Guide to side hustles in Columbia, SC. What you can do to earn extra cash
Whether you’re looking for ways to cover rising expenses or cushion your savings, Columbia has a variety of ways to make money without the commitment of a full-time job.
There are hundreds of online gigs that claim quick cash, from writing online reviews to proofreading to customer service calls. Some are legit. Some are deadends. Some aren’t aren’t worth the time and effort.
Here are six side hustles in Columbia that can help you make extra money start right now.
Reselling
Vintage and antique sellers can vend at events like the monthly Bullseye Vintage market or at permanent storefronts like the Old Mill Antique Mall in West Columbia or ReFind in the Rosewood area.
Columbia also has several popular flea markets nearby, including Barnyard Flea Market in Lexington and US 1 Metro Flea Market in West Columbia.
Those who are looking to sell more casually can utilize online platforms like Depop and Poshmark for clothing, and eBay, Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for other items.
Babysitting and pet sitting
Columbia has over 25,000 families, according to city data. Families looking to hire help to care for their kids, either to babysit or nanny their children,
Pet sitting or dog walking are also options, which can be done independently or through platforms Rover or Wag.
Rideshare and delivery driving
Columbia residents can also pick up shifts driving for rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft, as well as food delivery services like DoorDash and GrubHub. These gigs allow busy people to work around their own schedules.
Research participation
Some researchers at the University of South Carolina and other local research organizations will compensate people who participate in their studies.
Donating plasma
In Columbia, people can donate plasma at centers like CSL Plasma or Octapharma Plasma to earn cash, which can mean hundreds of dollars within the first few visits.
Creative work
Creatives can be found selling arts and crafts at Soda City Market, as well as other local markets and events, like the Cottontown Art Crawl.
Artwork is also often sold at local cafés, like Cool Beans Coffee Company and Cinnamon Roll Deli. Local studios, venues and galleries, like City Art, the Cayce Arts Guild, and 701 Whaley also accept local art to sell.
This story was originally published January 14, 2026 at 7:19 AM.
