At a Glance

The “gig economy” is a place with part- and full-time side hustles and gig jobs that can fit a variety of people, interests, and skills. Earn hundreds or thousands of dollars performing these different tasks, often with the flexibility to choose your own hours, rate, and effort. And, with hundreds of options, you’re sure to find a gig job that you’ll enjoy while supplementing your income.

There are a few different types of gigs: Gig-specific apps, such as Uber, Instacart, and DoorDash; entrepreneur-style gigs like freelance writing, virtual assistant, or pet sitting; and marketplaces and platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. While a variety of factors can impact your earnings, you’re sure to supplement your income with some of these top gigs.

Comparing the best gig economy jobs

Job Earning Potential Who it is for
Food delivery $10 to $25 per hour People with a reliable vehicle and driver’s license who enjoy driving
Personal shopper $10 to $35 per hour People with a reliable vehicle and driver’s license who enjoy shopping and driving
Tutoring $12 to $40 per hour Teachers and educators
Resident hosting $25 to $35 per hour; $1,000+ per month Homeowners with extra space or who travel regularly
Ridesharing $15 to $22 per hour People with a reliable vehicle and driver’s license who enjoy driving
Vehicle supplier $10,500 per vehicle per year People with a reliable vehicle who don’t need it every day
Dog walking/sitting $15 per hour Pet lovers
Proofreading/copyediting $12 to $25 per hour Detail-oriented, love of language
Content creator $20+ per hour; $0.08+ per word People who enjoy writing and have some experience, English experts
Virtual assistant $27 to $33 per hour Someone who is organized, has attention to detail, time management skills, and computer literacy/communication skills
Transcriber $15 to $18 per hour Someone with strong typing and listening skills
Babysitting $15 to $18 per hour People who love children and enjoy spending time with them
Developer $18 to $35+ per hour Expert in coding or development
Designer $25 to $50+ per hour Expert in graphic design elements and software
Handyman $20 to $50 per hour Independent contractors who are experienced with home projects and repairs
Delivery driver $16 to $30 per hour People with a reliable vehicle and driver’s license who enjoy driving
Housesitter/neighborhood services $18 to $25 per hour Self-starters who don’t shy away from physical labor and are comfortable being in other people’s homes
Affiliate marketing $25 to $33 per hour Social media influencers or those who have interest in promoting goods and services from brands
Data work $20 per hour Those who are good with numbers and/or computers

A closer look at the top gig jobs

Food delivery driver

Earning potential: $10 – $25 per hour

Where to find delivery driver gigs: Uber Eats, Grubhub, DoorDash, Postmates

Our verdict: If you have a vehicle and driver’s license and you like to drive or be in the car, food delivery can be a lucrative gig, especially for those living in a city or densely populated area. Not only can you deliver for specific restaurants, like a pizza place, but also for food delivery companies like DoorDash or Grubhub. You can set your own hours, accept whatever jobs you want, and most apps allow you to keep 100% of your tips.

However, the amount of money you earn is based on factors like delivery distance, level of demand, customer tips, and more, so earnings can vary. You also must cover your own costs for fuel, insurance, and vehicle maintenance.

Pros Cons
  • Set your own hours.
  • Requires a vehicle.
  • Choose which deliveries you want to make.
  • Have to pay for gas.
  • Won’t be asked to use your own money for an order.
  • Wear and tear on vehicles.
  • Typically get to keep 100% of tips.
  • Income can vary greatly.
  • Easy-to-use app.
  • Higher pay when you drive during busy hours.

Personal Shopper

Earning potential: $10 – $35 per hour + tips

Where to find personal shopper gigs: Instacart, Shipt

Our verdict: When you work as a personal shopper, not only are you delivering the items, you’re going into the store, finding the items on your customer’s list, and purchasing them. These could be groceries, other products, or a combination of both. Unlike food delivery, you’ll be required to have more communication with your customers, but higher levels of service often lead to higher tips. And, these apps make it easy to find and accept shopping and delivery gigs.

However, you’ll need to keep track of your own time and manage it well or you could end up with a low hourly rate.

Pros Cons
  • Get to keep tips.
  • Must communicate regularly with customers.
  • Accepting more gigs means making more money.
  • Must manage time carefully.
  • Set your own schedule.
  • Responsible for gas, insurance, and vehicle maintenance costs.
  • Simple and easy to use site and apps.
  • Must have your own vehicle.
  • Possible commission-based pay.
  • Can be physically demanding.

Tutor

Earning potential: $12 – $40 per hour

Where to find tutoring gigs: VIPKid, BookNook

Our verdict: If you like working with kids or adults who are interested in or need help learning, offering tutoring or lessons can be a great gig. Some sites offer competitive pay rates plus incentives, or you can choose your own. You also set your own schedule, choose the topics you’ll tutor on, and work with a variety of people both online and in person.

Some sites, like VIPKid, also offer training and coaching for tutors and teachers looking to improve their skills, as well as materials to help them be more effective. And, not only can tutoring be in many school-related subjects, but also life skills and other interests such as painting, cooking, and more.

If you have a degree or appropriate licensing, you can likely charge more. However, even without those credentials, you can share your subject matter expertise.

Pros Cons
  • Work from home part- or full-time.
  • Working with children can be challenging.
  • Work with a wide variety of kids/adults.
  • Requires patience and some teaching skills.
  • Can share expertise in your subjects.
  • Requires focus.
  • Help others be successful and learn.
  • Tougher to teach online.
  • Wide range of topics for tutoring.

Resident Host

Earning potential: $25 – $30+ hourly; $1,000+ per month

Where to find resident host gigs: Airbnb, VRBO, Couchsurfing, Nrighbor.com

Our verdict: How much you make depends on factors like how often you’re allowing visitors to your home, whether you’re renting out your entire space or just one couch or room, your location, and others. However, property owners are finding themselves with quite a bit of passive-income earning potential by hosting their room or home without having to go through the hassle of finding a renter yourself.

Rules and regulations can vary, so be sure to do your research before listing your place. Also keep in mind that you’ll be sharing your space with strangers, so you could have a reduced sense of privacy and could encounter property damage. The good news is some host sites do provide some insurance coverage.

Pros Cons
  • High earning potential.
  • Strangers in your space.
  • Can list couch, room, or entire space.
  • Earning potential heavily depends on where you live.
  • Passive income without requiring much work.
  • Potential for property damage.
  • Simple online platforms.
  • Automatic payments.

Ridesharing

Earning potential: $15 – $22+ per hour

Where to find ridesharing gigs: Uber, Lyft

Our verdict: Ridesharing has been one of the most popular gig economy jobs out there for several years, especially since it’s so easy to get started and you can choose your hours. All you need is a driver’s license, a vehicle, and to pass a basic background check. If you live in a city or an area with large events, like sporting events or concerts, driving during those times can allow you to earn even faster. And, you’ll get to meet a variety of people.

Pros Cons
  • Easy to get started.
  • Wear and tear on vehicles.
  • Choose your hours.
  • Must pay for gas.
  • Keep 100% of tips.
  • Could have unruly or rude customers.
  • Higher pay when you drive during busy hours.
  • Not all days/times are good for earning.

Vehicle Supplier

Earning potential: $10,500+ annually (per vehicle)

Where to find vehicle supplier gigs: Turo, Getaround, HyreCar

Our verdict: Most people think of companies like Enterprise or Hertz when considering renting a car. However, there is another option: Borrowing a vehicle from someone in the neighborhood. With a lack of rideshare drivers in some areas, or some people only needing a short-term vehicle rental, you can passively earn income every day by allowing a vehicle-less driver to borrow yours.

In most cases, insurance is included and many companies offer customer support and roadside assistance for guests. And, some apps like Turo allow you to decide your own pricing (while providing guidance on local rates) and may even offer coverage to both owners and renters.

Pros Cons
  • Earn income passively.
  • Trusting someone else with your vehicle.
  • Insurance included.
  • You can’t use your car if it’s being used by someone else.
  • Roadside assistance and customer support for guests in case of an emergency.
  • Risk of damage.
  • Earnings can easily go toward vehicle maintenance.
  • May not work with existing car insurance.
  • Short- and long-term renters.
  • Increased wear and tear on vehicles.

Dog Walker/Sitter

Earning potential: $15 per hour

Where to find dog walking gigs: Rover, Wag, Fetch, local pet boarding or grooming facilities, your neighborhood

Our verdict: If you love dogs and exercise, this gig is perfect for you. Not only is it relatively easy, especially if you work from home/have flexible hours, or have pets of your own, but you can also offer additional services like overnight pet sitting, check-ins, or animal boarding at your home and earn even more. And, you can do these gigs on your own, use an app like Rover or Wag, or partner with a local pet boarding or grooming place to get clients.

One of the biggest challenges is that there’s a lot of competition, so it’s important to post photos and strong descriptions and ask clients to leave reviews for you. The other downside is that some apps charge service fees, which can reduce your overall earnings.

Pros Cons
  • Spending time with dogs/pets.
  • Not as lucrative unless you have a flexible schedule.
  • Exercise and fresh air.
  • Competition.
  • Can offer additional pet-related services for additional earnings.
  • Some apps charge service fees.
  • Easy to schedule/manage clients.
  • Unpredictable income.
  • Can be messy.
  • Some clients (human and animal) can be difficult.
  • Risk of loss or injury.

Proofreader/Copywriter

Earning potential: $12 – $25 per hour

Where to find proofreading gigs: Proofed, Cambridge Proofreading, Upwork, Steady, Fiverr, FlexJobs

Our verdict: Before anything like a blog post, article, book, legal transcript, academic paper, print media, or similar piece is published, it goes through rounds of editing and proofreading to look for things like spelling errors and typos, grammar mistakes, punctuation errors, style issues, etc. Freelance copywriters and proofreaders can do this for authors, journalists, website owners, and other businesses to ensure what’s published is perfect. With this job, it’s important to be accurate, but can also be helpful to be efficient.

Pros Cons
  • Extremely flexible.
  • Need access to a computer or laptop.
  • Low start up costs.
  • English/related experience/expertise required.
  • Remote work.
  • Deadlines can be tight.
  • Dictate your own hours.
  • Can be repetitive.
  • High demand for online editors/proofreaders.
  • Ongoing variety of clients and projects.

Content Creator

Earning potential: $20+ per hour; $0.08+ per word

Where to find content creator gigs: Fiverr, Upwork, BloggingPro, ProBlogger, iWriter

Our verdict: If you have experience as a writer, a content creator gig has great potential for high earnings. It’s helpful if you have a particular niche, but content creators can write and create articles, blog posts, social media posts, website content, books, videos, and more. Most jobs pay on a per-word basis, while others pay hourly or per-piece, but you could earn hundreds of dollars for writing a few thousand words, depending on the client.

Many large companies with larger marketing budgets can offer consistent work and you can take on as little or as much as you have time for.

Pros Cons
  • Create and monetize your own content, or create for other businesses.
  • Competitive market/inconsistent work.
  • Variety of content to be created, types of projects, and clients.
  • Likely need some experience or education in content creation/journalism/English.
  • Low startup costs.
  • May have tight deadlines/difficult expectations.
  • High demand.
  • Lack of employee benefits.
  • Choose your clients, or work for yourself.
  • Getting clients as a new content creator can be difficult.

Virtual Assistant

Earning potential: $27 – $33 per hour

Where to find virtual assistant gigs: Virtual Assistant USA, Priority VA, VaVa Virtual, FancyHands

Our verdict: Virtual Assistant (VA) gigs have seen rapid growth over the past few years, especially as more and more people work from home. You can do a variety of tasks such as data entry, booking appointments, bookkeeping, project management, making travel arrangements, answering emails, event management, taking phone calls, and more.

As an independent contractor, you can decide which services you offer. You can also find your clients or use virtual assistant companies that hire remote VAs. These jobs do require more time than some of the other gigs on this list, but they also have the potential to earn more, especially if you have a background in human resources, administrative assistance, project management, or customer service.

Pros Cons
  • Expertise not required.
  • Lack of social interaction.
  • Can be done remotely.
  • Time management/work life balance difficulties.
  • Flexible work schedule.
  • High competition.
  • Choose your clients and set your own rates.
  • Continuous literacy and skill development required.
  • Work with a variety of clients.
  • Communication can be difficult in a remote environment.
  • Possibility for career growth and advancement.

Transcriber

Earning potential: $15 – $18 per hour

Where to find transcriber gigs: TransacribeMe, Scribie, Upwork, Fiverr

Our verdict: Transcribing is listening to audio recordings and typing them into written reports. Some of these gigs pay hourly, meaning per every hour of audio you transcribe, you earn a set dollar amount. Others pay per audio file. You may be transcribing medical or legal notes, podcasts, court hearings, lectures, meetings, presentations, or similar files. There’s typically no minimum typing speed required, although faster can be better. Accuracy is also important.

Pros Cons
  • Virtually no start-up costs.
  • Must have accurate typing skills.
  • No required skills.
  • Likely need a quiet workspace.
  • Listening and typing skills will improve.
  • Need computer/laptop and internet.
  • In high demand.
  • Some files can take a long time to transcribe (lower earnings).
  • Difficult audio quality.
  • Tight deadlines.
  • Set your own hours; accept projects as you please.

Babysitter

Earning potential: $15 – $18 per hour

Where to find babysitting gigs: Care.com, UrbanSitter, SitterCity

Our verdict: Babysitting isn’t just for teens or college students anymore. In fact, many parents prefer adults to watch their kids for them. And, depending on your availability, you can watch the kids for a few hours on date night or several hours each day while the parents are at work.

Plus, it’s much easier today to find safe, well-paying babysitting gigs thanks to websites like Care.com where you can create a profile and connect with families that match your preferences. Word-of-mouth referrals still do go a long way as well.

Pros Cons
  • You get the fun part of kids (and then they go home)
  • Misbehaving kids can be difficult.
  • Generally, requirements are negligible.
  • Can be difficult to earn consistently/enough (irregular schedule).
  • Learn valuable life skills, including responsibility and time management.
  • Hours may not be ideal.
  • Training and experience commands higher pay.
  • Pay can be low compared to time/effort put in.
  • Typically higher job satisfaction.
  • Unreasonable/difficult parents can be challenging.
  • Emergencies can be intimidating.

Developer

Earning potential: $18 – $35 per hour

Where to find developer gigs: Upwork, UpStack, Toptal

Our verdict: Web and mobile app developers are in high demand and have the opportunity to make high earnings, but you’ll likely need experience and expertise to land these gigs. Most developers need to know certain programming languages to design and build products and be an expert in either front-end and back-end areas. Whether you’re making the website or app operate smoother, designing something from scratch, improving user experience, or something else, these gigs can be a great option for those who speak the language.

Pros Cons
  • In high demand.
  • Need experience/expertise in the field.
  • Different kinds of gig economy jobs depending on your background and skills.
  • Endless new technologies to keep up with.
  • One of the highest-paying gig jobs.
  • Demanding career, including long hours and high-pressure environment.
  • Variety of projects and clients.
  • Can be tedious and isolating.
  • Creative, high-value work.
  • Flexible working conditions.

Designer

Earning potential: $25 – $50 per hour

Where to find designer gigs: Fiverr, 99 Designs, Freelancer.com, Upwork, Toptal

Our verdict: Graphic design is multi-faceted depending on your skills. You could be an illustrator, website designer, brand expert, or social media template artist. You could design marketing/brand collateral and advertisements. You can create templates that you sell to businesses, or work for individual business owners for their specific needs. You’ll likely need some experience/expertise in this area, especially around elements of design and using design software.

However, you don’t have to wait until you’re a master to charge for the services – you can pick up one-off and smaller gigs to get paid while you improve your skills.

Pros Cons
  • High earning potential.
  • Must have some design skills.
  • Variety of projects available.
  • Design is subjective; can have difficult jobs/clients.
  • Set your schedule.
  • Competitive.
  • Determine the value of your work.
  • May need to work more hours to meet deadlines.
  • Highly-coveted skills.
  • Some startup/ongoing costs.

Handyman

Earning potential: $20 – $50 per hour

Where to find handyman gigs: HomeAdvisor, TaskRabbit, Handy, Thumbtack

Our verdict: As a handyman you’ll likely perform small residential products including home repairs and maintenance. Common tasks include things like assembling or moving furniture, hanging TVs or pictures, repairing holes, windows or plumbing systems, putting up drywall, light fixture installation, painting, and other maintenance. If you want to take on larger jobs, you’ll need to become a licensed contractor. However, there’s likely no shortage of handyman needs in your area.

Keep in mind you’ll need access to a vehicle, possible specific tools for certain gigs, and some expertise in maintenance and repairs. But if you have the skills and provide excellent service, you can build a loyal customer base and gain referrals.

Pros Cons
  • Choosing your jobs and working for yourself.
  • Will need to become licensed for larger jobs.
  • Potential for high profits.
  • Need access to your own vehicle and potentially specialty tools.
  • Word-of-mouth referrals are great marketing tools (and free).
  • Physically demanding.
  • Can focus on commercial and/or residential services.
  • Pricing can be challenging.
  • Minimal startup costs and low overhead.
  • Additional costs such as mileage, insurance, and equipment.
  • Often needed on short notice/difficult to plan schedule.
  • Can be difficult to build a profitable client base.
  • Some work may be seasonal/inconsistent.

Delivery Driver

Earning potential: $16 – $30 per hour

Where to find delivery driver gigs: Amazon Flex, Caviar, TaskRabbit

Our verdict: Online shopping continues to play a huge role in the economy and consumers’ lives, with an estimate of U.S. retail e-commerce sales totaling more than $253 billion in the first quarter of 2023. That’s why delivery driver gigs are still one of the most popular today. Similar to ridesharing, many businesses allow you to sign up with same-day delivery services and you can pick up gigs that fit your schedule.

Pros Cons
  • Minimum payout for each delivery.
  • Potential for traffic/construction/delays.
  • Ability to receive tips.
  • Less/no rest time.
  • Choose gigs that fit your schedule.
  • Can lead to chronic back pain/other issues.
  • Increasing demand/ easy to get employed.
  • Isolation.
  • Don’t necessarily need to own your own vehicle.
  • Independent work day.

Neighborhood Services Provider

Earning potential: $18 – $25 per hour

Where to find neighborhood gigs: HouseSit Match, Housesitter.com, TaskRabbit

Our verdict: You’ll almost always find people who will pay for neighborhood services such as housesitting, mowing lawns/yard work, raking leaves/shoveling snow, and others. Housesitting in particular can be relatively lucrative, especially if you subscribe to a housesitting app that will match you with verified homeowners for both long- and short-term house-sitting opportunities. Take care of neighbors in your own neighborhood, or travel to different areas. You’ll likely have the most earning opportunity during summer and holiday seasons.

Pros Cons
  • Ability to grow a loyal customer base.
  • Physically demanding.
  • Be your own boss.
  • Seasonality/inconsistent pay.
  • Easy, quick ways to make money.
  • Excess competition; not necessarily something people need.
  • Luxury house-sitting jobs.
  • Some overhead/startup costs.
  • Form meaningful connections.

Affiliate Marketer

Earning potential: $25 – $33

Where to find affiliate marketing gigs: Shopify, Amazon Associates, Fiverr

Our verdict: Affiliate marketing is when someone earns a commission for marketing another person or company’s products. People who do this are also called influencers, and it involves referring a product or service by sharing it on your blog, social media platforms, or website. Then, you earn a commission every time someone makes a purchase through your unique link or code.

Pros Cons
  • No expertise needed.
  • High level of competition.
  • Low investment, low-cost business.
  • Low conversion rates in many niches and markets.
  • May get paid regardless if the customer purchases anything.
  • Low payout rates/no control over pricing and commissions.
  • Flexibility.
  • No customer base or guarantees.

Data Work

Earning potential: $20

Where to find data work: Upwork, FlexJobs, Freelancer.com

Our verdict: Taking short surveys, cleaning up spreadsheets, collecting and/or inputting data, and other small tasks that can take as little as a few minutes to complete are perfect for someone looking for extra cash but who doesn’t have a ton of extra time. Keep in mind these aren’t super high-paying tasks, but typically don’t require any experience or expertise.

Pros Cons
  • Get started fast with little/no training.
  • Tedious.
  • Work from home/set your schedule.
  • Errors can lead to serious outcomes.
  • Doesn’t require experience or expertise.
  • Lower earning potential (especially with slow typing speed).
  • Easy access to jobs.
  • Strain on your eyes, hands, and wrists.

Where can you find gig economy jobs?

Some of the top sites/apps to find gig economy jobs include:

  • Uber/Lyft
  • Grubhub, DoorDash, Postmates, Instacart
  • Upwork
  • Fiverr
  • FlexJobs
  • Taskrabbit
  • Rover/Wag
  • Amazon
  • Survey Junkie
  • VRBO/Airbnb
  • Care.com

Learn more: Best Gig Apps

Tips to manage gig economy jobs

  • Do something you enjoy. Even if you’re choosing a gig job because you need the additional income, it’s important to do something that you actually enjoy doing. This will help time go faster and earning the money will seem easier. Plus, if you’re happy and enjoying the work, you may be able to earn greater tips and get more referrals.
  • Have a system. Know that the money you earn from your side gig is treated differently than money you earn as an employee, and you’re now responsible for paying your own taxes. It’s helpful to think of your gig as a mini business, and set aside at least 30-40% of your earnings for taxes. Also keep track of all business-related spending, as you can claim those expenses on your taxes.
  • Have more than one. Some gig jobs have greater earning potential than others, some have more competition or are more or less unpredictable, and some are even seasonal. Stacking your income with one, two, or even three gig jobs will ensure you always have an extra flow of cash coming your way.
  • Carefully maintain your schedule. Having a disciplined, consistent schedule can help you make the most out of your gig job. The more you work, the more you earn. You may be able to earn more by working nights, weekends, or special events. Holidays or summer seasons may generate more clients. You may have more flexibility depending on your gig, but the more you stick to a schedule the more consistent your work can be.
  • Be responsive and respectable. When working with clients, it’s important to have strong communication and interpersonal skills. Respond to them as quickly as you can, even if you can’t accept a job. Always thank clients, ask follow-up questions for clarification, and be aware of their time and money.
  • Ask for reviews/referrals. One of the major ways to continue to grow your gig job is by providing exceptional service and asking your clients to provide reviews or referrals. Word-of-mouth is a great way to continue to grow your client base, and often gig workers with higher reviews earn more.

FAQs

Depending on what you do and how much time you dedicate to the gig, you may be able to make a living. However, pay often depends on the skill level and number of hours you work, so to earn more, you may have to work more or harder (or improve your skills so you can charge more).

Programmers and developers, as well as other highly-trained specialist workers, are likely to make the most money with their gig job.

No, most gig jobs don’t offer benefits.

First, decide what skills or interests you have that could be put toward a side gig. Then, either market your services independently or join a gig app or website. You may need to provide references or create a portfolio, so if applicable, have that prepared before you start. Then, it’s about getting your first clients, doing good work, and growing your client base.