Lights, camera, action: Acting tops Singapore’s side hustle earnings

For varying reasons, there is a group of aspiring actors living among us, dreaming of the day they would receive their big break into the acting world. Seeking the glamour or escapism that acting offers from the mundanity of life, many of these aspiring actors are stuck in their 9-to-5 office jobs. Or are they?

With all the theatrics and drama inherent in many workplaces today, perhaps we have all underestimated the fertility of the office as a breeding ground for tomorrow’s breakthrough actors.

And for Singapore’s aspiring actors, a growing trend in the flexible world of work is no laughing matter.

According to a new study by Preply, an online English tuition platform, acting is Singapore’s highest-paid side hustle. Those with theatrical talent can expect a yearly average of S$21,153 (US$16,228) extra through acting gigs, which equates to S$86.09 (US$66.05) per hour.

Devoid of any discernable acting skills? Fret not, as having other skills may earn you a lucrative side gig in Singapore.

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For example, freelance photographers taking on a job five hours a week can earn an average of $20,352 (US$15,608) annually, or a considerable S$82.83 (US$63.53) per hour. Content creators skilled in blogging, article writing, or media distribution can expect an average of S$15,346 (US$11,769) extra cash per year or S$62.45 (US$47.90) an hour.

Life coaching, voice acting/narration, lead generation, video editing, project management, SEO writing, and illustration make up the top ten list of most lucrative side hustles in Singapore.

Still dreaming of being an actor? That pipe dream may be closer to reality than you think.