Back then, finding a side gig was tough, and options were limited. You had to rely on the morning paper for job listings, ask friends and family for leads, or, in the worst case, walk around town looking for opportunities. That’s exactly what I did 20 or 30 years ago.
Today, things are completely different. Finding side gigs is as easy as logging onto your computer or checking your phone to download gig apps. These apps let you set your own schedule and earn money on your terms.
These apps have fueled the rise of the gig economy. Now, many people in the US can get by without holding a traditional 9-to-5 job. Instead, they juggle two or three side hustles from gig apps to make ends meet.
While it’s not the ideal way to thrive, it does provide a lifeline for many. This work model is sustainable and will likely grow, especially since there are always odd jobs and even jobs with same-day pay that some people aren’t willing to do but others are happy to take on.
Instead of being tied to one employer, people in the gig economy move between gigs as independent contractors, enjoying flexibility and variety.
The type of side hustle you choose depends on the gig app. Whether it’s turning your car into a source of income or doing something as simple as grocery shopping, there’s an app to help you earn extra cash.
But here’s the catch: not all gig opportunities are created equal. Some promise big payouts but don’t deliver.
So, which money-making apps are the most reliable? And which ones are trending right now? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Here are some of the top options:
1. Uber Eats
Earning extra cash in the gig economy comes in many forms, and one of the most popular is using food delivery apps like Uber Eats. You’re probably already familiar with it—I know I am, especially since I often rely on them to deliver meals when I’m too tired to cook after a long shift.
Uber Eats is a major player in the game. With its wide reach and strong reputation, it gives everyday folks with cars, mopeds, or bikes a chance to earn by delivering meals straight to people’s doorsteps.
To maximize your earnings, location is key. Working in busy, high-demand areas means more orders, better tips, and, ultimately, more cash in your pocket.
2. Grubhub
Grubhub is a strong competitor to Uber Eats. Personally, when I’m looking to save a few dollars or support local businesses, I often choose Grubhub over Uber Eats. For gig workers, though, the real appeal lies in its pay model, which often factors in time spent and distance traveled—directly rewarding your effort. That’s a big win for gigsters.
As with Uber Eats, your earnings on Grubhub depend a lot on your location. Building connections with repeat customers can also lead to better tips. To boost your income, try signing up for scheduled shifts, which often prioritize you for more orders.
Also, nobody’s stopping you from working for both Uber Eats and Grubhub, so go ahead and multi-app, as they say. Just be smart about it—your ride matters. If traffic in your city is a nightmare, consider registering as a bike courier instead of a driver. It could save you time and maximize your earnings.
3. Instacart
Food isn’t the only thing getting delivered to your doorstep these days—groceries are too! With the rise of grocery delivery apps, earning extra cash while stocking someone else’s pantry has never been easier.
One of the top gig apps for grocery delivery is Instacart. It’s a favorite for a reason, offering flexibility like no other. You can set your own hours and shop at different stores in your area. Plus, its pay structure can be quite rewarding if you know how to make the most of it.
Here’s how it works: you’ll earn a minimum of $5 per order—guaranteed by Instacart. If you work full-time as a shopper, your hourly earnings can range from $7.25 to $25.59, depending on your efficiency and the size of your orders.
To increase your earnings, try accepting larger orders and shopping during peak hours when demand is higher. You can also earn a little extra by referring others to join the app.
Just a heads up—rates may change in the future, so keep an eye on any updates.
4. Shipt
If you’ve tried Instacart, you might as well give Shipt a try. While it’s not as famous as Instacart, Shipt offers similar benefits. Shoppers start with a guaranteed $5 per order, and in larger cities, you can earn up to $30 per hour.
Sounds great, right? However, there are factors like drive miles, the number of items, and delivery times that can affect how much you can earn. The good news is that your earnings from the previous week are available for withdrawal every Friday—directly to your account.
While there are other ways to earn extra cash, Shipt is one of the best apps for getting that money straight into your bank. Plus, Shipt focuses on building strong relationships between shoppers and customers, which can lead to better tips.
5. Amazon Fresh
If brand power matters to you, Amazon Fresh might be the gig you’re looking for. As part of Amazon’s vast empire, it offers reliability and high demand—though that also means there’s competition among drivers.
The earning potential for an Amazon Fresh shopper is pretty impressive, with rates reaching up to $43.80 per hour as of March 2024. And, like Shipt, you can earn more in larger cities where demand is higher.
With Amazon Fresh, you don’t have to worry about losing a job. Thanks to its strong logistics network and infrastructure, there’s a steady flow of orders, so you won’t find yourself scrambling for work.
Also, note that Amazon Fresh is under Amazon Flex, which I will discuss next.
Amazon Fresh job opportunities page.
6. Amazon Flex
II discussed Amazon Fresh first to group the grocery gigs, but Amazon Flex is the actual app for working with Amazon Fresh.
Unlike grocery apps, Amazon Flex is focused on delivering parcels. Note that Amazon Flex is different from the traditional Amazon delivery service, which is handled by delivery service partners (DSPs).
Amazon Flex allows non-Amazon partners to help deliver packages. If you don’t want to deal with perishables, focusing on parcels might be your perfect fit.
When you join Flex, you become part of Amazon’s delivery network. You’ll be an independent contractor, delivering packages to customers’ doorsteps.
Signing up is easy. After you’re approved, you can choose delivery blocks that fit your schedule and use your own vehicle. Think of it like a ride-sharing app, but for package deliveries instead of passengers.
With Amazon Flex, you can pick your schedule by browsing delivery blocks, which usually last three to six hours, once you’re approved. The app guides you step-by-step, from picking up packages at Amazon facilities or participating stores to making deliveries.
Also, payments are made twice a week, and while earnings vary by location and time spent, drivers can earn $18–$25 per hour before expenses like gas and vehicle maintenance. To maximize earnings, schedule longer blocks during peak times for higher pay, and maintain your vehicle and optimize your routes to save time and increase earnings.
Amazon Flex download and information page.
7. Dolly
Got a truck or van sitting idle? Perfect! You can try to become a Dolly helper.
Dolly could turn your vehicle into an earning machine with paychecks of up to $50 per hour. This app doesn’t mess around—it’s all about making big moves, like helping people relocate their homes or delivering large items from stores straight to customers’ doorsteps. And why am I sounding like a 90s salesman?
Anyway, if food deliveries aren’t your jam, then parcel deliveries offer a neat workaround. Imagine this: multiple parcels in one go means more drops per trip. This game’s all about maximizing your moves, folks.
8. Turo
Let’s shift gears from deliveries and dive into another opportunity: Turo. Unlike driving around to deliver goods, with Turo, you’ll be delivering people—except, you won’t even have to drive! Sounds wild, right? But yep, that’s exactly how it works.
Turo is a modern car rental service, but instead of renting from big companies, you can rent someone’s personal car. It’s basically like Airbnb for cars—streamlined and easy to use.
Of course, it might feel a little scary to let someone rent your car. We all have that one friend we’d never lend our car to! But don’t worry—Turo provides $1 million in liability insurance, offering peace of mind for both the car owner and the renter. This has made the app a popular choice for people looking to make extra cash.
So, how much can you actually earn with Turo? While earnings depend on factors like location, vehicle type, and availability, many hosts see solid returns. Some reports suggest you could make $500 to over $1,000 per month renting out a well-maintained car.
9. Getaround
Looking for a solid alternative to Turo? Getaround might be just what you need. Like Turo, you can list your vehicle on the platform, entering details about your car, setting its availability, and choosing your rental rate.
One standout feature of Getaround is its keyless entry system. If your car qualifies, renters can unlock and start it using just their phone, making it super convenient. Of course, there’s also a traditional key exchange option if you prefer to meet with the renter in person and hand over the keys.
To ensure your car stays safe, Getaround takes security seriously. Renters go through a thorough verification process, where they have to snap a selfie and upload their driver’s license for face recognition. This added layer of protection helps you feel confident that your vehicle is in safe hands.
With these features, Getaround offers a seamless, secure way to earn money by renting out your car. So if you’re not using it, why not let someone else make use of it while you make extra cash?
10. TaskRabbit
Let’s face it: the traditional 9-to-5 grind isn’t for everyone. Maybe you’re a night owl who does their best work when everyone else is asleep. Or perhaps you crave variety so much that doing the same thing every day feels like being stuck in a black-and-white movie—predictable and lacking excitement.
For those who relate, welcome to the world of unconventional work and freelancing. It’s where creativity meets flexibility, and your earning potential is only limited by how much you’re willing to hustle.
If you’re ready to hustle, consider TaskRabbit. TaskRabbit is perfect if you have a knack for DIY projects or just enjoy helping others. Plus, it keeps you on the move—say goodbye to being stuck in a desk chair, and hello to becoming a “Tasker.”
You can even earn extra cash by waiting in line for someone else! While this task might seem like a hassle to some, it’s a money-making opportunity for Taskers.
With TaskRabbit, you can set your own rates—up to $200 per task, depending on your skill level, location, or the job itself. And if you do a great job, you’re likely to get tips, which you keep 100% of.
Plus, you can get reimbursed for any expenses incurred while completing a task, making it easier to provide top-notch service and get rewarded for it.
11. Upwork
Upwork is perfect for writers, designers, developers—basically anyone whose work happens on a laptop. Think of it as the virtual hub where creative minds and eager clients meet, each looking for what the other can offer. I even found some of my team members on Upwork!
The best part about Upwork? You’re not tied down.
If you love writing but are also handy with an IKEA Allen key, you can split your time between TaskRabbit on weekends and creating great content on Upwork during the week.
Is there a catch? Well, yes and no. Freedom comes at a cost—hustling hard becomes part of your routine. After all, bills won’t pay themselves, and pizza won’t magically appear at your door (unless AI really has stepped up its game).
12. Wag
Who knew your love for pets could turn into extra cash? With more people becoming pet lovers but leading busy lives, there’s a growing demand for pet care.
Thanks to gig apps like Wag, you can get paid while walking dogs or caring for other pets. Picture this: you’re outdoors, getting steps in, and hanging out with a furry companion. It doesn’t get much better than that.
You can set your own schedule—whether you’re a morning person or a night owl. And with PayPal, you can receive your earnings of $16.68 to $23.47 per hour quickly, with no fees.
Want to make more? Offer overnight dog or cat boarding and you could earn $1,000 a month. The only catch is a $29.95 application fee, but it’s a small price for the earnings you can make.
13. Rover
Here’s an alternative to Wag: Rover. On average, pet sitters and walkers on Rover earn around $16–$27 per hour, which is great considering you’re spending time with dogs instead of sitting behind a desk.
Your pay depends on your location, how many dogs you walk, and how long each walk is. Whether it’s a 30-minute stroll or a full hour, you get paid. Plus, if you prefer just hanging out with a dog, you can offer services like drop-in visits, house sitting, or dog boarding.
As with other gig apps and mobile money-making methods, you can choose walks based on your availability. To maximize your earnings, be consistent and reliable. Show up on time, ace those playdates, and build a solid reputation with great reviews. And don’t forget, cute photos of pups never hurt!
Conclusion
The gig economy has evolved into a goldmine of opportunities, no longer just a fallback for the daring or those in desperate situations. With a smartphone and a bit of initiative, anyone can make gig work for them, especially with the best gig apps.
I can’t help but wish these apps were around a few decades ago. They would’ve been a game-changer for many of us facing financial struggles back then, myself included.
Today, these gig apps offer a chance to earn an extra income stream. While the gig economy may reflect both the challenges and opportunities of our time, all we can do is make the best of it.
