13 Best Under The Table Jobs That Pay Real Money

In today’s fast-paced world, many Americans are exploring various avenues to bolster their income.

From traditional under-the-table jobs to venturing into small-scale entrepreneurship, the pursuit of extra earnings has become a common endeavor.

According to the latest survey by Bankrate, nearly 39% of American adults are actively involved in side hustles.

These endeavors often serve as a means to bridge financial gaps and meet pressing financial needs.

Feeling the pinch in your pocket? Before rushing into the realm of personal loans, consider the thriving gig economy.

There are numerous off-the-books opportunities available that offer immediate cash rewards, sometimes on the same day.

Under-the-table jobs typically involve receiving payment in cash.

Unlike our regular employment where earnings are deposited directly and taxes are withheld upfront, off-the-record jobs provide instant access to hard-earned cash.

Under The Table Jobs That Pay Cash

These jobs can be excellent choices if you need to generate money quickly because they still pay cash (typically at the conclusion of each shift).

Additionally, the majority offer gig economy and on-demand employment options that let you set your own hours.

1. Auto Detailing

The task of car detailing can range from basic shampooing and vacuuming to a full suite of services including waxing, applying protective coatings like kevlar, buffing, and tackling stubborn oil stains.

As you build your customer base and gain experience, you can expand your offerings to include additional services, thereby boosting your earnings potential.

This job Typical pay rates for car detailing range from $10 to $18 per hour, now imagine dealing with 5 cars daily.

However, you can Land this Job by spreading the word about your services by leveraging local Facebook groups and consider creating a website to attract customers within your vicinity.

Additionally, reach out to nearby repair shops or auto supply stores to inquire about leaving your business cards or flyers at their establishments.

2. Day Labor

Day labor gigs are in high demand among movers, contractors, and event coordinators, offering ample opportunities to earn quick cash, often totaling $200 or more in a single day.

To secure such jobs, scour online platforms like Craigslist, Nextdoor, and Facebook Marketplace, where postings for day labor work are frequently available.

On average, day laborers can expect to earn between $15 to $23 per hour, providing a decent income for their services.

For those struggling to find work independently, registering with a temp agency specializing in day labor placements can be beneficial, with some agencies even offering same-day pay options.

Additionally, gig economy platforms like TaskRabbit, Thumbtack, and Handy also offer opportunities for day laborers to find work alongside other gig opportunities.

These platforms provide a convenient way for individuals to access a variety of job opportunities and increase their earning potential in the day labor market.

3. Make and Sell Crafts

Crafting enthusiasts can turn their passion into profits by creating and selling handmade items.

From knitted clothing to handcrafted jewelry, there’s a market for unique handmade goods both online and at local fairs and festivals.

4. Freelance Writing:

Despite advancements in technology, the demand for skilled writers remains high. Whether it’s crafting engaging content for blogs or providing copywriting services to businesses, freelance writers can earn a substantial income by leveraging their writing prowess.

A writer makes, on average, $27.91 per hour. This will go up if you have a strong portfolio that demonstrates your mastery of a certain field.

The benefit of side hustles as a freelancer is that you may charge more for work requiring expertise and skills.

5. Farm Work/Harvesting

Farm and ranch work offers abundant opportunities for day laborers, especially during busy seasons like harvest time.

Typically paid in cash, these roles often come with the potential for overtime, making them lucrative options for those seeking quick earnings.

To secure farm or ranch work, networking proves invaluable, as farmers and ranchers prefer hiring individuals they know and trust due to the inherent risks associated with agricultural tasks.

While hourly wages for agricultural workers average around $14, many day laborers are compensated on a per-day basis, providing flexibility in earnings depending on the duration of the job.

Even without specific farm experience, highlighting skills such as welding, heavy equipment operation, or construction can enhance your appeal to potential employers in the agricultural sector.

For those exploring gig economy options, platforms like the HitchPin app facilitate connections between farmers and individuals seeking work on farms or ranches.

Though still in early adoption, this app presents opportunities for day laborers across various regions of the United States.

6. Flipping Things

Flipping items provides a profitable opportunity to turn discarded items into cash.

Whether it’s scouring thrift stores for hidden gems or repurposing old furniture, savvy flippers can earn a tidy sum by breathing new life into overlooked items.

Generally, Flipping items is a piece of cake. All that needs to be done is repair an old item (such as clothing, shoes, furniture, etc.) and resell it for a profit.

Typically, restoration includes painting, cleaning, and possibly accessorizing to increase aesthetic appeal.

eBay, neighborhood flea markets, and vintage stores are the ideal places to sell your flipped goods.

But don’t forget to price each item according to the time and money spent glamming it up, as well as the cost of acquisition and restoration, before you resale it.

7. Graphic Design

Graphic design plays a crucial role in marketing, making it a lucrative field for creative individuals.

Whether it’s designing websites, creating logos, or producing promotional materials, graphic designers can command handsome payments for their services.

Just to let you know, Apps like Canva and Picmonkey are great for certain graphic design jobs, not all job require Adobe Photoshop.

8. Web Development

Web developers play a crucial role in building and maintaining websites and applications.

With demand for skilled developers on the rise, individuals with coding expertise can command lucrative rates for their services.

And since web developers nowadays come from a variety of backgrounds, there is no ideal or incorrect profile for this side job.

For those without a diploma in information technology or any other computer-related field, this is good news.

For example, Apple’s founder, Steve Jobs, did not finish his undergraduate degree.

However, he studied philosophy, psychology, and the humanities—subjects that don’t seem to have anything to do with his success in the computer sector.

All computer geeks, nevertheless, can do this work, regardless of educational background.

9. Photography for Events

Event photography offers a fun and rewarding way to earn cash while capturing memorable moments.

From weddings and birthdays to corporate events and family reunions, event photographers can earn a significant income by showcasing their skills behind the lens.

To begin with, you don’t need an expensive camera. You can begin capturing little occasions like birthdays, family reunions, and school functions with your smartphone or a reasonably priced digital camera.

These kinds of occasions are excellent places to start expanding your portfolio and network.

When you get bigger, you can buy better cameras and accept more challenging jobs, such as magazine photoshoots, weddings, and marketing campaigns.

10. Social Media Management

Social media management has emerged as a valuable skill in today’s digital landscape.

From creating engaging content to managing online communities, social media managers can earn a substantial income by helping businesses enhance their online presence.

You’re unknowingly training for this job already by utilizing Instagram and TikTok on a daily basis!

You obviously understand the kind of content that performs well and goes viral on these platforms because you have seen and examined a lot of reels and posts.

Although the work may be fast-paced and demanding at times, think about how many careers allow you to combine your love of public relations, creativity, and critical thinking?

11. Babysitting

Babysitting provides a flexible and rewarding way to earn cash while caring for children. With demand for reliable childcare services on the rise, babysitters can command competitive rates for their time and expertise.

It’s important to note that babysitters typically make $18 per hour, and this is only for one child.

Just think of the money you could make from watching a lot of kids.

As parents are aware, having someone physically present to watch their children is not the only aspect of quality babysitting.

They understand that spending more frequently translates into hiring a sitter with the appropriate training or credentials.

For this reason, some parents search for sitters who are certified to work with children or who have been referred by friends or relatives.

You can quickly schedule a job through your own network, neighborhood parenting Facebook groups, and online platforms like Care.com if you have a strong reference or track record.

12. Dog Walking & Pet Sitting

Pet care services offer a fun and lucrative opportunity to earn cash while spending time with furry friends.

Whether it’s walking dogs or pet sitting for vacationing pet owners, animal lovers can earn a tidy sum by providing quality pet care services.

Clients with four legs are far more manageable and laid-back than those with two legs. Furthermore, the position pays rather well, with an hourly average of $15.44.

One of the least expensive ways to advertise your business is through word-of-mouth.

Thus, meet new people and introduce yourself while you’re at a bank, a pet store, or a neighborhood café. Tell them about the services you offer for pets.

Another excellent strategy for self-promoting your business is to use social media.

To increase your reach, don’t forget to sign up for a pet-sitting website like Rover.

Undoubtedly, attracting potential customers is the key to growing any side business.

13. House Cleaning

House cleaning provides a valuable service to busy homeowners while offering a reliable source of income for cleaning professionals.

With demand for cleaning services on the rise, individuals can earn a substantial income by providing top-notch cleaning services to clients.

Many cleaners start out in agencies, but for more flexible work arrangements, individuals looking for long-term gigs open their own cleaning firms.

If you don’t have enough money for cleaning supplies and equipment, contracting with an agency might be a good idea.

But if you’re looking for a gig that might pay you $200 a day, I advise you to launch your own independent company.

Customers seeking house cleaning services can be found in large numbers on internet job boards and social media groups.

Providing excellent service on a regular basis is essential if you want to build a constant clientele and side gig.

14. Online Tutoring

Online tutoring offers a flexible and rewarding way to earn cash while helping others learn.

Whether it’s teaching math, science, or foreign languages, online tutors can connect with students worldwide and earn competitive rates for their expertise.

To find under-the-table gigs, you should submit your application to parents within your vicinity.

15. Gardening & Landscaping

Gardening and landscaping offer a rewarding way to earn cash while beautifying outdoor spaces.

Whether it’s planting flowers or maintaining lawns, gardening enthusiasts can earn a tidy sum by providing quality gardening and landscaping services to clients.

Are you passionate about landscaping and gardening as well? If yes, have you ever considered selling your gardening abilities for a living?

Many of us who are “plant parents” need someone they can trust to take care of their yards when they take a vacation.

There are folks who would truly benefit from your muscle for the heavier garden work, and there are others who might need your gardening knowledge to take care of their plants.

If you’re not experienced yet, begin with easy chores like raking leaves, weeding, and watering plants.

It’s also up to you to determine how much it will cost and take to make someone’s yard look good overall.