51 Under The Table Jobs For Fast Cash

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE SEE MY DISCLOSURES. FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Are you in need of cash?

Most jobs pay you with a paper check or direct deposit.

If you don’t have a bank account, this is annoying.

It can also be an issue if you need cash in your hand.

The good news is there are plenty of jobs that pay you cash, better known as under the table jobs.

Keep reading to discover 51 under the table jobs that will give you access to quick cash many times on the same day!

51 Under The Table Jobs That Pay Cash

Benefits Of Under The Table Jobs

There are many reasons someone might need or want a job that pays cash.

You may be trying to save up for something specific and don’t want the money touching your bank account, so you’re less tempted to spend it.

Or maybe you need cash to pay off debts or bills.

Maybe you don’t have a bank account.

Whatever the reason, there are benefits to finding an under the table job that fits your needs.

Here are a few:

• You can get paid immediately. No more waiting for payday.
• The job application process is often short and simple. Many of these jobs don’t require formal education or experience.
• You can often find work quickly. There’s always a high demand for under the table jobs.
• You don’t have to worry about taxes being taken out. Of course, you should still report this income to the IRS when you file your taxes.

Now that you know some of the benefits let’s look at the best under the table jobs that will help you get paid quickly.

#1. Babysitting

Babysitting jobs are classic gigs that pay cash.

You can usually find babysitting gigs by word-of-mouth or through online platforms designed for finding local gigs, like Care.com.

You should also join local moms’ Facebook groups, as they tend to post help wanted ads.

Payment for babysitting jobs is always in cash, and you can typically expect to earn between $15 and $20 per hour.

The great thing about babysitting is that it’s a flexible gig.

You can choose when you want to work based on your schedule.

#2. At Home Daycare

If you’re a stay-at-home Mom, consider at-home daycare.

This is where you watch other kids in addition to your own.

This gig is great because you can stay home with your kids and earn extra cash.

As for payment, you can charge between $500 and $700 per month per child.

Of course, this can vary depending on how many hours you watch a child and where you live.

#3. Nanny

Like a babysitter, a nanny is responsible for taking care of kids, but usually for more hours and on a regular schedule.

Payment is typically in cash, and you can expect to earn between $200 and $500 per week.

This job requires more commitment than babysitting, as you typically have to work set hours.

But it’s a great way to make extra cash if you have the time and energy.

#4. House Sitting

When people go out of town, they often look for someone to watch their house.

That’s where you come in as a house sitter.

To get started, sign up with a platform like TrustedHousesitters.com.

House sitting involves watering plants, checking the mail, and taking out the trash.

You may even have to take care of pets.

The pay for this gig varies depending on the job, but you can expect to earn anywhere from $15 to $25 per hour.

And since you’re usually watching someone’s house while they’re on vacation, you can generally schedule this gig around your own vacations.

#5. House Cleaning

If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, house cleaners are great under the table work.

You can find one-time cleaning jobs or recurring gigs.

To get started, search for local cleaning services and apply.

As a house cleaner, you will be responsible for tasks like vacuuming, dusting, and taking out the trash.

The pay for this gig varies depending on the job, but you can expect to earn anywhere from $15 to $25 per hour.

#6. Pet Sitting Services

A pet sitter is responsible for feeding, walking, and playing with pets while their owners are away.

It’s a great way to make money under the table if you love pets.

You can expect to get paid anywhere from $15 to $25 per hour.

#7. Dog Walker

If being a pet sitter isn’t your thing, but you enjoy dogs, consider dog walking.

You will need your own vehicle to get to the dog owner’s home, but other than that, you will walk dogs around the neighborhood.

The pay for dog walking is around $20 an hour, and you might have to walk a dog a couple times a day.

If you can schedule a few clients throughout the day, there is no reason why you couldn’t earn $100 or more daily.

#8. Pet Grooming

Pet grooming is another great way to make money if you love animals.

You will be responsible for bathing, clipping, and styling pets as a pet groomer.

You can either have the pets come to you or go to the pet’s home to do the grooming.

Pay varies, but you can earn around $20 an hour.

#9. Landscaping

Landscaping is a great way to make money if you’re good with your hands and enjoy being outdoors.

As a landscaper, you will be responsible for mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and planting flowers.

You can find landscaping jobs through online platforms or word-of-mouth.

You should be on the lookout early in the spring, as this is when many lawn care companies are hiring.

Additionally, you can go around your neighborhood and let people know you could care for their lawns.

Depending on your client, you might need your own equipment.

Pay is between $20 and $30 an hour.

#10. Snow Removal

If you live in an area with a lot of snow, you can make money by removing it.

As a snow removal worker, you will be responsible for tasks like shoveling sidewalks.

Bonus points if you have a truck with a plow attached, as this will allow you to plow driveways and maybe even parking lots.

The pay for this job is $30 an hour or more.

#11. Handyman

Are you good with fixing things around the house?

If so, you can make money by becoming a handyman.

Because of the variety of home repair tasks, you must inform clients of the things you can and cannot handle.

You can find handyman jobs by posting on sites like Craigslist or your local Facebook group and through word of mouth.

In fact, word of mouth is the best option with this gig, as many people need help finding a reliable home repair person.

The pay as a handyman varies by the job’s difficulty but averages around $50 an hour.

#12. Painting

If you love to paint, people are always looking for a painter.

Either they don’t enjoy the job, don’t have the time, or do not have the skill.

Painters get paid $25 or more per hour.

Additionally, you could quote on a per room basis instead of hourly.

#13. Gutter Cleaning

Very few people enjoy climbing a ladder and cleaning out their gutters.

And hiring a company to do this work can be expensive.

This is where you come in.

You charge less than the companies but enough to make it worth your time.

You can quote by the hour, but most simply quote for the project.

To make the most money, figure out what local companies charge and then quote less than this.

For example, if the quote for a 1,800-square-foot home is $1,000, offer to do the job for $600.

It’s a big enough discount that you will get the business every time.

#14. Pressure Washing

Pressure washing is a great way to make money as it requires little investment.

The only thing you need is a pressure washer and some cleaning solution.

Then get the word out that you are available for hire and start taking on clients.

You can charge between $25 and $50 an hour for this gig.

#15. Pool Maintenance

Owning a pool requires a lot of time.

You need to open and close the pool and maintain it all season long.

To save time, many pool owners outsource these tasks.

If you can be reliable, you can have a never-ending stream of business.

Your earnings will vary based on the job, but a basic pool opening or closing can earn you $300 or more for a couple hours’ worth of work.

The best part is this seasonal job only lasts a few months a year, so you can spend the rest of the year doing anything you like.

#16. Dance Instructor

Do you have experience with dancing?

You could get paid to teach adults or kids how to dance.

You can find work as a dance instructor by checking online job boards or through word of mouth.

The average rate for a dance instructor is $30 per hour.

However, your earnings will vary depending on the type of dances you teach and your experience level.

#17. Yoga Instructor

Are you a yoga enthusiast?

If so, you can get paid to teach others how to do yoga.

You can find work as a yoga instructor by checking online job boards or through word of mouth.

You can even post on your social media accounts to help spread the word.

Provide classes either in person or over Zoom and start making money.

Most yoga instructors charge per person, so if 10 people take your class and charge $15 each, you make $150 for the hour.

#18. Personal Trainer

Many people want to get into shape but don’t know where to start.

If they go online, they are met with a mesmerizing amount of information which only delays them.

By offering one-on-one instruction, you get to know their goals and can develop a routine for them.

Most personal trainers charge $100 an hour or more.

You can charge a similar amount or offer a cheaper option to build your business.

#19. Accountability Partner

There are a lot of people out there that need motivation.

Whether to stick to a fitness or weight loss plan or even get out of debt, having someone to keep them accountable is needed.

As an accountability partner, you provide the motivation and encouragement they need.

The easiest way to charge for this service is a monthly fee, which can be $100 or more, depending on the amount of interaction the person needs.

#20. Tutoring

Tutoring is an excellent cash paying job.

If you are knowledgeable in a given subject, consider tutoring.

Most tutors charge between $20 and $50 an hour.

However, your earnings will vary depending on the subject you are teaching and your experience level.

Reach out to parents and schools, and post on social media to find students to tutor.

#21. Photography

Do you have a knack for photography?

Then consider starting your own business by taking pictures.

There are a few ways to do this.

One is to sell your photos online through sites like Shutterstock or iStockPhoto.

Another way is to offer your services as a freelance photographer.

You can find work by reaching out to businesses or posting your services online.

Most freelance photographers charge $50 an hour or more.

As for selling photos, the rate varies but can be up to $5 or more every time it is purchased.

#22. Income Tax Preparer

If you know your way around the tax code, you can make a good amount of money preparing tax returns.

The great part about this gig is you are only busy a few months out of the year, and you can decide how many clients you want to take on.

With most tax firms charging up to $450 to file a return, you can easily charge $150.

I have a friend that does this.

He blocks off February through April each year and focuses on preparing returns for people.

He brings in a few thousand dollars that he uses to pay for his annual vacation.

#23. Watch Videos

This one is different from the rest of the options on the list but is a great way to make a little extra spending money.

Sites like Swagbucks allow you to watch videos, and they pay you for doing so.

You earn points based on how long you watch and then can convert your points into free gift cards or cash via PayPal.

Related to this is taking online surveys.

There are many survey sites, and I will help you find the highest-paying survey sites in my post below.

As with videos, you earn points based on how many surveys you complete and then can convert your points into free gift cards or cash via PayPal.

Understand you won’t get rich doing this, but it’s a simple, fun way to make some money on the side.

#24. Virtual Assistant

A virtual assistant is an online administrative assistant.

This can include scheduling appointments, answering emails, social media management, and more.

Virtual assistants are in high demand, and businesses are willing to pay good money for someone to manage their social media or answer customer service questions.

You can easily charge $25 an hour or more as a virtual assistant.

Find work by reaching out to businesses or entrepreneurs you know or by searching job boards online.

Upwork is another great option for finding virtual assistant gigs.

#25. Mechanic

Do you know your way around cars?

Then you can make a pretty penny by offering your services as a mechanic.

Offering mechanic services on the side could be a very profitable venture for you.

Even if you don’t have access to a car lift, you can still perform basic repairs like oil changes, brake replacements, and more odd jobs.

Most mechanics charge $50 an hour or more and can easily make a few hundred dollars in a weekend if they take on enough work.

Reach out to friends, family, and neighbors to find people needing your services.

You could also post flyers around town or place a sign in your garage letting people know you are looking for work.

#26. Mover

Do you have a truck or a van?

Consider offering your time and vehicle to help people move.

Every day, people move into or out of their homes or apartments and need help moving boxes and furniture.

While it is hard work, you get paid in cash.

To find these gigs, check out Facebook and Craigslist.

You should post your availability here too.

#27. Junk Hauler

If you have downtime between moving gigs, consider helping people by hauling away junk.

You earn extra cash by charging the person for hauling their junk or by the scrap yard that pays you for the metal.

People always post on Craigslist and Facebook, looking for help to haul stuff away.

Why not respond and start making some money in the process?

#28. Flipper

If you enjoy finding great deals, consider becoming a flipper or a reseller.

Go to garage sales and find sought-after items people sell cheaply and then resell them online for a profit.

It’s best to stick to one area you know well since it will be easiest to make money.

But there is no reason why you can’t expand into other areas to increase your profit.

In fact, you can turn this into a very lucrative side business if you can scale it.

You create your own hours, so it’s perfect for high school students, retirees, and even stay-at-home parents.

#29. Music Gigs

If you play an instrument, consider offering your services to galas and private parties.

You can play solo or join others to form a trio or quartet.

I have a friend who plays violin and would get hired to walk around parties and play.

Sometimes, the party organizer wanted a string quartet, so he found three other people and played the party.

The pay varies but can be up to $500 or more for a couple hours of work.

#30. Party DJ

Another music option is a DJ for weddings, receptions, and other parties.

You can make good money with this gig, usually $100 an hour or more.

To find clients, spread the word to friends and family and post online.

Also, consider reaching out to DJs in your area.

You could agree that if they forward you gigs they can’t work, you give them a 15% cut of your earnings.

My friend did this and never advertised his services.

The DJ he befriended is so popular that my friend gets steady gigs from him.

#31. Street Musician

Another option for making money with music is to play on the street or in the subways.

You don’t need a formal gig for this one, just head out and start playing.

Street musicians can make good money if they are talented and have a good location.

I’ve seen people make hundreds of dollars daily playing music on the street.

#32. Proofreading

If you have a sharp eye for grammar, consider offering your services as a proofreader.

Books, blogs, and even students’ papers need to be free of errors.

There is a growing demand for this service as more people are writing and publishing online.

To get started, reach out to businesses or individuals you know need help.

You can also search job boards or contact companies directly and inquire about proofreading opportunities.

Proofreading can be done remotely, so you can work from anywhere in the world.

This is a great option for making extra money on the side.

#33. Editing

If you have experience editing, you can offer your services to businesses and individuals.

Editing is a growing field as more people are writing and publishing online.

The difference between this and proofreading is that with editing, you improve the clarity and style of the writing.

With proofreading, you are fixing grammar and spelling mistakes.

To get started, reach out to businesses or individuals you know need help.

You can also search job boards or contact companies directly and inquire about editing opportunities.

#34. Freelance Writing

If you would instead write, there is endless opportunity for you as a freelance writer.

Companies and individuals are posting more and more content online and self-publishing books.

Most don’t have the time to write all of the content, so they hire freelance writers.

When you get started, you can charge around $0.05-$0.10 per word, but you can charge up to $1 per word as you get skilled.

To find clients, look for job boards or contact companies directly and inquire about writing opportunities.

There are also many websites that pay for articles.

Reach out to your favorites and see if they are hiring.

#35. Bookkeeper

You could offer bookkeeping services for local businesses if you have accounting skills.

Many small businesses don’t have the time to keep detailed books, which wouldn’t be an issue if they hire you.

Depending on the company size, you might only have to work a few hours a week as an outside consultant.

You can even offer budgeting setup or basic personal finance education for individuals as well to boost your income.

#36. Graphic Design

If you have experience with graphic design, there are many opportunities for you to freelance.

Companies and individuals need help designing logos, creating social media posts, and marketing materials.

The price you charge varies by the size of the job.

For a simple logo, you might charge $25. For a more complex job, you might charge $30 an hour or more.

Fiverr and Upwork are great places to start if you don’t have any experience.

#37. Computer Repair

You can start a computer repair business if you are good with computers.

You can do this remotely or in person.

Make sure you define your services, like rebuilds, software installation, routine backups, virus removal, etc.

Post in local want ads and on Craigslist and Facebook to find clients.

#38. Personal Assistant

Personal assistants are very similar to virtual assistants mentioned earlier.

The main difference is you aren’t virtual with this one.

Also, a personal assistant tends to help with personal activities, not business ones.

So dropping off dry cleaning, running errands, mailing a package, etc., would all be tasks for a personal assistant.

To get started, post in local want ads or on Craigslist and Facebook groups to find clients.

You can also look for job postings online.

TaskRabbit is a great site for finding one-time gigs as personal assistants.

Just be sure you are clear about what services you offer, so there are no surprises for the client.

#39. Massage Therapist

If you are a licensed massage therapist, there are many opportunities for you to work under the table.

The best way to do this work for cash is to give massages in your home or your client’s homes.

To get off the ground fast, see what spas in your area charge for a one-hour massage and offer your services for less.

For example, if a spa charges $80, you charge $50.

To get started, post in local want ads or Craigslist and Facebook to find clients.

#40. Makeup Artist

Do you enjoy applying makeup?

There are multiple ways you can earn an income.

You could provide makeup services for people attending big events, like weddings or proms.

Alternatively, you could teach others how to apply makeup one-on-one or in a group setting.

Plenty of people would pay $25 or more to learn how to use makeup to help them look their best.

#41. Crafter

If you are skilled at making crafts, you have an almost endless way to make extra income by selling crafts.

Sell your crafts at fairs, festivals, yard sales, the local farmer’s market, and even local community days.

You can even try your hand at Facebook Marketplace too.

All of these options allow you to get paid in cash.

You could also sell on Etsy, but you won’t get cash in hand as quickly.

However, you could make a lot more money going this route.

#42. Baker

Consider selling your treats if everyone raves about your cakes, pies, brownies, and other baked goods.

You can sell in all the same places as the crafters above, including local flea markets and farmer’s markets.

While out selling, you might even get offers to cater larger events too.

#43. Pet Treat Baker

People love their pets, especially dogs.

The problem is many have a difficult time finding healthy treats for their furry friends.

If you can bake, you might be able to create something tasty for dogs.

It might take trial and error, but you could make serious money if you land on something.

And here is a bonus tip.

When trying to come up with a treat, visit local parks and offer to give people walking their dogs a free sample.

You can sell your treats anywhere people are with dogs.

Also, reach out to dog walkers and pet sitters, as they may want to buy treats for the dogs they walk.

Or you could offer them a referral fee.

You give them 10% of the sale for every person they refer who buys.

#44. Cooking

If you love to cook, there are plenty of options for you to make some cash.

You could work in a restaurant as a short-order cook.

Or you could find seniors in your area and make meals for them for a small price.

Everyone needs to eat. It’s about figuring out what you want to cook and for whom.

#45. Seamstress

People always need their clothes repaired or altered.

If you are good with a needle and thread or a sewing machine, you can make a serious amount of money.

For example, you could alter wedding dresses.

Bridal shops charge a couple hundred dollars for this task. You could do it for $100 easily.

Post your services online, let people know about your business, and start making extra money.

#46. Car Detailing

Car detailing is another way to get paid cash.

There are plenty of tutorials online for tricks on cleaning the toughest stains and getting in all the cracks, including the vents.

Then go buy your supplies and start promoting your business.

Go to car shows to find clients.

Consider visiting DIY car washes and letting the people there know of your service.

The car wash owner might not allow you to post your services as you are competition, but nothing is stopping you from visiting and talking to people.

#47. Personal Driver

If you enjoy driving, consider becoming a personal driver.

Many people would rather not have to deal with parking at the airport when they travel.

You can offer this service and get paid.

While you could work with a rideshare app, you will only receive a portion of the fare.

You are better off going on your own.

If you prefer shorter drives, consider driving seniors to the grocery store or doctor’s appointments.

Or, you could offer driving services for people going out drinking to help them get home safely.

#48. Bicycle Repair

There has been an increase in riding bikes recently, and most people need help fixing or maintaining a bike.

And many local bike shops are going out of business as Amazon is cutting into their bike sales.

Therefore, there is a need for bike repair.

All you need is room in your garage and a few tools, and you can get started with this under the table job.

#49. Party Planning

People love throwing parties, but the planning part gives them stress.

They don’t know how to decorate without overdoing it, how much food to make, or even how many drinks they need.

This is where you come in.

You can handle all the planning so they can focus on enjoying the party.

Consider offering to create and send out the invites as well.

The pay is great as you can help plan parties around the holidays, family reunions, and even birthday parties.

#50. Holiday Helper

Related to the above, many people would love to decorate for the holidays.

But either they don’t have the time or are too overwhelmed by the thought.

You can do all the decorating for them and make money.

The services you offer can include finding and delivering a tree, decorating inside the house, hanging lights outside, etc.

Of course, you would also want to offer to take down the decorations.

#51. Cash Back Rewards

This one is different from the other ideas listed, but there are many ways to earn money here.

First, you can sign up for a new credit card that offers a sign-up bonus.

I recently opened an account, spent $1,000 in three months, and got $200 cash back.

Plenty of cards offer bonuses, so you can do this several times and make a decent amount of money.

Next, you can do the same thing with bank accounts.

These usually require a direct deposit to earn the bonus, so make sure you can meet this requirement.

From there, you can earn money shopping online.

Use sites like Swagbucks, Rakuten, and Honey to earn cash back that you can have deposited into your bank account or for free gift cards that you can use to buy things.

These are super simple and don’t require you to work a job to get paid cash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions readers email me about cash paying jobs, along with the answers.

How do you find under the table jobs?

There are a few ways to find cash jobs.

You can start by asking family and friends if they know of any work.

Another option is to look for “help wanted” signs in the window of businesses in your area.

Using the internet is another way to find work.

You can look through online job boards or classified ads.

Websites like Craigslist often have postings for cash paying jobs.

Finally, check out Facebook and join local groups.

I often see posts for people who need short-term help with odd jobs that pay cash.

Is it against the law to work under the table?

No, it’s not illegal to accept cash for a job.

However, you are required to report this income when you file your taxes.

Failing to do so can result in penalties and fines from the IRS.

What should I do about paying taxes?

Since your employer is not withholding taxes, it is your responsibility to do so.

This means you will need to set aside money from each paycheck to ensure you have enough to pay the IRS come tax time.

You can also make estimated quarterly payments to the IRS.

For more information, check out this article on paying taxes when you’re self-employed.

In most cases, however, just setting aside money in a separate account is enough.

The recommendation is to put 20% of your earnings towards taxes in the account, so you have it when your taxes are due.

While jobs that pay cash are great, they are not a way to avoid paying taxes.

What are the risks of working under the table?

The most significant risk with jobs that pay cash is not getting paid.

Since there’s no paper trail, it can be challenging to get your money if something goes wrong.

This is why it’s crucial to only work for people you know or businesses with a good reputation.

Another thing to remember is that these jobs often don’t offer any protection, such as workers’ compensation or unemployment benefits.

So if you get hurt on the job or lose your job, you’re out of luck.

Finally, you usually don’t get any benefits like a retirement account or paid time off.

What are some red flags to watch out for?

You’ll want to watch out for a few things when looking for under the table jobs.

First, be wary of anyone who asks you to pay them for the job or charges an application fee.

Real cash paying jobs will never ask for money upfront.

You should also be careful of any job that asks for access to your bank account, as the job pays cash, so they don’t need this information.

These are common scams that can result in you losing money.

Finally, be cautious of any job that sounds too good to be true or pays significantly more than similar jobs in the area.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Final Thoughts

There are a ton of under the table jobs to choose from to earn some extra money.

Just be sure to use caution and common sense when looking for these jobs.

There are scams out there, so make sure you go into any situation with caution and listen to your gut.

If something doesn’t feel right, leave and find another opportunity, even if you need the cash.

There are plenty of other opportunities out there for you to choose from.

And remember, you’ll need to pay taxes on your earnings.