75 Easy Cash Job Ideas [That Pay Under The Table]
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When you need cash fast, waiting for your next payday isn’t always an option. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy cash job ideas that can net you some extra money under the table.
Not sure where to start? In today’s post, we’ll cover 75 easy cash job ideas for you to choose from.
Difference Between Jobs That Pay Under the Table (Cash Jobs) and the Gig Economy
If you are looking for miscellaneous job opportunities to diversify your income stream, you might come across two options: cash jobs paid under the table and gig economy jobs.
Under-the-table jobs are those that pay you in cash and don’t involve traditional employment benefits like insurance or paid time off. These jobs are easy to acquire, and you can start earning a quick income source.
For instance, mowing your neighbor’s lawn counts as a cash job and can be an excellent option for younger job seekers. However, unlike gig jobs, you won’t get paid via a payment service like PayPal, and the income source might be unpredictable.
On the other hand, gig jobs are single-task jobs that you complete through a third-party company. They offer a quick and consistent income stream, where you can earn more money as you build a reputation. Popular gig jobs include Uber and Door Dash.
Overall, both cash jobs and gig jobs are great options for earning some extra cash.
How To Find Under the Table Jobs Near Me
The tough thing about “under the table” jobs is that they aren’t always advertised in traditional areas or through normal means.
That said, you can find under the table jobs near you using a variety of resources, like:
- Craigslist– Craigslist job listings can be filtered by type, duration, pay, or area, so you can frequently use sites like this to find jobs that are easily within walking or driving distance.
- Facebook– Lots of people post under the table or one-time jobs for cash in Facebook groups.
- Nextdoor App– Nextdoor helps you quickly find jobs within your local neighborhood or city.
- Friends and/or family members– ask around and see if they have any cash jobs they need you to do. This can be a great way to earn some side cash if you have a big family or lots of friends.
No matter where you look, be sure to present yourself professionally.
Even though you won’t be sitting down for a traditional job interview, you should still dress well, act confident, and be sure you can do what the job entails before accepting.
Outdoor Cash Jobs
Outdoor cash jobs are excellent opportunities to earn some more income, particularly during the spring and summer months.
Who doesn’t like to work outside, get some sunshine, and earn money at the same time?
Plus, outdoor cash jobs often give you the opportunity to exercise. Many of these jobs do require some physical labor, however, so keep that in mind.
As with all cash jobs, the income from outdoor cash jobs can vary. Depending on your skills and the consistency of your work, you could earn anywhere between a hundred dollars to several thousand dollars over a month from these types of jobs.
If your clients like your effort, they may even hire you on a permanent basis.
Pros:
- Get some fresh air and sunshine, which can improve your mental health
- Exercise your body
- See the results of your work more clearly, leading to satisfaction
- Many of these jobs teach useful skills in everyday life
Cons:
- If working in the winter or at night, temperatures can be uncomfortable
- Sometimes require longer hours
- May drain your physical energy more than indoor jobs
Why Wait? Earn Extra Money Today!
Tour Guide
If you have a passion for history or a great love of your city or town, becoming a tour guide can be an excellent under-the-table job for you. Tour guides can earn well over $100 per day if business is good, making it a lucrative option.
As a tour guide, you will lead the public to see beautiful sites while giving historical breakdowns. That said, you will need to have strong communication skills and knowledge of the area to succeed in this job.
Snow Removal
Snow removal is a seasonal job that requires hard labor, but it can be highly profitable if you are willing to put in the effort. It can be physically demanding, but it is also a great way to stay in shape and earn some extra cash during the winter months.
You could earn hundreds of dollars per day if you shovel enough snow. To be more efficient, you can rent a snowplow to clear more significant areas quickly.
Lawn Maintenance
As the weather warms up, lawn maintenance services become in demand. By offering lawn maintenance services to your neighbors, you can earn 50 bucks per job or more if you manage to get to multiple lawns in a single day.
Lawn maintenance jobs typically involve mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and watering plants. This job can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and earn some extra cash during the spring and summer months.
Dog Walker
Working as a dog walker is an excellent under-the-table job for animal lovers. You get to spend time with furry friends and earn up to a hundred dollars per day. You can earn even more money if you walk multiple dogs at the same time.
As a dog walker, you will be responsible for taking dogs for walks, ensuring their safety, and cleaning up after them. It is important to have experience handling dogs and a genuine love for animals to be successful in this job.
Street Entertainer
Street entertainers are dramatic artists who act as mimes, impersonate characters, or play music.
Earnings are dependent on how generous people feel, though, so be sure to play or act at a crowded place when people are in good moods, like during festivals or in the summer.
Scrap Metal Salvaging
If you are looking for an easy way to make some extra cash, scrap metal salvaging might be a great option for you.
Some recycling centers and manufacturing plants will pay you for collecting scrap metal like aluminum, steel, and tin. Although the pay might not be much, it is easy to make this cash by picking up metal as you do other jobs.
Mover
Working as an under-the-table mover can be a great option if you are physically fit and don’t mind hard labor. You can earn $100 or more per day, depending on the job and your experience.
As a mover, you will be responsible for lifting and carrying heavy items like furniture and boxes. It is crucial to take proper precautions to avoid injury and ensure that items are handled safely during transport.
Handyman
Skilled handymen can earn lots of money by repairing things like faucets, fence posts, and more. Plus, you’ll earn the loyalty of your clients in no time.
As a handyman, you will need to have experience with a wide range of home repairs and maintenance tasks. Skilled handymen can earn lots of money by repairing things like faucets, fence posts, and more.
By providing excellent service and building trust with your clients, you can earn their loyalty and grow your business.
Gardener
If you have a green thumb and enjoy spending time outdoors, working as a gardener can be an excellent under-the-table job for you. You can make decent money working for larger companies or clients who need special plants taken care of.
Being a gardener can also be great for your mental health. You get to spend time in nature and create beautiful outdoor spaces for your clients. That said, you will need to have knowledge of plant care and landscaping techniques to succeed in this job.
Pool Cleaner
Pool cleaners don’t always earn a lot, but it’s not too difficult to use brushes to scrape the bottoms of pools and swap out chlorine tablets from time to time. The bigger the pool, the more cash you’ll make.
Pressure Cleaning
Pressure cleaning is both aesthetically satisfying and potentially lucrative. Buy your own pressure washer machine and clean the walls and floors of outdoor properties to earn $100 a day or more.
Delivery Driver – Food
Food delivery drivers can either work for restaurants or sign up to drive for Grubhub or Uber Eats. You’ll earn most of your money from tips, but you could earn several hundred dollars a night if you work on the weekends when most people order in.
Delivery Driver – Pharmacy
Delivery drivers for pharmacies can work for independent companies or directly for people who need their medication brought to them. Depending on the distance, you could earn between $20-$50 a drive.
Drive People
Become an under-the-table taxi driver and shuttle people around instead. You’ll earn most of your money from tips as well, but you could earn lots of cash if you patrol a place where people frequently need lifts, like outside bars.
Not old enough to drive yet? Check out these job ideas for 14-year-olds!
Auto Detailing
Auto detailers can earn hundreds of dollars per day depending on their skills. However, you’ll need to pay for your own supplies, which will eat into your bottom line.
House Painter (Exterior)
House painting is a physically demanding job, but you could easily charge several hundred dollars per day if you know what you’re doing.
Gutter Cleaning
Gutter cleaning involves cleaning out the gutters of people’s rooftops. You can earn $50 $200 per day with this cash job idea.
Junk Hauler
Junk haulers haul off the trash for recycling plants, construction clean-up, or individuals.
Small Engine Repair
You can work as a small engine repairman for an auto body shop and earn up to $100 per day.
Day Labor
Day laborers can work in a variety of industries or companies and may earn $50 or more per day depending on the job.
Background Actor/Reenactor
Background actors for movie companies or independent film studios can earn several hundred dollars per day.
It’s important to keep in mind the fact that most of your time will be spent waiting around.
Sign Twirler
A sign twirler works for a local company to attract business. You may earn $50 or so for your day’s work.
Golf Caddy
Golf caddies drive golfers and their equipment around or retrieve golf balls. You could earn quite a lot if the golfers are generous tippers.
Personal Shopper
Personal shoppers are more common than ever.
As a personal shopper, you’ll earn a small commission on every product you are assigned to purchase, plus earn more based on how accurate you are with your reviews.
Boat Mechanic
If you live on (or near) the water, and you have the necessary skills, you can get paid to repair other peoples’ boats.
Tradesman
Tradesmen such as plumbers and electricians earn excellent livings of $50,000 or more per year. However, you usually need to go to school and pass a state exam to qualify.
Indoor Cash Jobs (Away From Home)
Indoor cash jobs (away from home) can be an excellent way to make money without braving the elements. Unlike outdoor cash jobs, you will be more comfortable while working these jobs, making them a great option for winter or nighttime work.
Indoor cash jobs typically require more mental energy than physical energy, so you don’t have to worry about feeling physically exhausted at the end of the day.
Depending on your skills, you could earn anywhere from a hundred dollars a job to several hundred dollars with these side jobs. Done right, you may even be able to start a self-owned freelance business based on indoor cash jobs.
Pros:
- Can work in the winter or nighttime comfortably
- Won’t typically be physically tired at the end of the day
- Lots of ways to still get out and see people/socialize
- Opportunities to earn more money in many cases
Cons:
- Not as much exposed the sunshine or fresh air
- Might not get as much exercise as you’d like
Babysitter
Babysitters aren’t paid well, but your labor is primarily focused on caring for watching kids, which can be fun and relaxing depending on their ages.
Home Organizer
Home organizers are paid to go into homes and help people declutter and organize their household items. Your pay will depend on how much money your clients have to spend and your prior experience.
Personal Trainer
Working as a personal trainer is an excellent way to earn money under the table while helping others achieve their physical fitness goals. With just one or two clients, you could earn hundreds of dollars over the course of a week.
Personal trainers typically work with clients one-on-one to develop customized fitness plans, monitor their progress, and offer encouragement. You need a strong background in fitness, excellent communication skills, and the ability to motivate your clients to succeed in this job.
Yoga Instructor
If you have a passion for yoga and enjoy teaching, working as a yoga instructor can be an excellent under-the-table job for you. You can teach classes of yoga students and earn a minimum of $1,000 per week, especially if you work for a great studio.
As a yoga instructor, you will need to have extensive knowledge of yoga poses and techniques, excellent communication skills, and the ability to create a safe and supportive environment for your students.
Tutor
You can offer your tutoring services to students of all ages, from elementary school to college. You can set your own rates and work as many or as few hours as you want.
With online tutoring, you can reach students from all over the world, increasing your potential customer base. You may also consider creating and selling educational resources, such as study guides or video tutorials, to supplement your income.
Tutoring can be a fulfilling and flexible cash job idea for those with teaching skills and a passion for helping others learn.
Computer Repair
Computer repair experts can earn $100 or more per appointment. You’ll need to know how to clear viruses, repair and replace internal computer parts, and install operating systems.
Photographer/Videographer
Wedding photographers are oftentimes paid in cash and charge thousands of dollars for a single day’s work (though they have to sort and edit the photos afterward).
You can even make decent money selling feet pics. Seriously, it’s a thing!
House/Office Cleaner
You could be a house or office cleaner and earn hundred dollars per day or more if you decide to work for yourself. Generally, the more skilled you are and the more space you have to clean, the more money you earn.
Musician
Musicians can make plenty of money in cash, especially if they play for restaurants. As you gain recognition, you can find gigs at bars, nightclubs, and comedy clubs.
Party Performer
You can work under the table as a clown or magician. Some of your fees will be in tips, so your payment is contingent on how good you do or how entertaining you are.
Massage Therapist
You can also work as a massage therapist (though you need some training to be good at it). Massage therapists can earn hundreds of dollars per appointment, totaling several thousand dollars per week.
Sell Homegrown Produce
If you have a garden, you can sell homegrown produce at a farmer’s market or on the street. Seasonal produce is usually more lucrative.
Housesitter
Become a housesitter and check on someone’s house while they are away on vacation. This doesn’t pay much, but it’s not difficult.
Pet Sitter
Alternatively, become a pet sitter and work under the table by walking and watching people’s dogs and cats. You can earn lots of money doing this, plus form long-lasting relationships with your clients for a steady income.
Pet Groomer
Similarly, you can become a pet groomer. Brush people’s dogs and cats and earn money while bonding with them. You have to have some knowledge of how to do this before getting clients, though.
House Painter
Like exterior painters, you can earn hundreds of dollars over the course of a single day depending on how much you paint.
Personal Coach/Instructor
If you have a teachable skill, you can become a personal coach or instructor for clients on your schedule. Charge whatever you like, but the more in-demand your skills are, the more money you will likely make.
Carpet/Upholstery Cleaning/Repair
Earn money as a carpet or upholstery cleaning and repair person. You’ll likely need to purchase your own cleaning supplies, though, so you’ll have to spend money to make money in this case.
Appliance Repair
Or, consider repairing appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens. Naturally, you can only do this if you know how to repair these devices in the first place.
Caterer
If you like to cook, you can cater to your friends and family members or other interested clients. Caterers can make thousands of dollars per venue.
Esthetician
Estheticians are usually trained, but afterward, they can work on a freelance basis and earn money through cash or under the table. As an esthetician, you’ll help people look and feel great and teach them beautifying skills.
Barber
Barbers also require training, but you can work for salons or for yourself and specialize in certain hairstyles. The more specialized you are, the higher rates you can charge.
Sell at Craft Fairs
If you make crafts such as jewelry, beer, or woodworking, you can sell your creations at craft fairs and festivals.
Here’s a list of 80 trending crafts you can make and sell.
DJ
You can also work for clubs and bars as a DJ. Keep in mind that this job requires you to be a night owl since you’ll be working when most people are asleep.
Work From Home Cash Jobs
For some, nothing beats working from home and not having to commute to work at all!
In the era of the internet, there are lots of ways to work from home and earn extra income through cash jobs. These almost always involve using your computer, however, so you need to be pretty tech-savvy to be successful in this area.
Depending on your expertise and clients, you could earn hundreds or thousands of dollars per month through work from home cash jobs.
Plus, working from home can save you money since you don’t need a car, gas, or car insurance to “reach” your workplace.
Pros:
- Save money on travel expenses, clothing, and eating out
- Save time by not commuting
- Allows you to juggle responsibilities, like watching kids or walking your dog
- No need to worry about the weather influencing your work
Cons:
- Can easily become distracted while working from home
- Job opportunities are limited to computer-based tasks in most cases
Graphic Fesign
Work from home as a graphic designer by creating logos, designing websites, and assisting others with their online entrepreneurial endeavors.
Blogger
Bloggers can make money through affiliate marketing, by drawing lots of traffic to their website, or by using their blogs to drive traffic to their online stores.
The best thing about blogging is that it can eventually turn into a source of passive income, allowing you to make money while you sleep!
Virtual Assistant
You can also work as a virtual assistant, during which you’ll schedule meetings for your clients, do shopping for them, and take care of any other tasks they need.
Design and Sell Facebook Ads
You can design and sell Facebook ads for companies. You’ll earn more money if your Facebook ads leverage good graphic design principles or have an excellent return on investment.
Sell Digital or Physical Products on Etsy
Alternatively, you can sell either digital or physical products on platforms like Etsy. Etsy makes it easy to make money online since you can design your own storefront using its interface.
Take in Laundry
Take in laundry by connecting with people online, then collecting laundry and doing it for them. Your clients can drop the laundry off and pick it up, meaning they essentially pay you to rent your washing machine!
Seamstress
Seamstresses alter or create clothing for their clients. You’ll likely need your own sewing machine and tools to do this, so be prepared to spend some money to get started.
Home Bakery
If you like spending time in the kitchen, start up a home bakery and make delicious goodies to sell on the street or online.
Online Reselling
If you don’t mind searching for deals, you can buy products on the cheap from sites like Amazon, then resell them for higher prices and pocket the difference.
Freelance Writer
Freelance writers can use sites like Upwork to earn freelance income. Alternatively, you can create a website and advertise your services to local businesses that need copy for their ads, menus, and more.
Build Websites
If you have some web development experience, you can become a website builder and sell your services online. Website builders are needed more than ever, and you can earn six figures a year if you are skilled enough.
Online Tutor
If you have a specific skill, you can teach it to other people online using video streaming platforms. Online tutors typically earn more money if they have in-demand and rare skills.
Data Entry
Data entry can be a flexible cash job idea for those with good typing speed and attention to detail. Many companies outsource data entry tasks, which can be done from the comfort of your own home.
The pay may vary depending on the project and the employer, but it can be a good option for those looking for a simple and straightforward way to earn extra cash.
Data entry jobs are also a great way to gain experience with spreadsheets and other software, which could be valuable in other areas of your career.
Event Planner
Those who have an interest in organizing can become event planners. Event planners can earn tons of cash in the right industries, such as wedding planning.
Much of this work takes place online, so it’s easy to do from home.
Social Media Manager
You can work entirely online by becoming a social media manager. With this job, you’ll oversee the posts of a brand, post content to their site, and interact with customers to offer stellar customer service.
Copywriter
Copywriters are similar to freelance writers. They write blog posts, product descriptions, and anything else needed to sell their client’s products.
Rent Out Space
Have extra space, like a garage, basement, or outdoor storage area? Rent it out to people who need it to live in or to store their own belongings.
Air BnB
If you have space in your home or have a spare home, list it on Air BnB. This allows you to earn money from your unused space by renting it to travelers or tourists.
Online consultant
Online consulting can be a lucrative cash job idea for those with specialized knowledge in a particular field. As an online consultant, you can provide advice, guidance, and support to clients through various platforms such as video conferencing, email, or messaging.
The types of consulting services you can offer are endless, ranging from business consulting to financial planning, marketing, or even personal development. The key to success as an online consultant is to build your reputation as an expert in your field and deliver high-quality services to your clients.
With the rise of remote work, there has been an increased demand for online consulting services, making it a viable option for those looking to earn extra cash.
Teach English
If you’re proficient in English, you can teach English to people around the world for a premium price. You’ll increase your chances of being hired if you have a degree in English or teaching.
Take Surveys
Taking surveys can be a simple and convenient way to earn extra cash in your spare time. There are many websites that offer paid surveys, such as Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, Toluna, and Vindale Research.
While the pay may not be substantial, it can be a good way to earn some extra income or gift cards. The surveys may cover a range of topics, including consumer products, political opinions, or even entertainment preferences.
To maximize your earnings, you may need to sign up for multiple survey sites and regularly check for new surveys. While taking surveys can be a low-effort cash job idea, it’s important to be aware of scams and avoid any survey sites that ask for personal information or payment upfront.
Proofreader
You can work as a proofreader by working for others reviewing and editing text documents, such as research papers, books, or blog posts. Proofreading requires attention to detail and knowledge of grammar.
Dropshipping
Dropshipping can be a profitable cash job idea for those looking to start an e-commerce business without the overhead costs and inventory management. With dropshipping, you create an online store and partner with a manufacturer or supplier who will ship the products directly to the customers.
As a dropshipper, you don’t have to handle any physical inventory or shipping, which means you can operate from anywhere with an internet connection. You earn a profit by marking up the price of the products and keeping the difference between the wholesale price and the retail price.
While dropshipping has a low barrier to entry, it does require research and careful selection of products and suppliers to ensure the quality of the products and the reliability of the supplier. With the right approach, dropshipping can be a lucrative cash job idea for those with an entrepreneurial spirit.
Sell eBooks on Amazon
Selling e-books on Amazon can be a profitable cash job idea for those with writing skills and a passion for self-publishing. While the market is competitive, there is still a high demand for quality e-books in a variety of genres.
As an Amazon seller, you’ll need to navigate the platform’s rules and guidelines and ensure that your e-book stands out in a crowded marketplace. Amazon takes a percentage of each sale you make, so it’s important to price your e-book competitively and market it effectively to maximize your earnings.
Tax prep
Working as a tax prep specialist can be a high-paying cash job idea for those with experience in accounting or finance. Tax season typically runs from January to April, and during this time, tax prep specialists can earn thousands of dollars per year by preparing and filing tax returns for individuals and businesses.
Over time, you can build up a regular clientele and even offer additional services such as bookkeeping or financial planning. However, it’s important to keep up with changes in tax laws and regulations to ensure that you’re providing accurate and up-to-date advice to your clients.
Easy cash jobs FAQ
Is working under the table legal?
Absolutely. However, if you earn cash under the table from a single consistent source, (one employer), you are obligated to report that money as taxable income.
Furthermore, your employer must list you as an employee or contract.
Do I have to report under the table income?
Yes. If you earn more than $600 from under the table income, you have to report that income to the IRS.
If you work primarily for a single person or organization, they should provide you with a W-2 form with information to file.
How can I prove my cash job (under the table) income?
If you get your under-the-table income from several sources, or you are otherwise not able to get a W-2 form, you can still show proof of income by keeping a record of your invoices and receipts.
At the end of the year, print out your bank statements and cash app payment history and use those as proof of income.
Flexible Cash Job Ideas to Boost Your Income
In today’s economy, there are many reasons why people may need or want to earn extra cash. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income, pay off debt, or save for a specific goal, there are many cash job ideas that can help you reach your financial goals.
From tutoring to dropshipping, there are plenty of options for those looking for flexible, part-time work that pays under the table. However, it’s important to remember that not all cash jobs are created equal, and some may require more effort, time, or investment than others.
When choosing a cash job, it’s important to consider your skills, interests, and availability, as well as any legal or ethical considerations. With the right approach and mindset, a cash job can be a fulfilling and profitable way to earn extra income and achieve your financial goals.
