25+ Best Gig Jobs For 2024: Ranked & Reviewed [Update]
What are the best gig jobs and how do they work? If you want to join the gig economy, click here to learn how to land your first gig and succeed.
- Gig jobs offer flexibility and can be a full-time income alternative.
- Popular gig jobs include ridesharing, delivery, lodging, freelancing, and miscellaneous tasks.
- Successful gig workers maintain disciplined schedules and save for taxes.
- Gig workers need timely communication and consistent effort to succeed and attract clients.
You're tired of working a traditional job, but you aren't sure how to start a business.
Fortunately, the best gig jobs offer some benefits of an employer with the flexibility of working for yourself.
If you want to get out of a full-time job, you should consider getting into gig work.
You can find opportunities in a variety of industries, and you can combine gigs to make a full-time income.
Freelancing and gig work offers a lot of advantages for students, older adults, and everyone in between.
Read on to learn about the best gig jobs and how to succeed in this type of work.
The Best Gig Jobs (Examples)
Ridesharing Gigs
Delivery Gigs
Lodging Gigs
Freelancing Gigs
- Writing
- Proofreading and Editing
- Virtual Assistant
- Transcription
- Customer Support
- Developer
- Graphic Design
- Photo and Video Editing
Miscellaneous Gigs
What Is a Gig Job?
A gig job is a type of job where the pay is per task.
That could mean the task is per completed delivery or per photo you edit.
Other gig jobs may pay an hourly rate, such as for a one-hour tutoring session.
Do Gig Workers Make Good Money?
Some gig workers make great money, but not everyone does.
Your income can depend on when and how much you work and what tasks you complete.
Can You Make a Living Off Gigs?
You can make a living off gigs, but you'll need to work consistently.
In many cases, you will earn more per hour than in a traditional job.
However, you'll also have to account for expenses, such as gas.
What Gig Work Pays The Most?
Food delivery tends to pay the most when it comes to gig apps.
If you add in other freelance services, graphic designers can earn $35 an hour or more with experience.
How Do I Get High-Paying Gig Jobs?
You should consider what you're good at and can do quickly to get a high-paying gig job.
Since many gigs pay per task, you can make more if you complete tasks or orders more efficiently.
Best Gig Jobs for 2024
You have tons of options for the best gig jobs these days.
That means most people should be able to find at least one gig that could work for them.
If you're serious about this type of work you can apply for multiple gig jobs.
Then, you'll be able to earn more than you could even in a typical 9-5.
Here are some gig jobs to consider.
Ridesharing Gigs
Ridesharing gigs are those where you use your car to drive people around town.
You're like a taxi driver, but you're an independent contractor instead of an employee.
These gigs are great if you want a flexible work schedule.
What Is a Rideshare Gig?
A rideshare gig is a job you work within your city or state.
You use an app to accept ride requests from passengers, and you pick them up and drop them off at designated locations.
Drivers can also decline rides they don't want to do.
How Much Do Average Rideshare Gigs Pay?
The average pay for a rideshare gig ranges from $15 to $22 per hour.
Your exact pay depends on the base fare and tips received from passengers.
The pay also depends on where you live, especially if you're in California which requires guaranteed earnings.
The Best Ridesharing Gigs
If you want to try ridesharing, you have a few options.
You'll need to meet certain requirements, but test these apps to decide which works best for you.
Also, some apps have more requirements than others, which could help narrow your choices.
Consider the following rideshare gigs before you choose one app to use.
Uber
Uber is probably the most well-known rideshare service.
They're active in over 10,000 cities, so there's a good chance they operate in your area.
The app will screen your driving record to ensure you're a safe driver before accepting you for the service.
Lyft
The other major player in the rideshare space is Lyft.
This app is less corporate than Uber, but you can offer different types of rides based on your vehicle.
Passengers can tip you up to 72 hours after a ride if you drive for Lyft, so you can earn more than you expect.
Via
Via isn't as well-known as its competitors, but it takes less of a commission from drivers.
That may give you the chance to make more per ride.
Sadly, it only works in Chicago, New York, and Washington D.C.
If you live in those cities, though, you could make good money.
Delivery Gigs
Maybe you like driving but don't want other people in your car.
The best gig jobs for you might involve delivery of some type.
You can also find delivery gigs that are busier during the workday as well as those that have more work on the weekends.
What Is a Delivery Gig?
A delivery gig is a type of job where you take food or a package to the end user.
You may use an app, and you have to pick up the items before heading to the destination.
Some gigs are great during the day while others have more work during the evening rush.
How Much Do Average Delivery Gigs Pay?
Some delivery gigs pay as much as $25 per hour, but that pay isn't consistent.
A more realistic pay range is about $20 to $23 an hour.
However, during slower periods, you might earn closer to $15 per hour.
You can increase your earnings by using multiple apps simultaneously, but you will need to learn how to manage orders.
The Best Delivery Gigs
If you want to explore your city and deliver things to people, consider the following options.
Delivery gigs generally fall under one of three categories; packages, food, and groceries.
That way, you can select the type of gig you want or try each to see what fits.
Package Delivery Gigs
Package delivery is what it sounds like: you collect packages for last-mile delivery.
Once you obtain the packages, you can follow a route to complete the deliveries.
You can choose from a couple of major services in this sector.
Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex allows you to deliver Amazon orders as an independent contractor.
You get to use your vehicle rather than a company truck.
After you reserve a block, you have to collect the orders.
However, they aren't always recruiting drivers in your city, so you may need to wait for a chance to work for the company.
Dispatch
Dispatch is a company that works with drivers and businesses.
As a driver, you get to choose which jobs to accept.
You can also earn bonuses and work when and where you choose.
The app will tell you all of the details you need to know before you take a delivery order.
Food Delivery Gigs
When you think of a delivery gig, you probably think of food delivery.
This is where you use an app to accept orders, go to the restaurant to get the food and take it to the customer.
Some apps require a driver's license, but others allow you to use a bike.
DoorDash
DoorDash is a company that partners with restaurants all over the country for food deliveries.
When you sign up as a driver, you can schedule a shift to work at your own pace.
Grubhub
Another app in this space is Grubhub, which works similarly to DoorDash.
However, anyone can choose to work without having to schedule a shift.
You can use Instant Cashout to access your earnings so that you don't have to wait until the official payday.
Favor Delivery
If you want to use an app with less competition, you might try Favor Delivery.
The app is primarily available in Texas, but it's not as common as other apps.
That can give you an edge when it comes to getting orders.
Sadly, you'll need to use other apps if you live in another state.
Postmates
Postmates has been around longer than many other food delivery apps.
Sadly, it's not available in many cities.
Uber acquired the app in 2020, so it doesn't have a reason to expand.
If you can't use Postmates, you might consider another food delivery app.
Uber Eats
Uber Eats appears to have the same limited list of cities as Postmates.
However, if you already use Uber and like it, you can expand your gig work easily.
Then, you'll be able to transport passengers and their food.
Be sure you live in an eligible city before you apply.
Grocery Delivery Gigs
If you enjoy shopping for groceries, you may want to try grocery delivery.
This gig works similarly to other delivery options, but it usually requires you to shop for items.
That can extend the time each gig takes, but you may earn more per gig as well.
Instacart
Instacart is one of the biggest companies that offer grocery delivery.
You can apply to work as a full-service shopper to remain an independent contractor.
Once you are working for Instacart, you'll do the shopping.
To deliver for the company you need a car to deliver the items.
They also hire in-store shoppers as traditional employees.
Shipt
Another app to try is Shipt, which has a similar premise to Instacart.
You'll need to apply and interview with the company.
After they accept you, you can set your schedule and use the app to accept orders.
Lodging Gigs
If you have an extra room in your home or a second home, try a lodging gig.
You get to rent out your space to travelers, and you can make good money from it.
However, this gig does require more work than some people may realize.
What Is a Lodging Gig?
A lodging gig is where you rent out a room or an entire home.
Guests will pay you to stay there, and the nightly pay can be significant.
You'll need to help people gain access, and you also have to clean up before the next guest arrives.
How Much Do Average Lodging Gigs Pay?
The average host can make a little more than $900 per month.
Your earnings can depend on how much you charge per night and how many nights you rent out your space.
The quality and location of your home can also affect your earning potential.
The Best Lodging Gigs
Sadly, lodging gigs aren't accessible to everyone.
However, if you have a guest room, you should look into some of the best lodging gigs.
Some people may say this is a passive income stream, but you need to keep your property in good condition to attract guests.
Consider the following options for lodging.
Excellent communication and customer service are essential to getting good customer reviews and more bookings.
Airbnb
Many people think of Airbnb when they think of a lodging gig.
The service allows you to rent out a room or an entire property.
Some people have purchased multiple homes and made Airbnb a full-time gig, but you do need to follow local regulations regarding short-term rentals.
Vrbo
Vrbo focuses on renting out vacation homes, so you can't rent out a guest room.
However, this can be an excellent gig if you have a second house.
The platform offers you insights to help grow your business or side hustle.
Rover
Perhaps you don't want to deal with human guests but don't mind pets.
Rover is an excellent platform that connects you with pet owners who need to board their animals.
You'll need to complete a background check, but you can easily start pet sitting from your home.
Freelancing Gigs
Some of the best gig jobs rely on your skills and interests.
If you're good at a service that others need or want, you can start freelancing in that area.
Then, you can attract clients who will pay you to work for them.
What Is a Freelancing Gig?
A freelancing gig is one where you work directly with clients.
Instead of using an app or platform, you can pitch yourself to clients or attract them using a website or social media.
You get to set your rates and schedule, and you can offer just about any service you want.
How Much Do Average Freelancing Gigs Pay?
The average freelancer in the US earns about $23.37 an hour.
Some freelancers make significantly more, some as much as six figures per year.
Other freelancers may earn less depending on if they charge per project and how long the work takes them.
The Best Freelancing Gigs
You can make almost any type of job a freelance gig, and most options are flexible and easy to start.
However, some freelance gigs are more common.
Here are some options to consider if you want to be a freelancer.
Tutoring
If you know a lot about a certain subject, you can teach others.
Tutoring is particularly common for students so you can teach math, science, or English.
However, you can also teach other things, such as art and music, so you can use your degree to help others.
Writing
Writing is another popular gig for freelancers, where you can write in various styles.
Common types of gigs include copywriting, content writing, and journalism.
Writing gigs work best when you write in one of these areas and focus on becoming proficient in said area to better your chances of making significant earnings.
Proofreading and Editing
If you have an eye for detail, you may want to offer proofreading and editing services.
You can work with freelance writers or add these services to a writing gig you already do.
Proofreading is more straightforward and focuses on small mistakes.
However, editing can involve more in-depth text correction.
Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant gig can be very flexible, and you can do a lot of tasks within the gig.
You might focus on administrative tasks, such as replying to emails.
Another option is to work as an executive assistant, so you help a CEO or another high-level manager.
Transcription
If you're good at listening, consider a transcription gig.
Transcription is where you'll receive an audio recording and type the words into a text document.
Many of these gigs pay per minute of audio, so the faster you work, the more you can earn.
You can also find music transcription gigs, which require you to be able to recognize specific pitches.
Customer Support
Almost every company needs a good customer support team.
If you're good at communicating and helping people consider a customer support gig.
You might be able to work from home, and you can find phone gigs or chat gigs so that you don't have to speak.
Developer
If you know how to code, consider working as a developer.
You can find work in web development, software development, or both.
Developers can earn a lot of money as freelancers because the work is in high demand.
Many developers charge an hourly or project rate.
Graphic Design
Another fantastic freelance gig involves graphic design.
You can create graphics for companies on social media or on their website.
If you're also good at designing websites, you can offer that as a complementary service.
Photo and Video Editing
Having professional photos and videos is becoming more vital each day.
You have an awesome opportunity to get clients if you can edit photos and videos.
You get to work from home, and you can charge per hour or project.
Plus, you don't have to worry about taking photos or video footage.
Miscellaneous Gigs
Some of the best gig jobs don't fall under any specific category.
If you're looking for easy gigs, then you should consider these options.
You can also combine these with other gigs to increase your earning potential.
Many of these gigs go through an app or platform, but they don't fall into the previous categories.
Survey Junkie
One of the easiest gig jobs is to fill out surveys on a platform like Survey Junkie.
Brands pay the platform to connect their surveys with real consumers.
You can earn $0.50 to $30 per survey you complete, so it won't make you rich, but you do earn real cash, unlike some other survey sites.
Fancy Hands
If you want to be a virtual assistant but don't know how to get clients, try Fancy Hands.
It's a platform that connects you with people and businesses that need help.
You have to be in the US, but you don't have to worry about finding work each month.
Field Agent
Field Agent is a platform where you can go mystery shopping to evaluate products and inventory.
The app reports those findings to businesses that want to stay on top of their success.
It's an excellent gig app if you already go shopping a lot since you can make money along the way.
Tutor
The app Tutor connects you with clients who need help learning a skill or subject.
You can work from anywhere and you don't have to worry about invoicing to get paid.
They're especially passionate about hiring military spouses who move frequently but need consistent work.
Mover
If you enjoy helping others move, try Mover.
The app connects people who need to move with people who have cars or vans.
Unfortunately, the app only works in Denmark, so it's not the best option.
However, it can inspire you to start a moving service where you live.
Handyman
Are you skilled in carpentry, electrical work, or other areas of home improvement?
If so, freelancing in this area can be a great way to earn money.
There are several apps that help you find home repair work, but All Better is highly recommended and connects you to a wide range of customers in need of home maintenance.
Housesitter
You can use Housesitter to connect with clients who are traveling out of town.
The platform lets you input your email address and phone number so that people can contact you.
If you can offer the services clients need, such as watering plants, you can get work.
Pet Sitter
Pet Sitter is an excellent website to connect you with travelers who have pets.
If someone needs to leave their animals at home, you can sign up to take care of them.
This website is part of the same family as Housesitter, so you could work for both sites.
Tips for Being Successful as a Gig Worker
Getting the best gig jobs for you doesn't mean you'll automatically make a lot of money.
You're an independent contractor, so you have to control your work.
A boss won't be breathing down your neck and making sure you complete all of your tasks.
Before you apply for gig jobs, consider ways to set yourself up for success.
You won't immediately know if you're a natural fit for gig work, but if you aren't, you can learn the necessary skills to succeed.
Here are some tips to consider to increase your chances of success.
Maintain a Disciplined Schedule
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to set and stick to a schedule.
You're responsible for getting up and doing your work.
To create a good schedule consider a few factors.
First, think about the type of gig work you're doing and if there are any busy times.
If you go into food delivery, you can expect to get more orders in the evenings and on the weekends.
On the other hand, Amazon Flex may have more work during the day.
Some gigs have busy seasons, such as house sitting and vacation rentals, where you can expect more work during the summer and around the holidays.
So make sure to work when your industry is busiest.
If you choose a more flexible gig, think about when you're the most alert.
Early risers should make time to complete their work earlier in the day.
That way, you can get more done and earn more per hour.
Working when you're more alert can also help you stick to your schedule.
If you force yourself to work when you're not at your best, you might make less money in the same period.
Save 50% of Income for Taxes
As an independent contractor, you're responsible for saving for and paying your taxes.
Even if you work with an app or platform, they won't withhold taxes for you.
Also, you'll typically owe more in taxes than a traditional employee.
Employers pay about half of the taxes for their workers.
However, the IRS treats you as the employee and employer, so you pay your taxes directly.
You'll need to pay 15.3% of your earnings in taxes to the IRS.
Depending on where you live, you might also owe state income tax and even city income tax.
If you live and work in multiple states, you can expect to pay state income tax for each state.
A few states don't have an income tax, but the taxes add up.
Once you earn a significant amount, you'll need to pay your estimated taxes each quarter.
Then, you can avoid late penalty fees.
Saving half of your earnings leaves plenty of room in case you earn more than you expect, and you can pay your taxes on time.
Be Responsive to Potential Clients
When you're communicating with clients, you want to respond quickly.
Now, you don't need to be on your phone and respond at all hours, but you should respond in a reasonable amount of time when you're working.
Some platforms, such as Fiverr, display your average response time. If you take hours to respond, some clients might not want to work with you. Not responding to inquiries in a timely manner can also keep you from getting new and repeat clients.
There may be times when you need to contact a client about an order.
When the client responds, thank them for the information.
Not only will this help you do your job, but you can make your clients feel like you care about them.
Timely communication could help you get bigger tips and fare better than others working in your area.
Always Keep Working Hard
After you've been doing gig work for a while, it can be easy to fall into a routine.
You might also get complacent and stop doing your best.
However, you should continue working hard to make your clients happy.
Don't stop responding when people have questions, and keep saving for taxes.
Try not to change your schedule too much unless you have to.
If you aren't sticking to a routine, get back on track.
Gig work can be very lucrative, but it takes a lot of work to earn a lot.
You can take breaks to avoid burnout, but you don't want to let your work go to the wayside.
Be sure you have a plan to get back into the groove of working after a break.
Then, you'll be able to earn more money and enjoy the flexibility that gig work provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do gig workers get social security?
Gig workers qualify for Social Security as long as they pay into it.
Self-employment tax primarily covers Social Security since 12.4% of your income goes to it.
When you retire or otherwise need it, you can get financial assistance.
Do gig workers pay taxes?
Gig workers pay taxes like other business owners and freelancers.
You don't have an employer that takes money from your paycheck, so you have to do it.
When you start working gigs, you'll need to save money from each check to cover taxes.
Brett Helling is the founder and owner of Gigworker.com. Having worked in the gig economy for nearly a decade, he has mastered freelance, remote, and app-based work. You can learn more about his journey in his book, "Gigworker: Independent Work and the State of the Gig Economy", now available on Amazon.