15 Legitimate Stay-at-Home Mom Jobs for This Year

Updated June 17, 20221.8k

Stay-at-home moms often need to consider a side hustle for extra income, but the work-from-home job market can be a minefield. Do you know how to avoid scams?

Stay-at-Home Mom Jobs

The role of a stay-at-home parent can be time-consuming, but that doesn’t mean there’s no opportunities to have a fruitful working career. Increased work-from-home opportunities now mean that jobs for stay-at-home moms (SAHMs) seeking side work are more accessible than ever. Here’s what you need to know.

What Are Stay-at-Home Mom Jobs?

Not all work-from-home jobs are SAHM jobs. Some work-from-home jobs require a full-time commitment and focus, which can be hard for stay-at-home moms and dads who need flexible jobs that allow them to work around their kids. In the past, stay-at-home work meant taking short-term, irregular gigs that could be very low paid. Fortunately, work-at-home jobs and online jobs that allow employees to make their own hours and schedules are more plentiful now, and better yet, many do not require a college degree or the start-up costs of a small business.

15 Common Work-from-Home Jobs for Stay-at-Home Moms

As a SAHM, you need to be able to work around your kids' nap time, snacks, and play. These 15 common jobs offer the flexibility to prioritize your family, as well as the chance to make decent money:

Bookkeeping
Proofreading
Freelance writing
Social media manager
Self-publishing (e.g., on Amazon)
Data entry
Selling crafts on Etsy
Transcriber for audio files
Affiliate marketing
Blogging/vlogging
Babysitter
SEO
Virtual assistant
Graphic design
Remote tutor (e.g. teaching English with VIPKid)

You will face more competition in some of these roles than in others. If you have specialist skills or experience, for example as a freelance writer or transcriptionist, you should apply for work-at-home jobs in these fields. Remember to tailor your resume to what the job needs before you submit it.

How To Avoid Work-from-Home Scams

The best stay-at-home mom jobs are hard to get, and there are many scammers out there, so be careful. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Here are some basic tips to help you avoid falling afoul of fraudulent job postings:

Do not send money in order to start a remote job
Research the company (look for presence beyond job sites or their website)
Don’t apply for flexjobs without concrete salary ranges
Seek second opinions from people you trust before giving personal information over
Don’t bank on a “cleared” check with instructions to send the money on or buy gift cards
Use job sites that have some kind of vetting process (avoid Craigslist)

What To Consider Before You Start Your Job Search

Whether you’re considering trying to find work in transcription, you’re applying to proofreading jobs, or you want to sell upcycled flea market items on eBay, there are some points to consider before taking the plunge. Remember that not every work-from-home job will offer a flexible schedule. Local businesses seeking virtual assistants or offering part-time jobs in remote roles will expect you to stick to the agreed schedule, but the paycheck will be more reliable. By contrast, a new job working from home that lets you set your own schedule can be great work if your life is unpredictable, but will require a lot of self-motivation if you want to be paid well. Here’s what you need to consider before you start looking for a new work-from-home job:

Are you willing to commit to set hours?
Do you want to build a passive income?
What makes your skillset unique?
Have you worked from home before?
How much time are you willing to commit per week?
Do you want a simple side hustle or are you trying to become a small business owner?

If you decide to take the plunge, consider using the ResumeNerd resume builder to ensure that your resume is the best it can be!

FAQ: Stay-at-Home Mom Jobs

Can I earn a steady income as a SAHM?

The nature and amount of income you can earn in a work-from-home job depends on a number of factors, but it is possible to make a steady wage if you find the right kind of job. For example, if you work as a virtual assistant, you may find it easier to make a steady income than you would if you chose to be a blogger. However, successful bloggers could make more money than the average virtual assistant. Weigh up the choices based on your needs and skills.

Can I set up a daycare to make money as a SAHM?

A daycare business can be a good option for experienced SAHMs and if you know how to market your services you could make good money. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. For example, daycare providers often need to get a lot of certifications and jump through certain legal hoops, even if they only work part-time. This can make childcare a bad option for those looking to make money on an as-needed basis.

Do I need a college degree to work as a SAHM?

No, there are work-from-home jobs available in many different sectors and fields. You do not need a bachelor’s degree to get a SAHM job, but having specialist skills or certifications can make it easier to find well-paying jobs for stay-at-home moms.

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About The Author

Cindi Cervone Carlson

Cindi Cervone Carlson is a Senior Vice President for Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. Cindi is responsible for developing, delivering, and implementing a dynamic, world-class organization dedicated to delivering outplacement consulting, training, support, and executive coaching. Cindi started her career at Challenger as a client who had lost her job. Over the past nine years, she has risen from an entry-level, part-time professional to Senior Vice President.