The gig economy is here to stay, and it's powered by new apps that let you take work with you wherever you go. The best gig apps like TaskRabbit, Instawork, Qwick, and Thumbtack offer great opportunities to make extra money or even find a full-time job. With flexible hours, competitive payouts, and weekly payments via direct deposit or PayPal, these platforms provide attractive options for people who want to take advantage of the gig economy.
Of all the possible options, DoorDash is probably the most profitable. It's available in more than 5,000 cities, you earn $18-$25/hour, but that can easily reach $150 to $200 with tips.
If your top priority is making extra money, you need to find a dependable way to do so. The best-kept secret is finding the best gig apps that offer steady work. The best apps for finding gigs offer fast payment, so you can get paid the same day instead of waiting a few weeks.
#1 DoorDash
Available in over 5,000 cities, DoorDash is the leading food delivery service in North America. You can use it with Android and IoS devices, and you can start working immediately. After joining DoorDash, you can make deliveries for restaurants and merchants near you. The best part is that you don't need to own a car to work with DoorDash, as you can use a bike or scooter.
On average, you can expect to earn $18 hourly. However, DoorDash says you can earn as much as $25. But depending on your hours, you can earn between $150 and $200 hourly because of tips.
Payment for your work is made weekly and at no extra fee if you sign up for the direct deposit. However, DoorDash offers the opportunity to be paid via bank or PayPal at a cost.
After two weeks on the platform and 25 deliveries, you'll be eligible for the Fast Payment System, which allows you to collect your earnings as often as once daily.
#2 Lime
Lime is a great gig app for those who don't mind being outdoors. Its primary focus is on providing electric scooters and bikes to the public. Lime has a mobile app through which people can access locked rental bikes and scooters.
Along with being at least 18 years you'll also be subject to a background check and have an Android device running on version 4.2 or higher to become a Lime driver.
After your account is approved, your work will involve finding scooters, charging them, and dropping them off at designated locations. In addition to the flexibility this job offers, it's also good for the planet.
For each scooter, you'll earn an average of $5. However, this figure can rise to $12 depending on factors such as demand and location.
Compared to other platforms, Lime is appealing as you can receive payments daily using a debit card. This includes Sundays and holidays.
#3 Wag!
Wag! is a pet-sitting and dog-walking app. It helps connect pet owners with people willing to take care of their pets while away.
If you love pets, this is one of the best gig apps for you. It's available in all U.S. states with a reach of 8,000+ cities. As you can imagine, it won't be hard to find gigs.
Becoming a Wag! Walker is easy. You'll only need to provide your phone number and address and set up a Stripe account along with your legal name and ID.
From there, you'll have to take an easy pet care quiz. It will focus on basic pet care, such as collar/harness safety. Should you pass the test, Wag! will perform a standard background check that'll take up to 5 days and cost you $25.
If your application is successful, you can begin working as a Wag! Walker immediately. The app will notify you when someone needs your services, and then you are free to accept or decline the job.
Depending on the area, you may earn up to $20 for 30 minutes of walking pets. For sitting pets overnight, the pay rises to $25 for each night of sitting. On top of that, Wag! pays its walkers a bonus for each five-star review.
On top of being a same-day pay gig app, clients who are satisfied with your work can book you directly. This allows you to build a client pool that guarantees steady income while gaining more control over your rates.
So, if you love animals and want to make extra cash on the side, this is one of the best apps for finding gigs. Plus, it's a great way to exercise and feel good about helping others with their pet-sitting woes.
#4 Uber
Uber is arguably the pioneer of the gig economy. It's a transportation network company that connects drivers with customers who need rides from points A to B.
To work for this platform, you'll need to be 21 years old or older, own an insured four-door car manufactured after 2000, and have a valid driver’s license.
If you fulfill all the criteria, you'll be subjected to an extensive background check that'll cost $25 and last up to 10 days.
Uber drivers receive about 80% of each fare they transport their customers. The remaining 20% goes to Uber’s platform fees.
In addition, the company rewards its most successful drivers with special bonuses. This includes the Driver Referral Bonus for inviting new drivers to join the platform and loyalty rewards for completing a certain number of trips within the week.
Regardless, if you're looking for something that pays well and requires minimal effort, Uber is one of the best apps to find gigs. With its timely payouts and easy-to-use interface, this platform is excellent for those who want to make extra money.
#5 Fiverr
Fiverr is an online marketplace that allows users to sell their services to customers around the globe. And with a broad reach of over 200 countries, it's arguably one of the best gig apps to make extra money.
On Fiverr, you can offer services like graphic designing, content writing, video editing, copywriting, and many more. Depending on your job type, you can set your rates and make anywhere from $10 to $100+ per gig.
Of course, if you want to make the most money from this platform, it's best to specialize in one or two services. This will allow you to become an expert in your field and charge more for each gig.
On top of that, Fiverr rewards its most successful sellers with bonuses such as higher ranking on the homepage, custom offers, and more.
So, if you have a skill that you'd like to monetize or want an extra source of income, Fiverr is one of the best apps for finding gigs. With numerous opportunities and easy payouts, this platform provides great potential for those looking to make money online.
#6 Instacart
Instawork is an excellent gig app for those looking to find flexible part-time or full-time job opportunities. It covers various industries, including hospitality, retail, event staffing, and more.
Instacart keeps it simple with its signup process, which only requires you to create an account and submit your resume. You can then start applying for jobs that suit your skillset and availability.
The payouts range from $10 to $25+ per hour and are paid weekly via direct deposit or PayPal. You also get access to exclusive job opportunities not available on other gig apps. This makes it one of the best apps for finding gigs.
#7 Upwork
Upwork is a platform freelancers can find clients who are looking for specific services. As long as you have the skills and qualifications to complete a given task, you can get hired and earn money immediately.
To work as an Upwork freelancer, you'll need to create a profile and submit it for approval. The platform will then review your profile to ensure you meet the qualifications for the jobs you're applying for.
Once approved, you can start browsing through the available gigs and send in proposals for those that interest you. Upwork usually pays between $10 and $100+ per hour, depending on your work.
On top of that, Upwork also rewards its most successful freelancers with bonuses such as higher ranking in the search results and more direct job offers.
So, if you're a skilled individual who wants to make money on the side, Upwork is one of the best apps for finding gigs. With its timely payouts and diverse work opportunities, this platform is a great way to monetize your skills.
#8 SitterCity
If you have experience working with children, try finding gigs on SitterCity. This platform connects parents and guardians who need babysitting services with qualified caregivers.
To work as a SitterCity sitter, you'll need to be 18 years old and have good childcare experience. You can expect to make anywhere from $10 to $20+ per hour, depending on your qualifications.
SitterCity also rewards its most successful sitters with bonuses such as a higher ranking in the search results and more direct job offers.
SitterCity is an excellent platform for those looking to make money while working with children. With its easy payouts and flexible hours, this gig app provides great potential for experienced caregivers.
#9 Wonolo
For those looking for even more gig app options, Wonolo is a great option that pays the same day. It covers various industries, including warehouse operations, merchandising, manufacturing, and event staffing.
With Wonolo, you're almost assured of finding gigs whenever you need cash. In addition to the diverse offerings, it's also available in all the major U.S. cities.
To become a Wonoloer, you must download the app, create a profile, and complete the signup process. While submitting a resume isn't necessary, it will give you an advantage.
As you choose jobs, you can filter by location and industry. This makes it easy to find gigs that suit your skillset. Unlike other gig apps, you and your employer can rate the experience of working together. This unique approach allows you to have greater control over your working experience.
Concerning payments, Wonolo pays its workers between $15 and $25 per hour. Furthermore, you can get your earnings as soon as the job is completed.
#10 Skipcart
Skipcart is an on-demand delivery service that offers same-day deliveries. This gig app is great for those who want to make money while doing something they love—driving! As a Skipcart driver, you can earn up to $25+ per hour and get paid weekly via direct deposit.
Similar to other apps, you must sign up, create a profile, and start making deliveries. You'll be able to pick up items from stores or restaurants and deliver them to customers.
Moreover, Skipcart also offers additional bonuses such as higher pay for busy periods or peak hours. This makes it one of the best apps for finding gigs if you're looking for flexible work with above-average pay.
#11 TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit is a great gig app option for those who want to pick up odd jobs and make money on the side. The platform helps connect job-seekers with clients who need help completing tasks around the house or office.
Tasks can range from assembling furniture to cleaning the house, running errands, or painting walls. You're free to choose jobs appropriate for your skillset and availability.
TaskRabbit also offers great payouts ranging from $20 to $50 per hour, which you can collect weekly via direct deposit or PayPal cash out.
All in all, TaskRabbit is a great gig platform that provides flexible work opportunities with attractive payouts.
#12 Instawork
Instawork is an excellent gig app for those looking to find flexible part-time or full-time job opportunities. It covers a wide range of industries, including hospitality, retail, event staffing, and more.
Instawork keeps it simple with its signup process, which only requires you to create an account and submit your resume. You can then start applying for jobs that suit your skillset and availability.
The payouts range from $10 to $25+ per hour and are paid weekly via direct deposit or PayPal. You also get access to exclusive job opportunities not available on other gig apps. This makes it one of the best apps for finding gigs.
#13 Qwick
If you've worked in the hospitality industry or would love to, Qwick is the gig app for you. It connects job seekers with businesses looking to hire servers, hosts, bartenders, and other staff.
Qwick is available in all the major U.S. cities, and you can use it to find weekend and flexible jobs. All you need to do is complete the signup process, upload your resume, and apply for jobs that suit your experience and availability.
The signup process is pretty straightforward. Download the app, create your profile, and share your experience. Even if you don't have much professional experience, there are plenty of entry-level roles that fit your skillset – think dishwashing, general labor, food runner, prep cook, etc.
If you want to join Qwick, you need experience in the field, some relevant certificates, and an internet-connected cell phone. If Instant Pay interests you, setting up a Stripe account is required.
The payout range is between $15 and $25 per hour plus tips, and you can get paid weekly via direct deposit or check.
#14 Thumbtack
If you have skills in different areas, such as painting, plumbing, or even photography, Thumbtack is the perfect gig app for you. Its platform helps you find clients and offers jobs in various categories, such as home improvement, fitness, pet care, photography, and more.
The signup process includes creating an account and providing your work experience/skillset. Once you're done with that part, you can start browsing for job opportunities or wait for potential clients to contact you.
Thumbtack offers flexible job opportunities with great payouts between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on the category. Plus, you can get paid weekly via direct deposit or check.
The Bottom Line
With so many great gig apps available, it's easy to find flexible work opportunities that suit your skillset and availability. These platforms are a great place to start if you want to earn extra income.
Of all the possible options, DoorDash is probably the most profitable. It's available in more than 5,000 cities, you earn $18-$25/hour, but that can easily reach $150 to $200 with tips.
Best Gig Apps FAQs
What are the best gig apps?
The best gig apps include TaskRabbit, Instawork, Qwick, and Thumbtack. These platforms provide flexible work opportunities with attractive payouts.
How do I get paid for gigs on these apps?
Most of these platforms offer weekly payments via direct deposit or PayPal. Some may also provide the option to get paid through check.
Do I need any qualifications or experience for these gig apps?
It depends on the platform and job you're applying for. In general, some platforms require specific certifications, while others are more lenient with their requirements. It's best to read the job description carefully before applying.
Are gig apps a good way to make money?
Yes, gig apps can be a great way to make extra income or find a full-time job. With so many flexible opportunities available on these platforms, there's something for everyone. Plus, you get paid weekly with competitive payouts.
