Best Jobs That Pay Under the Table
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In today's rapidly changing job market, many people seek alternative ways to earn a living, particularly those offering more flexibility and autonomy in their work arrangements. One option that may appeal to some is working in jobs that pay cash "under the table." These jobs can provide opportunities for people to earn extra income or supplement their main source of income without the restrictions and obligations that come with traditional employment.
While these jobs may not offer the same stability, benefits, or legal protections as traditional jobs, they can be a viable option for individuals seeking more control over their work schedules and arrangements. In this article, we will explore each of these jobs in more detail, providing insight into the responsibilities of each job, potential pay ranges, and tips for finding and succeeding in these types of gigs.
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What are "under the table" jobs?
Under-the-table jobs are typically jobs where you're paid for your services in cash or other forms of payment that are not reported to the government. That means no Social Security or tax deductions and no paper trail. These jobs are "off the books" or "off the record" work.
These jobs are often informal and not regulated by labor laws and can include a wide range of activities such as babysitting, yard work, or clean-up work. However, some under-the-table jobs may involve more skilled labor, such as carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work.
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What does the IRS say about under-the-table jobs?
Working under the table means the employee is not protected by labor laws or eligible for benefits such as workers' compensation or unemployment insurance. While there may be some advantages to working under the table (such as receiving cash payments and Uncle Sam not taking a cut), it is generally not legal to work off the books. It can result in serious consequences for both the employer and the employee. These consequences can include fines and even criminal charges.
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
The IRS says you must file Form 8300 within 15 days of receiving the cash. You must also file this form if you receive a cashier’s check, bank draft, traveler’s check, or money order with a face amount of $10,000 or less.
Best jobs that pay under the table
Many jobs will pay for your services in cash. Still, you're expected to report them to the IRS because otherwise, you may be subject to civil and criminal penalties.
Babysitter
Babysitting is common for teenagers and young adults, and parents looking to supplement their income. It involves taking care of children while their parents are away, either in the parents' or babysitter's home.
Babysitting responsibilities can vary widely depending on the age of the children but may include feeding them, playing with them, supervising their activities, and putting them to bed. Some babysitters may also be responsible for preparing meals or snacks, administering medications, or helping with homework.
Babysitting rates can vary depending on location, experience, and the number of children. In the U.S., the average hourly rate for a babysitter in 2022 was $20.57 for one kid and $23.25 for two children, according to UrbanSitter. But these rates can be higher in areas with a higher cost of living or for sitters with specialized skills, such as experience with special needs children or CPR certification.
Babysitters may find work through referrals from friends or family, online classifieds, or websites that connect babysitters with parents needing childcare services. You can also sign up on Care.com, which connects babysitters with families needing their service.
Pet sitter
So, maybe babysitting isn't for you, but you'd be more open to hanging out with a furry friend?
Pet sitting is a service that involves caring for someone's pets while they are away from home. This can include feeding, walking, playing with the pets and providing them with any necessary medications or special care. Pet-sitters may provide their services in the pet owner's or their home, depending on the arrangement with the pet owner. Some pet sitters can offer additional services, such as grooming or training.
Pet-sitting rates can vary depending on factors such as the number and type of pets, the duration of the pet-sitting, and the level of care required. According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly pay for a pet sitter is $14.36, but it can go as high as $29.09 and as low as $5.29.
It's important for pet sitters to have experience working with animals and to be responsible and trustworthy, as pet owners are entrusting them with the care of their beloved pets.
Apps like Rover can connect pet sitters with owners. You can use the platform to become a dog walker.
Lawn care or gardening
This involves the maintenance of outdoor spaces, including yards, gardens, and landscaping. These services include mowing lawns, weeding, trimming hedges, pruning trees and shrubs, planting flowers, and maintaining irrigation systems.
The property size, the type of services required, and the amount of equipment and supplies needed are a few factors determining how much you'll make. Average hourly rates are between $33 and $47 in the U.S., according to Lawn Love. When a house is located, competition in the market can also influence these rates.
Suppose you're looking to make a foray into lawn care or gardening. In that case, it's important that you have liability insurance to protect yourself and your clients in case of an accident or property damage. Also, lawn care and gardening professionals should have experience and knowledge in plant care and landscape design, as well as the necessary tools and equipment to perform the job safely and efficiently.
Housekeeping or cleaning
Housekeeping or cleaning jobs involve the regular maintenance and cleaning of homes or small businesses. The tasks can vary depending on the needs and preferences of the client but typically include the following:
- Dusting and wiping down surfaces, including furniture, counters, and shelves
- Vacuuming and sweeping floors and carpets and mopping hard floors
- Cleaning and disinfecting bathrooms and kitchens
- Doing laundry, including washing, drying, and folding clothes and linens
- Changing bed linens and making beds
- Cleaning windows and mirrors
- Taking out the trash
Housekeeping and cleaning services are typically provided regularly, such as weekly or bi-weekly, but can also be provided on a one-time or as-needed basis. The cost of housekeeping and cleaning services can vary depending on factors such as the size of the property, the type of services required, and the level of cleanliness desired. Salary.com estimates a housekeeper's hourly rate between $12 and $15.
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Restaurant or hospitality work
Restaurant or hospitality work refers to jobs in the food service and hospitality industries, including positions in restaurants, bars, hotels, resorts, and other hospitality establishments. Some common roles within the hospitality industry include:
- Servers: Servers take customer orders, deliver food and drinks to tables, and handle payments.
- Chefs and cooks: Chefs and cooks prepare food in a restaurant or other food service establishment. They may create menus, order ingredients, and manage the kitchen staff.
- Bartenders: Bartenders mix and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to customers in bars and restaurants.
- Hotel and resort staff: This includes a variety of roles, such as front desk attendants, housekeeping staff, maintenance workers, and concierges.
The pay for restaurant and hospitality jobs can depend on the type of job, the level of experience and education required, and the establishment's location. For example, servers and bartenders often earn hourly wages plus tips, while chefs may earn a salary.
Successful hospitality professionals often have strong customer service skills, can work in fast-paced and high-pressure environments, and can handle long hours on their feet.
Event staffing
Event staffing involves hiring people to work at various events, such as weddings, conferences, concerts, and festivals. Event staffing companies provide various services, including event setup and teardown, registration, catering, security, and event management.
Event staffing jobs can vary widely depending on the specific event and the position being filled. Some common event staffing positions include:
- Event coordinators: These people are responsible for planning and executing events from start to finish. They may handle tasks such as coordinating vendors, creating budgets, managing timelines, and supervising staff.
- Servers and bartenders: Seen all those food and drinks to guests? Those are servers and bartenders. They may also be responsible for setting up and cleaning the event space.
- Event security: Event security personnel maintain event safety and security. They may handle tasks such as checking identification, crowd control, and responding to emergencies.
- Event setup and teardown: This staff is responsible for setting up and dismantling equipment, furniture, and other items needed for an event. This can include setting up tables and chairs, arranging decorations, and loading and unloading equipment.
- Registration staff: Registration staff is responsible for managing event registration, including checking in guests, distributing name tags and other materials, and providing information about the event.
Event staffing jobs are often part-time or temporary, and pay can vary widely depending on the type of event and the role being filled. According to Indeed.com, event staff makes a little over $16 per hour. Some event staffing companies offer training and other resources to help employees improve their skills and advance their careers.
Other ways to make money
- Sell your things: If you have a few extra items in your home, like a gaming console or furniture, you can list them on platforms like eBay, Craigslist, or Nextdoor to make some quick cash. Like to create things? You can sell it on Etsy. But be careful of any scams.
- Sell your services: Whether you're a freelance writer or are looking to become a personal assistant, you can sell your services on Fiverr. But Fiverr will deposit the money to your account. Fancy yourself a cook? Find the nearest farmer's market and sell your goods there.
- Flip items: Flipping — in which you buy an item and sell it for a higher price — is not only a great way to earn extra cash, but it can also be a legit side hustle. You can start visiting garage sales, compare the prices online, and make an offer accordingly.
- Become a delivery driver: The delivery business continues to shine. DoorDash, a food delivery platform, pays drivers a base pay of up to $10 per delivery, AND you get to keep 100% of the tips. Again, DoorDash deposits the money into your account instead of handing you cash.
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3. Save effortlessly. Ready to save? Just click Capital One Shopping and the best deal discovered will be applied to your cart.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No taxes deducted: When paid in cash, you can keep more of your earnings because taxes aren't automatically deducted. But that doesn't mean you're off the hook; you are still legally obligated to report your income and pay taxes.
- Flexibility: Jobs that pay in cash may offer more flexibility in terms of scheduling and work arrangements. For example, you may be able to work part-time or on a more flexible schedule than with a traditional full-time job.
- No waiting for paychecks: When you are paid in cash, you receive your earnings immediately without having to wait for a paycheck to clear or for a direct deposit to process.
- Potential for tips: If you work in a job that involves tips, such as in the service industry, being paid in cash can mean you can earn more overall.
Cons
- Lack of legal protection: There is often no paper trail or official transaction record when paid in cash. This can make it difficult to prove that you worked for a certain employer or to pursue legal action if you are not paid the agreed amount.
- No benefits: Employers who pay in cash often try to avoid taxes and other expenses associated with having employees. As a result, they may not offer benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, or paid time off.
- Difficulty building credit: When paid in cash, you may find it harder to build credit because you have no official proof of income. This can make obtaining loans, credit cards, or other financial products difficult.
- Limited opportunities for career growth: Employers who pay in cash may not offer career growth or advancement opportunities, as they may not have a formal structure for promotions or job titles. As a result, your career or earning potential may not increase over time.
The bottom line
There's no shortage of gigs that pay in cash. Some common examples of cash-paying odd jobs where you can make good money include lawn care, house cleaning, sitting, landscaping, snow removal, handyman, etc. You can do these jobs full-time or part-time at your own hours to make some extra money. Word of mouth matters a lot in cash-paying jobs because if you do a good job, you are likely to get a referral from your client to someone else in their social circle.
These jobs offer flexibility, tax isn't deducted automatically, and you don't have to wait for your check. Also, there's potential for tips if you work in the service industry. However, under-the-table jobs don't provide any legal protection. There aren't any benefits, you can't build credit, and thus you can't access loans at favorable terms. But while your employer doesn't deduct tax, you still have to report it to the IRS, or you could face civil and criminal charges.
While jobs that pay in cash may seem attractive initially, they can have several downsides that make them less desirable in the long run. In addition, almost none of these gigs are work-from-home jobs, and most require hard work.
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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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