More than half of Australians are participating in or considering joining the side hustle economy, according to new research commissioned by Westpac. The survey, conducted by Action Market Research between October 10 and 16, 2025, included responses from 1,037 adults across the country.
The study found that 27% of Australians currently earn income through a side hustle or micro-business, while another 28% are thinking about starting one within the next year. Anthony Mathews, Westpac National General Manager for SME and Small Business, said: "The side hustle economy is now firmly re-shaping how people work and earn."
Mathews noted that this trend is not limited to major cities. "And it isn’t just a big city phenomenon. Australians in regional areas are just as innovative and engaged in side hustles as those in our capital cities," he said.
Financial motivations were the main driver behind this movement. More than three-quarters (77%) of those surveyed cited earning extra income as their primary reason for pursuing a side hustle. This figure was even higher among women and regional residents, both at 83%. Mathews added: "While financial relief is the primary driver, we're also seeing Australians pursue side hustles for personal fulfilment, flexibility, and to explore their passions."
Younger Australians were more likely to have multiple side hustles. Among respondents aged 18-34 with an additional business activity, they averaged nearly two ventures each. Popular types included retail and e-commerce (30%), creative content (20%), and gig economy services such as rideshare driving (18%). According to Mathews: "Whether it's someone selling homemade ceramics at the local markets, providing graphic design services on weekends, or dog walking in their local area, there is no end to Australian ingenuity." He continued: “Side hustles are helping people earn extra income, often while doing what they love.”
Queenslanders led all states with 34% currently earning from a side hustle. Victoria followed at 28%, with New South Wales and ACT at 23%. Engagement levels were similar between metropolitan (27%) and regional areas (28%).
Earnings varied significantly among participants. While most—67%—earned less than $500 per month from their secondary work, around one in five made $1,000 or more monthly. The average monthly earnings stood at approximately $736.
Despite the popularity of these ventures as supplementary income sources—62% planned to keep them small—30% expressed ambitions to scale up their businesses either part-time or full-time. Mathews commented: “The potential of side hustles shouldn’t be underestimated.” He pointed out examples where successful global companies began as modest projects before growing into large enterprises.
Many participants relied on informal support systems like friends and family (36%), social media groups (34%), or YouTube tutorials (31%) instead of professional advice when developing their businesses. Mathews remarked: “The research suggests that formalised supports, such as government programs and advice from financial institutions, are under-utilised. There's a clear opportunity to better support Australia's side hustle economy with education and practical resources to help them scale their businesses." He added: “From a finance perspective...separating business and personal finances gives them clearer insights into what their business is generating – what’s coming in and what’s going out.” Westpac currently offers eligible customers $100 cashback when opening a new business transaction account.
Other key motivations included personal fulfilment (31%), flexibility or independence (29%), exploring passion or creativity (29%), and building long-term wealth (27%). Barriers identified by respondents involved lack of time (33%), challenges balancing work-life commitments (28%), insufficient knowledge on how to start (28%), upfront costs for tools or equipment (27%), and lack of confidence (25%).
The survey's margin of error was +/-3%.