28 Best Under-the-Table Jobs You've Never Heard Of
A great way to make money fast is to find under the table jobs. You will often get paid on the first day or week on the job!
A List of 28 Proven Under the Table Jobs
Getting paid in cash is great, no matter what the reason, and there are many ways to find under the table jobs.
Some of the jobs are things you can do online while others are physical, labor jobs.
These under the table jobs will boost your cash flow month by month before you have to do your taxes at the end of the financial year.
You'll need to be motivated and driven to seek out these cash-paying jobs, but once you have established a reputation, you'll find it much easier to find more gigs.
Not many people know how to make money under the table, but you're about to find some great ways to do that.
I'm sure you'll find something that suits you on this extensive list.
What are Under the Table Jobs?
Unreported employment or under the table jobs are jobs that pay cash and are generally not reported to the government for tax purposes.
This basically means that you are making money “off the radar” of the IRS.
This doesn't mean that you don't have to pay taxes, avoiding taxes is called tax evasion and is a federal crime!
You can choose to voluntarily report this income when you do your tax return.
You won't really be taxed heavily until you start making more than $39,000 a year even when you include this income.
You normally find under the table jobs and start working on the same day or week. They generally aren't the highest-paying jobs—but they're great if you need some quick cash!
Here is my list of 28 proven under the table jobs that pay you cash instantly.
Where to Find Under the Table Jobs
Whether you've been laid off, or just want to make some extra cash, under the table jobs/cash-paying jobs are a quick solution.
Finding under the table jobs is easier when you know where to look.
Here are some of the best places to find under the table jobs.
Job Websites
There are also plenty of job websites that will line you up with a job.
The first site you can use to find jobs that pay under the table is Indeed.com. Indeed is a job site that hires for all sorts of jobs including from manual labor to top-level executive positions.
Indeed is my favorite site to find under the table jobs because there are just so many listings! You can upload your resume and start applying straight away. Indeed also offers job alerts, so you can get daily/weekly reminders for suitable jobs that open up.
Simplyhired and ZipRecruiter also have great under the table jobs listings.
Finally, the last job website that features under the table jobs is care.com. Care.com is a site people use to find a babysitter, housekeepers, and aged carers.
Craigslist
Craiglist is by far the best option to find cash jobs in your area. Just head to the gigs section and you'll find plenty of jobs that pay cash in your area.
Some of them might even pay handsomely.
I have to admit that some of the listings are a bit odd, while others are downright sketchy. But most are just people who need a helping hand for the day, like people moving houses.
Facebook Groups
Looking through Facebook groups is a great way to find locals who need work done and will pay cash now.
It's highly likely that you'll be able to find a Facebook group that has job openings in your area.
Reddit Subreddits
Another option is to look through Reddit subreddits.
I'd have to say the best subreddit for finding jobs that pay under the table is . This group is great for finding jobs that pay cash.
If you just want to find work quickly you can try to find some online jobs that will pay quickly.
Timing is important with these methods, you need to be quick to accept if you want the job.
Let's explore the 28 best under the table jobs.
Table of Contents
1. Graphic Designer
The most popular of the under the table jobs is graphic design.
This is a great way to make money if you're creative and are confident with photo editing software like Photoshop.
Graphic designers are employed to combine art and technology to communicate a message.
People need graphic designers for many reasons including:
- Social media
- Website art/logos
- Merchandise
- Advertising
- Company logos
- Marketing
You can learn basic photoshop skills in 5-10 hours, while it takes 50-100 to learn advanced photoshop skills.
2. Computer Repairer
If you know how to build home computers then you may consider charging people to build and repair their computers.
As a PC enthusiast myself, I know that there are many things that can go wrong with a computer that most people would pay to get fixed.
Not many people know much about computers or how they work, it's more of a hobbyist thing. You can exploit this to make some quick cash.
You could make upwards of $40/hour by charging people to fix their computers.
This is one of those jobs that pay under the table that you can do from home.
3. Handyman
Being a handyman is a great way to make some cash if you have experience as a carpenter, making it one of the best under the table jobs.
Some jobs that you can expect to do as a handyman include:
- Assembling furniture
- Fitting locks
- Minor repairs
- Painting
- Small carpentry jobs like fitting shelves
- Gardening
- Cleaning out gutters
- Minor plastering jobs or repairs
- Picture/wall hangings
As you can see, there are plenty of odd jobs you can complete to make some money under the table.
To market your services, you could simply create a Facebook page or take it a step further and create a website to get some jobs.
4. DJ
Becoming a DJ is a good way to make money if you like music and the party scene.
Your starting costs as a DJ will be about $250, which is about the average cost of an entry-level DJ controller. Assuming that you already have a laptop and some speakers.
Here are some things you'll need to become an accomplished DJ:
- Computer
- DJ Software
- DJ Controller
- Headphones
- Microphone
The average DJ makes about $50-100 an hour. So you could easily make $200-400 in one night if you work for four hours.
5. Phone Repairer
Do you know your way around mobile phones? Well, you could make some money repairing them.
If you don't know how to repair phones you can simply look on YouTube and find plenty of tutorials on how to replace phone screens and make other repairs.
To get started, you'll need some basic tools like screwdrivers, spudgers, adhesive tape, scissors, and tweezers. This should cost about $50.
6. Photographer
Photography is a job with a low barrier of entry, which is great for making cash quickly.
To make money with photography you're going to need a few things. First of all, a camera, and some photo editing software like Photoshop.
People need photographers for all types of events to capture special moments. This could be weddings, birthday parties, sports and more.
The average photographer makes $29/hour, but you can do much better if you're willing to put in the work.
7. Driver
This option is pretty basic, you drive people around for cash.
If you have a car and don't mind driving people around, this could be a way for you to make an extra few hundred dollars per month.
You could start small by advertising on your social media saying “lifts for cash” to get some quick jobs.
You could also take it a step further and work for a company like Uber or Lyft—although they do not pay under the table.
You could also look on Craigslist for some driving gigs.
8. Artist
If you are creative and love art, I bet you've wondered if it's possible to make money with your skills. The answer is yes.
But you're probably going to need some serious skill to create something that someone is willing to pay money for.
You can hone your skills by buying courses on a site like Udemy.com. Udemy is an online learning platform aimed at professional adults and students.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average artist makes $53,400 or $25.67 an hour.
Selling your art can be a great under the table job to make some money if you have the skills.
9. Personal Trainer
Personal training is one of the best under the table jobs for fitness fanatics, although you probably won't make much money at the start.
There are a few different ways you can make money under the table as a personal trainer.
Here are some ways:
- Sell memberships
- Offer in-home personal training
- Host boot camps
- Provide personalized workout and meal plans
The average personal trainer makes $42,000 while the top 10% make over $76,000 a year.
10. Interpreter/Translator
Are you fluent in more than one language? Then you can make money as an interpreter.
You'll have to follow similar steps to the other methods to make money as an interpreter. You'll have to market yourself and find clients.
It might be tricky to make money under the table as an interpreter, but I'm sure it can be done.
The average interpreter makes $20.25 an hour.
11. Tutor
If you did well in school, you could possibly make some money as a tutor.
Many parents will seek help if they notice that their kids are falling behind in school. A lot of people also seek help so they can score as high as possible in their SAT or ACTs.
You can find teaching gigs on Craigslist and in Facebook groups.
The following subjects have the most demand for tutors (most demand at the top)
- Maths
- English
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biology
12. Construction Worker
Construction is one of the many labour jobs that pay under the table.
Some of the responsibilities of a construction worker are:
- Assisting tradesmen and machine operators in construction projects
- Erecting and breaking up scaffolding, ramps, etc. with attention to safety
- Unloading and carrying materials at construction sites
There is a low barrier to entry to become a construction worker. All you need is a high school diploma and a good work ethic.
The average construction worker makes $15.85 an hour or $32,968 a year.
13. Gardener
One of the best under the table jobs for people who like to work outside is gardening.
Gardens grow quicker during this time and that creates more work.
Some jobs you'll be doing as a gardener include:
- Weeding
- Pruning and hedging
- Lawn care
You can charge between $50-$220 an hour as a gardener depending on how efficient you are.
14. Pet Sitter/Dog Walker
Pet sitting is a great way to make some extra money on the side. People work and don't always have time to hang out with their dogs and take them for walks.
Some responsibilities you'll have as a pet sitter include:
- Walking dogs
- Feeding them and putting out fresh water
- Brushing pets
- Giving medication
- Cleaning out the litter box
The average pet sitter makes $30,819 a year, but you can make more if you're willing to take on a lot of work.
This is one of the best under the table jobs for pet lovers.
15. Makeup Artist
Another potentially high-paying under the table job is a makeup artist.
Makeup Artists are beauty practitioners who offer general makeup services or prosthetic design for movies.
Their primary duties include applying makeup, creating custom looks for clients, and working with actors on movie sets.
The average makeup artist makes $31.87 an hour or roughly $74,000 a year.
16. Caterer
If you're interested in food, drinks, and event management, then being a caterer might be perfect for you.
A caterer provides, transports, and prepares food for clients, particularly for special events such as conferences, weddings, celebrations, or large gatherings.
You don't need any formal education to become a caterer. But experience in foodservice and event planning will help.
The average caterer makes $13.60 an hour, or roughly $28,298 per year.
17. Music Gigs
Lots of people think that playing an instrument is just a hobby, but you can make money too.
You'll probably be able to find work at bars and other restaurants, although many occasions like weddings and birthday parties need a musician as well.
You can make anywhere from $50 to over $1,000 in one night.
The median hourly pay for a musician is $27.58 an hour, or $57,375 a year, but the top 10% of musicians make over $156,943 year!
18. Editor
If you are a talented video editor or just know your way about video editing platforms like Sony Vegas Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro, you could make some money.
As a video editor, not only will your experience affect how much you make, your location can also affect how many jobs you get—and your hourly rate.
The highest-paying states for video editors are California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
Beginners can charge $20-$45 an hour for simple edits, while pros can charge over $100 per hour for their services.
The median salary for a video editor is $48,291.
19. House Cleaner
Are you someone who enjoys cleaning and doesn't consider it a chore?
Well, you can charge people to clean their houses under the table.
Some people hate house cleaning and would rather pay someone to do it for them.
The great thing about being a house cleaner is consistent work. People will get you to come back to clean their houses regularly if they like your efforts.
People who hire cleaners typically have them come around twice or four times a month.
The average house cleaner makes $23 an hour.
20. Freelance Writer
Freelance writing has the potential to be highly lucrative and it's one of the best under the table jobs for writers.
You won’t make much in the beginning, but your income will grow as you build your reputation and client base.
Once you’re an established freelance writer you can expect to make between $0.12-$0.25 per word. Meaning you’ll earn roughly $120-250 for a 1,000-word article.
If you’re able to pump out ten articles a week (which is a lot), every week, you’ll make $62,400-$130,000 a year—on average.
Not bad!
21. Babysitter
Babysitting is one of the easiest under the table jobs. And as long as there are kids in the world you are going to have job opportunities.
inevitably parents are going to want to get out of the house for a night out so they can relax knowing their kids are taken care of.
You basically just need to make sure the kids are fed, in bed on time and safe—easy.
This is one of those jobs that will be hard to get into. You'll have to build trust with the parents first before they hire you.
However, once you have a good reputation, you might find that people are always asking you to watch their kids—which could be a blessing or a burden!
You'll make an average of $16.87 an hour as a babysitter.
22. Snow Remover
If you live in one of the colder cities in the US you might be able to make some money under the table doing snow removal.
This is a seasonal job for those heavy snowstorm days.
People will generally be willing to pay you $20-$25 an hour to shovel snow.
23. Reseller
A great way to make some quick money under the table is to be a reseller.
Basically, you'll buy things used items online that you believe are undervalued, and try to sell them for a profit.
You can purchase things at places like thrift stores, garage sales, or the Facebook marketplace.
You could try to sell things on eBay, or in person for cash.
24. House Sitter
Another way to make some quick cash is to be a house sitter.
A house sitter is someone who is paid to take care of a house while the owner is away. Typically the owner will be away on a holiday or on business.
You might be able to find some house-sitting gigs on Craigslist or just by asking friends who have upcoming holidays booked.
House sitters generally make $25-$45 a day.
25. Nail Technician
Another way to make money under the table is by becoming a nail technician.
Nail Technicians provide personalized nail services and treatments to clients, including manicures and pedicures.
Nail technicians generally make about $14.24 per hour or $29,622 a year.
26. Music Teacher
Are you skilled at a particular instrument? Then you could make some money under the table by giving music lessons.
You could get a job at a school giving music lessons or simply teach out of your home.
To be successful as a music teacher, you need to create an enjoyable learning environment and be patient.
Music teachers typically make about $43,000 per year.
27. Farmhand
If you love working with your hands and working outdoors you could get a job as a farmhand.
Farmhands make sure that the day to day running of a farm goes as smoothly as possible.
They help the owner of the farm manage the different areas of the farm and are responsible for performing many different tasks throughout a working day.
They work closely with animals of all kinds and operate heavy farming machinery.
Farmhands typically make around $47,000 a year.
28. Car Washer
You won't make much money as a kid washing cars, but it's a good way to make some quick cash without experience.
The only equipment you need to wash cars is a hose, bucket of water and soap, and preferably a chamois cloth to get rid of streak marks.
Simply advertise your services on Facebook groups or look for gigs on Craigslist.
Conclusion on Under the Table Jobs
This was a huge list of the best under the table jobs and I hope you've found a method that is suitable for you.
If you read the whole post, great! If not, feel free to bookmark it so you can come back later.
Also, remember that it is crucial that you report your cash income when you do your taxes!
Okay, so now you know some great jobs that pay under the table, you need to know how to invest your money!
Visit my article exploring how to invest $1000 to get started.
