15 Gig Economy Jobs: Easy Ways To Make Money In Your Spare Time
15 Gig Economy Jobs: Easy Ways To Make Money In Your Spare Time
Are you looking for ways to make more money outside your 9-5? Gig economy jobs have changed the landscape of the opportunities available for everyday people to make money and earn extra cash in your spare time.
Whether you’re a college student or working professional, the combination of your skills, experiences, assets, hustle and time can help you make more money. If you’re looking to take control of your personal finances, expanding your income streams is a surefire step in the right direction.
The gig economy has opened job opportunities for those looking to build a side hustle to pocket a couple extra hundred dollars each month. However, it’s also opened up the ability to work full-time as an entrepreneur or freelancer within a given field or industry.
What Is The Gig Economy?
As defined by the Cambridge Dictionary, the gig economy is “a way of working that is based on people having temporary jobs or doing separate pieces of work, each paid separately, rather than working for an employer”.
Based on this loose definition it’s essentially working as a freelancer, temporary contractor or standalone one-off jobs through services different from traditional full-time employment.
The Highest Paying Gig Economy Jobs For Professionals & Specialists
As with any freelancing opportunity, there are specific industries that can maximize your income in the gig economy. These are specialist jobs that would be lucrative in a traditional full-time career too.
For the most part they require specialized training and experience. So if you’re already trained in these focus areas or willing to learn, it can be an extremely profitable pursuit.
Below are five of the highest paying gig economy jobs based on a deep-dive survey across a collection of freelancing websites:
- Artificial Intelligence/Deep Learning ($115 hourly)
- Blockchain Architect ($87 hourly)
- Robotics ($77 hourly)
- Ethical Hacking ($66 hourly)
- Cryptocurrency ($65 hourly)
You can read more about these high paying special gig jobs in this report. However, these aren’t feasible for the masses or applicable to those in the mindset of looking to earn money fast or start an ongoing rewarding side hustle without hyper-focused tech skills.
Gig Economy Jobs (Almost) Anyone Can Do
For this post, we’ll look at gig economy jobs that aren’t mean to replace your full-time profession or be limited to highly-trained specialists. These are flexible side jobs outside a 9-5 that most people can do to earn extra money on your own terms.
That could include driving, freelancing, deliveries, renting an asset you own or dozens of other revenue generating opportunities. From your home, phone, vehicle, online or around the city, gig economy jobs are there for the taking. On the weekend, in the morning, after work or whenever you have availability.
Here are 15+ gig economy jobs to help you make more money along the themes of:
- Freelancing Jobs
- Delivery Gigs
- Tutoring & Teaching Jobs
- Ridesharing Driver Gigs
- Renting Assets You Own
- Other Gig Jobs To Make Money
Teaching & Tutoring Gigs To Make Extra Cash
Another option to earn some extra money in the gig economy is through online teaching and tutoring platforms. Of course, you can tutor in your local community in-person but virtual tutoring to a borderless market has created new opportunities and location independent work.
The requirements vary depending on the subject and specific platform but the goal remains the same: help others and make money in the process.
Make $20 Per Hour Teaching English With Education First
Education First is the oldest and most respected brand in English teaching and tutoring. For over 50 years, they have been helping millions of students around the world learn the language. The company continues to expand the number of students on their platform, providing more opportunities for people like you to make money teaching.
Teachers with Education First earn up to $20 per hour teaching English to kids in China. As with online tutoring jobs, one of the best benefits is the ability to work your own schedule and be flexible with hours.
So who are you tutoring? Students are based out of China and fall in the 5-10 age range. Your teaching lessons are 25 minutes long and you aren’t required to prepare anything in advance as all the materials are developed by Education First.
Education First teaching gigs are available to:
- US and UK residents that hold Bachelors degrees in any field
- Prior teaching experience in education, tutoring, mentoring, or homeschooling is required as well but this is a very flexible definition
- Must have high-speed internet, a computer and webcam or microphone.
If you want to teach English online and make up to $20 per hour, get started with Education First today.
Tutor With VIPKID
VIPKID is an online platform that teaches English to students in China through video chat. The estimated hourly wage for VIPKID tutoring falls in between $14 – $22 per hour.
To date, VIPKID has over 60,000 teachers and 500,000 students in the 35 countries they operate in.
In true gig economy style, the hours are flexible to your schedule. You teach 25 minute lessons that require minimal prep or post work as they’re built around pre-determined programs for these students.
In order to be eligible for VIPKID you must:
- Be a native English speaker with a North American accent
- Have completed a Bachelor’s degree
- One year experience with youth – this can be flexible and include things like teaching, coaching, scout leader, tutoring, swimming lessons and so on
After applying and getting accepted you will receive some onboarding training from an existing VIPKID teacher. As you progress within the system, your earnings increase.
Sign Up For VIPKID Today And Start Earning Extra Money Tutoring.
Become A Tutor On Course Hero
Another great opportunity to make money tutoring is with Course Hero. This flexible online tutoring company allows you to set your own schedule, work from anywhere and take advantage of the gig economy.
It’s a Q&A based tutoring process where students ask questions and tutors support with in-depth answers. There are over 10 million students connected to the platform looking for help on various Sciences, Economics, Accounting, Technology, History, Business and dozens of other subjects.
You aren’t required to hold a teaching certification or designation. However, you will need to show your knowledge of the subjects you’re looking to tutor before you can start earning on Course Hero.
Their top tutors earn over $500 a week working part-time and on their own terms. That is likely the exception to the rule but does highlight the opportunity to earn some real cash on Course Hero.
Apply Today And Learn More About Making Money With Course Hero.
Sharing Your Opinion Online In The Gig Economy
Giving your opinion and performing digital tasks with online rewards platforms is another way to earn a little extra cash in the gig economy. Will it make you rich? No, these types of services will not make you rich.
Are other gig economy jobs and side hustles more lucrative? Undoubtedly, yes (every single one)
However, you can monetize your morning commute on the train, lunch break or time relaxing in the evening by sharing your opinion or performing digital tasks. Some of these websites include a free sign-up bonus to help expedite your cash flow with a little boost:
Swagbucks – $5 Free Bonus
Swagbucks is one of the most popular digital rewards platforms. You can generate PayPal cash by answering surveys, playing videos or any of 7+ more ways to earn rewards. Plus you get a free $5 bonus when you sign up. Check out my full review on Swagbucks here.
InboxDollars – $5 Free Bonus
Inbox Dollars is an American site that offers free cash rewards for watching TV, taking surveys, or making purchases online. Best of all InboxDollars offers a free $5 welcome bonus offer once you register.
PineCone Research – $3 Per Survey
PineCone Research is one of the most popular and rewarding survey websites that provides their users with $3 per survey completed. After you’re ready to cash out, your money will be sent directly via cash or to your PayPal account. Sign up today at Pinecone Research to get started.
SurveyJunkie – High Volume of Surveys
Survey Junkie is another one of the most popular and highest rated free survey websites. When you’re ready to cash out, you can get paid via PayPal or gift cards. Register for SurveyJunkie now.
Daily Rewards (Canada) – $5 Free Bonus
DailyRewards is the Canadian counterpart to Inbox Dollars mentioned above. You’ll be rewarded for watching TV, taking surveys, or making purchases online. They offer a free $5 welcome bonus offer for signing up and your pay outs are made via cash or gift card.
Want to explore more opportunities to make quick cash by sharing your opinion? Check out 19+ of the best paid survey sites.
Delivery Gig Economy Jobs
One of the most popular types of gig economy jobs revolves around deliveries. As downtown urban cores continued to swell in size, so too did the money making opportunities for side hustlers.
Whether it’s restaurant takeout, groceries, alcohol or other goods, there are customers willing to pay for those items to be delivered.
Earn Cash With DoorDash
DoorDash is a food delivery service that has partnered with restaurants in over 300 cities across North America. This is the type of gig job I wish I’d taken advantage of in University when I needed extra cash and had a flexible schedule to make the most of opportunities like this.
As a Dasher, you get connected to local restaurants who have opted into the platform and act as the middle man for their customers. Quick, easy deliveries around your city and town on a schedule that fits best for you. Car, bike, scooter, motorcycle and foot can all be applicable modes of transportation to Dash.
In order to be eligible you just need to be 18+ years of age, have a clean record of any major violations in the last 7 years and less than 3 total incidents in 3 years.
It’s a free service to register for and you can start earning in a short time frame after an initial registration and background check. Dashers claim to earn anywhere from $10 per hour to upwards of $25 per hour.
Register for DoorDash today and start making more money in the gig economy now.
Make Money With UberEATS
UberEATS is another gig service that can earn you extra money on the go. It’s an on-demand food delivery app that allows Uber users to order food and have it delivered.
The requirements include being 21+ years of age (19 in the United States), having a vehicle that’s a 1998 model or newer, valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance. You can also make deliveries via bike or scooter.
The payout consists of five factors: pickup fee, distance travelled, total time, drop off fee and a tip. Uber takes 25% of the fees and you keep 100% of the tip. Taking into account the profit sharing and potential expenses, the per hour rate falls close to $10-12 range.
If you’re already an Uber driver, you just need to opt into UberEATS within the driver section of the Uber app. New members can register today and start earning cash with deliveries too.
Deliver With Postmates
Postmates is similar to UberEATS and DoorDash but includes additional goods for delivery outside restaurant orders. Their platform also delivers groceries and alcohol within their network of members
Postmates is primarily operating within the United States but has recently continued expansion into Canada. It’s free to sign up to join the Postmates Fleet. There are no fees or time commitments required from Fleet members. You take home 100% of what you earn every time you complete a Postmates delivery.
After signing up Postmates sends you a Fleet kit to have you ready to go. The kit includes a delivery bag and prepaid card so you can purchase goods based on the incoming orders.
Download the free Postmates Fleet app and get setup to begin profiting in the gig economy.
Driving In The Gig Economy
The most discussed of the gig economy side hustles is of course the ridesharing market. The growth in this industry has created a whole new economy to make money by turning your vehicle into a revenue generator.
There are two main players in the space dominating market share.
Drive With Uber
Uber is of course one of the leaders in the gig economy marketplace. Their rise to stardom and the ripple effect caused across the transportation sector is a major storyline of business activity in the 21st century.
The concept here is one I’m sure you’re aware of. You make money by acting as a driver for Uber customers. Are you curious how much Uber drivers might make on average? The Rideshare Guy pulled together a great summary to understand just how lucrative it is.
What does it take to get approved as an Uber driver?
- Valid driver’s license
- 21 years old with 3 years of driving experience
- 23 years old with 1 years of driving experience
- Driver (you) is listed on the vehicle insurance
- No criminal record
- Vehicle requirements vary (check uber.com/drive/*yourcityname* for your specific city’s details)
There are “Surge Pricing” time periods when your ROI can increase as costs for rides increase. Plus you can also use the “Driver Destination” setting if you’re on the way to a specific location. Uber will only match you with riders that fit the route of the destination you’re driving to.
If you own a vehicle and want to make extra money, sign up and drive with Uber.
Become A Lyft Driver
If you want to give another ridesharing platform a try or sign up for both – drive with Lyft. The company has received great reviews from both riders and drivers. They’re growing quickly across North American and carving out their space within the ridesharing market.
The requirements for Lyft are similar to Uber:
- Valid driver’s license
- 21 years old
- Own a smartphone
- Vehicle holds a minimum of 5 seat belted passengers
- Passing of a driving and background check
- Different vehicle age and safety inspection requirements
According to a survey and study by Earnest, Lyft drivers earned slightly more than Uber drives.
If you’d like to give Lyft a try, they’re often offering great sign up bonuses to help boost your earning.
Renting Your Assets In The Gig Economy
The assets you own, like your house and car, can be used to make money with various apps and services that connect you to those in demand.
Trust will of course be needed as you lend assets you worked hard to secure to complete strangers. However, these types of services are popular and recommended for a reason. Their Legal Teams and insurance coverage are meant to give you peace of mind.
Become An Airbnb Host
If you’ve got an extra room in your place or a rental property, you can make some serious money being an Airbnb host. Turn your space into a gig and monetize your asset.
If there’s a big conference, major cultural event, sports event or festival happening, you might have the opportunity to spike your earnings even further.
Do some research on the pricing other Airbnb hosts list for in your neighbourhood. Clean up your place and develop a compelling Airbnb listing (clear photos, description, rules and price point). Hit publish and then wait as Airbnb connects your listing once live with potential renters.
Here are details on the Airbnb Host Protection Insurance?
In terms of gig economy jobs, Airbnb is one that can drive serious profit. According to the same Earnest study referenced above, Airbnb was the most lucrative of the popular gig and sharing economy platforms.
Freelancing Gig Jobs For Anyone
Similar to the tech heavy high paying gig economy jobs above, the best place to start if often with what you already know. Monetizing the skills and experience you already have is a lucrative (and comfortable) way to enter the gig economy.
Whether you’re already working in a specific industry or just have the knowledge to do so, there are a number of avenues to pursue. People are looking to hire freelancers to support on writing, design, web development, voiceover work, accounting, marketing, virtual assistant tasks and everything in between.
You can find opportunities on Craigslist, staffing agency websites or other online directories like those noted below.
Upwork
Upwork is a global freelancing platform with millions of users looking to pay gig workers for support on their business needs. You complete a profile that is then reviewed by the Upwork staff based on the specific categories of work you want to pursue. You can check out their full category listings for all the freelancing opportunities available.
After being approved you can bid on jobs and also post your own services to receive inbound requests from those looking for your type of work.
The pay range depends on your skillset and what type of work you’re looking to offer. Explore the site and search out other freelancer’s listings to see what pricing they’re using on their services.
Freelancer
Freelancer is a similar platform to Upwork that matches businesses or individuals with freelancers looking to earn money by providing their services. The process is similar to Upwork and you view their categories of work to see what might differ between the two.
Either way, it’s connecting you with money making opportunities around the world based on your specific skill set.
Other Freelance Platforms To Find Gig Jobs
Rent Your Vehicle With Turo
On the same level as renting your home or apartment, you can do so with your vehicle. Turo is a platform that allows you to rent your vehicle to others in need of one. These prospective renters might be visiting for a family trip or could be a local who just needs access to one for the day.
Sounds like a passive gig economy revenue opportunity, right?
Turo allows you to list your vehicle for free and also provides $2 million in liability insurance.
Monetize Your Parking Spot
If you own a parking spot in your building or a parking lot (that legally allows rentals), you can turn that into revenue. You can also do this with your driveway.
There are a number of apps and digital services that connect your gig (spot or driveway) to willing renter.
Just Park (USA & UK)
Just Park gives American and UK residents the opportunity to rent out their driveways, garages or parking space.
Rover Parking (Canadians in Toronto, Montreal & Ottawa)
Rover Parking is a platform for Canadian residents in Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa to use as a listing service for parking space rentals.
Your Parking Space
Your Parking Space is another great platform (over 250,000+ listed spots) for residents of the UK to turn their parking spots into a revenue generator.
Other Gig Economy Jobs To Make Money In Your Spare Time
Rover – Earn Money Walking & Watching Dogs
Rover is a popular service that pairs paying dog owners with prospective walkers or boarders like you. The work required might be an extended week of dog babysitting or walk in the evening, either way it’s an avenue to making more money.
If you’re a fan of canines and live in a busier city in North America, there should be plenty of Rover listings in your area.
There are actually 5 signature services available for you to make money with Rover:
- Dog Boarding
- House Sitting
- Dog Walking
- Doggy Day Care
- Drop-In Visits
Want to test out Rover? Sign up today for free and test out making money with dogs in the gig economy.
Gigwalk – Performing Store & Events Visits
Gigwalk is another free mobile app that can help you make additional money. The Gigwalk app is available in both Canada and the USA on Apple and Android.
After you’re set-up and registered you can apply for Gigs through the map or Gig List. You can pick Gigs that take anywhere from 5 minutes to a few hours or based on how much you want to make – from $3 to $100 or more.
Gigs are posted by consumer brands seeking visibility into the conditions of their products or events. They are looking to verify products are available on the shelf and displayed/priced correctly or that marketing events are done accurately and on-time.
Download the free Gigwalk app and start to earn some cash.
TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit is a platform that connects customers with “taskers” – aka you, the individual who will perform a task for pay.
What kind of tasks? It’s a wide spectrum. Deliveries, moving, handyman jobs, landscaping, shopping, TV mounting, computer admin tasks, IKEA furniture assembly and so forth.
The payout really varies on what type of job you’re performing. Their homepage does a good job of highlighting potentials earnings and most fall in the $47 – $119 range.
What Gig Economy Jobs Are Near Me?
Based on the different opportunities above, there should be plenty of gig jobs available near you. Uber and Lyft are mainstays in most cities. DoorDash and Postmates continue to expand their delivery territories.
However, the number of online or at home money making opportunities make the gig economy a borderless marketplace. Certain freelancing gigs can be done entirely through remote meetings and online discussion. Services like VIPKID allow you to tutor online with a flexible schedule that fits for you.
When there is a will, there is a way (most often) and there should be a handful of gig economy jobs near you.
Conclusion: Gig Economy Jobs To Make Money On The Side In Your Spare Time
The gig economy and general side hustle landscape has made making more money increasingly accessible and opportunistic for the vast majority. Whether you’re a highly skilled professional or just want to participate in the sharing economy, there’s a way to monetize that.
If you have student loan debt or want to start an emergency fund, making more money outside your 9-5 can help you jumpstart that process.
Personal finances are personal. So to is the gig economy and side hustling, you need to find a solution that works for you.
Do you take part in any side hustles within the gig economy to earn more money?
What gig economy jobs would you consider?
Let me know in the comments below.
Here are some other posts on making more money to help you push forward in your financial journey:
- How To Make $1,000 Fast: 12+ Quick & Easy Ways To Make Money ASAP
- 35 Rewarding Side Hustles (Almost) Anyone Can Do To Earn More Money
- How To Make Money From Your Phone For Free: 35+ Apps & Easy Ways
- Best Personal Finance Podcasts – 40+ of the Top Money, Investing, Financial and Side Hustle Shows
- How To Make $500 Fast: 17+ Quick, Real & Easy Ways To Make Money When You Need Cash Fast
- How To Make Money Online From Home In Canada (60+ Ways)
15 Gig Economy Jobs: Easy Ways To Make Money In Your Spare Time
Scott
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