Best Cash-Paying Jobs — Get Paid Under the Table
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In today's economy, there are many jobs that pay in cash, offering flexibility and the potential for high earnings. While some of these part-time jobs may be illegal or operate in the gray area of the law, many legal options are available for those who prefer to be paid in cash.
Plenty of options exist for those looking to make money without committing long-term. Whether it's taking on freelance jobs, pet sitting, or personal training, there are plenty of ways to get paid in cash and enjoy the freedom that comes with not being tied down to an employer.
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Best jobs that pay cash
Construction or handyman work
This job entails providing manual labor and skilled services to clients who require repairs, maintenance, or renovations to their homes or properties. These jobs often require specialized skills and knowledge, such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, or general contracting. Construction or handyman work can include various projects, such as building structures, installing fixtures, repairing appliances, painting, or landscaping. Some jobs may be small and one-time projects, while others may be ongoing or involve multiple phases.
One of the advantages of construction or handyman work is the potential for high earnings. Skilled professionals can command high rates for their services, and some projects may require multiple workers or take several days or weeks to complete. According to Glassdoor, a construction/handyman makes $60,000 per year.
But while these odd jobs pay well, a few challenges are also associated with them. These jobs often require physical labor and may involve working in uncomfortable or dangerous conditions, such as on roofs or crawl spaces. Contractors or handymen may also need to work irregular hours, such as weekends or evenings, to accommodate their clients' schedules.
Cleaning or housekeeping
Providing services to homeowners or businesses to keep their properties clean, organized, and tidy are some of the responsibilities of cleaning or housekeeping gigs. Cleaning or housekeeping work can include various tasks, such as vacuuming, dusting, mopping, laundry, organizing, or disinfecting. These jobs may be one-time projects or ongoing services that are performed regularly.
One of the advantages of cleaning or housekeeping work is the potential for flexible scheduling. These jobs can often be performed during the day or evening, and some clients may only require services on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. This flexibility can be particularly helpful for those with other commitments, such as family or school. According to Indeed.com, a housekeeper makes an average of $14.34 per hour.
Babysitting or pet-sitting
As a babysitter or a pet sitter, your job will be to provide care and supervision for children or animals while their parents or owners are away. Feeding, playing, exercising, and administering medication are some tasks that come with babysitting or pet-sitting. As with cash-paying jobs, your schedule here will be flexible and irregular.
These jobs require high responsibility and trust, as they involve caring for the well-being and safety of children or animals. Money-wise, a babysitter makes $20.64 per hour on average, while a pet sitter earns $14.39 hourly, according to Indeed.com.
You can use apps like Rover to connect with owners looking to hire a dog walker.
Freelance work
Freelance work is a type of self-employment that involves providing specialized services to clients on a project-by-project basis. Freelancers are not employees and work independently, often from home or a remote location. Freelance work is a legitimate way to earn money and may be paid in cash, but it is important to follow legal requirements for reporting income and paying taxes.
Freelance work can include various professions, such as writing, graphic design, photography, web development, social media management, and more. Freelancers can offer their services to clients on a project-by-project basis or on a retainer, where clients pay a monthly fee for ongoing services.
While the freelance lifestyle allows you to choose your own hours and the projects you work on, you will be responsible for finding clients, managing finances, and dealing with administrative tasks. Moreover, freelancers cannot access health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans.
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Personal trainer
Personal trainers assess individuals' fitness levels, then develop personalized plans that help them reach their physical health objectives. Trainers must ensure sessions remain engaging yet challenging, no matter how long a workout routine may take. To become a personal trainer, however, you must earn appropriate certifications. A personal trainer makes an average of $25.11, Indeed.com estimates.
Lawn care
Outdoor work such as lawn mowing and trimming can also be lucrative since some homeowners are willing to pay top dollar for maintaining their yards. Since these kinds of services are often booked ahead of when they’re needed — you guessed it —payment is almost always expected upfront, which makes it easier for both parties involved. Lawn care or gardening gigs are paid in cash. So, how much money are we talking about? $17.62 per hour, per Indeed.com.
Other ways to make money
If you are looking for even more ways to make quick cash, look no further:
- Sell your things: We all have an item in our homes that has seen better days, like furniture or a gaming console. If you're nodding, you can list it on eBay, Craigslist, or Nextdoor to make some fast cash. And if you're creative, you can sell your creations on Etsy.
- Flip it: Flipping is when you buy and sell an item for a higher price. It is a legit side hustle for many people. You can visit garage sales or thrift stores and see what price those items are fetching online. This is a great way to earn extra cash.
- Delivery driver: DoorDash is a leading food delivery platform and pays drivers a base pay of up to $10 per delivery, and you get to keep 100% of the tips. But unlike many other jobs, DoorDash deposits the money into your account instead of handing you cash.
The IRS' take on cash jobs
The IRS isn't exactly against cash-paying jobs as long as you follow appropriate procedures. According to the IRS, you must report cash transactions of more than $10,000 if it was received:
- In one lump sum
- In two or more related payments within 24 hours
- As part of a single transaction within 12 months
- As part of two or more related transactions within 12 months
Failure to pay taxes can result in civil and criminal charges.
Related: Best Jobs That Pay Under the Table
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Pros and cons
Pros
- When you're paid in cash, you get the full amount without any deductions. However, you're still required to pay taxes.
- Cash-paying jobs are more flexible in terms of scheduling and work arrangements.
- Gigs that pay in cash are less formal. There's no lengthy paperwork, and you get paid immediately after you've provided a service.
Cons
- Cash-paying jobs don't come with any benefits.
- You may find it harder to build credit as someone who earns in cash because you have no official proof of income.
- These jobs have limited career growth opportunities.
The bottom line
Jobs that pay in cash can offer flexibility compared to a full-time job, but it is important to understand the legal requirements and obligations associated with these jobs. Word of mouth plays an important role in determining how much you can make. This is because if you do a good job, you will likely get a referral from your client to someone else in their social circle.
Construction, cleaning, and babysitting are just a few legal options for those seeking to be paid in cash. While these jobs may offer benefits such as flexible scheduling and varied work, they may also require physical labor or irregular hours. Workers in these jobs must also take responsibility for reporting their income and paying taxes. With the right approach, however, jobs that pay in cash can be a viable option for those seeking to supplement their income or achieve financial independence.
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Writer
Jasir Jawaid is Joy Wallet's Assistant Editor. He has more than 13 years of experience as a journalist covering Wall Street, equities, financial policy and regulation, and cryptocurrency and blockchain.
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