By
Annie Flanzraich
Going to take on a side hustle to help pay bills, boost savings or pay down debt? Then the gig better be worth it. After all, working in, and being successful at, the gig economy takes time, energy, planning, and commitment. There are many options for side hustles, so to help home in on the most lucrative ones, we did our research. Here are 13 that make it worthwhile and pay, on average, more than $20 an hour.
While Airbnb requires the most significant resource—extra space—it also offers commensurate compensation. Depending on the size of the property, location, and amenities, becoming a host on Airbnb can pay $924 a month on average. Airbnb also comes with a fair amount of flexibility for hosts regarding dates and availability. Find out more on the Steady App here.
Bellhops is a company on a mission to make moving fun, simple, easy, and stress-free. Movers, or as the company calls them, Bellhops, work on their schedule and can make more than $21 on average per hour. The company promises meaningful work, bonuses for sales and referrals, and learning opportunities. Learn more on the Steady App here.
While Caviar may serve fewer markets than DoorDash or UberEats, the company also pays more per hour on average than those two food-delivery services. Caviar is also part of Square, Inc.’s suite of tools for businesses, so it promises weekly payouts deposited directly into your bank account. Find out more at trycaviar.com/apply.
For solopreneurs, entrepreneurs and gig economy workers, dscout offers the chance to earn $100 to be part of a business-growth study. Participants must complete a multi-part diary “mission” using the dscout mobile app to earn the cash. Applicants will be asked to create an account with dscout, complete a brief profile, answer some questions, and create a selfie video. Learn more on the Steady App here.
GoShare matches truck and van owners with businesses and people who need to move, haul, or deliver large items on demand. Users can find moving jobs that suit their equipment and schedule using the GoShare app. Drivers keep 100 percent of tips, and GoShare perks include Amazon gift cards, Nissan discounts, and Firestore discounts. Find out more on the Steady App here.
If you have an extra room and like to meet new people, then consider becoming a host via homestay.com. Unlike Airbnb, a host lives in every property listed on Homestay.com, and the website doesn’t list entire homes. For that reason, the company promises visitors they’ll stay in real homes and make real connections. Learn more at homestay.com.
HopSkipDrive is a ride service created especially for children, seniors, and individuals with special needs. Drivers can make more than $30 an hour and enjoy friendly clientele with reliable help from the HopSkipDrive support team. Unlike other rideshare services, HopSkipDrive drivers schedule rides ahead of time instead of competing for rides on-demand. Find out more on the Steady App here.
Lawn Love takes a high-tech approach to match skilled, independent professionals with the lawns that need them. After applying and being accepted, lawn pros can pick the jobs they want using the Lawn Love platform. While individuals need their own truck and equipment to work with Lawn Love, the company provides the platform and leads, and pays within 72 hours of completing a job. Learn more at lawnlove.com/apply.
Food, drinks, groceries—no matter what the order, Postmates drivers deliver it. Like Caviar, Postmates offers a better rate per hour than Doordash and Uber Eats. Postmates uses technology to connect local businesses with people, and drivers receive requests through the app. Deliveries happen 24 hours a day. The company boasts that drivers can earn up to $1,500/week and work a flexible schedule. Find out more on the Steady App here.
Skip the salon and become a mobile beauty pro with Priv. The company promises on-the-go, on-demand beauty services to users, and 80% commissions to pros who sign up to work with the site. Professionals can set their own schedule and get paid in about 3-5 business days after work. The company also offers bonuses, rewards, a non-exclusive contract, and continuing education. Learn more at gopriv.com/pro.
Shipt is a membership-based marketplace that helps people get the items they need, such as fresh produce and household essentials, from stores they trust. Shipt shoppers help users save time and get paid to shop. Shoppers can choose their own schedule, and usually average 15-20 hours a week. Find out more on the Steady App here.
Wyzant helps new and established tutors list their services and connect with new clients to build their business. Tutors create a free online profile with pictures, videos, student reviews, and more. Then, every month, millions of new students and parents come to Wyzant to find a tutor. Tutors can set their own hourly rates, and Wyzant helps with billing issues if necessary. Learn more at wyzant.com.
