25 Best Gig Economy Jobs For Earning Extra Income

Do you want to make some extra cash? The gig economy has made it possible to turn these gigs into full-time income and have the flexibility most just dream of.

According to Statista, over 57 million people in the United States work gig jobs. That is over 17% of the population who are gig workers.

Read on to find out the best gig economy jobs and how you can get started.

Top Gig Economy Jobs

Check out these gig economy jobs to see if one (or more) might be right for you.

Technology has changed significantly, and now you can efficiently work for yourself. These jobs give you the flexibility to work whenever and wherever you want.

1. Deliver Restaurant Meals

Doordash is a gig economy company that hires “dashers” to bring restaurant meals from restaurants to customers. When you sign up to be a dasher with Doordash, you drive your car and deliver food to customers. You must have a valid driver’s license and insurance.

Dashers have to sign a contract to deliver, so you have to be at least 18 years of age. You get notifications of available deliveries after you sign up and download the Doordash app.

Pay is based on the order, and Doordash will show you the pay amount (not including tip) before you accept or reject the order. If you earn a tip (many dashers do) for good service, you keep 100% of that tip.

2. Drive People Around

Another way to make money with your car is to deliver people to their desired destinations. Similar to taxi services, companies like Lyft provide personalized ridesharing services to clients.

As a rideshare driver, you’re responsible for giving clients a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable ride.

Your pay depends on where, what time of day, and how often you drive. Drivers typically get a designated pay amount for the trip and often earn tips.

To learn more, check out our post: Can You Make Money Driving with Lyft and Is it Worth it?

3. Deliver Groceries

As a full-service shopper for Instacart, you’ll pick up groceries for people and deliver them to them. You get paid based on the specifics of the trip, such as the order amount and distance traveled to delivery.

In addition, many Instacart shoppers earn tips. If you like shopping for and delivering groceries to people, this might be an excellent way for you to make extra cash.

4. Complete Surveys

One popular way to make money in the gig economy is by completing surveys and other get-paid-to (GPT) tasks. These gigs don’t pay as much cash as some of the alternatives listed here.

The tasks are usually quick to complete, and you can do them in your spare time, even if you have a few minutes. Survey Junkie is one of the highest-rated survey sites out there.

Check out our Survey Junkie Review to learn more.

5. Virtual Assistant

Another option for making money by working from home is to work as a virtual assistant. This is a great work-from-home job with lots of flexibility.

Examples of job duties include managing blogs, editing blogs, social media management, calendar management, and scheduling. Just as an assistant in an office would support a boss, the same applies to a virtual assistant.

Experience and skills can lead to paying as much as $60 per hour or more. If you like working from home in an assistant-type role, this job may suit you.

Check out our related article: How to become a virtual assistant.

6. Freelance Writer

I’ve worked at home for nearly six years as a freelance writer. Freelance writing allows me the flexibility to write for blog owners, businesses, and news companies.

Pay for freelance writing is based on what the client is willing to pay. It can also depend on how quickly you write. For example, most writing clients pay by the word. If you make 5 cents per word and write a 500-word article, you’ll earn $25 for that article.

You can find freelance writing jobs on sites such as Upwork or by offering your services directly to bloggers.   

7. Rent a Room in Your Hom

The most popular gig economy app is Airbnb, which helps you advertise a room or home you have for rent. Business and leisure travelers like using sites such as Airbnb since the price is typically less and the location is much more comfortable than a hotel.

The money you can make when renting out your home or a room in your home depends on a few factors. For instance, it depends on where your house or apartment is located. It also depends on the time of year, amenities, and location.

Check out our related article on How To Make Money With AirBnB.

8. Rent Your Storage Space

Do you have a garage spot, yard spot, or basement space you don’t use? Why not rent it out on Craigslist or sites like it? Your garage or yard area can be used to rent storage for people for their cars, boats, and similar items.

You can also rent your garage or basement space for people to store miscellaneous personal items.

We suggest looking up similar storage fees at professional storage garages. Charge less than what a professional space would charge to attract renters.

You can find renters by contacting family friends, on Facebook, or Neighbor.

9. Handyperson Work

Do you have a knack for doing handyman work? If so, you could become a tasker for the gig economy app called TaskRabbit.

You choose your jobs when you work as an independent contractor for TaskRabbit. After downloading the TaskRabbit app, you get notifications of jobs in your area.

Examples of jobs might be to help someone move, mounting a TV, or helping with a dripping sink. You choose the position you want to offer and work out the pay details with the client.

TaskRabbit collects the money from the client after you submit an invoice. Then, TaskRabbit pays you every week.

Check out our TaskRabbit review to learn more.

10. Babysitting/Petcare

If you’re great with kids and pets, you could start your service.

You can get the word out for pet sitting by telling neighbors and friends or using an app like Rover. You make your schedule and build your clientele.

Babysitting is in high demand in my neighborhood. From mother-helpers to covering date night, there is always a need. Get the word out using sites like your neighborhood Facebook page. Or, if you would like to grow more clients, consider using sites like Care.com.

You’d choose the rate of pay you expect to receive and design your schedule as you choose.

11. Online Tutoring

The gig economy makes it possible to find tutoring jobs for grade school, high school, and college students. You will have the most success if you’re proficient in the “hard” topics like science, advanced mathematics, or college entrance exams.

Teaching international students is another enticing possibility when you have teaching experience. This tutoring side gig also requires a flexible schedule, as your students are on the other side.

Starting a tutoring business is easy as you don’t need special certifications like teaching full-time. There may be in-person tutoring options available within your local community worth exploring, and you can earn as much as $1,000 per month.

Check out our online tutoring review to learn more.

12. Proofreader

Proofreading general correspondence and transcripts is a lucrative task as you get to be the extra set of eyes searching for typos and grammar mistakes. For example, you can correct errors in blog posts, brochures, white papers, and other widely broadcasted material.

You can find one-time assignments through freelancer platforms like Upwork, work with agencies, or cold pitch companies directly to offer your services.

No special training is necessary in most situations, except for legal and medical transcripts. Proofread Anywhere offers a free online course highlighting the best ways to land proofreading gigs.

13. Transcribe Audio and Video

Companies and podcasters like to outsource transcriptions to freelancers who can convert audio recordings into the written word. You can earn more per audio minute by drafting video subtitles and translating captions for foreign films.

If you have a legal or medical background, consider exploring legal and medical transcription, requiring relevant professional experience. These assignments pay more, too.

You can become a transcriber in several ways, and joining a platform is usually the best way to find reliable work. Most beginner transcription jobs don’t require special skills or equipment, but you should consider getting a foot pedal and special software to become more efficient.

14. Graphic Designer

Those with an eye for detail and a creative mind can utilize their gifts as graphic designers. The options are endless but typically include t-shirts, home decor, logos, and websites.

Creating a designer account on Redbubble lets you feature your designs in your online store. It’s also possible to make proposals for project requests. You can use the platform’s software to create your mockups, meaning there are no startup costs.

Customers can also reach out to you through Fiverr to create art for personal and business projects. For instance, I have hired freelancers to develop graphics for one-time projects, including ebooks and social media images.

15. Rent Out Your Car

Consider renting out an extra car, often sitting idle in the driveway. You can also lend out your primary vehicle on the days you don’t need it.

Turo makes peer-to-peer car sharing more accessible, as you can work directly with renters. Contactless pickups are possible when you park your car and leave the keys in a public spot, such as an airport parking lot.

Most platforms offer liability insurance during the rental period to protect your assets. Your guests can enjoy complimentary roadside assistance so you can stay home when expert help is needed.

Your earning potential depends on the vehicle type and your local market. Understandably, newer and premium vehicles earn more. Full-time rentals can earn from $5,000 to $12,000 per year.

16. Housesitter

It’s often said that houses should be lived in instead of sitting vacant when the owner is traveling or won’t visit a second home for an extended period.

You can ensure the property is safe and sound while making money by house-sitting. For example, the owner may pay you to water the plants, feed the pets, and mow the lawn. You can also ensure that all appliances run correctly and that there is no structural damage after storms.

Several platforms let you connect with homeowners needing your help for a couple of weeks or longer. This is an exciting side hustle for college students and those between jobs or permanent residences.

17. Be a Mystery Shopper

Teaming up with mystery shopping companies lets you make money and get paid to shop or eat. First, you anonymously visit the business, complete different tasks, and write a brief report about your experience that the company uses to improve its operations.

Most opportunities are for restaurants and retail stores. At first, you will have small purchases, but more luxurious gigs open up as you gain experience and provide quality insights.

Some of these mystery jobs are also phone-based when you don’t have the time to go out in public.

Check out our related article: Mystery Shopping Companies.

18. Be a Photographer

Another great gig economy job is being a photographer. If you take stunning photos for individuals and businesses, this is for you. Mirrorless cameras can get the best pictures, but high-end smartphones and drones also play a part in taking photographs for money.

Wedding photography can be a lucrative income stream year-round. You may also consider offering videography if the newlyweds want an HD or 4k moving picture to commemorate the event.

There are several places to sell photos online and receive royalties when someone uses your images in a campaign. Some outlets also post openings that let photographers submit photographs where the best ones receive payment.

Depending on the platform, you may be able to sell backgrounds and vectors. These digital products are worth considering if you’re proficient with image editing software.

19. Answering Questions

If you’re a fount of knowledge, you can put your brain to work by answering questions for money. Real people want help from content experts about concepts and solving problems when a web search won’t work.

Some of the topics include finance, law, and home improvement. You can also answer school-related questions from students or product-specific inquiries from potential buyers.

A relevant educational degree or work background helps you qualify as a paid responder. You will receive questions as they are asked, so some weeks can be busier than others. Most platforms pay several cents per question, and you can earn several dollars weekly.

20. Street Artist

If you can play an instrument, sing in tune, or have another way to entertain strangers, being a street artist can be right up your alley.

Numerous hobbies make money when you have a public audience. Going out in the evening or during a downtown weekend event and staking your spot can be the best way to get started.

Trying out different spots across town can help you reach different audiences and earn more tips. Another excellent perk is that you have plenty of flexibility to perform and have fun during your free time.

21. Bookkeeping

Bookkeeping from home is easier than you think, as you can connect with businesses through Upwork and similar freelancing platforms. More companies are switching to independent contractors to reduce operating expenses.

This position can also average $28 per hour, which is a competitive rate for home-based side gigs. A degree in accounting, business, or a similar discipline can make it easier to qualify for openings.

You can also take a bookkeeping course like Bookkeeper Launch to learn the ins and outs of this income idea so you can provide competitive pitches to potential clients.

22. Charge Scooters

One way to make money with a truck in the big city is by charging scooters for Bird and Lime. During the evening, you pick up unattended vehicles, charge them overnight, and return them to a designated rental location.

You will earn a fixed dollar amount for each scooter. This can be a fun job if you like being out in the evening or early morning hours.

Depending on the city, you may be able to charge scooters in markets where you’re traveling. This is one way to make a little extra money while you might be on vacation.

23. Test Websites

Businesses are constantly wanting to know how customers interact with their website. You can test websites by completing a series of tasks the client provides.

Most tests take 30 minutes or less and require a webcam and working microphone, as you will voice your thoughts as you navigate the platform. The testing website also provides screen capture software so they can see your viewing and tapping.

You might be invited to participate in live tests if you’re an excellent reviewer. A company representative sits on the review in these sessions and provides real-time instructions. These tests take longer but pay more.

Another web testing option for those with advanced computer knowledge is to search for programming bugs. Several sites have a bounty program with paid rewards if you find faulty code.

24. Be a Mover

If you have a strong back and can lift heavy furniture and boxes, you can help people move. Two examples include assisting homeowners to rearrange their houses or loading a moving truck.

You can connect with clients on TaskRabbit. Facebook and other local selling apps are also reliable sources.

Moving and rearranging can provide steady income with a side hustle stack. One example of a similar income stream is offering furniture removal if you have a truck or trailer.

25. Clinical Trials

People living near college research centers can participate in clinical trials and research studies. You will need to have a qualifying background to be a paid panelist.

Your income potential depends on the study duration and the amount of time required.

One site Fortrea Clinical Trials (formerly Labcorp Clinical Trials), has testing locations across the United States. Qualified volunteers can earn from $3,000 to $19,000 for studies.

Summary

As you can see, many options exist for making extra cash through the gig economy jobs. The skills you have learned over the years can now make you some money.

Find the right one from our list above, and start making money today.