Nowadays, almost everyone knows someone who is or has been part of the gig economy. And for good reason! Gig economy jobs are a great way to make money quickly, whether it’s alongside a regular full-time job or if freelancing is your full-time job.
In fact, according to McKinsey & Company, 36% of the American workforce identifies as independent workers, up from 27% in 2016. And that number is only expected to grow.
But what exactly is the gig economy, and what are the best gig economy jobs?
The term “gig economy” describes the changing face of the labor market and encompasses a broad range of jobs and work arrangements, including freelance work, independent contractors, on-demand app services, side hustles, short-term placements, and more.
There are a million and one reasons why someone might participate in the gig economy, including flexibility, extra money, or a career change.
Whatever your reasons for wanting to join, there are tons of opportunities to grab a slice of the gig economy pie. But not all opportunities are like the others.
But if you need to make money fast, you’ll want to hone in on the best options. These are the best gig economy jobs to make money quickly.
Best Gig Economy Jobs to Make Money Fast
Rideshare Apps
1. Uber
By far the most well-known rideshare app, Uber allows its drivers to make money by transporting passengers in their local area. The app is available in both large and small cities. Drivers can set their own schedule and get paid out quickly for jobs with Instant Pay.
To work as a driver for Uber, you’ll need to be at least 21 years old, have a safe and reliable 4-door vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and a clean driving record. It can take up to a week for your driver application to be approved, but most receive approval within a few days. After that, you’re ready to start driving! You can begin taking riders and choose to get paid weekly or up to six times a day for a $0.85 fee with Instant Pay.
2. Lyft
Like Uber drivers, Lyft drivers make money by carrying passengers to their destinations requested via the app. Lyft drivers must be 25 or older and have a 4-door vehicle, a valid license, and insurance.
Lyft generally approves driver applications within a few days. Once your application and vehicle are approved, you can begin driving and get paid weekly or daily for a $0.85 fee with Express Pay.
3. HopSkipDrive
HopSkipDrive is a rideshare app similar to Uber and Lyft, but for transporting children. As such, the driving requirements are a little stricter. To work as a HopSkipDrive “CareDriver,” you’ll need to be at least 21 years old, have caregiving experience, and have a 4-door vehicle that is less than 10-15 years old, depending on your location. You’ll also need to pass an extensive background check and vehicle inspection.
But all that extra work pays! CareDrivers can set their own schedules. HopSkipDrive is currently available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
- Apple App Store Rating: 4.8/5 stars
Food Delivery Apps
4. Uber Eats
The food delivery counterpart to Uber, Uber Eats, pays drivers to deliver food from just about any restaurant to any location. Delivering food for Uber Eats has slightly less stringent requirements than driving for Uber. Uber Eats drivers must be 19 years old and can deliver via car or scooter. 18-year-olds can also deliver for the app via bicycle or on foot.
Like Uber, Uber Eats delivery drivers are paid automatically on a weekly basis, or they can choose to be paid early for an additional fee up to five times per day.
5. DoorDash
DoorDash is another on-demand app that provides food delivery services. DoorDash drivers, or “Dashers,” can deliver food from restaurants or items they shop for themselves at grocery, convenience, or retail stores.
To work as a Dasher, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old and have a driver’s license and insurance. You can make your deliveries with any car, motorcycle, scooter, or bike. How long it takes to have your application approved varies—anywhere from a few days to two weeks.
6. Instacart
Instacart is an on-demand grocery app. You can choose to work as an in-store shopper only or as a “full-service shopper” who provides both shopping and delivery services. If you decide to work taking grocery deliveries, you need to be at least 18, have access to a vehicle, and have a smartphone.
Instacart approves most shopper applications within a few days. Once you start working, you can get paid weekly or cash out your earnings on the same day for a $0.50 fee with Instant Cashout.
7. Favor
Favor is a delivery app for anything and everything. As a delivery driver with Favor, you could deliver anything from restaurant meals to dry cleaning. To work as a Favor “Runner,” you need to be at least 18 and have access to a vehicle, a clean driving record, and a smartphone.
Runner applications are typically approved within a couple of days. After successfully completing your first delivery, you can get paid weekly via direct deposit or cash out immediately for a $0.99 fee.
8. Grubhub
Grubhub is a popular app that offers food delivery from restaurants. To work as a driver for Grubhub, you need to be at least 18, have a valid ID, and have a smartphone. You can take deliveries with a car, scooter, or bicycle. Car drivers need to have a driver’s license and insurance.
Grubhub approves most driver applications in less than a day. You can get paid for your deliveries within 15 minutes for a $0.50 fee with Instant Cashout.
Other Delivery Apps
9. Amazon Flex
With Amazon Flex, you can get paid to deliver Amazon packages to customers using your own vehicle. To work as an Amazon Flex driver, you must be at least 21 years old and have a 4-door vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and insurance.
It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to have your Amazon Flex driver application approved. After that, though, Amazon offers $18-$25 per hour, making it one of the higher-paying gig economy jobs. You can get paid as quickly as daily on weekdays or once per week.
10. Shipt
Shipt is another on-demand app that provides grocery and package delivery services. Grocery deliveries with Shipt work similarly to other apps; drivers shop for and then deliver groceries and other items. Package deliveries, however, all come from the same place—Target! Shipt package delivery drivers pick up Target orders from a central hub in their city and deliver them to customers’ homes.
The requirements for both positions are the same: drivers must be 18, have a 4-door vehicle, a valid driver’s license and auto insurance, and a smartphone. Driver applications take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to be approved, depending on your location. You can cash out payments once per day or get paid automatically weekly.
11. Roadie
Roadie is another delivery gig app, owned by UPS. While UPS does use Roadie to deliver some packages, the app is also used to deliver oversized items and courier items for local businesses. Roadie is also partnered with Home Depot and Best Buy to provide same-day, local delivery of orders.
To get started with Roadie, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license and a social security number. Unlike other companies, there are no minimum vehicle standards to drive for Roadie. However, to access higher-paying gigs, you will probably want to look into Roadie Certifications, which may have specific vehicle requirements. Roadie offers various certification programs that allow you to take different types of deliveries, including those for large vehicles, cargo trailers, pharmacy deliveries, and TSA.
Registration for Roadie takes about 5 minutes, and verification can be completed in as little as a few hours. Drivers are independent contractors, and pay is around $12 per trip for standard, multi-stop deliveries.
12. CitizenShipper
CitizenShipper is a unique option for delivery gigs because it offers significantly longer-distance deliveries – including cross-country! While it offers delivery for vehicles, motorcycles, boats, furniture, household moves, and heavy equipment, the site is most well-known for specializing in pet transportation.
CitizenShipper was founded in 2008 and transports over 100,000 deliveries each year, with pets making up the highest-volume category. Because you’ll be carrying sensitive cargo, you’ll need to adhere to certain requirements. While no specific vehicle requirements are listed, you’ll need AC, heat, a lock system, and enough space for crates and pet supplies. You’ll also need to complete a background check, USDA registration, and pet first aid certification is recommended.
Drivers report earnings as much as $6,000-$10,000 per month as independent contractors. Unlike most gig platforms, CitizenShipper uses a subscription model in which drivers pay a $ 39.99-per-month subscription fee to access leads. From there, you set your own rates, bid on jobs, and then keep 100% of what the customer pays you.
13. MedZoomer
MedZoomer is a HIPAA-compliant courier service for medications. It’s currently available in all 50 states, and unlike most delivery gigs, MedZoomer offers consistent recurring routes.
To work for MedZoomer, you’ll need to be at least 25 years old, have 5 years of driving experience, and have a vehicle newer than 2005. You’ll also need to complete a background check and HIPAA training before your first delivery.
MedZoomer drivers are independent contractors, and pay is listed as $5-$30 per delivery or up to $15-$25 per hour, plus tips.
Human and Pet Caregiving Apps
14. Wag!
If you love dogs, walking them via an app like Wag! is an excellent way to make money in the gig economy. Wag! connects pet parents in need of dog walkers and pet sitters across the country.
To work as a dog walker with Wag!, you must be at least 18 years old and pass a background check, which you’ll pay for out of pocket. Wag! approves most dog walker applications within two weeks. Payments are processed weekly, but you can opt to cash out instantly for a 3% fee.
15. Rover
Rover is another on-demand app for dog walking and pet caregiving services. You can offer a range of pet services with the app: dog walking, dog boarding, house sitting, drop-in visits, and more.
The requirements to work with Rover are similar: you’ll need to be at least 18 and pass a background check, which costs between $35 and $49, depending on your location. Rover approves most applications in 5 to 10 days. Payouts from Rover are automatically transferred to your bank account via direct deposit, usually within five days of completing a service.
16. Care.com
Another digital platform to explore for gig economy jobs is Care.com. On this platform and app, you can connect with individuals who need childcare, care for older adults, pet care, housekeeping, and tutoring services.
To get started, create an account, complete a background check (which costs a fee), build out your profile, and start applying for gigs. With Care.com, you can create a schedule that suits your needs, whether you work part-time, full-time, or something in between, giving you the autonomy you crave and deserve.
17. Bambino
The Bambino babysitting app connects local families with babysitters and tutors. Bambino offers some of the lowest age requirements for workers, with teens as young as 13 able to provide services through the app with parental consent.
While background checks for sitters are optional, they are highly recommended and cost $29.95, and sitters with background checks receive twice as many sit requests. Parents are required to complete security screenings.
Sitters can set their own rates, and payments are deposited within 1-3 business days after a confirmed sitting gig. For the best success on the app, Bambino recommends maintaining a high response rate – by either confirming or declining requests – to show that you are active on the app.
Task-Based Apps
18. TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit is an on-demand app that offers a variety of task-based side gigs. With TaskRabbit, you can do anything from assembling Ikea furniture to completing handyman work to running errands.
TaskRabbit Taskers must be at least 18 years old, have a U.S. Social Security number, and pass a background check. You’ll also need to pay a one-time registration fee of $25. It usually takes a few days to a week to be approved to work with TaskRabbit. Once you complete your first task, payment will automatically transfer via Stripe within a few days.
19. Gigwalk
Gigwalk is a task-based app that lets you make money by completing small “gigs” for companies, usually retail stores seeking feedback on products and displays. After you complete a gig, you may be asked to answer a few questions or submit a report.
Once your answers are accepted, payment is made by PayPal, usually within a few days. You’ll need a PayPal account and be at least 18 years old to use Gigwalk.
20. MyPanda
MyPanda is a gig economy app for personal assistant services. Personal Assistants Next Door, or PANDAs, can complete any number of household tasks, including light cleaning, cooking or meal prep, errands, laundry, pet care, booking appointments, scheduling home repairs, and more.
To work as a PANDA, you’ll need to be at least 21 years old and complete a background check and interview. Pay is not specified on the site, but PANDAs are independent contractors who set their own schedules. You can see their current gigs and locations here.
Shift Work Apps
New to the scene of gig work is an entirely new format of job: shift work. A handful of new apps and platforms will allow you to pick up one-off shifts in more specialized areas, such as warehouses, events, restaurants, and more. This is a great option for those who may already have a job or prior experience and are looking to earn a little extra cash on the side.
21. LABR
LABR is an app that connects workers to temporary shifts in industries like construction, landscaping, cleaning, automotive, warehouse, events, and more. The work is light and designed to be trainable in 10 minutes or less once you arrive on-site.
No special experience or equipment is needed. You just need to dress appropriately for the job, be able to pass a background check, and be legally authorized to work in the U.S. Workers are hired as independent contractors, and pay is guaranteed within 72 hours of completing the work.
LABR is currently available in Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas.
22. Veryable
Veryable is an on-demand platform specifically for manufacturing and warehouse work. Beyond on-demand labor, Veryable offers a range of services to industrial businesses and has worked with big-name companies like Coca-Cola, Dollar Tree, U.S. Foods, Office Depot, and more.
On Veryable’s platform, workers, called “Operators,” bid on short-term work opportunities, or “Ops,” at local factories, warehouses, distribution centers, and more. As an operator, you can set your own rates, and if a business accepts your bid, you complete the work, and you will receive payment within 24 hours.
There are no specific requirements to join Veryable, but you should list any certifications, skills, or prior experience on your profile to boost your chances of being hired. You’ll need to bring your own personal protective equipment (PPE) and any required tools, and wear closed-toe shoes and clothing appropriate for the job.
Veryable is currently available in AL, AR, AZ, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NY, PA, OH, OK, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI, and Washington, D.C. It’s free to use, and pay is set by the hiring company.
23. Trusted Herd
Trusted Herd is an event staffing platform that connects brand ambassadors, promoters, and event staff to gigs at events, activations, trade shows, and more. Trusted Herd is North America’s largest event staffing platform, with thousands of companies and gigs listed across the U.S. and Canada.
While there are no specific requirements to join the platform, employers may have their own individual requirements, and many events will require workers to be at least 18 years old.
24. ShiftNOW
ShiftNOW is a hospitality-focused gig platform that connects workers with temporary shifts at restaurants, bars, hotels, golf courses, event venues, and catering companies. Jobs include servers, bartenders, cooks, dishwashers, hosts, concierges, housekeepers, valets, and more.
To start working with ShiftNOW, you’ll need to create a profile and complete a brief vetting call with a ShiftNOW recruiter. While experience is not required, listing it on your profile can boost your chances of getting hired. The age requirements will vary, depending on the gig.
Once you complete a shift, the hiring company has 48 hours to pay you; otherwise, the app will pay you automatically. Companies pay to list jobs via a subscription model, and the app is totally free for workers to use.
- Apple App Store Rating: 4.6/5
Other Places to Find Gig Economy Jobs
While many of today’s gig economy jobs revolve around apps, you don’t have to go that route! Plenty of gig workers find their own freelance clients, work with an agency, or take on a different type of work. Here are a few other places where you can find gig economy jobs.
25. Freelance Marketplaces
Online marketplaces like Fiverr or Upwork are great places to find gig work and short-term contracts. Fiverr is a marketplace where freelancers can list their services, usually for a small fee, with the option to add additional services. While Fiverr started out as a place to offer short tasks for $5, the platform has grown since then, and freelancers can now make much more than $5, providing a variety of services, such as graphic design, video editing, social media management, or copywriting.
Upwork is an online platform where large and small businesses alike can list their freelance gigs. Freelancers can submit their portfolios and bid on the gig jobs they like, and then the employer will choose a freelancer to work with.
Thumbtack is a marketplace where tradespeople and service providers can list their businesses. You can list anything from home repair and plumbing to photography and event planning.
Thumbtack is a little different in that it uses a pay-per-lead model. This means that you pay for each lead you receive – even if the job doesn’t pan out. Lead costs can range anywhere from a few dollars to over a hundred, depending on your industry and local area. Because of the risk involved, this option is best for established businesses looking to pick up the occasional new client.
- Thumbtack has a 4.4 rating on the Apple App Store.
26. Staffing Agencies
You don’t have to go it alone just because you freelance. Plenty of remote staffing agencies place professionals in short-term placements and freelance roles. This can be an excellent option for those looking for temporary work or quick, supplemental income. Staffing agencies represent a broad range of industries, encompassing more traditional jobs such as IT and Engineering, as well as Human Resources, Accounting, and many others.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Gig Economy Jobs
The primary benefit of the gig economy is flexibility. Gig workers tend to enjoy a better work-life balance because they set their own schedules and have the flexibility to work when, where, and with whom they choose. As a result, gig economy workers can also have greater control over their earning potential, as they can work more or less as needed.
At the same time, gig workers are typically independent contractors or freelancers, which means they are their own boss and are responsible for paying their own self-employment taxes, covering their own expenses, and providing their own health insurance.
For that reason, it’s essential to do some research before jumping headfirst into the gig economy. But with a little bit of planning and preparation, you, too, can make money with gig economy jobs.
