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From walking dogs and cleaning houses to building a small business, most Americans work extra hard, usually taking under-the-table jobs, to make more money.
As per Bankrate’s latest survey, 39% of the adult population in the US, engage in side hustles. The same report also reveals that side gigs are often a means to make ends meet.
Are you in a cash crunch? Take a pause and reflect before opting for a personal loan. The gig economy is booming, and there are likely off-the-book jobs that can help you make money today – or even get paid the same day after work.
Under-the-table jobs are small jobs where you get paid in cash. Our regular jobs usually pay us with direct deposit and withhold a percentage of our bi-weekly paycheck upfront, while off-the-record jobs do away with the lengthy wait to get our hard-earned money.
However, note that getting paid in cold cash the same day doesn’t mean you can get away with taxes. It only means your employer isn’t responsible for your tax liabilities.
Nevertheless, receiving $600 from a side gig triggers the issuance of Form 1099-K. But even if you didn’t receive the form, remember it’s your duty as a citizen to file your taxes.
Need money now? Don’t stress! Here are the best under-the-table jobs that warrant daily pay.
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Creative and Artistic Work
Artistic people and creative thinkers are blessed in life – at least in the salary aspect. These are the people who are in demand all over the world because of their talents. Hence, they can easily find both online and, of course, jobs that pay cash only.
1. Freelance Writing
With new technology and writing tools emerging all the time, you might wonder if it’s still worth making money as a freelance writer? This is a popular question among aspiring writers out there. What do I think?
An absolutely BIG YES!
If you’ve got the writing chops, there’s no reason to get intimidated with AI.
After all, no technology can replace a human’s creativity, voice, and experience. There are a lot of people and companies willing to pay for your talent in cash. For instance, you can pitch to blogs as a content writer or offer your copywriting skills to businesses.
The average pay of a writer is $27.91 per hour. This will increase if you have a rock-solid portfolio showing your expertise in a particular niche. That could be travel, finance, arts, beauty, food, self-development, health, and anything else you can think of!
That’s the good thing about freelance side jobs – you can make more money for work that requires experience and skills.
2. Graphic Design
Graphic design is an effective marketing tool, so there is a consistently high demand for creative people in this field. This may sound surprising, but you’re not required to be the most talented artist to pursue this path.
Even if all you’ve got is sheer passion, there’s no reason you can’t turn your hobby into a lucrative venture.
Graphic design is a huge field, but with continuous learning, finding your niche is relatively easy. You can try web design, motion design, packaging design, or whatnot. For some graphic design gigs that don’t require Adobe Photoshop, design apps like Canva and Picmonkey will be your friend.
3. Photography for Events
Imagine being able to take a good photo of a speeding Lamborghini, a picture of an orange egg yolk during sunsets, and a bunch of puppies nursing from their momma dog. Photography is not only visually therapeutic but also a fun job that pays well and, thus, is healthy for your wallet.
You don’t need an expensive camera to start. With your smartphone or affordable digital camera, you can start covering small events like birthdays, family reunions, and school events. These occasions are great starters to widen your network and portfolio.
As you grow big, you can invest in high-end cameras and take bigger gigs like weddings, marketing campaigns, magazine photoshoots, etc.
Flipping and Crafting
Anyone who has free time can make money through flipping and crafting. The lowest possible investment is nothing. You can flip and make crafts for whatever is lying in your home.
4. Make and Sell Crafts
If you have a knack for making crafts, it’s time to turn your hobby into a home-based business. It’s also a fun way to earn money as a woman, especially for stay-at-home moms who can’t have regular 9-5 jobs because of a little toddler she has to take care of.
From knitted baby onesies to Christmas crafts, it’s possible to own a successful shop and earn income from your dining table through Etsy or make fast bucks at festivals and local fairs.
“Oh, I make all sorts of crafts; I’m not sure which ones to sell.”
Guess what? You can sell everything or try a few different crafts. See what you like making the most and find out which items are appealing to people. Ask a few customers and friends their opinions about your crafts.
Sell your items based on your overall cost and market trend. However, don’t get discouraged. The process may take time and effort since you’re creating things with your hands.
5. Flipping Things
Flipping things is a popular trend on TikTok, but in reality, it has been a thing of the past, even before the said platform existed. In fact, I’ve always been engaged in flipping furniture without being influenced by my social media algorithm.
I started this pastime turned moneymaker by snagging affordable old furniture – typically from thrift stores, yard sales, and friends eager to dispose of their “junk.”
When I’m in the mood to browse the Internet, I also visit popular sites where I can get free stuff like Craigslist (free section), Freecycle, and Facebook marketplace. As the saying goes, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”
Flipping items is a piece of cake. It only requires restoring an old piece (i.e., clothes, shoes, furniture, etc.) and selling them for a profit. Restoration usually involves cleaning, painting, and maybe adding more aesthetics with accessories.
The perfect venues for your flipped items are vintage shops, local flea markets, and eBay. But before you resell them, remember to price each item based on the costs of purchasing, restoring, and time spent glamming them up.
Tech and Online Work
For most people, entry-level jobs may seem like an “underpaid” job to get experience that will help them secure a more valuable job someday. However, this is not particularly true with tech and online-related jobs.
This industry is a skill-based market, so anyone with the skills, regardless of educational attainment, will receive a decent paycheck. Here are the best tech-related jobs that warrant higher pay.
6. Web Development
Nowadays, web developers come from various backgrounds, so there is no right or wrong profile for this side hustle. This is positive news for people who don’t have a diploma in IT or any computer-related courses.
For instance, Steve Jobs, the man behind Apple, didn’t complete his college education. But he took humanities, psychology, and philosophy courses – subjects seemingly unrelated to his success in the tech industry. That said, any computer geek can perform this job regardless of educational background.
As a web developer, it’s your role to make and repair software, websites, and other applications. The complexity of your position comes with a hefty salary. Some ask for rates of $40 per hour or even higher, particularly those with strong portfolios specializing in specific niches.
Besides the salary, the flexibility is the best thing about this gig. You can work part-time at night, from home, or in an office with a wider team.
7. Social Media Management
The BLS reports an 8% growth in social media-related positions by 2028, surpassing the projected growth rate for all occupations. If you’re skeptical about being part of the growing population of social media managers, thinking they might not be relevant 10 years from now, let me assure you, that’s not the case, my friend.
After all, it takes skills to do marketing on social media, so one might need a professional – someone who can produce Instagram reels to build a social media presence or a Pinterest expert to increase one’s website traffic.
By using Instagram and TikTok every day, you’re already training for this job without even realizing it! You’ve come across and analyzed many reels and posts, so you clearly know the type of content that performs well and goes viral on these platforms.
The job could be fast-paced and stressful at times, but consider this: how many jobs allow you to combine creativity, critical thinking, and love for public relations?
To start getting clients, you can target local mom-and-pop shops near you and help them expand their online presence. You could negotiate a deal to get paid in cash for setting up their IG profile and managing their weekly posts. As you gain more experience, you can expand to other geographical areas.
You can work remotely from the convenience of your home, making it particularly appealing for stay-at-home moms looking to balance work, life, and motherhood seamlessly.
8. Online Tutoring
A 9-5 job typically pays us bi-monthly or bi-weekly, while online tutoring jobs allow you to demand pay at the end of the day. Online tutoring is a flexible work from home job, especially for freelancers because they’re in control of their agenda from day one. There’s no school-based syllabus or timeline for tutors to follow, which allows them to develop lesson plans based on a child’s proficiency level.
This is one of the best part-time jobs for retirees, homemakers, and teachers, as they can schedule their online classes any day and time that suits them. There’s no traveling to the office involved. You can teach in your cozy, ergonomic chair without wasting productive time. With only your knowledge and expertise, a reliable internet connection, and a webcam, you can teach enthusiastic students worldwide.
Math, Science, and Foreign Languages are on-demand subjects to teach online. You can be a STEM and EFL online teacher by applying for jobs on online platforms and social media pages. To find under-the-table gigs, you should submit your application to parents within your vicinity. For example, my dad paid my math tutor cash after each lesson.
Home and Personal Services
Home and personal services are best for people with no experience. They are also great money-making ventures for students who want to improve their skills outside school. Many of these jobs can be found through community connections, so try to build your network or ask some family and friends before you look for jobs online.
9. Babysitting
Babysitting is a popular part-time cash job among students. If you’re a teenager with your sights set on a fresh pair of kicks or the latest cellphone, taking up babysitting can be an effective way to earn extra money and save up for these purchases.
The average pay of babysitters is $18 per hour, and it’s worth pointing out that this is only for one child. Imagine the earnings you’ll receive for watching over a bunch of kids.
Parents know that good babysitting goes beyond just having someone physically around to watch their kids. They get that paying more often means getting a sitter with the right skills or certifications. That’s why some parents look for sitters who have childcare qualifications, or who come recommended by friends or family.
With a solid recommendation or proven experience, you can easily book a job through your personal network, local parenting Facebook groups, and online platforms like Care.com.
10. Dog Walking & Pet Sitting
Working with dogs is a fantastic cash gig if you’re a bona fide pooch lover or at least get along with dogs. Getting paid to walk or care for pets sounds like a dream for dog enthusiasts.
After all, this job spares you from office politics and, unlike babysitting, there’s no need to deal with a crying baby. Four-legged clients are much easier to handle (and more easy-going) than humans. Plus, the job pays decently, averaging around $15.44 per hour.
Word-of-mouth is the cheapest way to spread the word about your business. So, whether you’re in a pet shop, in a bank, or grabbing coffee at a local café, make new friends and tell them about your pet services.
Using social media is also a great way to self-promote your business. And don’t forget to join a pet-sitting site like Rover to expand your reach. Certainly, getting new clients for any side hustle is all about being seen by potential customers.
11. House Cleaning
People who are strapped for time understand that time is money, and spending it on tasks like scrubbing floors means less time for work that generates income. These folks are more than happy to hire a house cleaner to make their home squeaky clean so the family can relax after a tiring day.
Cash-paying jobs like house cleaning are rewarding because you get to make other lives easier by vacuuming their floor, cleaning their sink, or making their bed. All these chores may be second nature to you, but they mean a lot to customers.
Many cleaners begin their careers with agencies, but those aiming for long-term gigs establish their own cleaning businesses for a more flexible work arrangement. If you lack the budget for cleaning products and tools, having an agency could be a viable option.
However, if you’re aiming for a gig that could earn you around $200 a day, I suggest you start an independent business instead.
There are plenty of customers looking for home cleaning services on social media groups and online job boards. To grow your client base quickly and establish a steady side hustle, you’ll need to consistently deliver top-notch service.
12. Gardening & Landscaping
People love flowers and plants, particularly those they have cared for at home. I know the feeling because I love mine. I love all the roses, orchids, and even bushes in my garden. I’m always eager to learn about the best fertilizers and soils that will help them thrive.
Is gardening and landscaping a passion of yours, too? If so, have you ever thought about earning money from your gardening skills? Many “plant parents” out there require someone trustworthy to look after their yards while they’re on vacation. You might find some people in need of your gardening skills to nurture their plants, and others who could really benefit from your muscle for the heavier garden work.
If you’re not a pro yet, you can start with simple tasks such as watering plants, weeding, or raking leaves. You’re also free to set your rate based on your overall cost and effort in making someone’s yard aesthetically pleasing.
Food and Beverage Industry
If you want to get paid in person, you must also work onsite. The food and beverage industry is perfect for this setup. Do you enjoy interacting with people and making sure they’re having a great time? Then you’re 100% fit to join this industry.
13. Serving At Local Restaurants
To keep things local, consider taking a few shifts at restaurants near you. Although restaurants can be physically demanding, daily tips can make your wallet bulky every day you work. For higher chances of receiving tips, don’t be shy to reach out to current servers where you want to work and ask which shifts give them the most profitable tips.
Fast food joints and other restaurants are always hiring to fill their extended hours. This is great because it means you can slot in a shift or two whenever it suits you, be it early morning, afternoon, or even late in the evening, to align with your daily routine.
There’s an app called Qwick where you can apply for jobs at local restaurants. But make sure you have at least one year of relevant experience because restaurants don’t have time to train you. From being a food runner to a dishwasher and general cook, many roles are available online.
14. Personal Chef
Personal chefs usually cook for individuals, family households, or in a local diner as short-order chefs. On the flip side, top-tier private chefs may be able to work for Elon Musk-like clients or luxurious home kitchens.
Personal chefs enjoy lots of perks than regular chefs at restaurants. They are independent contractors who can choose their working time and pay. So, if you have reached the status of a “chef” and are looking for the best weekend jobs, look no further.
A personal chef must be an all-rounder: running the kitchen, serving, and hosting. Consider your culinary style and match it with a client you want to work for. Once hired, your client should be your top-most priority. Ask about their preferences, dietary requirements, and personal requests before you serve them a sumptuous meal.
15. Bartending
A bartending job is probably the highest-paying under-the-table job one can work despite having no college degree. With little to no training, it’s not impossible to start a career in bartending.
You could get paid as high as $31 for slinging drinks, which means you could save enough money to buy really cool things or fund your dream vacation. And take note, I’m talking about cash immediately, which would be helpful for future emergencies.
However, like any industry, you’ve got to hustle hard. Having bartending as a second job may cost you a night out with friends. But don’t worry because that’s only a few sacrifices you’ll make before you reach the “Drink Master” title.
To be a Drink Master, you must have good interpersonal skills, be a self-starter, and, most of all, be a team player.
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