to set your own rates and accept payments through the app, making getting paid straightforward.

      4. Construction

      Another prevalent side hustle for firefighters is working in construction during off hours. This involves physical, manual labor and may include:

      framing houses

      drywall

      carpentry

      installing cabinets or appliances

      tile setting

      and more

      Typical hourly wages range from $20-40/hr, depending on your location and experience.

      5. Real Estate Investing

      Real estate investing is one of the oldest and most popular side hustles, but properties can be pricey!

      Fortunately, emerging platforms like Arrived simplify investing in income-generating properties with as little as $100.

      The company aggregates funds to purchase rental properties, manages them, and distributes the cash flow monthly.

      Pros: Earn quarterly dividends; Completely hands-off; Low minimum investment ($100)

      Cons: Limited liquidity; Not highly diversified; Listings can sell out quickly

      I was also impressed with Austin Miller's innovative approach to building his rental portfolio, which reached 17 properties valued at $1.2 million during our conversation.

      The catch? He acquired them all without using any of his own money.

      6. Window Washing

      Window washing is another excellent low-cost side hustle.

      Cleaning windows can be scheduled at your convenience and can be performed on both residential and commercial properties.

      You can charge in various ways: by pane, by the window, or hourly. According to Johnny Robinson, co-founder of Orange Window Cleaning, flat-rate pricing is set at $15.75 per window.

      Most providers typically earn an hourly rate in the $40-$75 range.

      7. Fitness Coaching

      As a firefighter, your physical fitness can be a matter of life and death. Since you understand how to maintain your physical strength, others may pay you to train them.

      Side Hustle Nation has witnessed several entrepreneurs develop online fitness side hustles, such as:

      Carey Adam, who created a running program for mothers

      April Whitney, who developed an online strength-training course for petite women

      Melissa Witmer, who managed a membership community for Ultimate frisbee players

      Pat Flynn, who started a kettlebell-focused fitness blog

      8. Firefighter Career Coaching

      Could you use your expertise to assist others in starting or furthering their firefighting careers?

      For example, Chief Dave Robertson launched Fire Edge, an online career coaching service for current and aspiring firefighters.

      His rates start at $100 an hour and include:

      Resume and cover letter evaluations

      Interview preparation and coaching

      Mock interviews

      9.