When times get tight, a little extra cash can go a long way. While most side hustles today are app-based or require tax paperwork, there are still plenty of old-school “under the table” jobs that pay in cash, i.e. no W-2s, no waiting for direct deposits.
Contents
- What Are “Under the Table” Jobs?
- 1. Babysitting or Pet Sitting
- 2. House Cleaning
- 3. Yard Work and Snow Removal
- 4. Handyman or Odd Jobs
- 5. Junk Removal or Hauling
- 6. Tutoring or Homework Help
- 7. Cash-Paid Restaurant or Event Work
- 8. House Sitting
- 9. Freelance Photography or Local Content Creation
- 10. Reselling Items Locally
- A Few Things to Remember
- Final Thoughts
What Are “Under the Table” Jobs?
Under the table jobs are cash-paying gigs that typically don’t go through formal payroll systems. These jobs can be perfect for people who:
- Need immediate money
- Want flexible hours
- Don’t want to wait for background checks or onboarding
(Note: While cash jobs are convenient, you’re still legally responsible for reporting your income to the IRS.)
1. Babysitting or Pet Sitting
Families often prefer paying cash for trusted babysitters or pet sitters. You can find clients by word of mouth, local Facebook groups, or neighborhood apps like Nextdoor.
Tip: Offer overnight pet sitting or last-minute childcare for higher pay.
2. House Cleaning
Private homeowners and landlords frequently pay cash for cleaning services. Bring your own supplies, and you can charge $20–$40 an hour depending on the job size.
Bonus: Add-on services like laundry or organizing can boost your earnings.
3. Yard Work and Snow Removal
From mowing lawns in summer to shoveling driveways in winter, manual labor gigs often pay immediately after completion. Print a few flyers or post in local groups offering “cash same-day” rates.
4. Handyman or Odd Jobs
If you’re handy with tools, you can earn quick cash fixing leaks, painting, or assembling furniture. Apps like TaskRabbit formalize this process, but you can also go independent and take cash directly.
5. Junk Removal or Hauling
Got a truck or trailer? Many people are willing to pay $50–$200 for someone to haul away old furniture, scrap metal, or yard debris.
Pro Tip: You can sometimes sell scrap metal for additional profit.
6. Tutoring or Homework Help
Parents often prefer paying cash for one-on-one tutoring sessions. Whether it’s math, reading, or music lessons, you can easily make $25–$60 per hour.
7. Cash-Paid Restaurant or Event Work
Small restaurants, fairs, and catering events often hire extra hands for setup, cleanup, or serving, especially during busy weekends or holidays.
8. House Sitting
House sitting is perfect for retirees, remote workers, or responsible teens. House sitting involves collecting mail, watering plants, or keeping a home occupied while owners are away.
9. Freelance Photography or Local Content Creation
If you have a camera or smartphone, offer to take social media photos for local boutiques, stylists, or restaurants. Many small businesses will pay cash for great content.
10. Reselling Items Locally
Buy items cheap at garage sales or liquidation stores and resell them for profit at flea markets or on Facebook Marketplace. It’s not exactly “under the table,” but it’s often cash-based and quick.
A Few Things to Remember
- Even if paid in cash, income is still taxable if you earn more than $400 in a year.
- Always work safely. Meet new clients in public or bring a friend.
- Keep a small ledger to track your income, even for cash gigs. It’ll help if you ever need proof of earnings for loans or rentals.
Final Thoughts
Under the table jobs can be a lifesaver when you need fast cash. Whether you’re mowing lawns, babysitting, or flipping items locally, these opportunities can bridge the gap between paychecks or help fund your savings goals.
