How To Turn Shoveling Show Into A Profitable Side Hustle
Are you looking for a way to line your pockets with extra cash? We’re here to tell you that shoveling snow is a great way to do so.
- Shoveling snow can be a lucrative side hustle during winter months.
- Earnings depend on job rates and clients, averaging $20-$100 per job.
- Startup costs are low, requiring basic equipment like shovels and ice scrapers.
- Find gigs through neighbors, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Handy, Thumbtack, and Shovler App.
If you’re looking for a way to make some extra cash in these tough economic times, you’re not alone. Many people are searching for secondary jobs to supplement their income.
Starting a side hustle shoveling snow is a great option to consider.
In this guide, we’ll show you how investing in a snow pusher or snow shovel and removing pounds of snow can equal tons of cash for you.
An Overview of Shoveling Snow: A Primer
In the winter, snow buildup is a significant obstacle that faces people trying to get on with their daily lives. As a result, snow removal is a job that’s in high demand at that time of year.
By grabbing your snow shovel and removing piles of snow from sidewalks and driveways, you can make a lot of extra cash.
Who knows, some clients may reward you with a cup of hot cocoa too!
How Much Can Shoveling Snow Earn You?
How much you make as a snow shoveler depends on several factors. They include how much you charge for each job, how many clients you have, and how many clients you serve per day.
If you charge $20 per driveway and work four hours per day, that’s a net income of $80 per day. Not only that, but you also get paid on the same day.
If you extrapolate this daily income, you’ll end up with an annual income ranging from $21,000 to $30,000. Considering that this is your side hustle, that’s a lot of extra cash to have in your pocket.
How Much Does it Cost to Start a Side Hustle Shoveling Snow?
The start-up capital you’ll need to start your side hustle shoveling snow depends on the scale you intend to operate at.
If you want to start small, all you need is a vehicle to get around, a heavy-duty metal shovel, and an ice scraper. If you already have a suitable vehicle, your start-up cost will be minimal.
For those who want to take things further, we recommend investing in a snow plow, a truck, and other equipment. In that case, your start-up cost will range from $6,000 to $13,000.
The equipment you’ll need includes a snow blower and a salt sprayer.
Where Can You Find Shoveling Snow Gigs?
To make money shoveling snow, you should first find people willing to pay for your services. You can do so by yourself or through the platforms that gig economy companies provide.
Where to Independently Find Shoveling Snow Work
To independently find jobs shoveling snow, you can start shoveling for your neighbors.
Let them know that you’re doing it as a part-time job and ask them to spread the word.
Slowly but surely, you’ll get calls from complete strangers asking you to shovel snow for them.
You can also increase your exposure by marketing your services on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
Gig Economy Companies That Offer Shoveling Snow Work
Alternatively, you can take advantage of gig economy companies. Using these companies’ websites and apps, you can easily connect with potential clients.
You can also find other handyman jobs on some of these platforms.
Here are some websites/apps we recommend:
Why You Should Consider Shoveling Snow As a Side Hustle
There are multiple reasons why you should consider starting a side hustle shoveling snow.
Here are three of them:
The demand for your services will always be high if you’re in the right area
If you live in Midwestern states like Minnesota or Illinois, you’re no stranger to heavy snow.
In turn, people will always need your services so they can conduct their daily activities in the winter.
You’ll be your only boss
A key feature of any good side hustle is the flexibility of working hours.
When you shovel snow for extra cash, you choose when and how much you work.
As a result, you can easily do it alongside your primary job.
It’s a job and a workout at the same time
Since your main job already takes up much of your time, adding a side job to your daily routine leaves little time for other activities.
The great aspect of shoveling snow is that it allows you to get some exercise while making money at the same time.
Problems With Shoveling Snow
Shoveling snow for some extra cash also comes with some potential issues.
Here are some of the problems that may arise:
It’s physically demanding
As mentioned above, shoveling snow is an intense physical activity.
As a result, you need to be physically up to it. If you have previous injuries or pre-existing physical conditions, this side hustle isn’t for you.
It can be dangerous
Shoveling snow can be dangerous for those with heart conditions.
The cold weather raises blood pressure and constricts arteries. As a result, it raises the risk of heart attacks and shortness of breath.
The demand depends on the climate
As with all seasonal jobs, the demand for your services will heavily depend on the amounts of snow your area gets.
Snow shoveling is a suitable side hustle only if you reside in a region that consistently gets heavy snow in fall and winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shoveling snow hard?
Shoveling snow is not an easy task. It requires a lot of physical effort and is similar in intensity to a cardio workout.
As a result, you shouldn’t shovel snow if you struggle with back pain or other physical conditions. Additionally, those who have heart disease should avoid shoveling snow.
Is shoveling snow an in-demand side hustle?
The demand for shoveling snow depends largely on the season and the area you live in.
Naturally, there won’t be much demand for snow shovelers in the summer.
As for winter, the more feet of snow your region gets, the higher the demand for snow shoveling will be.
Brett Helling is the founder and owner of Gigworker.com. Having worked in the gig economy for nearly a decade, he has mastered freelance, remote, and app-based work. You can learn more about his journey in his book, "Gigworker: Independent Work and the State of the Gig Economy", now available on Amazon.