Looking for under the table jobs to make extra money? Cash-paying and flexible jobs can be a great way to supplement your regular income, especially if you want weekend, evening, or part-time work.
Below are 34 under the table jobs, along with typical earning ranges in the U.S. Actual pay varies by location, experience, demand, and the type of work.
Note: “Under the table” is commonly used to describe informal or cash-paying work. Cash income may still be taxable and should be reported when required by law.
1. Babysitting
Babysitting is one of the most popular flexible side jobs. Parents often need reliable childcare during evenings, weekends, and special events.
Average Pay: $15–$25 per hour
2. House Cleaning
You can offer regular or one-time cleaning services to homeowners, renters, and small businesses.
Average Pay: $20–$40 per hour
3. Dog Walking
Busy pet owners often hire dog walkers during working hours or when they are away from home.
Average Pay: $15–$30 per walk
4. Pet Sitting
Pet sitters care for animals while their owners travel or work long hours. Services may include feeding, walking, and overnight stays.
Average Pay: $25–$75 per day
5. Lawn Mowing
Lawn mowing can be a profitable seasonal side hustle, especially if you build a regular list of local customers.
Average Pay: $30–$80 per lawn
6. Gardening
Offer services such as weeding, planting, watering, trimming, and general garden maintenance.
Average Pay: $20–$40 per hour
7. Snow Shoveling
During winter, homeowners and businesses may pay for help clearing driveways, sidewalks, and entrances.
Average Pay: $25–$75 per job
8. House Sitting
House sitters look after homes while owners are away. Tasks may include collecting mail, watering plants, and checking the property.
Average Pay: $30–$100 per day
9. Car Washing
A mobile car-washing service can be started with basic cleaning supplies and offered directly to local customers.
Average Pay: $20–$50 per car
10. Mobile Car Detailing
Car detailing includes deeper cleaning, vacuuming, polishing, and interior care.
Average Pay: $75–$250 per vehicle
11. Moving Help
Help people pack, lift boxes, load vehicles, or move furniture. This work can be physically demanding but often pays well.
Average Pay: $20–$40 per hour
12. Furniture Assembly
People often pay for help assembling beds, desks, wardrobes, shelves, and other furniture.
Average Pay: $25–$60 per hour
13. Handyman Services
If you have practical skills, you can offer minor home repairs, furniture installation, and basic maintenance.
Average Pay: $40–$80 per hour
14. House Painting
Painting rooms, fences, and other areas can provide good income, particularly for experienced workers.
Average Pay: $20–$50 per hour
15. Junk Removal
Help people remove unwanted furniture, appliances, boxes, and household clutter.
Average Pay: $100–$500 per job
16. Garage Cleaning and Organizing
Many homeowners need help decluttering and organizing garages, basements, attics, and storage areas.
Average Pay: $25–$50 per hour
17. Personal Shopping
Personal shoppers help clients buy groceries, clothing, gifts, and everyday essentials.
Average Pay: $15–$30 per hour
18. Errand Running
You can earn money by helping busy people with grocery pickups, package collection, and other everyday tasks.
Average Pay: $15–$30 per hour
19. Private Tutoring
Tutoring can be an excellent option if you are skilled in English, mathematics, science, languages, or another academic subject.
Average Pay: $25–$75 per hour
20. Music Lessons
Teach guitar, piano, singing, or another instrument to children or adults.
Average Pay: $30–$80 per hour
21. Photography
Offer photography services for family portraits, birthdays, graduations, and small events.
Average Pay: $100–$500+ per session
22. Event Setup and Cleanup
Event venues and private hosts often need temporary help setting up decorations, tables, chairs, and cleaning afterward.
Average Pay: $15–$30 per hour
23. Catering Help
Catering jobs may involve preparing food, serving guests, setting tables, or cleaning after an event.
Average Pay: $15–$30 per hour
24. Private Cooking
If you are a talented cook, you can prepare meals for families, busy professionals, or small events.
Average Pay: $25–$75 per hour
25. Home Baking
Sell homemade cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and other baked goods where local cottage-food regulations allow it.
Average Earnings: $200–$2,000+ per month
26. Sewing and Clothing Alterations
Offer hemming, repairs, resizing, and other basic alteration services.
Average Pay: $15–$50 per item
27. Hair Styling
Skilled stylists can provide hair services for parties, weddings, and other occasions, subject to local licensing requirements.
Average Pay: $30–$150+ per client
28. Freelance Makeup Services
Makeup artists can work with clients for weddings, parties, graduations, and photoshoots.
Average Pay: $50–$200+ per client
29. Freelance Writing
Businesses, bloggers, and website owners hire writers for articles, website copy, emails, and product descriptions.
Average Pay: $20–$100+ per hour
30. Graphic Design
Create logos, social media graphics, Pinterest pins, advertisements, and other marketing materials.
Average Pay: $25–$75+ per hour
31. Social Media Management
Help small businesses create content, schedule posts, manage accounts, and engage with their audiences.
Average Earnings: $300–$2,000+ per client per month
32. Virtual Assistant Work
Virtual assistants provide services such as email management, research, scheduling, customer support, and data entry.
Average Pay: $15–$40 per hour
33. Selling Handmade Products
Create and sell candles, jewelry, artwork, crochet products, accessories, or other handmade goods.
Average Earnings: $200–$3,000+ per month
34. Reselling Items for Profit
Buy undervalued secondhand products and resell them for a higher price. Popular categories include furniture, clothing, electronics, and collectibles.
Average Earnings: $500–$5,000+ per month
Can You Really Make $5,000 a Month?
Yes, earning $5,000 per month can be possible with some of these jobs, but it is not guaranteed. Higher-income options such as freelance writing, social media management, photography, car detailing, reselling, and skilled local services may have greater earning potential.
For example, managing five social media clients at $1,000 each could generate $5,000 in monthly gross revenue. However, expenses, taxes, client availability, and workload can significantly affect actual take-home income.
Important Tax and Legal Considerations
Getting paid in cash does not automatically make income tax-free. You may still be required to report your earnings and follow local tax, licensing, insurance, and business regulations.
Final Thoughts
These 34 under the table jobs can provide flexible ways to earn extra money in 2026. Whether you prefer hands-on local work or online freelancing, choose an option that matches your skills and schedule.
Start with one service, find your first few customers, build a strong reputation, and increase your rates as your experience grows. With consistency and the right strategy, a simple side hustle can potentially develop into a meaningful source of income.
