The 13 Best Cash Jobs in 2026

In today’s economy, even if you’re engaged in a full-time or part-time position, you might be seeking ways to earn extra cash. Cash jobs, often referred to as “under the table” jobs, provide a flexible opportunity to boost your income.

Whether you possess specific skills beyond your current job, have a hobby that can be monetized, or simply want to pursue a passion that brings in additional income, there are numerous opportunities available. Even if you lack specialized skills, you can assist others in your community—whether supporting seniors with chores or tutoring children in subjects like math. This article explores what cash jobs entail and highlights some of the best micro-jobs you can take on to earn extra money.

Key Takeaways:

• The top three cash jobs are babysitter, pet sitter/walker, and house cleaner.

• These roles can take various forms, providing opportunities to generate additional income that can enhance your savings, investment potential, or help you pay off debt faster.

• The best ways to discover cash job opportunities are through social media platforms like Craigslist and Facebook, or simply by reaching out to friends, family, and neighbors.

The 13 Best Cash Jobs

As previously mentioned, numerous cash job opportunities exist. Below is a list of the most popular cash jobs, which could evolve into full-time roles or consistent gigs, providing you with a sustainable income stream.

1. Babysitter

   Average Annual Salary: $30,000

   For those who enjoy working with children or supporting young families, babysitting is an excellent cash job. Many families prefer to pay in cash for childcare services, making this a consistent source of income.

   Babysitting can be a flexible role, available on weekends or as a regular gig while parents work.

   Skills needed:

   • Knowledge of child development
   • Problem-solving abilities
   • First aid and safety skills
   • A genuine love for children
   • Physical stamina
   • Enthusiasm and energy

   Find Babysitter jobs near me

2. House sitter

   Average Annual Salary: $63,000

   House sitting is a great option for those who can provide care for homes while owners travel for work or leisure. Responsibilities typically include collecting mail, packages, and ensuring the home is secure.

   Skills needed:

   • Flexibility
   • Responsibility
   • Trustworthiness
   • Problem-solving skills
   • Excellent customer service
   • Ability to follow instructions

   Find House sitter jobs near me

3. Pet sitter

   Average Annual Salary: $15,000

   For pet owners who travel, pet sitting is a preferred alternative to kenneling. Offering pet care services allows you to earn money while spending time with animals.

   This role typically involves feeding, walking, and caring for pets, sometimes including administering medication or grooming as needed.

   Skills needed:

   • Basic animal behavior knowledge
   • Animal first aid skills
   • Strong communication skills
   • Reliability and dependability
   • Situational awareness

   Find Pet sitter jobs near me

4. Dog walker

   Average Annual Salary: $29,000

   Dog walking is an ideal job for animal lovers who can provide care during the day for busy pet owners. This role can be adapted to your schedule and can easily fit around other commitments.

   Utilizing apps like Rover can help connect you with clients in your area.

   Skills needed:

   • Patience
   • Excellent customer service
   • Physical strength
   • Reliability
   • Basic animal behavior knowledge

   Find Dog walker jobs near me

5. House cleaner

   Average Annual Salary: $26,000

   Many individuals dislike cleaning their homes, making house cleaning a viable cash job. With minimal time commitment, this gig can lead to a steady source of extra income.

   No need to join a professional cleaning service; many people are happy to hire individuals directly.

   Skills needed:

   • Time management
   • Flexibility
   • Attention to detail
   • Strong interpersonal skills
   • Customer service abilities

   Find House cleaner jobs near me

6. Dog groomer

   Average Annual Salary: $31,000

   If you’re comfortable with bathing and grooming, dog grooming can be a fulfilling cash job. Many pet owners appreciate having someone to help with grooming tasks.

   Skills needed:

   • Basic grooming skills
   • Stamina
   • Basic knowledge of animal behavior
   • Excellent customer service
   • Attention to detail

   Find Dog groomer jobs near me

7. Yard worker

   Average Annual Salary: $31,000

   Offering yard work services can be a great cash job for those who enjoy working outdoors. Tasks may include mowing, weeding, and general landscaping.

   Skills needed:

   • Knowledge of gardening techniques
   • Experience with gardening equipment
   • Physical stamina
   • Attention to detail
   • Customer service skills

   Find Yard worker jobs near me

8. Snow removal

   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   In snowy climates, snow removal can be a lucrative cash job. Basic equipment like shovels or snow blowers is all you need to get started.

   For those looking to invest, a plow for a truck can expand service offerings and help those unable to clear snow themselves.

   Skills needed:

   • Physical stamina
   • Ability to operate machinery
   • Safety knowledge

9. Farmers market

   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   Local farmers’ markets can provide cash job opportunities, whether assisting vendors or selling your own products such as homemade goods or crafts.

   Skills needed:

   • Strong customer service skills
   • Effective communication
   • Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments
   • Enthusiasm and integrity
   • Attention to detail

10. Handyman

    Average Annual Salary: $42,000

    If you have skills in home repairs or maintenance, a handyman gig could be a perfect fit. Many people prefer hiring skilled individuals over larger companies.

    Skills needed:

    • Attention to detail
    • Basic knowledge of electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems
    • Problem-solving abilities
    • Customer service skills
    • Safety knowledge

    Find Handyman jobs near me

11. Tutor

    Average Annual Salary: $35,000

    For those skilled in academic subjects or other areas, tutoring can be a rewarding cash job. Parents are often eager to find tutors for their children in subjects like math, reading, or a second language.

    Skills needed:

    • Patience
    • Active listening
    • Effective communication
    • Leadership abilities
    • Time management

    Find Tutor jobs near me

12. Photography

    Average Annual Salary: $36,000

    If photography is your passion, this cash job offers opportunities for family portraits, event photography, and more. While competitive, a local market can yield significant earnings.

    Skills needed:

    • Artistic skills
    • Technical proficiency
    • Ability to work independently
    • Strong communication
    • Attention to detail

    Find Photography jobs near me

13. Designer

    Average Annual Salary: $70,000

    If you have design skills, freelance design work can be highly rewarding. Accessible tools like Canva enable you to create professional designs for clients.

    Skills needed:

    • Creative skills
    • Technical expertise
    • Effective communication
    • Attention to detail
    • Problem-solving abilities

    Find Designer jobs near me

What Is a Cash Job?

Cash jobs, commonly termed as “under the table,” refer to roles where workers receive payment directly in cash, bypassing traditional payroll systems. This means that cash workers are not formally employed by the companies that pay them, often leading to non-reporting of income.

These positions are typically paid in cash, providing a straightforward way to earn money without the complexities of payroll taxes or formal employment records. This can be advantageous for those seeking flexible work arrangements or supplemental income.

These jobs present excellent opportunities to earn extra cash to save for future purchases or to bolster your financial security.

Are Cash Jobs Legal?

The legality of cash jobs is a nuanced topic. While many businesses do engage contractors or employees in cash transactions, they still have a responsibility to report employment taxes. The IRS views “under the table” payments as a form of tax non-compliance.

As a cash worker, you may not have taxes withheld from your earnings, but it remains essential to report these earnings when filing your annual tax return. Consult with a tax professional if you’re uncertain about how to properly report your income.

Maintaining accurate records of your earnings will simplify the reporting process when tax season arrives.

Where to Find Cash Jobs

• Craigslist. Craigslist features job listings that can be filtered to match your preferences, including job type and distance.

• Friends and family. Networking with friends and family can lead to opportunities or even direct employment for tasks they need help with.

• Facebook. Many people post about cash job opportunities in various Facebook groups. Join relevant groups or create a post stating your availability.

• Nextdoor. This neighborhood social network is a fantastic resource for local job opportunities and community support.

Final Thoughts

The cash job landscape offers a range of opportunities to explore based on your skills and interests. With the right approach, these jobs can supplement your income and help you reach financial goals. If you’re looking to add to your savings or fund a significant purchase in the near future, cash jobs provide a viable option to consider.

Author

Caitlin Mazur

Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.