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The gig economy is thriving. Anyone can find side gigs suitable to their schedule and lifestyle. Even better, you can get hired and paid on the same day!
According to a study, around 5 million people have a gig-based income reported to the IRS. On the other hand, Statista suggests that gig workers generated about $455 billion in 2023, an increase of 53% from 2020.
There are several attractive reasons behind the popularity of having a side job. Flexibility is one plus the likelihood of making more cash, say $200 a day. Well, thanks to the proliferation of gig applications it’s now easier to find a job that allows you to earn more from anywhere.
If you’re just as excited as I am and want to kickstart your side hustle now, then here are the best gig apps that pay real cash.
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Best Delivery Service Apps
Are you someone who enjoys a comfortable job in a cubicle? No?
Well, if not, then maybe you fall into the category of people who like to be on the move and stay more active. After all, being physically active throughout the day is great for both the mind and body.
Why do I ask? If you enjoy moving around, delivering food by car might just suit your lifestyle.
The great thing about this job is you will mostly spend time outside and meet new people from all walks of life. But most of all, you can work anytime, which is great if you have other commitments in life, like a regular job, studies, or family time.
1. DoorDash
Does your office or remote job make you feel isolated? You can be a Dasher once in a while or whenever you crave the outside world and some human interaction. The job is easy – you only need to pick up the food from the restaurants, deliver it to the customer, and get paid for each delivery.
If you’re only working part-time, choose your shift wisely. My tip? Work during peak hours, aka mealtimes (breakfast, lunch, dinner), which can help you earn $500 weekly or even more. Although competition is higher during busy hours, the potential benefits of surge orders, in-app bonuses, and higher tips are too good to ignore.
What I like about DoorDash is they allow for same-day payment, including 100% of your tips. If you want to optimize your earnings to save for that special Disney trip or use the cash to buy a new iPhone, then working consistently and during peak hours is beneficial. I can’t say no to extra pay, so I apply this approach whenever I aim for a weekly goal of $500.
2. Uber Eats
Like DoorDash, UberEats is one of the most successful delivery apps for making money. It provides a wider dining experience after it acquired Postmates in 2020.
Uber Eats operates in hundreds, if not thousands, of cities worldwide, making it the best one-day gig work among side hustlers.
Maximizing your earnings with Uber Eats involves more than just working during peak hours. A consistent approach, like dedicating at least 1 hour to busy hours daily, can accumulate significant earnings, potentially saving you around $1,000 annually.
It also pays off to work on a seemingly unproductive day. Need to catch up with friends, and money is a little tight? Pick up and deliver orders on the way there. The money earned can either fund your outing or be reserved for emergencies.
Best Flipping Apps
If you have a smartphone and old items to sell, it’s time to flip, snap, and make some cha-ching. Most successful flippers take advantage of the virtual flea market to sell things. Below are the best flipping apps.
3. OfferUp
OfferUp is my go-to app for selling refurbished furniture or used furniture. However, you can sell various things on this app, like clothes, electronics, kitchen items, and whatnot. I love making more money than spending it, so I used to flip various things after work and on the weekends.
While my husband was initially bothered when I started dragging old tables, wonky chairs, and dinged-up cabinets into our garage, he became very supportive upon realizing that it’s one of my hobbies that makes me money. I guess no one can resist a steady flow of income coming to the household every time a buyer picks up a finished piece.
If you’re looking to source items for resale, consider exploring products on sale at the mall, attending garage sales, or browsing through thrift stores. Make sure to put effort into making old pieces look good and usable. This is important in securing an immediate buyer and maintaining a good customer rating.
The best thing about OfferUp is that you don’t need to schedule a meetup with the buyers because they can easily choose the shipping option. Buyers shoulder the shipping fees, and you get paid through the app.
4. Swappa
Did you just upgrade to the latest iPhone? Or do you have an old gadget just lying around? Don’t let them gather dust – put them to good use and fatten up your piggy bank in the process!
Swappa offers higher profit than other apps because sellers can set their asking price. For instance, you can make $400 fast by selling your old MacBook. This perk comes with a trade-off, though. The app requires that the gadget everyone sells is fully functional with little to no damage.
I love how this app cuts out the middleman, letting you deal with buyers directly. It’s a little extra work on your end, but you keep to avoid paying additional fees.
The app recommends linking your PayPal account before you list any item for sale. You will get paid through PayPal, so having a PayPal account is important before you start using Swappa.
Best Freelancing Apps
Who doesn’t want to work on their own terms? This alone is the major reason why freelancing apps are on fire. By using these apps, you simplify the process of connecting with clients from all over the world.
5. Upwork
If you Google for the best freelancing apps online, Upwork will surely be part of the list. The platform is one of the most popular apps for freelancers working from home. It has a global footprint, so its freelancers and clients have a wide base.
Utilize the search bar or browse the latest job offerings on the app to discover relevant gigs for your skills. The app offers almost any freelancing opportunities you can think of. Whether you are a writer, a graphic designer, or a web developer, searching for part-time nighttime or daytime work has never been easier.
The only downside of this platform is that many freelancers already use the app. The competition is fierce, and clients often hire freelancers with high ratings and good reviews.
To succeed in freelancing, you really need to work smart, not just hard. Dedicate ample time and effort to building your reputation. This may sound cliche, but a solid portfolio will help you win better and bigger paid gigs.
6. Fiverr
Fiverr works the same as Upwork. It’s also a freelance marketplace for freelancers looking for side hustles from home. It is known as a marketplace because freelance services are bought and sold here. To start your freelancing career, create a profile and offer your services to potential clients worldwide.
If you’re a newbie looking for a second job, I have good news. Fiverr is an excellent platform for entry-level freelancers. Are you good at food photography or graphic design? With 4.2 million active buyers each year, finding a client for your niche is possible.
As a new seller, you must craft your profile professionally to distinguish your service from freelancers who may look shady and untrustworthy. You can also set lower prices to attract on-a-budget clients as you build your portfolio.
Target high-paying clients as you become a pro in your chosen field. Fiverr’s tiered system encourages competitiveness among freelancers by giving more exposure and higher earning potential to those who have a history of positive reviews.
Best Rideshare Apps
Ridesharing apps are so popular nowadays that you may have tried at least using Uber or Lyft once. But have you tried earning money from these apps? You might want to explore ridesharing apps as a side gig if you have a driver’s license and a car, or can rent one.
7. Uber
Getting in a car with strangers may sound dangerous. Thanks to Uber (and other rideshare apps) for their rigid application rules, passengers can hop in the car feeling safe.
An Uber driver applicant goes through a series of processes like background checks, driving history, and vehicle inspection before starting their first-ever shift.
The screening process can be taxing at first, but it will be worth it once you start making money with your car. It’s easy to make $100 daily being an Uber driver, especially if you take advantage of “surge.” A surge is when many potential passengers are looking for a ride in a particular area at the same time.
Uber assigns a multiplier during surge hours, allowing your usual fee to be multiplied 2x, 3x, 4x, or more. Surge can occur at any time – my observation tells me it happens during late nights, weekends, and holidays, particularly after work hours and around the time bars close.
8. Lyft
Driving at Lyft is like driving with Uber. It may only seem like you choose a different brand this time. For instance, UberPool is like going for Lyft Shared, and a standard Lyft is like a regular Uber ride. You can’t go wrong with either app.
To start making money today, hit the “Go Online” button to see people in need of rides. The app will notify you of ride requests, including the rider’s name, destination, and estimated fare. I suggest calculating the estimated earnings you’ll receive before you give someone a lift.
Tips and bonuses can also make your wallet bulkier (and happier). Typically, higher tips are given during peak hours when riders are badly needed. Bonuses, on the other hand, will appear on your app in pink and purple colors. These colors on your app are called bonus zones, where you can earn extra dollars upon successful completion of orders.
Best Task-Based Apps
Task-based apps are a terrific platform for supplementing your income without you asking your manager for a day off. Even if you’ve got just half an hour to spare, these apps let you jump in, do a quick task, and earn fast cash. It’s like having a side hustle that fits right into your lunch break. No one will ever notice.
9. Instacart
Can you believe it? Picking up groceries and kitchen items, errands we all thought were just part of life, are now somebody else’s paycheck. Instacart has opened up this opportunity for aisle wanderers who could spend all day in a grocery store and never tire of it. Now, they’ve got the chance to get paid to shop, roaming the aisles of their favorite supermarket and making a living out of it. How about that?
Unlike being a delivery driver, this errand job is less stressful. There is no traffic. No long queue to get orders. No, “Oh, I forgot the hot sauce.” Most of all, consumers are more likely to tip you for being most helpful and recommending alternative products when an item is out of stock.
Instacart doesn’t pressure you to pick up every order. You’re free to get a batch of orders you want to deliver and call it a day. They will NOT penalize you if you don’t feel like accepting an order either.
If you want to earn more, check the app from time to time and be mindful of the yellow and orange colors on your map. These colors tell you the high-demand areas, which I recommend focusing on. This way, you’ll get successive batches and won’t have to wait around for new orders.
10. Handy
Handy is an app for people looking for gigs in the local cleaning and handyman category. For house cleaners and handymen out there, this is your time to shine.
Men looking for a side hustle on Handy can find plenty of demand for their muscle and craftsmanship in tasks like home repairs, yard maintenance, and even TV mounting. But hey, if you’re proud of your cleaning skills, you can try various cleaning jobs on this app, too. You could do home cleaning, office cleaning, and sanitization services. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro because beginners are very much welcome.
Handy is not an employer or a middleman. Hence, red tape isn’t something you need to stress about. The app is somewhat like a medium that allows homeowners and contractors to work together. You’re an independent contractor here, so you can freely set the price you think you deserve.
For beginners who want to get clients quickly, an effective tactic is to start with attractive discounts, create a sleek and professional profile, and maintain a high standard of service. This method not only attracts positive reviews but also helps in acquiring loyal clients who are willing to pay well.
11. TaskRabbit
Does TaskRabbit ring a bell? Yes, this iconic green rabbit is all over IKEA. IKEA realized that not everyone has the time or patience for furniture assembly, so they brought TaskRabbit to make their customer’s lives easier. If you’re interested in errand jobs, you’ll find plenty of requests on TaskRabbit.
The app features may sound like the ones you see at Instacart of Handy, but trust me, you can get more job varieties in this app. If there is a hierarchy for the best errand apps, this should be on the first list. They got everything from shopping, cleaning, and handyman tasks. However, they are more popular for offering more complex jobs.
Best Specialty Skills and Crafts Apps
Anyone who is into crafts and not making money from them is missing out. Making crafts is a great money-making skill because it can turn a side gig into a profitable business.
12. Etsy
Etsy’s chart-toppers include artwork, jewelry, home decor, vintage treasures, and digital products. Flip the coin, and handmade items like knitted goodies, metal bling, and stylish pendants take the crown as the app’s speedy sellers. If you are passionate about making any of these, it’s time to try low-stress fun jobs like making crafts for Etsy.
The platform has focused on sellers’ creative side since day one. Hence, creative people tend to be successful in their eCommerce journey with Etsy’s by their side.
Since Etsy is a business, choosing or creating trendy items for sale is key to making more sales. While you may have other craft ideas, I’m afraid selling items that are not in demand or oversaturated would be a waste of time. These items may include greeting cards, stickers, and basic jewelry.
13. Amazon Handmade
Amazon Handmade is a great way to make money from Amazon. As the name suggests, the platform is an Amazon marketplace for handmade items. Like Etsy, this website empowers creative sellers to gain a wider audience who can appreciate their creations.
For stay-at-home moms, you would be happy to know that a mom like you earns thousands of dollars with her Amazon side hustle. If you want to earn money quickly as a woman, you may find crocheted items, personalized gift products, and custom jewelry profitable. These are, by far, the most popular products on the marketplace.
To increase your chances of making a sale, take high-quality photos of your products and write enticing captions. But don’t stop there. Continuously learn and improve. In business, “done” is never really an acceptable word. There’s always more to do, more mistakes from which to learn, and new things to try.
Best Personal Service Apps
There are personal service gig apps that pay same-day. Some of them require your time to take care of kids and pets. So, if you need money now, don’t go into it blind. Take time to choose those that resonate with your skills and interests.
14. Care.com
Care.com provides millions of caregivers in over 17 countries. With these numbers, it’s safe to say that the platform significantly enhances the chances for caregivers to find side hustles.
Caregivers can create a profile on the app for free. Creating a profile includes stating your background and expertise. If you’re a teenager who wants to make money, unfortunately, you can’t sign up on Care.com until you turn 18.
It’s pretty clear that Care.com favors those with a strong skill set. If you’ve done any courses in child, medical, or adult care, definitely mention them in your profile – it could give you an edge.
For better exposure in the search results, the premium package is an option worth considering when you set up your profile. The only downside is that you have to pay for it.
15. Rover
Days spent on a beach or any place with the people you love, even with cute canine chums, sound great. The latter situation, however, will allow you to make extra money by getting paid to walk or offering some pet care services.
This is where Rover comes in handy. Rover is a platform that provides pet-sitting services to pet owners on the app. The app doesn’t have strict rules for setting up rates. You’re free to set your minimum and maximum pay.
To get clients, make sure that the “About You” section of your profile showcases your abilities as a pet sitter. Write your background in such a way that the fur parents get to know you better, your expertise, and your passion for dogs.
Show off those adorable snapshots with your furry sidekick on your profile – let the world see your four-legged squad. Don’t be shy to share your action shots working with dogs, too. These pictures are proof of your fun times with dogs as well as your expertise in the doggy industry.
FAQs
What is the highest-paying gig app?
There are many reasons why people in business are the wealthiest people in the world. One of which is that a business can generate a steady cash flow once it succeeds.
From my perspective, any side hustle app that allows you to transform your side hustles into a legitimate business can offer the highest pay. For example, flipping furniture to sell on Swappa or crafting items to sell on Etsy are enjoyable side hustles that can evolve into an online business. For me, it was blogging. It was a profitable hobby at first, but once I realized the income potential and focused all my time on it. After a year and a half, I quit my corporate job and became a full-time blogger.
On the other hand, other side gig apps on this list, such as Uber, DoorDash, or Instacart, aren’t the highest-paying options. This is because you’re working for someone else. These apps are designed to supplement your income in your free time, not to replace your main job.
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