As the latest interest rate hikes put more pressure on Aussie households’ weekly finances, a shocking number of Aussies now say they feel the need for a second job or side hustyle in 2026.
Almost half of Australians (48 per cent) admit they feel financially pressured to look for additional or higher paying work in 2026, according to new research by Finder supplied exclusively to The Daily Telegraph.
Over a quarter of Aussies surveyed (26 per cent) said they feel pressured to look for a higher paying job, while a further 22 per cent admitted they feel pressured to look for a second job to cover rising living costs, which will now include steeper rises to mortgage repayments.
Finder estimates that around 10.5 million people are financially stressed based on their current earnings, before we even begin to see the impact of the latest cash rate rise.
Finder data has revealed the number of Aussies who feel the need for a second or higher paying job in 2026. Source: Finder.com.au
Finder personal finance expert Sarah Megginson said millions of Australians were effectively being “priced out of their current pay packets”, with the need to chase other sources of income to cover living costs.
“For many households, one job is no longer enough to cover the basics, let alone get ahead,” she said.
“This isn’t about career ambition – it’s about survival as everyday costs continue to rise faster than wages.”
According to Ms Megginson, these numbers were a sign financial stress has become mainstream.
“When nearly half the country is considering a second job or a higher-paying role, it’s obvious how many are living beyond their means,” she said.
“Australians are working harder just to stand still, and that pressure is now spilling into every part of life.”
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Finder personal finance expert Sarah Megginson. Picture: Supplied
According to Finder’s Consumer Sentiment Tracker from 2025, 38 per cent of Australians have a side hustle, equivalent to 8.3 million people.
Of those Aussies earning some extra income on the side, the most popular way to do so is by collecting recyclable cans and bottles.
This is followed by selling second-hand goods online through sites like eBay, Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace (24 per cent), while getting paid for a hobby (12 per cent) and making and selling goods, such as on websites like Etsy (12 per cent), were also popular options.
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Food delivery was among the most popular Aussie side hustles. Picture: Uber Eats
Food delivery (10 per cent) and ride shares (seven per cent) through platforms like Uber were also among the most common second jobs, while nine per cent of side hustlers rented out their spare rooms.
Other side hustles reported included tutoring, dog walking, freelance work and being an influencer.
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