The gig economy is growing. People can easily find side jobs that fit their schedules and lifestyle. The best part is, that you can get hired and paid on the same day!
A study shows that about 5 million people report gig-based income to the IRS. Statista predicts that gig workers will make around $455 billion in 2023, which is 53% more than in 2020.
Many people like having a side job for several good reasons. One big benefit is flexibility. You can also make extra money, sometimes up to $200 a day. Thanks to many gig apps, it’s now easier to find a job that lets you earn more money from anywhere.
If you’re excited to start your side hustle, here are the best gig apps that pay real money.
Best Delivery Service Apps
Some people enjoy working at a desk in front of a computer. Others prefer being active and on the go. If you fall into the second group, you might enjoy being a food delivery driver.
You’ll spend a lot of time outside and get to meet people from different backgrounds. The best part is that you can work whenever you want, which is perfect if you have other responsibilities, like a regular job, school, or family time.
1. Swappa
Did you just get the newest iPhone? Or do you have an old phone sitting around? Instead of letting them collect dust, you can put them to good use and make some extra cash!
Swappa helps you make more money compared to other apps because you get to choose your own selling price. For example, you could quickly earn $400 by selling your old MacBook. However, there is a catch: the app only allows you to sell items that are in good working condition with minimal damage.
I love that this app lets you work directly with buyers instead of going through a middleman. It might take a bit more effort on your part, but you save money by not paying extra fees.
Before you list anything for sale on Swappa, it’s a good idea to link your PayPal account. You’ll be paid through PayPal, so it’s important to have an account set up before you start using the app.
Best Freelancing Apps
Who doesn’t want to work on their own terms? This is a big reason why freelancing apps are so popular. These apps make it easy to find and connect with clients from anywhere in the world.
2. Upwork
If you search online for the best freelancing apps, you’ll definitely come across Upwork. It’s a popular choice for freelancers who work from home. Upwork connects a large number of freelancers and clients from around the world.
Use the search bar or check out the newest job listings on the app to find gigs that match your skills. The app has a wide range of freelancing opportunities. Whether you’re a writer, graphic designer, or web developer, it’s easy to find part-time work during the day or night.
The main drawback of this platform is that it’s crowded with freelancers. There’s a lot of competition, and clients usually choose freelancers with high ratings and positive reviews.
To do well in freelancing, it’s important to work smart, not just hard, and focus on building a strong reputation. Although it might sound cliché, having a great portfolio will help you land better and higher-paying jobs.
3. Fiverr
Fiverr is similar to Upwork. It’s a platform where freelancers can find side jobs from home. You can think of it as a marketplace where people buy and sell freelance services. To get started, just set up a profile and offer your services to clients all around the world.
If you’re new to freelancing and looking for a second job, I have some great news. Fiverr is a fantastic platform for beginners. Whether you’re into food photography or graphic design, you can find clients easily. With 4.2 million active buyers each year, there’s a good chance you’ll find work in your area of expertise.
As a new seller, it’s important to create a professional profile to stand out from other freelancers who might seem untrustworthy. To attract clients who are looking for affordable options, you can start with lower prices while you build your portfolio.
Aim for high-paying clients by mastering your field. Fiverr’s system helps you stand out by rewarding freelancers with good reviews. As you gain more positive feedback, you get more visibility and can earn more money.
Best Rideshare Apps
Ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft are really popular, and you might have used them before. But have you ever thought about making money with these apps? If you have a driver’s license and a car (or can rent one), you might want to consider driving for ridesharing apps as a side job.
4. Uber
Getting into a car with strangers might seem risky, but thanks to Uber and other rideshare apps, passengers can feel safe. These apps have strict rules for their drivers that help keep things secure.
Before an Uber driver can start their first shift, they have to go through several steps. These include background checks, a review of their driving history, and a vehicle inspection.
The screening process might seem tough at first, but it’s worth it once you start earning money with your car. As an Uber driver, it’s possible to make $100 a day, especially if you use “surge” times. Surge times are when lots of people need rides in the same area at once.
During surge hours, Uber increases your fare by a multiplier. This means your usual fee could double, triple, or even be more. Surge pricing can happen at any time, but I’ve noticed it’s common late at night, on weekends, and during holidays, especially after work and when bars close.
5. Lyft
Driving with Lyft is pretty similar to driving with Uber. The main difference is the brand you choose. For example, UberPool is like Lyft Shared, and a standard Lyft ride is like a regular Uber ride. Both apps work well, so you can’t go wrong with either one.
To start earning money today, just press the “Go Online” button to see ride requests. The app will show you who needs a ride, where they’re going, and how much you’ll make. Before picking up a rider, you might want to check how much you can expect to earn.
Tips and bonuses can help you earn more money. You usually get higher tips when it’s busy and riders are in high demand. Bonuses show up in pink and purple on your app. These are called bonus zones, and you can earn extra money by completing orders in these areas.
Best Task-Based Apps
Task-based apps are a great way to earn extra money without needing to ask your boss for time off. You can use them whenever you have a little free time, like during your lunch break. Just complete a quick task, and you can make some extra cash. It’s like having a side job that fits easily into your day. No one will even notice.
6. Instacart
Can you believe it? What used to be just regular tasks—like picking up groceries and other kitchen items—are now jobs for some people. Thanks to Instacart, there are folks who love shopping so much they could spend all day in the grocery store. Now, they can actually get paid to do it, wandering through the aisles of their favorite supermarket and earning a living. Isn’t that amazing?
This errand job is less stressful than being a delivery driver. You don’t have to deal with traffic or wait in long lines. You also won’t have to worry about forgetting items like hot sauce. Plus, people are more likely to give you a tip if you’re helpful and suggest alternatives when something is out of stock.
Instacart doesn’t force you to take every order. You can choose the orders you want to deliver and stop whenever you want. They won’t penalize you for refusing an order if you don’t want to take it.
To earn more, regularly check the app and look out for the yellow and orange areas on your map. These colors show where there’s high demand. Stick to these areas, and you’ll get more orders quickly without having to wait for new ones.
7. Handy
Handy is an app for finding local cleaning and handyman jobs. If you’re a house cleaner or handyman, this is a great opportunity for you.
If you’re a man looking for extra work on Handy, you’ll find lots of opportunities. People often need help with home repairs, yard work, and TV mounting. If you’re good at cleaning, you can also find jobs for home cleaning, office cleaning, and sanitizing. Beginners are welcome, so you don’t need to be a professional to get started.
Handy isn’t an employer or a middleman, so you don’t have to worry about red tape. Think of the app as a tool that connects homeowners with contractors. As an independent contractor, you can set your own prices based on what you think is fair.
If you’re a beginner and want to get clients fast, try offering appealing discounts, setting up a polished and professional profile, and consistently providing excellent service. This approach can lead to positive reviews and help you build a base of loyal clients who are ready to pay well.
8. TaskRabbit
Have you heard of TaskRabbit? It’s the green rabbit logo you see at IKEA. IKEA knew that not everyone had the time or patience to put together furniture, so they teamed up with TaskRabbit to help with that. If you’re looking for odd jobs or errands, there are many opportunities available on TaskRabbit.
The app might seem similar to Instacart or Handy, but it actually offers a wider range of jobs. If you’re ranking errand apps, this one should be at the top. It covers everything from shopping and cleaning to handyman tasks, and it’s especially known for handling more complex jobs.
Best Specialty Skills and Crafts Apps
If you enjoy crafting but aren’t making money from it, you’re missing out. Crafting can be a great way to earn money and even turn a hobby into a profitable business.
9. DoorDash
Feeling isolated from working in an office or from home? You might enjoy being a Dasher now and then when you want to get out and meet people. The job is simple: pick up food from restaurants, deliver it to customers, and earn money for each delivery.
If you’re working part-time, pick your shifts carefully. Try to work during busy times like breakfast, lunch, and dinner. These peak hours can help you make $500 or more each week. While there might be more competition during these times, the extra orders, bonuses, and bigger tips make it worth it.
I like DoorDash because they let you get paid the same day, including all your tips. If you want to boost your earnings—whether it’s saving up for a Disney trip or buying a new iPhone—working regularly and during busy times helps. I always use this strategy when I try to make $500 a week.
10. Etsy
Etsy’s top-selling items are artwork, jewelry, home decor, vintage finds, and digital products. On the flip side, handmade items such as knitted goods, metal jewelry, and trendy pendants sell quickly. If you enjoy making these kinds of things, consider turning your hobby into a fun and easy side job by selling on Etsy.
The platform has always supported sellers’ creativity. Because of this, creative individuals often find success in their eCommerce journey with Etsy.
To boost your sales on Etsy, it’s important to choose or create items that are currently popular. Even if you have other craft ideas, selling items that aren’t in demand or are too common might not be worth your time. This includes things like greeting cards, stickers, and simple jewelry.
11. Amazon Handmade
Amazon Handmade is a great way to earn money by selling handmade items. It’s a part of Amazon where you can list and sell your unique crafts. Just like Etsy, it helps creative sellers reach more people who will appreciate their work.
If you’re a stay-at-home mom, you’ll be pleased to know that many moms like you are making thousands of dollars with their Amazon side businesses. If you want to start earning money quickly, consider selling crocheted items, personalized gifts, or custom jewelry. These types of products are very popular and can be quite profitable.
To boost your sales, start by taking clear, high-quality photos of your products and writing catchy captions. Keep improving and learning. In business, you should never settle for “done.” There’s always more to do, new mistakes to learn from, and fresh ideas to try.
Best Personal Service Apps
Some gig apps pay you on the same day for personal services, like taking care of kids or pets. If you need money quickly, don’t just dive in without thinking. Choose gigs that match your skills and interests.
12. Care.com
Care.com has millions of caregivers in more than 17 countries. This means the platform greatly increases the chances for caregivers to find extra work.
Caregivers can set up a free profile on the app. When you create your profile, you’ll need to include details about your background and skills. If you’re a teenager looking to earn money, you won’t be able to join Care.com until you’re 18.
Care.com seems to prefer people with strong skills. If you’ve taken any courses in child, medical, or adult care, be sure to include them in your profile. This could help you stand out.
If you want better visibility in search results, consider choosing the premium package when setting up your profile. Just keep in mind that it costs money.
13. Uber Eats
Just like DoorDash, UberEats is a very popular app for getting food delivered. Since it bought Postmates in 2020, it now offers even more dining options.
Uber Eats is available in hundreds, maybe even thousands, of cities around the world. This makes it a popular choice for people looking for quick, flexible side jobs.
To make the most money with Uber Eats, you need to do more than just work during busy times. If you consistently work at least one hour during these peak periods every day, you could earn around $1,000 more each year.
Even on days that seem unproductive, you can make them worthwhile. If you need to catch up with friends and are low on cash, consider picking up and delivering orders on your way to meet them. The extra money you earn can help pay for your outing or be saved for emergencies.
Best Flipping Apps
Got a smartphone and some old stuff you want to sell? It’s time to make some cash! Many people find success by using online marketplaces. Here are the top apps to help you flip your items.
14. OfferUp
OfferUp is my favorite app for selling refurbished or used furniture. But you can also sell clothes, electronics, kitchen items, and more on it. I enjoy earning money rather than spending it, so I used to flip different items after work and on weekends.
At first, my wife was annoyed when I began bringing old tables, mismatched chairs, and scratched-up cabinets into our garage. But once he saw that this hobby actually helped me earn money, he became very supportive. It turns out, it’s hard to argue with the extra cash we get every time someone buys one of my finished pieces.
If you want to find items to resell, try looking for sales at the mall, going to garage sales, or checking out thrift stores. Take some time to clean and fix up older items so they look nice and work well. This will help you attract buyers quickly and keep your customer ratings high.
The best thing about OfferUp is that you don’t have to meet buyers in person. Instead, buyers can choose to have items shipped. They pay for the shipping, and you get your money through the app.