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Outsourcing can be the core to your success, including outsourcing laundry. I am adamant about not ever doing laundry, so I hire someone to do laundry. I send it out, pay my housekeeper to do it, or assign it to my children.

Absolving myself of the time and headspace required to stay on top of clothes, linens and unmentionables frees me to build the life I want.

If you are looking to hire laundry or other housekeeping, here are three resources to help you find help:

Want to hire someone to do laundry? 5 solutions

1. Hire a household manager or housekeeper to do laundry who can also clean and organize your house
2. Drop off your laundry at a laundromat
3. Search “laundry pick up and delivery near me”
4. Pay your nanny to do your laundry
5. Pay someone to do laundry

Laundry service reviews

• Bark
• Care
• Angi
• Thumbtack

Why you need to hire someone to do laundry

50 things you can do instead when you hire someone to do laundry

FAQs about hiring someone to do your laundry

Want to hire someone to do laundry? 5 solutions

1. Hire a household manager or housekeeper to do laundry who can also clean and organize your house

Hiring a housekeeper can provide multiple benefits besides having a clean home. A housekeeper can wash, fold, and put away your laundry—including delicate items such as linen clothes—but also keep your home organized. 

By taking care of tasks like laundry, your house manager can:

• Keep your home organized so you can always find what you need, quickly
• Free up your time, so you can do things you’ve been putting off
• Decrease your stress level by eliminating clutter
• Ensure you have a healthier household by sanitizing hard surfaces, clothes, and linens
• Decrease the money you spend on cleaning products

There are so many reasons why hiring a housekeeper makes sense, especially if you have the budget to do so. You can choose to hire an independent housekeeper or a cleaning service that has a team of housekeeping staff.

On average, it costs between $15.50 and $20.25 an hour to have a housekeeper, according to Care.com. But, some businesses charge a flat fee per space.

No matter what you choose, be sure to make a list of what you need and expect so that you can find the best fit for your household. 

And if you feel guilty about outsourcing your laundry, it’s time to reframe your thoughts. You work hard. There’s nothing wrong with delegating. It’s a boss move.

2. Drop off your laundry at a laundromat

I used to live in New York City, where every neighborhood has wash-and-fold services for around $1 per pound. Most places will pick up your filthy sack of poopy, pee-y, spit-up-y, avocado-y, spaghetti-saucy, grass-stainy laundry in the morning, and deliver it after work, neatly folded, sorted and smelling fresh as your baby’s butt that you just washed — all for about $20.

That same bag full of laundry would cost me about $8 to do in the coin laundry, including detergent (I live in an apartment) each week.

I figure it would also cost about $10 per week if I had my own washer and dryer, factoring in detergent, water, electricity, and wear and tear on a Maytag.

But all this outsourcing really isn’t about the saved $15 or the extra $15 or the wear and tear. Wash and fold laundry service is about economizing time and energy.

Read: How to set up a budget

3. Search “laundry pick up and delivery near me”

Not every zip code has these amazing wash-and-fold services (I lived in NYC), but you can find someone to do your laundry in your home through sites like Care.com.

Care.com (founded by a mom) is another reputable service where you can find local household managers, housekeepers, laundry and nanny services near you. Check out our Care.com review

If you cannot outsource laundry through Care.com, try a search for “laundry pick up and delivery near me”.

4. Pay your nanny to do your laundry

You can also pay your nanny or babysitter extra to also change your linens and do your laundry. 

5. Pay someone to do laundry

You can ask around for a recommendation, and tell parents in the neighborhood that you’d be happy to pay someone to take over your laundry. It may inspire a fellow mom to start a work-at-home business that could change her life.

A local parent in your neighborhood may also be interested in taking in your laundry. Ask around!

Laundry service reviews

These are some websites that can connect you with professionals who offer laundry services:

CD One Price Cleaners

CD One Price Cleaners is a national dry cleaning chain that also offers wash and fold services.

CD’s advantages include:

• Fast turnaround
• Environmentally friendly processes
• Clothes, rug, linen and leather services
• Manage your account online
• Home delivery

Bark

Bark is a website that finds local professionals for you for free. There is also an app called Bark Professionals available for iOS and Android devices.

If you’re looking to hire a housekeeper to do your laundry and clean your home, these are the questions Bark will ask you:

• What type of property needs cleaning?
• How often do you need cleaning services?
• How many bedroom(s) need cleaning?
• How many bathroom(s) need cleaning?
• How many reception room(s) need cleaning (living/dining)?
• When are the best days for cleaning?
• Will you be supplying cleaning materials and equipment?
• How likely are you to make a hiring decision?

Once you answer these questions, you have to provide your email and phone number so local professionals can contact you with a quote for your requested services. If you’re not someone who wants to receive a bunch of calls and emails, Bark may not be for you.

Bark also does not require background checks.

These were the professionals that showed up based on my location and preferences:

Care.com

Care.com isn’t just for babysitting. You can hire a number of professionals through the platform, including housekeepers. Care.com also has an iOS and Android app.

Care.com requires caregivers to pass a background check every year, though it does not require the same of all professionals.

To use Care.com, you have to create a profile and fill out information about your home, what type of cleaning services you’re looking for, and how much you want to pay.

Care.com generates an ad on your behalf, which you can add to/edit. To post your ad, you have to pay for a membership. There are three payment options:

• Annual – $12.95
• Quarterly – $24.95
• Monthly – $38.95

These are some messages I got from housekeepers within a few hours of posting an ad:

Care.com has a B rating from the Better Business Bureau, though only 1.4/5 stars on Trustpilot. Most negative customer reviews are from people who had trouble finding a professional in their area.

Angi

Angi, formerly known as Angie’s List, is a website that matches you with professionals for various jobs, including housekeeping. When you visit the site, you’ll be asked to choose what type of cleaning service you need from these options:

• Central vacuum
• Stone or marble restoration and polishing
• Maid service
• Spring cleaning
• Walls, ceiling, tile, and grout cleaning
• Ducts and vents cleaning
• Professional home or office organizer consultant
• Post construction cleanup
• Range and hood cleaning

Angi asks whether you need recurring services or a one-time cleaning, the square footage of your house, and how soon you’ll be needing services.

Angi matches you with professionals in your area who specialize in the type of service/cleaning you’ve requested, and you can see how they’ve been rated by past clients:

If you request a quote from a company, they may reach out to you via phone or email.

Angi requires professionals designated as Angi Certified businesses to undergo a background check.

Angi had its accreditation revoked by the Better Business Bureau in 2022 because the company was sued in California for misleading customers into believing it had completed background checks on contractors when it hadn’t.

Angi has 3.1/5 stars on Trustpilot and has an app available for iOS and Android devices. Angi merged with HomeAdvisor in 2017.

Thumbtack

I like Thumbtack because it’s straightforward. On the main page, you type in your zip code and what you need — in this case, laundry services — and you get a list of professionals who provide that service in your area.

You can read reviews from past clients, see how many employees a company has and how long they’ve been in business, and request a quote if you want to move forward. That means no unsolicited phone calls from professionals.

Thumbtack does not require background checks, though they are available for free if a professional chooses to do one.

Thumbtack is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating and has 4.2 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Thumbtack for Professionals is available for iOS and Android devices.

Why you need to hire someone to do laundry

I really, really hate to do the wash, and I really, really hate to fold.

The sorting and cycling and hauling of this never-ending chore so tedious, so mundane and omnipotent that it’s a joke for moms everywhere.

Except that it will make you poor. Nothing funny about that!

Investing in laundry service makes me richer because it frees up my time to use in more productive ways.

What if you invested just half all those laundry hours in your career, a business or freelance gigs? What if not having to worry about wash and dry and fold freed you up to spend more energy at work — and be more focused and engaged with your family when you are at home.

We haven’t even mentioned the happy factor. Some people just love laundry. I have never met one of these people, and I suspect I would not like her.

For me, wiping laundry off my weekly to-do list has been the most incredibly liberating exercise.

Before, it was a constant gnat swarming around my mind – what was clean when, when would I schedule a load, when to haul the dripping sheets into the dryer and to remember to take out my lacey things to air dry.

Now, I spend a fraction of that mental energy to coordinate a visit with Sandra.

When you are a single mom, money and time are especially precious.

Our professional lives, our kids and we ourselves simply cannot be weighed down by regrouting the tub (unless that is your thing, of course) or keeping your kids undies sparkling white. You are better than that.

When I get on my soapbox about this topic, I often hear people – and by “people,” I mean “women” – who cry:

“Laundry is just a part of life, you spoiled asshole!”

Not so long ago dying in childbirth was just part of life. Economies and technology changed since that was a valid point, and you are now free to unload unsavory tasks to people who want to earn a living doing them.

“Laundry doesn’t take that long, I don’t see what the big deal is, jeez! So lazy!”

One, two hours is a lot of time for me — as you will see below my long list of other things you might do with those minutes. Second, it is actually far more than just two hours of labor to do your laundry. Because you spend countless hours thinking about and remembering and stressing about when and how you will do the laundry. You might fight with your spouse or kids about the laundry. Get annoyed with yourself if you forget the wash overnight — or the drying and wind up with a crumply, wrinkly mess.

So it is two hours, plus countless brain cells and energy and emotion spent on laundry.

It’s a big-picture thing.

“Oh, but doing laundry is just a part of life. I’d feel guilty for sending it out.”

Do you feel guilty for using a dishwasher, instead of cleaning every grimy fork and sippy cup by hand? Do you feel guilty for not washing your clothes on rocks by the river — because you are already outsourcing their cleaning to a machine made in China, that sits in your garage / basement / laundry room and does 99% of the work involved in laundry. In other words: You already outsource, so why not take it just a fraction of a step further and offload that task completely?

“I feel it is my duty as a parent to teach my kids to mop the floor.”

Really? Do you really think that your child will grow up incapable of knowing how to mop a floor in an emergency? For real?

“You are such a snotty, rich bitch. Not everyone can afford spending all their money on house cleaners and laundry service. I hate you.”

Muah back atcha!

Look, no one has ever gotten rich without outsourcing some tasks. No one. You can’t do it all — I don’t care if you are a sculptor slaving away in your attic, you rely on an agency, a gallery, someone to publicize your shows and host boozy after parties where hedge fund guys will feel all important and buy your stuff. Or if you are a tech entrepreneur, you simply cannot work alone in a Starbucks and create a bazillion dollar enterprise. You are one person. Successful enterprises consist of people doing what they do best, and being wise enough and humble enough to pass along other tasks to others who are more competent and enthusiastic about those things.

If you spend your energy and time on sorting and washing and drying and ironing and sorting and matching and folding, your energy is on a low-skilled task that fosters resentment. I don’t know of one fabulously successful person who does his or her own laundry. Do you?

I often hear from blog readers or friends incredulous cries: “How do you get so much done all the time! Do you ever sleep?!”

Actually, many nights I’m in bed by 9 p.m. (not proud of that, it is what it is), and I spend plenty of time dawdling on Facebook. But it is true: I produce a lot of creative work I am very proud of, make a handsome living, pick my kids up from the bus most days, hit the gym, jogging path, or yoga studio five times per week and enjoy a hot date or evening out with my friends once or twice weekly. Not to mention day trips, vacations, weekly movie night and family dinners every weeknight with my kids and guests. No complaints.

My secret – the one all those incredulous friends do not want to hear? I outsource shit I don’t like to do. I even outsource stuff I DO like to do, because it makes more sense for someone else to do it! In my business, I hire people in my business to do things I can do but am not efficient at — like podcast production and editing, web design and marketing.

Easy, affordable meal planning tips for single moms

Couples and families fight over housework, so just outsource laundry and housekeeping

People keep getting divorced. A lot. Rates have been around 40-50 percent for more than four decades.

Younger people aren’t getting married, as marriage rates hitting historic lows.

Married women are pretty freaking unhappy. Researchers found: “The average married woman is less happy than the average married man, less happy than single women, less convinced that married people are happier than single people, and more likely to file for divorce. Once returned to single life, women’s happiness recovers, whereas men’s declines, and divorced women are less eager to remarry than divorced men.”

50 things you can do instead when you hire someone to do laundry:

1. Play checkers with your kids.
2. Host a dinner party.
3. Have a glass of chardonnay while watching Handmaid’s Tale.
4. Hit the gym.
5. Go to yoga, Zumba or Pilates.
6. Go for a jog, hike or power walk with a friend.
7. Finish your degree.
8. Get a new degree or job designation that will give you a new direction and earning power in your career.
9. Take steps to launch that new dream business.
10. Grow your business. Or, find a great work-at-home career to start.
11. Find cool, quick ways to make money from home.
12. Attend a networking event.
13. Take an online course.
14. Network online via LinkedIn, professional associations, Facebook groups, following up on email communication or setting up meetings.
15. Call your parents.
16. Teach your kids how to jump rope.
17. Just hang out alone together in the same room with your kids without engaging in electronics. Maybe some of you are reading, or doing a puzzle or Legos.
18. Cook as a family.
19. Fire up that online dating site or app, if you haven’t. (Here’s my list of best dating sites for single moms.)
20. Go on a date.
21. Read. A book. An actual real, paper book. Fiction even! (Here’s my list of the best books for single moms.)
22. Have sex.
23. Listen to podcasts.
24. Get a massage.
25. Give a massage.
26. Work in the garden.
27. Declutter your home like a mad woman. Go nuts! Feels so good!
28. Get sun on your body. Even in the winter, just some sun on your face and hands is amazing.
29. Bath. Take a great, long bath. 5 Tips for Self-Care Sunday
30. Nap.
31. Catch up with that best friend or cousin who lives far away.
32. Visit loved ones.
33. Write birthday cards, and send them!
34. Thank-you notes!
35. Gratitude. Start and maintain a gratitude practice, whether sharing by email your thankful thoughts each day, or writing them down in a special notebook, or verbalizing them on a voice app on your phone.
36. That skill that you always wanted to learn but did not? Do that. For me: I’m going to take tennis and acting classes. Maybe you want to learn to ride a motorcycle, use power tools (that kind, or that kind, too) or juggle.
37. Volunteer. Animal shelter, teen center, nursing home.
38. Mentor someone. Officially, through a program at work or in your community, or informally offer your guidance to someone you know.
39. Listen to a friend who needs to be heard.
40. Create something. A craft, a poem, song or essay.
41. Make your home prettier. Paint a room (better yet: go to the paint store, select a color, and hire someone to paint), hang a few new pictures, rearrange the furniture, change up the bed linens. Make it pretty, make it yours.
42. Library. When was the last time you hung out at the library?
43. Help a friend reach her dreams.
44. Go to a service where you worship. Or, if you’re in the market, find a new house of worship.
45. Do a new activity with your kids — learn to rollerblade or pogo-stick together. Take a community college class on woodworking or CPR.
46. Start a family give-back project. Raise money for a cause, give volunteer time, or reach out to people you know who need company, help around the house or meals.
47. Attend live performances – music, theater, dance. Free outdoor summer concerts, college and high school productions, Broadway or community theater.
48. Stroll the streets of a neighborhood or town you’ve never visited.
49. Visit a travel site, and brainstorm and daydream and drool – then budget!
50. Dream! Dream big and beautiful and outrageous! Write those dreams down! Create a dream board, tell your mastermind group, a trusted girlfriend, your cat! Spend those two hours each week teaching yourself to believe you can and will fill those hours will more wonderful incredible life than any top-loading, energy-saving appliance can afford you.

Don’t just take it from me, here is a guest post from single mom Danyel Clarke, who lives in Claremore, Oka., with her two-year-old and a puppy. Consider hiring out household tasks to nurture your relationship with yourself!

Danyel’s story…

If you were to walk into my house, you’ll almost think I have my crap together. My son’s room and bathroom are always perfect. Living room, kitchen and dining room are almost always perfect: things put away, clean, where they belong.

Then you open my bedroom door and realize that I have been putting all of my energy into the rest of the house and I actually haven’t done my laundry since September. You read that right. SEPTEMBER. I have enough clothes to make this is perfectly feasible. My son’s laundry gets done, towels are always clean, sheets are washed, then I lose energy and say “screw it” by the time it’s my turn for my clothes.

I’ve been so exhausted with work, family, the “to-do” list, putting absolutely everyone and everything before myself. Nothing and everything gets done all at the same time.

I haven’t made it to church in two months, but it was my New Year’s resolution to quit using exhaustion and chores as an excuse and just GO!

But ladies, today, the first Sunday of the year, I ran out of clean underwear. Completely out. Not a thong, faded or period-granny-panty one left in the drawer. Completely out.

So I freeballed it to church. Yep, I sure did!

On my way to church and during worship I was making a mental list of all the things I needed to get done today: top of the list was wash a load of underwear. Take boxes to recycling, go to the grocery store, remember that I’m supposed to bake a pecan cheesecake for that lady at work (add ingredients to that grocery list), take those glasses to my mom, I really need to steam clean that carpet, oh! Get a light bulb for the fridge, don’t forget to close the vents outside the house, trim the dog’s nails as he’s really starting to leave marks on the kid, clean up the playroom…you get the picture.

Most people wouldn’t show up to church without underwear. But I’m sure glad I did, because today I was reminded of imperfection and grace.

After church I had planned to head home, make lunch for me and my little, and get started on my list.

After all, I should save the money. But instead I headed to one of my favorite places in town to eat. Just the two of us. Ordered (two) MANmosas, an appetizer, a tasty grilled chicken club, a meal for my little that I knew he wouldn’t eat, but hey! Now, he has dinner and I don’t have to cook at all today!

I had every intention of getting home right at the time he goes down for a nap so that I could nap, too.

And I don’t feel bad about it.

Like many single moms, I do it on my own. No breaks, no every-other-weekend, or any day at all that the kid goes to the other parent. I’m exhausted. And between a strong-headed 2-year-old and a puppy (hellooooo, just another toddler. What was I thinking?!?) I’m usually at my wit’s end. That is definitely not to say I, or any other mom, or that I have it tougher than any other mom — I don’t mean that at all. It’s all hard. Momming is hard. Period.

For all of us, it’s important to remember that perfection isn’t required. It’s okay to splurge. Not cook. Don’t do the laundry (but yes, I did put a load in when we got home), to nap, and go to church commando!

That’s my long winded way of saying that I was “selfish” today. Blissfully, happily and wonderfully selfish. Little one finally fell asleep and now I’m going to nap as well.

Happy Sunday, mommas. Much love! ♥

Danyel

FAQs about hiring someone to do your laundry

What do you need to know before hiring a laundry service?

Before you hire a laundry service, read Google reviews and reviews from sites like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Sitejabber to find one with a good track record and reasonable cost. You can also ask family and friends if they have any recommendations. 

For smaller businesses and individual service providers, you can often look at reviews on professional-for-hire marketplaces like HomeAdvisor or Care.com.

Once you have a few options, ask for quotes based on the services you want. Ask how the laundry service works, what items they accept, pickup/return times, and how long it takes to get your clean laundry back.  

How much should I pay someone to do a load of laundry?

Costs will vary based on geographic area and what the service provider counts as one load. Some laundry services charge by the pound with a minimum weight, while others use a flat rate per laundry bag. 

Here’s what you can expect to pay for a load of laundry:

• $1-$3/pound or $35-$55/bag for laundry service
• $9-$16/hour for an individual service provider
• $14.81-$18.82/hour for a housekeeper to do laundry in your home

How much to pay someone to do your laundry?

If you plan to get ongoing help for your laundry, you might be able to get a lower monthly rate. Exact costs will be based on your location, the amount of laundry you have and the frequency of service, but you can expect to pay $150-$200 per month.

Whether we’re in a recession now, or will be sometime in 2025, a recession is an imminent reality, most economists agree. This post explains all the wonky details about how economists decide whether we are in a recession, but you are likely wondering normal, human questions like:

How does a recession affect the average person?

What happens to prices during a recession? What happens to my money?

And … of course:

How does a recession affect me?

Keep reading to learn what you need to know about the impacts of a recession on you, your family, and your money:

How a recession is likely to affect you

What happens to your money in a recession

What happens to prices in a recession?

What happens to jobs in a recession?

What happens to your 401k and stocks in a recession?

What happens to interest rates in a recession?

What happens to housing prices during a recession?

What happens to car prices during a recession?

How does a recession affect healthcare? 

Bottom line: Here’s what a recession does to the average person like you and me.

How does a recession affect me?

In general, everyday people can expect the following in a recession:

• More layoffs, less hiring, fewer pay raises and bonuses
• Higher interest rates, including for mortgages and car loans
• Lower prices for homes and cars
• Stock market investments decreases
• Interest rates on savings increases

This Bloomberg video explains why a 2025 recession would be unique in history:

This video explains why this unique, post-pandemic economy is so unique, with very low unemployment rates, very high inflation, high corporate profits and cash, and declining economic activity (GDP) — all challenging common understandings of how economics and recessions work.

What happens to your money in a recession?

Stock market investments tend to decrease during a recession — which can pose a good opportunity to buy.

Prices tend to stay at higher, pre-recession rates during a recession.

Higher mortgage rates mean that housing payments can be more expensive, though the recent very competitive real estate market will likely cool, so the purchase price may be more affordable for buyers. However, with higher unemployment, fewer people will be shopping for, or be able to afford to buy a home.

Similarly, supply chain and inflation-related high car prices will cease and drive down purchase prices for new and used vehicles. However, higher interest rates mean that car payments will be less affordable.

What happens to prices in a recession?

Prices during a recession tend to hold steady — which doesn’t seem to make sense since prices increase during good economic times, as inflation is a result of more consumer demand. Economists call prices “sticky” in that they don’t go down with the economy, but stick to = rates that grew with inflation pre-recession.

Sticky prices are linked to sticky wages, as companies find it very difficult to cut workers’ pay. However, layoffs are more common during recessions.

What happens to jobs in a recession?

Recessions and unemployment are tightly linked during a recession — there are more layoffs during a recession, and it will take employees longer to find a new job once they are laid off. Pay raises and bonuses are more scarce during a recession.

Poorer people spend less money, which hurts companies’ profits, which leads to more layoffs — the recession cycle continues.

What to do: Research the types of jobs available, invest in a side gig, a recession-proof business or one of these recession-proof jobs.

Read our guides on 30 high-paying careers for moms, and good jobs that do not require a degree.

What happens to your 401k and stocks in a recession?

Stock and equity investments tend to tank just before a recession — one of the leading indicators that an economy is headed into the red.

The S&P 500 rose an average of 1% during all recession periods since 1945.

Stock markets typically decline sharply for several months during a recession, bottom out about six months after the start of a recession and rally before the economy picks up. This article’s graphs and charts give more details.

What to do: Unless you are a day trader or quantum computer, hold steady in your long-term investment strategy to build wealth. If you happen to have a chunk of cash sitting around, investing in a diversified, target-date index fund during a down market can reap rewards long-term.

In other words: if you can, buy low, sell high.

After all, rich people typically find ways to make money in a recession.

What happens to interest rates in a recession?

Interest rates tend to be high just before a recession, as the Federal Reserve intentionally sets higher rates in order to discourage wayward consumer spending in an effort to stave off that recession. Rates at the beginning of a recession will lower as the Fed tries to invigorate the economy, and lift as we move out of a recession in months ahead.

What to do: Avoid taking on variable-interest debt, including an ARM mortgage, line of credit, or any credit card or personal loan in which rates will fluctuate. If you already have one of these types of loans, research refinancing them now to a fixed-rate loan — especially if you fear losing your job, which would make a re-fi difficult.

You can also use this time of higher APRs to stash your cash in a CD, money market account, or high-interest savings account.

What happens to housing prices during a recession?

While home prices tend to stabilize or even decrease during a recession, the higher interest rates before a recession sets in mean the overall cost of home ownership will likely go up during a recession — though rates tend to fall early in a recession, and raise as the recession lifts.

Recessions mean higher unemployment and lower consumer confidence, so demand for housing will be lower. This is a positive if you are buying a home, but a negative if you are selling your house.

Other home-ownership expenses like repairs, renovations and taxes do tend to stabilize during a recession, which can offset higher mortgage rates.

What to do: Because mortgages will be less affordable, you may consider investing in a rental property. If you are thinking of buying a new home, it may make sense to wait until interest rates decrease again.

Free housing for single moms

What happens to car prices during a recession?

Car prices tend to decrease during a recession, as more people hold on to their vehicles and invest in repairing older cars and trucks, rather than buy new. Many people will sell second vehicles, be less likely to invest in any big purchase, and perhaps trade in for more fuel-efficient cars.

Higher interest rates will increase the monthly payments of car prices, however, as will any increase in gas prices.

However, the new and used car shortage that lingers after the pandemic supply-chain issues will likely be relieved, helping to drive down car prices.

What to do: If you can wait, especially if you can buy cash, you may consider waiting until a recession to buy your next car. Or, if you must finance, you might buy sooner than later while car loan rates are still relatively low.

Can’t afford your car payment? See if you qualify to refinance for a lower payment.

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How to get free car as a single mom

How does a recession affect healthcare? 

When people are broke, or worry about their financial security, they are less likely to schedule elective or even necessary procedures, less likely to schedule routine medical care, and less likely to pay their bills.

This affects people’s well-being and increases the chances of more severe — and expensive — health issues. All of these recession trends, along with slashed government budgets, means that the healthcare industry will struggle financially and in its ability to serve communities.

These pressures mean that health insurance is ever-more important, harder to afford, and more expensive and less rich for the everyday person during a recession.

How to become a home health aid

How to become a medical biller and coder

How to get free prescription drugs, free prescription glasses and free dentures

Bottom line: Here’s what a recession does to the average person like you and me.

A recession is a financial stress for most average people: Higher chance of unemployment, higher interest rates, though steady cost of goods, and often lower home and car prices.

There are opportunities for investments during a recession, though you should expect your retirement fund to go down — including learning to live more frugally, starting a business during a time of less competition, invest in homes or stocks that are down.

12 free printable budget worksheets and Google Sheets templates

Worried about having a job?

Whether we’re currently in a recession — or we’re on the verge of entering one — is currently up for debate among economists. But it is certain that the job market is fluctuating widely with massive layoffs, even though at the same time we seem to be in a worker shortage. 

Read our guides on 55 side hustles and best at-home careers to bolster your skills and career plans, which may include jobs that do not require a degree or starting one of these 7 recession-proof businesses.

Still worried? More info on what happens in a recession and how to prepare for a recession.

What are recession-proof jobs?

What are the top recession-proof industries?

• Government
• Health care
• Food / discount retail
• Mental health
• Professional services

Government recession-proof jobs

Healthcare recession-proof jobs

Mental health recession-proof jobs

Recession-proof jobs in retail

Professional services that are recession proof

Recession-proof jobs in education and academia

Recession proof utility/trade jobs

Even more recession-proof jobs

…..and the worst jobs during a recession?

Bottom line: Protect yourself with recession-proof skills

What are recession-proof jobs?

Most recession-proof jobs are in essential industries, which means people will continue to spend money in those sectors regardless of the what is happening in the economy. 

During the Great Recession, which lasted from December 2007 to June 2009, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the unemployment rate rose to a whopping 10% — today it sits at 3.5% — with construction, manufacturing, and financial advising sectors losing the highest numbers of jobs.

Learn whether it’s worth going back to school at 30 or 40.

What are the top recession-proof industries?

These are some industries that have historically remained the most stable in a recession:

Government

During the Great Recession, federal hiring increased about 14%, with higher increases in the executive branch and defense departments. 

Health care

In its April 2011 Monthly Labor Review, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the health care industry added 428,000 jobs during the 18 months of the Great Recession and continued a steady growth in the months that followed.

Food / discount retail

According to data from the National Bureau of Economic Research, families increased spending at discount stores during the Great Recession.

Mental health

Researchers at the University of Minnesota found in a 2019 study that people who suffered a financial, housing-related, or job-related hardship as a result of the Great Recession were more likely to show increases in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and problematic drug use. During this time, clinical psychologists reported an increase in referrals. 

Professional services

Professional services can include everything from financial advisors to funeral directors. 

People in a recession may turn to financial professionals like accountants, bookkeepers, tax preparers, auditors, and insurance agents to ensure their financial security.

Government recession-proof jobs

All annual salaries are from Ziprecruiter, unless otherwise noted:

Military

Why it’s a recession-proof job: In January 2009, the New York Times reported that all active-duty and reserve forces either met or exceeded their recruitment goals for the first time since 2004, though it’s worth noting that the same year, violence in Iraq intensified.

Job training: Go to the U.S. military website and read about the requirements for each branch (they all vary in terms of age, fitness level, education and more). 

Salary: $52,369 average, with earning potential of $111,000 per year

Criminal justice jobs

Why it’s a recession-proof job: According to an article published in the Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice, robbery and property crime rates typically rise during recessions — though the Great Recession was an anomaly in this regard. However, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice did report during that recession that their staffing levels went from “critical” to “adequate.” 

Job training: Requirements vary by position/state/county/municipality, but most criminal justice jobs require you to complete a training or degree program and pass entrance exams/undergo extensive background checks.

Salary: 

• Police officer – $57,931 average, up to $81,500
• Corrections officer – $42,777 average, up to $62,000
• Prison guard – $68,069 average, up to $183,000
• Crime Scene Investigator – $53,940 average, up to $71,500
• Detective – $42,792 average, up to $83,000

Court clerk

Why it’s a recession-proof job: The New York Times reported in December 2009 that New York state courts handled 4.7 million cases that year, the highest ever recorded at that time.

Job training: You can get an entry-level court clerk job with a high school diploma or GED in most states, though it helps to enroll in a court clerk certification course.
Salary: $40,177 average, up to $73,000

Healthcare recession-proof jobs

ER doctors and nurses

Why it’s a recession-proof job: The Kaiser Family Foundation found that people tend to put off preventative and other needed care during a recession, which in turn leads to increased ER admissions. 

Job Training: After high school, ER doctors need 11 more years of study and training – four years of undergraduate, four years of medical school and three to five years of residency, typically. ER nurses need a four-year degree, plus at least two years of residency. 

Salary:

• ER nurse – $102,995 average, up to $253,500
• ER doctor – $346,707 average, up to $400,000

Psychiatrists

Why it’s a recession-proof job: A study published by the Association for Psychological Science found that people who experience a recession have a higher risk of adverse mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and suicide. 

Job training: After earning a bachelor’s degree, you’ll need either a PhD in psychology, which is more research-based, or a PsyD in psychology, which is more practice-based. You’ll then need to complete your state’s licensing exams. Psychiatrists must also go to medical school and complete about three years of psychiatry residency. 

Salary: $270,087, up to $400,000

Nurses/RNs

Why it’s a recession-proof job: The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that during the Great Recession, nursing wages and employment increased. 

Job training: Nurses have either a bachelor’s degree in nursing, which takes four years to complete, or an associate’s degree in nursing, which takes as little as two years but might net you a lower salary (Nightingale College reports ADN nurses make an average $40,250, while BSN nurses earn $71,730 on average). 

Salary: $76,124 average, up to $123,500

Home health aides/LPNs and CNAs

Why it’s a recession-proof job: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Great Recession saw marked growth in hospitals and doctors’ offices, as well as home health and skilled nursing facilities.

Job training: To be a licensed practicing nurse, or LPN, you’ll need about 12 months of training, and you can become a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or home health aide (HHA) in as little as a few weeks. 

Salary: 

• HHA – $28,211 average, up to $38,000
• LPN – $50,867 average, up to $79,000
• CNA – $34,168 average, up to $56,000

Check out our list of five HHA training classes to get certified as a home health aide. 

Occupational therapists

Why it’s a recession-proof job: An article from the American Occupational Therapy Association cites job security for OTs during the Great Recession with “demand being on the rise.”

Job training: You’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, an accredited OT program (usually about six weeks), clinical hours (varies depending on program) plus pass the national examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.

Salary: $96,075 average, up to $165,500 

Pharmacists and pharmacy techs

Why it’s a recession-proof job: According to the 2009 National Pharmacist Workforce Survey pharmacists were in “high demand overall” during the Great Recession.

Job training: 

• Pharmacist – Most PharmD programs (a doctorate in pharmacy) can be completed alongside your bachelor’s degree, equating to about six years total of education. Then you’ll need to take the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) and either the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) or a jurisprudence exam specific to your state. 
• Pharmacy tech – You can complete either a certificate program, which takes about 9 months, or go for an associate’s degree in about 2 years. Then you’ll have to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, or PTCE, and get licensed. 

Salary: 

• Pharmacist – $115,427 average, up to $150,000
• Pharmacy tech – $34,319 average, up to $48,000

Hospice workers

Why it’s a recession-proof job: In an article published in Hospice News, hospice CEOs expressed confidence that their facilities would remain in high demand in a recession, citing an aging population and increased demand overall for hospice services. 

Job training: Many different professions are needed in hospice care, including nurse aides, occupational therapists and mental health counselors, and training varies for each. 

Salary: As of Aug 8, 2022, the average hourly pay for a Hospice Nurse in the United States is $38.40 an hour, according to ZipRecruiter.

Intake Specialists 

Why it’s a recession-proof job: Intake specialists are the folks who welcome you and check you in for medical appointments. Given the recession-proof nature of health care jobs in general, according to the BLS, intake specialists would likely be safe in the event of a recession. 

Job training: You can typically gain employment with a high school diploma or GED.

Salary: $35,615 average, up to $52,500

Mental health recession-proof jobs

Psychologists and psychiatrists

Why it’s a recession-proof job: A study published by the Association for Psychological Science found that people who experience a recession have a higher risk of adverse mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and suicide. 

Job training: After earning a bachelor’s degree, you’ll need either a PhD in psychology, which is more research-based, or a PsyD in psychology, which is more practice-based. You’ll then need to complete your state’s licensing exams.

Salary: $113,600 average, up to $217,000

Many therapists like the flexibility and ease of serving clients through online therapy platforms. We reviewed Betterhelp.

Social workers

Why it’s a recession-proof job: Not only is social work still needed during an economic downturn, the US Bureau of Labor & Statistics predicts it will grow 12% between now and 2030.

Job training: To become a social worker, in most states you will need a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from an accredited program, plus a license. To be a clinical social worker, you’ll need supervised clinical experience. 

How much you can make: The average salary for a social worker is around $56, 797 per year, or $27 per hour. 

Counselors

Why it’s a recession-proof job: The American Counseling Association published an article in 2009 that “fear, panic and disillusionment are way up” during tough economies. 

Job training: To become a licensed mental health counselor, or LMHC, in most states, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, clinical supervised training, a completion of the National Board of Certified Counselors exam, and your particular state’s license to practice. 

How much you can make: The average national salary for LMHC is around $83,984.

Substance abuse counselors

Why it’s a recession-proof job: A 2019 article published in Case Management Basics discusses how any sort of counseling is recession-proof — not only do people need more counseling in tough times, but the role cannot be automated and should be secure in the future. 

Job training: You’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s degree in counseling, check whether you need supervised field experience in your state, then pass the exam(s) and apply for a license in your state.

How much you can make: Expect to make around $43,494 as a national average. 

Learn more about the signs of a recession and how one will affect your life.

Recession-proof jobs in retail

Grocery store workers

Why it’s a recession-proof job: Eating is essential, but dining out is not — and this 2022 article from PYMNTS.com talks about consumers shifting from restaurants to grocery stores during a recession. 

Job training: You don’t need a college degree to work in a grocery store. Most will train you on-site to become a cashier. But for a specialized supermarket role, such as butcher or florist, you’ll need additional credentials. 

Salary: Expect to make around $12/hourly, or $24,631 yearly, on average, as a grocery store cashier. 

Discount retail cashiers

Why it’s a recession-proof job: While discount shops such as OLLI and Dollar Tree target lower income households, during a recession, their business booms. Check out this 2022 article from Investor’s Business Daily to read how discount retailer stock shares rise in recessions. 

Job training: Similar to grocery store cashiers, discount retail cashiers typically only need a high school education. 

How much you can make: Again, similar to being a grocery store cashier, expect to make an average of $12/hourly.

19 easy and legit ways to get free gift cards

Beer, wine and liquor sales

Why it’s a recession-proof job: People’s drinking habits didn’t shift much during the Great Recession. According to polling from Gallup – 65% of American adults still raise a glass in hard times.

Job training: Similar to other retail cashier roles, you’ll need a high school education, and likely the ability to lift heavy boxes. 

How much you can make: Expect to make around $23,634 a year in a liquor store, or $11/hourly. 

Same-day pay jobs: 26 instant payout opportunities for quick cash

Professional services that are recession proof

Financial advisors

Why it’s a recession-proof job: People who hire financial advisers are not likely to stop using them in an economic recession. In fact, this article from Personal Finance says that 77% who work with one think their adviser will help them through the recession. 

Job training: Start with a bachelor’s degree, and then enroll in courses that will make you a Certified Financial Planner. Some are available through major banks like Wells Fargo and Merrill Lynch. 

How much you can make: Expect to make around $81,325 a year.

Tax Accountants

Why it’s a recession-proof job: Jobs in accounting are expected to grow 7% between now and 2030, according to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

Job training: Beyond a bachelor’s degree, you’ll need around 150 additional hours’ worth of accounting-related courses, followed by the CPA exam. 

How much you can make: Expect to make around $76,616 yearly as a CPA.

Lawyers

Why it’s good in a recession: People always need lawyers, says this article from LawPath, updated in 2022, but certain kinds will fare better in a recession: criminal lawyers and family lawyers in particular, rather than business and transaction lawyers. 

Job training: To become a lawyer, start with earning a bachelor’s degree, then pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) exam, then graduate law school and complete the bar exam. 

How much you can make: An entry-level lawyer can expect to make around $52,304 annually.

Credit and debt counselors

Why it’s good in a recession: During a recession, many people realize they need help managing credit — check out this 2009 article, published by WTOC News in Savannah, discussing the uptick in consumers needing credit help. 

Job training: After earning your bachelor’s degree, get certified through The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), National Association of Certified Credit Counselors (NACCC) or Financial Counseling Association of America. 

How much you can make: Expect to rake in about $57,368 per year as a credit counselor.

Funeral directors

Why it’s a recession-proof job: Check out this article from 2008 discussing how funeral services are still valid in a downturn — and the National Funeral Directors Association “projects the U.S. death rate will increase from eight people per thousand in 2007 to 9.3 people per thousand in 2020 and 10.9 per thousand in 2040, as baby boomers die off…” 

Job training: Most states require at least an associate’s degree in mortuary science, then an apprenticeship, before you can become licensed. 

How much you can make: Expect to make a yearly salary of $51,973 on average. 

Insurance agents

Why it’s a recession-proof job: An article from Insurance Business America published in 2020 reminds us that “people and businesses need insurance whether the economy is doing well or not.”

Job training: You don’t need a bachelor’s degree to be an insurance agent but it helps. Afterward, determine what your state’s requirements are to be licensed — in most cases you’ll have to take at least a few courses and pass an exam. 

How much you can make: Expect to make around the national average of $50,707 each year.

Bookkeepers

Why it’s a recession-proof job: Small businesses rely on bookkeepers to help them determine where to cut costs, according to this article from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 

Job training: Obtain a bachelor’s degree and improve your chances of getting a job by enrolling in a certificate program — plenty exist online and you can complete one remotely. 

How much you can make: You’ll probably make an average of $42,837 as a bookkeeper, though many earn into the six-figures or mopre.

Check out our posts on how to become a bookkeeper without any experience, bookkeeper jobs.

Recession-proof jobs in education and academia

Teachers

Why it’s a recession-proof job: According to an article from Randstad, education has been ‘dealt a better hand’ than many other professions during economic recession. The article points out that even if you’re laid off from one school, chances are you can find work at another. 

Job training: You need a bachelor’s degree to become a public school teacher, followed by a teaching certificate and experience in the classroom. 

How much you can make: Expect to make around the average of $32,396 annually as a public school teacher.

Tutors/Homeschool Teachers

Why it’s a recession-proof job: A 2010 article published by The Christian Post points out that the Great Recession did not affect homeschooling — in fact, the movement was growing and continues to be stable now.

Job training: Requirements to tutor or work as a homeschool teacher will vary according to the family hiring, but becoming a certified teacher is always desirable for the position. 

How much you can make: Expect to make an average of about $65,302 per year — potentially double what public teachers make — as a private homeschool instructor. 

How to get free tutoring

Library Work

Why it’s a recession-proof job: An article from Smart Cities Dive, published in 2020, pointed out the necessity of libraries in a downturn to help people find job-related resources and engage in free community activities. 

Job training: To be a librarian, you need a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in library science — but many libraries will hire assistant roles, requiring less education. 

How much you can make: A librarian can expect to make about $57,411 annually, while a librarian assistant can bank on about $39,255.

Recession proof utility/trade jobs

Water Treatment

Why it’s a recession-proof job: The Department of Homeland Security has deemed safe water quality an essential service, as published in this Water Quality Association newsletter. 

Job training: In some states, you can work in water without any kind of water operator certification, but check your location to find out. 

How much you can make: Expect to make about $43,233 as a water treatment operator. 

Waste Management 

Why it’s a recession-proof job: The country produces hundreds of millions of tons of trash per year – and someone has to pick it up and process it. 

Job training: Typically, working in waste management consists of on-the-job training. 

How much you can make: Expect to make an average of $52,093 per year in waste management.

Electrical Work

Why it’s a recession-proof job: Thinking about becoming an electrician? Bright idea – there’s an electrician shortage and the demand is high, according to a 2021 article from Qmert. 

Job training: If you have a high school diploma, enroll in either an electrician program at a trade college or find an apprenticeship program. Then, pass the test and get licensed in your state.

How much you can make: Expect to make roughly $51,695 annually as an electrician. 

How to become a truck driver in 5 steps

Even more recession-proof jobs

Mechanic

Why it’s a recession-proof job: Take a look at this article from the Great Recession in 2009 published in Charlotte — auto repair shops were seeing an uptick in business, since fewer people bought new vehicles. 

Training: Most of the time, you can enroll in a mechanic training program through a trade school after finishing high school. You can then get on-the-job training and, down the road (pun intended) get certified for more complex repairs, such as brakes and electrical systems. 

How much you can make: Expect to make around $44,459 a year as a car mechanic.

Home repair/Handyman

Why it’s a recession-proof job: The Daily Record reported in 2008 that handymen and repair service providers stayed busy in the downturn due to people not purchasing new items. 

Training: Training depends on the repair, but in many cases, no formal training is needed.

How much you can make: Expect to make around $55,303 per year as a handyman. 

Veterinarian 

Why it’s a recession-proof job: According to this article from PetCareRX, spending on pet care has increased 4.6% annually in the last decade, and millennials have more pets than previous generations. 

Training: You will need a bachelor’s degree plus four years of vet school and clinical training to become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, or DVM.

How much you can make: Expect to make about $145,858 annually as a vet. 

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…..and the worst jobs during a recession?

So what jobs should you steer clear of when the economy looks like it’s heading for a crash? Here are six professions that won’t be as durable. 

• Construction/Renovation: Construction projects are often paused in a recession. This includes renovations. 

• Auto sales: Large purchases, including new cars, are put on hold in recessions. 

• Tourism/travel: Less travel in a downturn means less need for travel-related employees. 

• Culture/Events: Most people watch TV at home during a recession, rather than buying tickets to events, movies and concerts. 

• Restaurant workers: Cooking at home and skipping restaurant dining is par for the course in recessions. 

• Marketing: Because people stick to essential goods and services during a recession, less marketing is needed.

You also shouldn’t rely on manifesting money or assuming things will get better than they are without putting in hard work.

Bottom line: Protect yourself with recession-proof skills

To make the most of your education and skills during a recession, ask yourself what would be the highest-paying, most essential job you can obtain in the shortest amount of time. You might even want to rewrite your resume to showcase your most recession-proof skills. With a little bit of planning, you can keep the cash flowing no matter what. 

With gas and food prices skyrocketing, many economists believe we will enter a recession in 2023 — or may already be in one. 

But not every business will be slammed by an economic downturn. 

If you’re ready to take the plunge into entrepreneurship, starting a recession-proof business now can help you survive a recession and make great money in any economy.

What is a recession-proof business?

Recession-proof business ideas

1. Home repair services
2. Child care
3. Accounting and bookkeeping services
4. Cleaning service
5. Delivery service
6. Auto Repair
7. Reseller

Bottom line: Why start a business during a recession?

What is a recession-proof business?

A recession-proof business will survive a period of time when the economy slows down, there are fewer jobs, and prices for homes, cars, and everyday goods increase (aka a recession). During a recession, a lot of businesses suffer because people typically spend and make less money.

Past recessions have forced many small businesses to close, but there have historically and statistically been certain industries that survive — and even thrive — in a bad economy. 

What makes a business truly recession-proof? Our research, which we unpack below, found that businesses that fulfill basic needs like food, shelter, and water tend to be recession-proof, including grocery stores, plumbing, and HVAC companies. 

Other recession-proof businesses might offer specialized services. For example, businesses like bookkeeping and accounting will always be necessary because individuals, corporations and small business need to pay taxes and manage finances during a recession.

Keep reading for details about the best recession-proof businesses, or read our guides on 74 side hustles, best at-home careers, and recession-proof jobs and recession-proof businesses.

Recession-proof business ideas

Before you start any business, there will be additional expenses related to creating a legal business structure, registering your business, purchasing insurance coverage, and acquiring necessary licenses and permits. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a business guide that goes into more detail.

Before you launch any of these businesses, protect cash flow with strong client service agreements, vendor terms, and NDAs tailored for tough markets. Partnering with a business contract lawyer can ensure your commercial contracts include precise scopes of work and deliverables, milestone-based invoicing, late-fee and chargeback policies, limits of liability, and termination/force majeure clauses. Solid contracts reduce disputes, help you get paid on time, and give you remedies if projects stall or customers default during a downturn.

Here are some of the best recession-proof businesses you can start now:

1. Home repair services

Harvard research found that people in the United States spend $400 billion on home improvement each year. 

Plumbing businesses are considered recession-proof since most people can’t wait out a water leak or clogged toilet. Similarly, electricians and heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) businesses provide repairs for necessary utilities like electric, temperature control, and refrigeration systems.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that construction and extraction jobs (including plumbers, electricians, and HVACR technicians) will grow 6% annually from 2020 to 2030, which is about 400,000 new jobs.

How to get started: Trades like construction, plumbing, electrical, and HVACR typically require an apprenticeship that can take up to 5 years, so you won’t be able to start your own business immediately. Some folks also attend trade school programs in addition to on-the-job training, which can cost $1,000-$30,000 depending on the program length and fees.

You will also need to obtain proper licensing and certifications required in your state to operate your business during your training. Once you have the experience and credentials, starting your own repair service business will require typical business and insurance costs, plus tool costs that can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars depending on what repairs you offer.

Earning potential: According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for plumbers is $59,880, electricians is $60,040, and HVACR technicians is $48,630. The highest 10% of plumbers earn more than $99,920, electricians more than $99,800, and HVACR technicians more than $78,210.

2. Child care

People need child care to work no matter what, though an economic downturn can shake up where the jobs are. During the 2001 recession, for-profit child care chains like KinderCare Learning Centers and Primrose Schools opened more locations and actually grew their businesses, while private operators struggled when parents got laid off and government subsidies shrank. 

How to get started: Sites like Care.com can allow you to connect with people who need nannies and sitters without the large overhead costs needed to start a daycare franchise. You don’t necessarily need formal training, but taking CPR and first aid training can allow you to charge more for your services. CPR certifications typically last for two years, with training and materials costing between $65-$83. If you start a child care business at home, consider additional costs of food, toys, and other supplies. 

Earning potential:. According to Care.com’s Cost of Care Survey, nannies earned an average of $694 a week and day care centers charged $221 a week to care for one child in 2021. But even though nannies may make more initially, an at-home child care business has the potential to increase take-home weekly pay by scaling up with more children, staff and even multiple locations. 

The government’s earning reports project higher earning potential for child care workers. BLS notes that the highest 10% of child care workers, in general, earn more than $17.99 an hour/$719.60 a week for full-time. For child daycare service workers, specifically,  BLS reports median earning of  $11.43 an hour/$457.20 a week for full-time.  

3. Accounting and bookkeeping services

Accounting service revenue has also steadily grown in the United States since 2010 – and did not dip during the 2020 recession. According to Statista research, accounting services revenue was about $126 billion in 2019 and $128 billion in 2020. 

In economic downturns, there is still money to budget and taxes to be paid. Even in tight financial situations, people still seek experts for guidance, even if it will cost them some initial overhead. This makes bookkeeping and accounting services very recession-proof. 

Accounting businesses can also help people understand complex financial situations and laws that arise during a recession, while also helping individuals and companies correctly prep and file their taxes. Businesses will also always need bookkeepers to help track finances – and arguably may need them more when finances are tight during a recession.

How to get started: You can start a bookkeeping business in under a year by taking online training courses via sites like Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB), or Bookkeepers.com. These training courses can cost anywhere from $75 – $400.  

To start your own accounting business and operate as an accountant, you typically need a  bachelor’s degree in accounting or business. This requires time and money that may not be feasible before an impending recession.

Earning potential: According to BLS, the median salary for bookkeepers is $45,560, and $61,980 for the highest earners. The median salary for accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services is $77,080. For accountants and auditors specifically, BLS notes the highest 10% can earn more than $128,970 per year.

4. Cleaning service

People likely won’t pay for home cleaners during a recession, but certain buildings will always require cleaning services. So starting a commercial cleaning business can be a smart and recession-proof idea. 

Places like hospitals, hotels, offices, banks, and classrooms must stay clean no matter the economy. Some may outsource cleaning services, which also allows them to cut costs. So even in a bad economy, cleaning service businesses will have work. 

How to get started: You do not need a formal education to start a cleaning service, but it’s a good idea to have certifications and training that proves you understand proper sanitation guidelines. Some states may also require you have certain licenses depending on what locations you clean. Training and certifications can cost you hundreds to a few thousand dollars. CMI Cleaning 101 from ISSA (The International Sanitary Supply Association) is a good place to start. Additionally, you can expect to pay $200-$500 for cleaning supplies and equipment.

For commercial accounts, exterior cleaning (sidewalks, entrances, bins) often calls for a pressure washer. When bidding jobs, match PSI and flow to surfaces and frequency, and invest in durable and efficient pressure washers to reduce downtime and water use while delivering professional results. Electric units are suitable for indoor/low-noise sites; gas models offer mobility and higher PSI for heavy buildup. Pair with surface cleaners, foam cannons, and proper nozzles, and maintain pumps and hoses per manufacturer guidance to extend service life and keep operating costs predictable.

Earning potential: According to BLS, janitors and building cleaners earn a median wage of $14.31 an hour and the top earners made $22.26 an hour. So running your own cleaning business could help you earn between $29,765 and $46,300 a year, depending on your rates and number of clients.

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5. Delivery service

Mail doesn’t stop in a recession. Courier and delivery services for products and food are tasks companies will still need, which can make these recession-proof businesses.

Many couriers also branch into hot-food delivery via ghost kitchens or food trucks, which stay busy when dine-in slows. To keep startup costs low, outfit a small commercial kitchen with efficient flat-top cooktops; these restaurant grills and commercial grillers provide heavy-duty griddles and grill plates suitable for compact prep spaces, helping you produce burgers, tacos, breakfast items, and more for delivery-only menus.

How to get started: Besides business and insurance costs, you just need a vehicle and a standard driver’s license to start a delivery business. If you’re planning on delivering a large number of packages, buying a used or new delivery sprinter van can run you $10,000-$42,000. You can lease a delivery van to cut costs down and free up cash. TrueCar’s average 36-month lease payment for a newer Ford Transit Crew Van is about $768 a month with a $2,000 downpayment. Some companies also have their own driver programs that allow you to operate as an independent business. 

If you’re considering buying instead of leasing, you can find Ford Transit Crew Vans on AutosToday.

Currently, Amazon has a Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program that helps you start your own Amazon delivery business with a start-up cost of $10,000, plus some additional expenses for training and starting your business that could cost you upwards of $30,000.

Earning potential: BLS notes delivery truck drivers earn a median yearly salary of $36,660. ZipRecruiter reports that independent delivery contractors earn an average of  $65,269 a year, with top earners taking home $152,500 a year.

6. Auto Repair

People still drive their cars during a recession, and vehicles will always need repairs and general maintenance. It’s also common to see more older vehicles on the road during a recession. 

Driving older vehicles helps folks cut costs if they can’t afford to buy a new vehicle, even though they will have to pay some repair costs. This makes auto repair businesses a very recession-proof business.

The new car shortage is also going to keep people in older vehicles. Some car manufacturers cut down production due to a shortage of car microchips, which was caused by faults in chip shipping and production during the pandemic. Auto parts retailers like AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and Genuine Parts also did well in 2021 following the last recession – illustrating a need for auto parts to make repairs. 

How to get started: Many people enter postsecondary education programs through tech schools to get proper training in automotive repair. These can take 6 months to 2 years to complete and cost $5,000 to $20,000. Depending on your training program, you may also need to pay a few hundred dollars for necessary EPA certification testing and optional National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications. Being ASE-certified is an industry standard that gives you credentials to back up your knowledge.

Starting a mobile mechanic business or running your business from a home garage (both will still require proper business registrations and licenses outlined in your state), will help you keep start-up costs lower compared to buying a brick and mortar store. To keep tool and equipment costs lower you can also focus on quick repairs like brake services, air filter replacements, oil changes, tire maintenance, battery replacement, and under-the-hood replacements like spark plugs and timing belts. Depending on what you choose to repair, your initial investment can run you anywhere from $10,000 – $50,000.

Earning potential: According to BLS, the median salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics is $46,880. The highest 10% earned more than $75,100 a year, which you could make as a small, one-person shop. For mobile mechanics specifically, ZipRecruiter reported an average annual salary of $63,343.

7. Reseller

People will still need essential clothing items in a recession, especially for growing kids, and they will be looking for deals when money is tight. This could make an online resale business recession-proof, especially since past recessions have seen resale sales and buyers increase.

Thrifting and resale culture has been on the rise, with ThredUp’s 2021 Resale Report noting 33 million additional consumers started buying secondhand in 2020. According to a 2009 National Association of Resale & Thrift Shops (NARTS) survey via Reuters, 64.1% of U.S. resale stores surveyed increased sales by nearly 31% from second quarter 2008 to 2009. Specifically, books and clothing sales did well.  

The baby care products market is also estimated to rise from $67 billion to $88 billion between 2020 and 2026, which will result in more used items up for grabs. Additionally, selling your gold, diamonds, jewelry, and silver could be lucrative since prices are at record highs.

For HVAC professionals looking to streamline their workflow, using an HVAC invoice generator can be especially helpful for efficiently estimating jobs and managing invoicing

How to get started: You can start selling used items and clothing to pawnbrokers and consignment shops. But you’ll find more flexibility, and potentially more earnings, by selling through online retailers like Mercari, Poshmark, and eBay. You will also want to spend time sourcing items if you don’t have things to resell. Check Craigslist, thrift shops, Facebook Marketplace, and yard sales for items and brands that are in demand. 

Potential earnings: Earning will really vary on the items you sell and how much time you spend on your business. ZipRecruiter reports that the majority of resellers make between $33,000 and $77,000 a year. Online resellers specifically make an average of $69,655 a year.

10 quick job certifications that pay well

Bottom line: Why start a business during a recession?

Starting your own business in 2023 may seem pretty daunting with news of another impending recession. But starting your own business during a recession has some perks:

1. More opportunities. During a recession, there are often state- and federally-funded programs introduced to help business owners secure funding and start a business.
2. There’s less competition. When the economy is struggling, typical start-up funds may also be limited since investors are less likely to invest in new business proposals. This can prevent others from starting new businesses.
3. Less start-up costs. During a recession, some manufacturers and vendors will decrease costs to stay competitive. Real estate prices also decrease during recessions. This means you might have fewer business costs related to starting a business. 
4. People need jobs. Starting a business allows you to increase employment opportunities, and more people are looking for jobs you might need to fill. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 8 million jobs were lost between 2007 and 2010. 
5. You can be your own boss. If you’re worried about your current job during a recession, the stakes might already be high. This could be an opportunity to be in charge of your own business and have even more success when the economy returns to normal.

Learn more about how a recession will affect you, your career, money and your family.