Underground Economy: 35 Lucrative Jobs That Pay Under the Table
The underground economy refers to economic activities that occur outside of tax and regulatory oversight. An estimated $2 trillion of unreported income flows through the US underground economy each year, often in cash. From gig work to services and handmade goods, here are 35 of the most popular jobs that typically pay under the table.
Domestic Services
These hands-on jobs provide in-demand services right in people‘s homes and neighborhoods. Their cash nature makes payments quick and uncomplicated.
1. Babysitting
Caring for children while parents are away is a classic under-the-table job. Create flyers and post them on community boards to advertise your services. Average pay is $10-15 per hour in cash.
2. Pet Sitting
Feeding, walking, and playing with pets while owners are traveling can net $15-40 per day depending on the type of animal and level of care needed. Post ads on neighborhood forums or apps.
3. House Sitting
Responsibly managing a home, collecting mail, watering plants can pay $30-100 per day. List your services on housesitting sites to connect with travelers in need of home care.
4. Personal Shopper
Help clients with their shopping by pulling together outfits, finding bargains and more. Pay averages $25 per hour with higher rates for personal styling.
5. Cleaning Services
General house cleaning, scrubbing bathrooms, washing windows bring in $15-25 per hour under the table. Specialize in move-in/move-out cleans for extra demand.
6. Handyman
If you‘re skilled at minor home repairs and installations, handyman work pays a median of $65 per hour cash. Advertise specialty skills like painting, landscaping or electrical work.
7. Errand Runner
Many people need help knocking simple to-dos off their list. Pick up dry cleaning, grocery shop, deliver packages, and more for tips and $15-20 per hour.
Child & Pet Care
Parents and pet owners are often more than willing to pay cash for quality care that fits their schedule.
8. Baby Proofing
Help childproof people‘s homes by installing safety devices on cabinets, sharp corners, and electronics for $25 per hour or more.
9. In-Home Daycare
Become a licensed daycare provider and watch other people‘s kids in your own home for $30-60 per child per day.
10. Overnight Pet Boarding
Offer at-home overnight care and boarding for dogs, cats, and exotic pets for up to $50-100 per night. Be sure your rates reflect any special needs.
11. Dog Walking
Leisurely strolls around the neighborhood with man‘s best friend bring in $15-25 per 30-minute walk. Increase earnings through repeat visits with regulars.
12. Pet Taxi
Transport pets door-to-door for vet visits, grooming appointments, boarding drop-offs for $30 per animal roundtrip plus mileage costs.
Lessons & Coaching
Share your interests and expertise with eager students looking to pick up new skills.
13. Music Lessons
Teach instruments like guitar, drums, piano in your home studio for $35-65 per hour. Create starter packs with lesson plans to engage new students.
14. Dance Classes
Tap into the popularity of reality dance shows by offering dance lessons in hip hop, salsa, ballet and more for $40 per private lesson.
15. Martial Arts Training
School others in Judo, Taekwondo, Krav Maga or other fighting disciplines at $40-85 per hour for semi-private sessions.
16. Yoga & Fitness Instruction
Cash in on the growing wellness trend by teaching yoga, Pilates, strength training and cardio classes for $60 per private session.
17. Academic Tutoring
Leverage expertise in academic areas like math, science, test prep and writing by taking on students for $35-75 per hour of tutoring.
18. Computer & Tech Lessons
School others in software basics, building websites, coding, app development and more for $85 per hour and up of instruction.
19. Craft Workshops
Quilting, jewelry-making, knitting, candle-making – monetize your hobby by hosting home craft workshops at $25-40 per student.
Gig Economy Platforms
Digital platforms connect service sellers with customers, often facilitating cash payments. These apps are prime ways to earn under-the-table income.
20. Rideshare Driving
Chauffeur clients by car for a fare and tip that averages $18-25 per hour after vehicle expenses. Boost profits by driving during peak times like nights on weekends.
21. On-Demand Delivery
Apps like DoorDash, Instacart and Uber Eats pay contractors by the job with average per-delivery earnings of $7-12 plus tips. Work during mealtimes for steady business.
22. Taskrabbit
Apps like Taskrabbit funnel handyman, cleaning, moving and other gig jobs to independent contractors. Most tasks commanded at least $15 per hour, plus healthy tips for good service.
23. Airbnb
Rent rooms or full apartments via Airbnb. Hosts typically earn $924 per month on average, minus the cost of amenities and cleaning in between guests.
Crafts & Creations
Tap into your creativity while making some extra money on unique handmade wares.
24. Jewelry Making
String together bead work, wire wrap pendants, hammer metal pieces together into earrings, necklaces, rings and more for solid cash potential. Sell items on Etsy or at craft fairs for the best return.
25. Knit & Crochet Goods
Break out the yarn for crocheted scarves, beanies, potholders and knitted sweaters, blankets and more. Quality items sell for $15-50+ apiece online and at markets.
26. Candles & Soaps
Buy wax, wicks and scents in bulk to craft artisanal candles, soaps, lotions and other pampering goods to sell for $10-25 per item.
27. Woodworking Projects
Make decorative signs, planters, benches, keepsake boxes and other wood crafts to sell for at least $35-100 each. Price reflects your time and talent.
28. Upcycled Furniture Flip
Refresh dated furniture pieces with chalk paint, new upholstery or other transformations, then resell them for a nice profit. Pieces tend to sell for $75-250.
Event Gigs
Lend your talents to parties, weddings and other celebrations for instant cash payments.
29. Serving Bartending
Pour drinks as a guest bartender at private parties and special events. Rookie mixologists earn $150-300 per event while pros can collect $500 or more.
30. Cater Waiter
Work catering events serving entrees and clearing plates. Pay averages $15-25 per hour for beginners with more earnings possible for experienced servers working large, luxe parties.
31. Event DJ
Get the dance party going as a DJ at weddings, corporate parties, school functions and more. Amateur DJs start around $125 per hour with professionals earning $250 or more.
32. Wedding Photographer/Videographer
Cash in on couples getting hitched by providing photo and video services starting at $1,500+ for the event. Build a portfolio before advertising specialty wedding media services.
33. Event Rental Services
Invest in tables, chairs, tents and other party supplies to rent out for weddings, charity events, graduations and more at a nice profit. Items rent for around $15-150 each.
34. Bounce House Rentals
Rent out commercial-grade bounce houses and other inflatables like slides, obstacle courses and more for $150-500 per day. Aim for kid birthday parties for best results.
35. Event Staffing
Hire teams to guest check-ins, park cars, seat guests, clean up and other tasks. Pay per worker works out to $15-25 per hour that the host pays you directly.
Going From Under the Table to Above Board
Working under-the-table jobs for cash definitely has financial perks given the lack of tax. However, even if a job pays completely “off the books”, the IRS expects anyone making over $400 per year total to report and pay taxes on that income. Otherwise, you risk penalties, fees and audits down the road if the unreported income is discovered. Transitioning from cash gigs to legit businesses can create legal issues too in some cases. Still, plenty of the gigs on this list can work on the up-and-up too. From domestic services to crafts and events, consider obtaining any required licenses and permits in your state to make sure your hustle complies with the law. This will allow you to deduct legitimate business expenses as well when filing your taxes – saving you money while adding protection. Just make sure to carefully track income and expenses, stay current on quarterly estimated tax payments, and work with a tax preparer or advisor to handle small business tax filing. This will keep you in good standing when transitioning your successful side hustle from a cash business to an above-board and legal enterprise.
