The Most Profitable Service-Based Businesses to Start in 2025 (That Actually Make Sense)
For People Who Want a Real Income, Not Just a Side Hustle.
Let’s stop pretending all side hustles are created equal. They’re not.
Some eat up your time and barely pay. Others? They create a whole new lifestyle for you. In 2025, service-based businesses are where the smart money is.
Especially if you’re someone who wants:
More control over your time
To work with actual paying clients (not chase “likes”)
A business you can start small and grow big
Something sustainable, not just trendy
Here’s a breakdown of over 20 service-based businesses worth starting this year. I’ve included offline, online, remote, and mobile-friendly options—because everybody’s path looks different.
HANDS-ON & MOBILE SERVICES
1. Mobile Car Detailing
Startup Cost: $500–$2,000
Profit Potential: $150–$500/day solo
Why It Works: Low barrier to entry, high return, and people love convenience. Monthly packages = recurring income.
2. Junk Removal & Hauling Services
Startup Cost: Truck + hauling tools
Profit Potential: $300–$1,000/day depending on jobs
Pro Tip: Focus on estate clean-outs, moving support, or partner with property managers.
3. Home & Apartment Cleaning Services
Startup Cost: $250–$700 for supplies
Profit Potential: $30–$70/hour or $150–$300 per home
Tip: Add Airbnb turnovers or niche cleaning (move-outs, postpartum, deep cleans).
4. Pressure Washing Services
Startup Cost: $1,000–$2,500 (equipment)
Profit Potential: $100–$500 per job
Niche it down: Offer driveway, storefront, or fleet pressure cleaning.
ONLINE & REMOTE SERVICES
5. Virtual Executive Assistant (VEA)
Startup Cost: Under $300
Profit Potential: $1,000–$5,000/month (retainers)
What Makes It Profitable: Systems knowledge, automation tools, and ability to think ahead for business owners.
6. Resume Writing + Career Coaching
Startup Cost: Time + templates
Profit Potential: $150–$1,000 per client
Tip: Sell digital kits and audit services alongside custom resumes.
7. Online Business Management (OBM)
Startup Cost: <$200
Profit Potential: $2,000–$7,000/month (per client retainer)
Client Type: Coaches, agencies, consultants scaling their biz
8. Social Media Management & Content Strategy
Startup Cost: Canva, scheduling tools
Profit Potential: $500–$3,000/month per client
Want to niche? Focus on a platform (Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn) or an industry (stylists, therapists, real estate pros).
DOCUMENT-BASED + PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
9. Notary Public + Loan Signing Agent
Startup Cost: $300–$1,000
Profit Potential: $75–$200+ per appointment
Add-ons: Apostille, fingerprinting, or field inspections
10. Grant Writer or Grant Consultant
Startup Cost: $0 if self-taught or low-cost certification
Profit Potential: $1,000–$10,000+ per project
Ideal For: Writers + nonprofit enthusiasts
11. Bookkeeping for Small Businesses
Startup Cost: Basic certification + software (QuickBooks, Wave)
Profit Potential: $500–$5,000/month per client
Highly Scalable for solo professionals or full firms
12. Freelance Copywriting or Content Writing
Startup Cost: Portfolio + Google Docs
Profit Potential: $50–$500 per piece / $2K+ monthly retainer
High Demand Niches: AI content editing, SEO blogs, landing pages
CREATIVE & DESIGN SERVICES
13. Brand Design + Identity Strategy
Startup Cost: Canva Pro, Adobe, or Affinity
Profit Potential: $500–$5,000+ per client
Pro Tip: Package with templates, social kits, or style guides
14. Website Design + Setup (No-Code)
Startup Cost: Low if using no-code website builders.
Profit Potential: $1,500–$10,000 per site
What Makes It Profitable: Strategy-focused setups, not just visuals. Add in e-commerce flows, booking systems, or membership portals.
15. Product Photography for Small Brands
Startup Cost: iPhone or camera + setup
Profit Potential: $300–$1,000 per shoot
Niche Down: Flat lays, beauty, handmade goods
DELIVERY, EVENTS, & LOCAL SERVICES
16. Errand & Delivery Services
Startup Cost: Reliable vehicle + gas
Profit Potential: $20–$100/hr depending on task
Niche examples: Senior errands, postpartum support, boutique delivery
17. Event Styling & Setup Services
Startup Cost: $500–$2,000
Profit Potential: $250–$5,000 per event
Examples: Balloon garlands, corporate tablescapes, luxury picnics, baby showers
18. Party Decor & Rentals
Startup Cost: Invest in rentable items
Profit Potential: $200–$2,000/week depending on inventory
Tip: Offer packages and upsells like signage, centerpieces, and installation
EDUCATION, WELLNESS & COACHING
19. Tutoring or Homeschool Consulting
Startup Cost: Free–$200 (Zoom, whiteboard, curriculum tools)
Profit Potential: $25–$100/hr
Hot Niches: Reading help, IEP coaching, test prep, curriculum design
20. Wellness Coaching (Stress, Lifestyle, Mindset)
Startup Cost: Certification optional, or lived experience
Profit Potential: $75–$500/session
Recurring Income: Build group programs, accountability sessions, and digital journals or toolkits
21. Doula or Postpartum Support
Startup Cost: $500–$1,000 for certification
Profit Potential: $500–$3,000 per birth or care package
Scalable into: Online classes, physical care kits, or affiliate products
How To Choose Your Path
You don’t need to master all 21 of these. You need to pick the one that fits:
✔ Your strengths
✔ Your schedule
✔ Your lifestyle goals
✔ Your ability to take imperfect action
Some of these businesses can be started in a week. Others might take more structure and planning. But every single one is profitable if you take it seriously, learn what you need to learn, and stay consistent.
If you’re still in “research mode,” cool. But don’t stay stuck there.
