Can UX Design be a Side Hustle?
Sep 4, 2025
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3 min read
With flexible work rising and many freelance platforms, people are looking for ways to earn extra income outside their main jobs. If you’re curious about UX design, you might be wondering:
"Can UX design be a side hustle?”
The answer is yes, UX design can be a side hustle. With the right skills, portfolio, and time management, designers can take on freelance projects for extra income while keeping their main job. Let’s go into more details.
Why UX design works as a side hustle
UX design is project-based, meaning you can often work on specific deliverables like wireframes, prototypes, or user research. This flexibility makes it an appealing option for side work. Here’s why it fits well as a side hustle:
Freelance opportunities: Many startups and small businesses use freelancers to access specialized UX skills without adding headcount
Remote-friendly: Many UX tasks can be done online, from interviews to prototyping.
Scalable workload: You can take on small projects (like a landing page) or bigger ones depending on your time.
Skills you’ll need first
Before jumping in, you’ll want to build a foundation in:
User research: Interviewing and understanding user needs.
Wireframing and prototyping: Creating mockups in tools like Figma.
Usability testing: Checking how real users interact with designs.
Collaboration: Communicating clearly with developers or business owners.
Having a small but strong portfolio of sample projects is crucial. Even personal or practice projects can help showcase your skills to clients.
Challenges of doing UX on the side
While possible, there are some realities to consider:
Time management: UX requires deep thinking and iteration, which can be tough after a full workday.
Client expectations: Some clients may want fast turnarounds that clash with your schedule.
Constant learning: UX evolves quickly, so you’ll need to invest time in staying updated.
If you’re not careful, your side hustle could feel overwhelming instead of empowering.
Tips for success
If you decide to pursue UX design as a side hustle:
Start small: Take on one project at a time until you find your rhythm.
Set boundaries: Be clear with clients about your availability.
Use templates and tools: Speed up your workflow with ready-made design systems.
Build your brand: A simple portfolio website or LinkedIn presence can attract opportunities.
It’s important to mention that you should check your employment agreement for moonlighting/conflict‑of‑interest rules before taking paid work. Many employers have ‘outside employment’ policies.
Conclusion
Yes, UX design can absolutely be a side hustle. With the right foundation of skills, a portfolio to show your process, and boundaries to protect your time, it can become a rewarding way to earn extra income and sharpen your craft—without overwhelming your main job.
Why UX design works as a side hustle
UX design is project-based, meaning you can often work on specific deliverables like wireframes, prototypes, or user research. This flexibility makes it an appealing option for side work. Here’s why it fits well as a side hustle:
Freelance opportunities: Many startups and small businesses use freelancers to access specialized UX skills without adding headcount
Remote-friendly: Many UX tasks can be done online, from interviews to prototyping.
Scalable workload: You can take on small projects (like a landing page) or bigger ones depending on your time.
Skills you’ll need first
Before jumping in, you’ll want to build a foundation in:
User research: Interviewing and understanding user needs.
Wireframing and prototyping: Creating mockups in tools like Figma.
Usability testing: Checking how real users interact with designs.
Collaboration: Communicating clearly with developers or business owners.
Having a small but strong portfolio of sample projects is crucial. Even personal or practice projects can help showcase your skills to clients.
Challenges of doing UX on the side
While possible, there are some realities to consider:
Time management: UX requires deep thinking and iteration, which can be tough after a full workday.
Client expectations: Some clients may want fast turnarounds that clash with your schedule.
Constant learning: UX evolves quickly, so you’ll need to invest time in staying updated.
If you’re not careful, your side hustle could feel overwhelming instead of empowering.
Tips for success
If you decide to pursue UX design as a side hustle:
Start small: Take on one project at a time until you find your rhythm.
Set boundaries: Be clear with clients about your availability.
Use templates and tools: Speed up your workflow with ready-made design systems.
Build your brand: A simple portfolio website or LinkedIn presence can attract opportunities.
It’s important to mention that you should check your employment agreement for moonlighting/conflict‑of‑interest rules before taking paid work. Many employers have ‘outside employment’ policies.
Conclusion
Yes, UX design can absolutely be a side hustle. With the right foundation of skills, a portfolio to show your process, and boundaries to protect your time, it can become a rewarding way to earn extra income and sharpen your craft—without overwhelming your main job.
If you aren't following us on Instagram already, you're seriously missing out! Become a part of our ever-growing community and learn something new from the field of product design every. single. day.
Happy designing! 🥳
andrija & supercharge design team
If you aren't following us on Instagram already, you're seriously missing out! Become a part of our ever-growing community and learn something new from the field of product design every. single. day.
Happy designing! 🥳
andrija & supercharge design team
