With 44% of the American workforce part of the gig economy, it’s no secret that traditional jobs are being reshaped by the flexible structures that gig work offers.
The term “gig economy” refers to a labor market characterized by short-term contracts or freelance work instead of long-term employment. As opposed to working as an employee, gig work offers a degree of flexibility that enables people to set their own schedules, negotiate their own rates, and accept work that matches their skills and interests.
In this article, we’ll explore 12 of the best gig economy side hustle jobs and provide insights into the roles, requirements, and earning potential each gig offers. Whether you’re an independent contractor, a part-time gig worker, or someone simply curious about this evolving landscape, rest assured there are gig options for everyone.
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The best gig economy jobs
Whether you’re a skilled worker looking for high-paying gigs and a taste of self-employment, or are eager to make some extra cash through your hobby, you’ll find a wide variety of gig options. Below, we’ll go over 12 of the best gig economy jobs, including the tasks required for each and the average hourly rate you can expect.
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1. Rideshare and food delivery driver
If you’ve got a car at your disposal and you’re keen to make the most of it, partnering with platforms like Uber or Lyft could be a smart move. You’ll earn cash by picking up passengers and driving them to their destination. But it’s more involved than simply driving—you need to be good at managing your time and knowing your way around town.
For both Uber’s average hourly rates and Lyft’s average hourly rates, the earnings of a rideshare driver typically fall within the range of $15 to $22 per hour. This can be especially profitable during busy times, such as morning commutes or weekend nights.
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2. Freelance writer
Freelance writing offers a number of jobs like creating blogs, emails, and social media posts for companies. Some tasks of a freelance writer might include understanding the company’s style, thinking of topics to cover and, of course, writing.
On some platforms, blog writers typically earn between $15 to $35 per hour for regular content. If you’re tackling more complex or specialized topics, such as medical information, your skills could command a higher rate, ranging from $23 to $50 per hour. This flexibility lets you tailor your earning potential to your expertise.
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3. Online tutor
Sharing your knowledge by becoming an online tutor is a fantastic way to make money. If you’re skilled in a subject due to your degree or professional experience, you can help students succeed on online tutoring platforms.
This involves creating study materials, designing useful exercises, and assisting with tough homework problems. You might even teach a second language. On average, online tutors make around $28 per hour.
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4. Graphic designer
Using your graphic design skills for freelance side jobs opens up exciting possibilities. From developing captivating visuals to designing logos, your tasks might include creating eye-catching marketing materials, website graphics, and more.
You’ll need to be proficient in design software and have a keen eye for aesthetics. On Upwork, the hourly rate for graphic designers typically ranges from $15 to $35, with the potential to earn more on complex or specialized projects.
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5. Short-term rentals host
You can generate some passive income through short-term rental hosting on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. By offering your cottage, studio, condo, or other suitable space, you can earn around $18 an hour. There’s a potential for higher earnings based on factors like location, amenities, and demand.
The process involves listing your property, setting availability, and managing bookings. Specifically, your tasks may include regular cleaning, restocking basic supplies, promptly addressing guest inquiries, and ensuring a smooth check-in and checkout process. By curating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, you can garner positive reviews, boosting your reputation and bookings.
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6. Virtual assistant
A virtual assistant spends their time remotely helping businesses with a range of administrative tasks. These tasks span a wide spectrum: organizing calendars, scheduling appointments, managing email, performing data entry, conducting research, and even handling social media accounts.
As for requirements, you’ll need a reliable internet connection and great communication skills. Earnings typically range from $10 to $20 per hour depending on the type of work and your skill level.
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7. Pet sitter or dog walker
Providing pet services via platforms like Rover or Wag offers a great way to earn income while spending time with furry companions. Whether it’s pet sitting, dog walking, or offering care services, these platforms connect you with pet owners in need. You can even extend your offerings to include pet training services.
For dog walking, the average pay stands at approximately $16 per hour, but it can increase based on factors like the number of dogs you handle or specialized services as a pet sitter like drop-ins and boarding.
The process involves creating a profile, outlining your services, and setting your availability. Also, you’ll have to follow any licensing regulations specific to your local area to ensure a smooth and legal operation.
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8. Task-based gig worker
Task-based gigs through platforms like TaskRabbit or Craigslist enable you to complete a range of tasks for clients, capitalizing on your skills and availability. These tasks may include assembling furniture, being a mover, cleaning, babysitting, tending to yardwork, or tech services like web development.
The beauty of task-based gigs is that you can decide when to take on assignments based on your extra time. As a tasker, your pay will vary depending on the nature of the project and your client base. For more complex tasks that may require a license, such as electrical assistance, you have the potential to earn well over $100. By delivering quality service and building a solid reputation, you can attract more clients, leading to increased earning opportunities.
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9. Delivery driver
Becoming a delivery driver for services like Instacart, Shipt, or Amazon Flex can provide a flexible income source. These platforms facilitate same-day delivery services, catering to the on-demand needs of customers. To get started, you’ll typically need to sign up, complete the required background checks, and then use the app to select delivery tasks based on your availability.
Delivery tasks may involve collecting groceries or other items and delivering them to customers’ doors. Strong time management, communication, and navigation skills are definitely important for success in this role.
While pay varies, Amazon Flex drivers typically earn between $18 to $25 per hour. Shipt shoppers made an average of $25 to $35 per hour in 2021. Instacart’s pay structure is more variable, as it depends on factors like your availability, the number of grocery orders you handle, and the tips you receive. Plus, one of the standout features of Instacart is that they offer an instant payout whenever you need your cash.
You might also consider signing up as a DoorDash driver, where you can expect to earn around $15.74 an hour delivering meals to customers. Or if you’re leaning towards Uber Eats instead, you could make an average of $19 per hour delivering food in a car or on a scooter or bicycle.
For each of these food delivery service gigs, you’ll receive orders through the delivery app from various local restaurants. Your task is to pick up the prepared meals and deliver them to customers’ doorsteps.
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10. Handyman or house cleaner
Providing handyman or housekeeping services via platforms like Thumbtack, Angi, or Angi Services for Pros (formerly Handy) gives you an opportunity to offer your skills in home repair, cleaning, and maintenance. These platforms specialize in connecting homeowners and renters with professionals who can tackle various tasks from fixing things around the house to outdoor work and heavy lifting.
The tasks may include cleaning, painting, furniture assembly, plumbing repairs, electrical work, and more. From sprucing up a space to addressing plumbing issues, these services cover a wide range of needs.
While pay varies based on the task’s complexity and scope, smaller projects like installing a new kitchen faucet or assembling furniture might offer rates ranging from $90 to $360. Meanwhile, a professional house cleaner typically makes over $19 per hour—and can book ongoing gigs, too! Just keep in mind that you may need to be licensed and self-insured to take on some of this work.
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11. Social media manager
Getting into social media management offers a dynamic way to earn money by boosting businesses’ online presence. This role involves curating engaging content, such as images, videos, and written posts, to promote corporations and small businesses across various platforms.
Some of the tasks you might complete include crafting strategic campaigns, scheduling posts, monitoring analytics, and engaging with followers. Your role involves helping clients connect with their target audience, fostering brand loyalty, and driving growth.
By showcasing your skills, experience, and creative flair, you can secure rewarding social media management jobs and help businesses thrive in the online sphere. Your potential earnings range from approximately $14 to $35 per hour, reflecting your skill level and the tasks at hand.
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12. Transcriptionist
Transcription tasks offer a straightforward way to earn income by converting audio or video recordings into written text using platforms like Rev and TranscribeMe. This task requires strong attention to detail, a good grasp of language, and the ability to maintain consistent formatting.
With TranscribeMe, you can average around $250 per month, making it an excellent side gig for extra income.
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13. Web designer or developer
Web designers and developers can help individuals and businesses in nearly every industry. Whether you’re a Shopify expert or have the coding experience to build completely custom websites, there are creators, business owners, and corporations interested in your services.
Web designers and web developers on some online platforms typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour. If you have specific technical skills, such as API development experience, you can increase your typical rate to $40 and beyond. And as with many technical jobs, more experience often allows you to command a higher rate—especially on complex jobs.
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14. Online course creator
If you’ve got experience in a technical or creative field, you can turn your expertise into income by creating courses as your online side hustle. By joining Udemy as a teacher—or setting up your own course website using tools like Teachable—you can create lessons on everything from cooking to scripting in Python.
Some Udemy course creators make six figures, but you can reasonably expect to keep anywhere from 37% to 97% of your total course price (minus fees) each time you make a sale.
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Top tips to make the most money in the gig economy
By working smart and capitalizing on key strategies, you can amplify your income potential and make the most of your time. (After all, gig work lets you work your ideal shift and schedule!) Here are some top tips to navigate the gig economy landscape and optimize your earnings:
- Offer multiple services. Broaden your offerings to reach a wider array of clients, increasing your chances of landing gigs and boosting your earnings.
- Expand your skill set. Learning skills in various industries lets you take on a range of in-person or remote side hustles, making you a sought-after choice for different tasks.
- Optimize peak hours. Tune in during peak demand hours to seize the opportunity when clients are most active, potentially elevating your earnings.
- Efficient time management. Prioritize tasks, set realistic side hustle goals, and manage your time effectively to take on more gigs and maximize your income potential.
- Excellent customer service. Delivering top-notch service results in getting more jobs, positive reviews, repeat business, and referrals, all of which contribute to higher earnings.
- Network and self-promote. Boost your online presence, connect with potential clients, and actively market yourself to attract more opportunities.
This article originally appeared on Upwork.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org
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