The gig economy is full of jobs that are interesting, stimulating, and relatively well-paid. The key is finding a gig that matches your expectations—both in terms of compensation and lifestyle. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the highest-paying jobs for gig workers in 2023.
Remember—these income estimates reflect broadly collected statistics. Ultimately, the amount of money you earn in any of these fields will depend on your region, your resume, and the time you devote to the gig.
Babysitter
Median monthly income: $100
Median hourly rate: $10
Maximum monthly income: $1,500
Available Apps: Helpr, Sittercity, Care.com
Job Summary
Babysitters must care for babies and children while parents and guardians are away. The specific tasks will depend on the age of the children and the expectations of the parents/guardians.
Requirements
Every parent/guardian has their own requirements for a babysitter. Many prefer candidates with experience, and some will ask about first aid training and other credentials.
Grocery Delivery
Median monthly income: $3,672
Median hourly rate: $21
Maximum monthly income:$6,200
Available Apps: DoorDash, Shipt Shopper, Jobble
Job Summary
When you work in grocery delivery, you buy a person’s groceries at the store and then deliver the products to their home.
Requirements
In most places, you’ll need a car to earn money delivering groceries.
Freelance & Consulting
Median monthly income: $200
Median hourly rate: $20
Maximum monthly income: $4000
Available Apps: Upwork, Fiverr, Jobble
Job Summary
Freelance consultants offer their services to businesses on an hourly basis, advising managers and staff in their areas of expertise.
Requirements
Each field will have its own requirements. As a consultant, it’s best to have a bachelor’s degree and experience working in a specific area.
Tutoring & Teaching
Median monthly income: $150
Median hourly rate: $15
Maximum monthly income: $3000
Available Apps: Varsity Tutors, Everly, Chegg Tutors
Job Summary
Freelance tutors and teachers assist students from around the world, usually through a digital teaching platform.
Requirements
Some platforms require teaching certificates and degrees. You can also find freelance clients on your own without certification, especially if you have experience in a certain field.
Handyman
Median monthly income: $100
Median hourly rate: $17
Maximum monthly income: $1,500
Available Apps: TaskRabbit, Handy
Job Summary
A handyman comes to a home or business to help with a specific maintenance task. The jobs are normally quick and straightforward.
Requirements
While no credentials are normally required, a handyman should have a wide knowledge of tools and equipment.
Landscaping and Gardening
Median monthly income: $100
Median hourly rate: $11
Maximum monthly income: $1,000
Available Apps: LawnGuru, Yardbook
Job Summary
Landscapers and gardeners get back to the earth while helping property owners maintain their outdoor spaces. Common tasks include weeding, lawn-mowing, and tree-clipping.
Requirements
Most landscaping and gardening jobs have no requirements, although experience in the field and a knowledge of plants can help with landing gigs. Reliability and work ethic are also essential.
House Cleaner
Median monthly income: $100
Median hourly rate: $17
Maximum monthly income: $1,500
Available Apps: TIDY, HOUSEKEEPERS
Job Summary
House cleaners go from home to home, cleaning living and eating spaces for residents. The work is quiet and independent, making it ideal for people who enjoy being on their own.
Requirements
While some clients will prefer house cleaners with experience, there are no specific credentials necessary for the role.
Photographer & Videographer
Median monthly income: $100
Median hourly rate: $20
Maximum monthly income: $2000
Available Apps: Upwork, Fiverr
Job Summary
Photographers and videographers capture precious moments for posterity. Common assignments include weddings, graduations, and reunions.
Requirements
While it’s possible to earn a bachelor’s degree in photography art, you can probably get gigs without this certification. You will need your own equipment, and clients will want to see that you have experience.
Survey Taking
Median monthly income: $100
Median hourly rate: $5
Maximum monthly income: $3,000
Available Apps: MyPoints, Swagbucks
Job Summary
As the job title suggests, survey-takers earn money by responding to online surveys. Many businesses and organizations are eager for opinions, and you can pad your income by providing them.
Requirements
Anyone with an internet connection can pursue a job as a survey taker.
Dog Walker
Median monthly income: $2,374
Median hourly rate: $22**
Maximum monthly income: $4,300*
Available Apps: Rover, Wag!
Job Summary
Dog walkers collect people’s pets from their homes and take them for walks around the neighborhood. Many dog walkers also work as dog-sitters, caring for dogs for days at a time.
Requirements
Apps often request proof that you’ve worked with dogs before, and you may have to complete a brief online training portal.
Mover
Median monthly income: $2,800*
Median hourly rate: $16
Maximum monthly income: $3,875*
Available Apps: MoverUp, Job Monkey
Job Summary
Movers help people take their furniture and other belongings from one home to another. The job is collaborative with several workers together on a team.
Requirements
There are no education requirements for becoming a mover, and a commercial driver’s license is only necessary if you plan on driving the truck.
Auto Mechanic
Median monthly income: $3,400
Median hourly rate: $19.70
Maximum monthly income: $5,300
Available Apps: YourMechanic, Wrench
Job Summary
Auto mechanics assess vehicles with mechanical issues and fix any problems that they can.
Requirements
While there are no educational requirements, many clients and businesses will expect some experience in the field.
Graphic Designer
Median monthly income: $4,200
Median hourly rate: $24
Maximum monthly income: $8,200
Available Apps: Upwork, Dribble
Job Summary
Graphic designers use their creativity to create digital and physical images, often working alongside a business’s marketing team.
Requirements
Many clients expect graphic designers to have a bachelor’s degree in the field, but talented individuals without degrees can sometimes find work as a freelancer.
Writer/Blogger
Median monthly income: $4,600
Median hourly rate: $26
Maximum monthly income: $11,600
Available Apps: UpWork, Fiverr
Job Summary
Freelance writers produce texts for businesses. Bloggers focus on writing branded or informational content for a company or organization’s pages.
Requirements
Most clients won’t ask for any specific credentials, but you should create writing samples to improve your chances of landing gigs.
Film Extras
Median monthly income: $3,700
Median hourly rate: $21.25
Maximum monthly income: $4,700
Available Apps: Backstage Casting
Job Summary
Film extras appear in the background of movies, providing the realistic feel that filmmakers need.
Requirements
There are no explicit requirements for being an extra, but you can earn more by bringing your own props or being willing to pose in adverse weather.
Stagehand
Median monthly income: $3,000
Median hourly rate: $18
Maximum monthly income: $4,600
Available Apps: Jobble, ShowbizJobs.com
Job Summary
Stagehands work at theaters, setting up the lights, stage equipment, and other technical aspects of the production.
Requirements
While the specific requirements depend on the job, some employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma and relevant experience.
About the Author: Ben Clabault is a freelance writer from Sandwich, Massachusetts. He has spent much of his adult life traveling through Latin America. He currently lives with his fiance in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala. His areas of expertise include travel, marketing, SaaS, and global cultures. You can find his work on Copyfolio and reach out to him on LinkedIn.
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