The emergence of smartphones has transformed the realm of odd jobs, giving rise to the “gig economy.” This term has gained popularity in recent years, encapsulating the vast array of applications designed to connect individuals seeking assistance with tasks to those eager to work.
If you’re on the lookout for odd jobs that can be undertaken right from your smartphone, I have put together a list of some top-notch apps. Many of these options are suitable for teenagers as well.
1. Upshift
Upshift is an application that facilitates finding shift work with local businesses. The interface is user-friendly, and there are genuine job opportunities available, predominantly in the service and consumer services sectors. There’s no need for a resume; employers will evaluate you based on your listed skills and past feedback from other workers.
As reported by Indeed, the average earnings for Upshift servers stand at $18.70 per hour.
They function from local offices, and feedback varies depending on the management of each location. Unlike traditional gig platforms, this app necessitates attendance at an onboarding meeting and watching an instructional video at the office, which is a unique aspect for the gig economy.
2. Gig Walk
Gigwalk operates as a mystery shopping app, allowing companies to post tasks that assess whether their brand messaging is accurately represented in real-world locations.
Currently, there are three gigs available in my vicinity, each paying $12. The job requires visiting a business to photograph their price sheet. With a travel time of about 15 minutes between locations, completing all tasks would take roughly an hour, yielding a total of $36 for about two hours of effort or $18 per hour.
This type of job pairs well with other work. For example, if you’re already making deliveries for food or ride-sharing, stopping by these locations could enhance your hourly earnings.
3. Task Rabbit
Task Rabbit is a gig-based platform that compensates users for helping others with an extensive range of tasks, including:
- Ikea furniture assembly
- Cleaning services
- Car washes
- Technical assistance
- Meal preparation
- Home repairs
- Delivery services
- Errand running
- Painting
- Queue management
The variety of tasks is significant. For example, in Boston, the average hourly rate for taskers waiting in line is $24, while cleaning tasks can command $44 an hour. In Columbus, Ohio, the cleaning rate averages $27 per hour.
This makes Task Rabbit an appealing choice for those seeking to perform various odd jobs and earn some quick cash.
4. KashKick
KashKick enables users to earn money by taking surveys, playing games, watching videos, and completing various tasks. While it shares similarities with Swagbucks and Survey Junkie, it offers a broader range of tasks for earning money. For an in-depth look, be sure to check out my detailed KashKick review.
5. Amazon Mechanical Turk
This platform allows users to complete small microtasks for compensation. The tasks usually require verifying information that Amazon finds challenging to confirm automatically. Although the hourly pay is relatively minimal, many find these microtasks enjoyable for a quick mental boost.
6. Rover
If you’re an animal lover, Rover offers great opportunities for dog walking and pet sitting. In my area, walkers typically charge around $15 per walk, $35 per night for house sitting, and $15 for drop-in visits.
While the earnings may not be substantial, this can be a delightful way to earn some extra cash while enjoying the company of pets.
7. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is the go-to app for those who want to get compensated for sharing their opinions through surveys. With a large selection of surveys available at any time, it can be quite enjoyable to provide feedback to marketers on various topics.
Even though not every survey may be accessible, the platform offers plenty of options. While the hourly pay isn’t high, it’s among the few “jobs” that can be done in the comfort of your own home—specifically, even while in the bathroom. Payments can be made via PayPal, bank transfers, or gift cards.
8. Swagbucks
Available on both iOS and Android, Swagbucks rewards users for completing tasks such as surveys and even gaming. Payments are deposited directly into your PayPal account.
9. Doordash
Doordash is an excellent way to earn money on a flexible schedule by delivering meals to individuals. The service allows you to select when and where you want to work, particularly thriving during lunch and dinner rush hours. Additionally, they offer a gas rewards program that can help reduce your fuel expenses.
10. Fiverr
Fiverr is a platform that can be utilized from home, focusing on building a personal brand. Users create listings for the services they offer. Initially intended for services priced at $5, Fiverr has evolved to allow freelancers to set their rates.
11. Fancy Hands
Fancy Hands operates as a virtual assistant app on a gig basis. Users complete various tasks, which can range from making reservations to managing accounts on behalf of clients. Each task typically pays between $3 to $7, making it a decent side gig, although consistently generating income might be challenging due to sporadic task availability.
12. Jobble
Jobble serves as a marketplace for temporary work, akin to Upshift, while also providing opportunities related to concerts, festivals, and sports events. However, a common concern is that the availability of shifts is often insufficient for those seeking full-time hours.
13. Bellhop
With Bellhop, you assist individuals in relocating furniture. Users can select jobs that align with their schedules, serving as either movers or drivers. Compensation includes mileage earnings from the initial to final location, with advertised pay of up to $20 an hour.
14. Dolly
Dolly specializes in furniture and apartment moving, as well as aiding individuals transfer items to and from storage. Unlike Bellhop, drivers can utilize smaller vehicles like pickups or cargo vans, requiring commercial insurance for coverage. According to Dolly, average driver earnings range around $50 per hour.
15. Care.com
Care.com is renowned for connecting individuals with opportunities in housekeeping, babysitting, and pet care. Ranking at 4.2 out of 5 stars on Indeed, the average rate for childcare roles is approximately $21 per hour. Many reviewers appreciate the flexibility in setting their rates and schedules, although the demand typically aligns with parents’ work hours.
Conclusion: The Impact of Apps on Part-Time Work
For those seeking supplemental income through odd jobs, apps have simplified the search and access to opportunities. There now exists a vast marketplace that facilitates gig work, which was once carefully guarded through personal connections or classified ads.
This article originally appeared on Hello Sensible.
Tyler Weaver is a real estate investor and blogger at Relentless Finance. Having flipped over 50 homes, he manages a real estate portfolio in the Midwest and is passionate about helping others build wealth and contribute positively to their lives through ongoing growth.
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