Are you looking for jobs that pay cash only? As a result of the “gig economy,” these types jobs are more popular than ever.
Not only do you get paid instantly and can use the funds right away, they are typically simple, easy to get, and offer flexible hours.
Because of this, if you need to earn some extra money in addition to your full-time job, they are an excellent option.
However, keep in mind that these types of jobs are still considered taxable income. If you have questions regarding taxes, you should hire a tax professional.
With that said, this article will explore 20 legitimate in-person and online jobs that pay cash only and where to find them. Although not all of them will be right for you, there should be several that fit your skill set.
Is it Against the Law to Get Paid Under the Table?
Jobs that pay cash only are not against the law and are actually a large percentage of jobs offered in the U.S. However, there are still laws you need to follow.
Although taxes may not be withheld from your wages if you work under the table, you are still legally obligated to file, report your earnings, and pay taxes.
From a business owner’s perspective, your company still must report employment taxes even if you pay cash for wages.
Again, if you have any questions regarding taxes, you should hire a tax professional.
Local Jobs That Pay Cash Only
Here are several of the best local jobs that may pay cash only instead of direct deposit or check. If you’re unsure, you can always ask during the job interview.
On the other hand, if you’re working for yourself, simply ask your clients to pay you in cash.
1. Babysitter
As long as there are people with children, there will always be a demand for babysitters. Being a babysitter is a great job that pays cash only for people who love children and don’t mind giving up their weekends.
It also isn’t just an excellent job for teens. A job as a babysitter is also a fantastic option for stay-at-home parents and older people who enjoy the company of kids.
2. Handyman
Are you capable of a wide-range of household repairs? If so, offering handyman services is a great way to earn cash only. We all experience things breaking and not all of us can fix them.
As a handyman, you will need expertise in household appliances, electronics, woodworking, etc. Whatever it may be, only accept jobs that involve your expertise. It’s essential you don’t make things worse, as you may be liable for any damage you cause.
3. Housekeeper
Are you a tidy person and always keep your house super cleaning? If you find cleaning to be enjoyable and relaxing, offering services as a housekeeper is a great job that pays cash only.
We all have a kitchen, bathrooms, garages, and other areas we need to keep clean but not all of us have the time. Because of this, there are many people that will pay you to clean their home.
Cleaning may involve basic things vacuuming, doing laundry, dusting, and so on.
4. Pet sitter
Are you not interested in babysitting but are a huge animal lover? Pet sitting may be an excellent job for you that pays cash only.
As a pet sitter, you will keep the pet occupied and lift their spirits while their owners are away. You may also be required to give medication, pay attention to dietary needs, etc.
To find clients, you can let family and friends know that you’re willing to watch their pets while they’re away or you can use a platform like Rover. Rover is a website and app that connects animal parents with loving pet sitters.
5. Gardener
One of the best jobs during the spring and summer that pays cash only is gardening. Considering this, it may be a wonderful option if you know how to take care of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and plants.
As a gardener, you will plant seeds, rake around mulch, water plants, prune, etc. You may even be tasked with setting up pesticide-free gardens in people’s backyards.
To find clients, start with your neighborhood and then expand. You can even advertise your gardening services with ads on Craigslist, flyers, or even your own website.
6. House Sitter
Are you an introvert who enjoys your alone time? House sitting is a great job that pays cash only. As a house sitter, you will be in charge of looking after people’s homes while they’re away on business trips or vacation.
This may include taking out the trash, bringing in mail, maintaining landscapes, and other responsibilities like keeping an eye out for anything out of the ordinary.
To find clients, you can ask people you know if they need someone to watch their home or use a site like Sittercity.
7. Mower
Mowing people’s lawns is a great way to earn cash only and doesn’t require much skill. It’s also a perfect side job for the spring and summer.
However, you will need to make a small investment up front to buy your own lawnmower. You can either buy a push or a self-propelled one. While a self-propelled lawnmower may cost more, keep in mind that it will be easier on your back. This may make it worth the investment.
8. Photographer
Another great job that pays cash only is a photographer. If you have professional photography skills and a good camera, this may be an excellent option.
As a photographer, you will get paid to take pictures of people at weddings, parties, and other events. However, you can also take amazing photos of nature and sell them as stock photography or art on the internet.
To land clients as a photographer, you must have a portfolio. This way, people interested in hiring you can see the quality of your work.
9. Tutor
Are you skilled in an academic subject like math, science, English, or history? If so, you can make cash by offering tutoring services.
Students of all ages need extra help outside of class, so you should easily find clients. Like babysitting, you can ask family and friends if their children need help with school.
However, you can also advertise your tutoring services on a platform like Upwork or Freelancer, allowing you to tutor in-person and online.
10. Snow Remover
While it is seasonal, snow removal is a great job that pays cash only for people who live in colder climates.
You also don’t need anything other than a shovel to get started. However, depending on how many clients you land, you may want to invest in a snow blower.
Depending on how long it takes you to clear each driveway, you should be able to make up to $50 in cash per hour.
11. Construction Laborer
If you don’t mind manual labor and working in the sun, being a construction worker is a great way to make cash only.
While it may be hard work and physically demanding, it’s one of our list’s highest paying cash only jobs.
As a construction laborer, you will assist with various projects, from building houses and offices to repairing or installing in-ground sewer and water systems.
12. Pet Groomer
While this job also involves pets, we have decided to add it separately because it requires a more specific skill set. Most people also don’t have the time to do it themselves.
As a pet groomer, you will provide services like bathing and trimming nails. However, depending on your skills and your equipment, you can also offer services like styling.
13. Painter
Whether it’s a specific room, a fence, or even the entire outside of someone’s house, offering services as a painter is a job where most people are willing to pay you cash.
Some homeowners may even provide you with their own paint, brushes, rollers, and whatever else you will need to get the job done.
Depending on the size of the job, you may be able to make hundred of dollars in cash in a single day.
Online Jobs That Pay Cash
Now that you know the best local jobs that pay cash only, here are a few great online jobs that pay cash only as well.
Being online jobs, most of them will pay cash via PayPal. However, some may also offer payment in the form of visa gift cards, store gift cards, and more.
14. Graphic Designer
If you’re great with computers and have an eye for artistic design, offering graphic design services is a fun side hustle to make some cash on the side. In fact, graphic designers get paid quite well.
As a graphic designer, you will create logos and custom images for websites, greeting cards, signs, t-shirts, reports, etc.
15. Virtual Assistant
Simply put, a virtual assistant is someone who works remotely as an independent contractor.
As a virtual assistant, you will help clients with administrative tasks, such as email management, scheduling appointments, posting on social media, and anything else they need help with.
Virtual assistance is done through the internet, so you can work from home and have many clients at once.
16. Freelance Writer
Do you enjoy writing? If you do, why not get paid for it? As a freelance writer, you will get hired to write guides, articles, ad copy, blog posts, and much more across various topics.
You may be paid per word, per hour, or per gig, and the amount you earn will depend on the quality of your work and your expertise on the topic.
To get started, you can look for freelance writing gigs on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. You can also create your own website and advertise your writing services there.
17. Crafter
If you’re creative and enjoy making things with your hands, selling crafts on Etsy is a great way to make some cash.
Etsy is an online marketplace for buying and selling handmade and vintage items. However, you can also sell your crafts at your local craft fairs.
As a crafter, you can make and sell coasters, jewelry, soap, candles, bath bombs, etc. The options are nearly endless.
18. Typist
Working as a typist is a great way to make cash if you enjoy typing and can type fast. There are also a lot of different jobs you can do. As a typist, you can work as a transcriptionist, data entry clerk, captioner, and even a text chat operator.
To work as a typist, you will need a computer, high-speed internet, headphones, and possibly a foot pedal.
The hours you will work as a typist are super appealing and offer a lot of flexibility and freedom.
19. Website Designer
If you have the right technical expertise, offering web design services may be one of the best freelance jobs you will find that pay cash only.
As a website designer, you will help businesses and individuals customize their sites to their specific wants and needs.
However, you can also create themes for people to purchase, install, and add to their website themselves.
20. Social Media Manager
As more and more businesses go online, having a social media presence becomes that much more critical. However, not every business owner has the expertise or time to do so. This is where you come into the picture.
If you’re an expert with social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and so on, offering social media management services may be an excellent way for you to earn cash only.
Where to Find Jobs That Pay Cash Only
Noe that you know the best jobs that pay cash only, where exactly can you find them? Thanks to the internet, it’s easier than ever, and there are several sites you can use.
With that said, here are a few of the best:
Job Sites
While this may seem self-evident, job-specific websites are one of the best ways to find jobs that pay cash only. For example, TaskRabbit.com is an excellent website to find handyman jobs in your local area.
With that said, here are several other job-specific websites worth checking out:
- Rover.com: Pet sitting jobs that pay cash only
- Care.com: Babysitting jobs that pay cash only
- Tutor.com: Tutoring gigs that pay cash only
- Indeed.com: Different types of jobs that pay cash only
- Upwork.com: Freelance gigs that pay cash only
While not every job you find on these websites will pay cash only, you can usually tell which ones do by looking at the listing. You can also ask during the interview.
Facebook groups are one of the best ways to find jobs that pay cash only. Simply join active groups tailored to your local area that regularly post job listings. To find these groups, search for (your city) + hiring now.
Once you join a group, make sure you respond as quickly as possible to job offers. This way, you’ll be more likely to be chosen if it’s a popular group.
However, not every job offer will fit your skills, so finding a match may take a few days.
Craigslist
Like Facebook groups, Craigslist is also a great site to find gigs that pay cash only in your local area.
Once you’re on the Craigslist website and have enabled your location, visit the “gigs” section to find jobs that pay cash only. The jobs you will find range from labor to writing.
Just always be cautious, as you most likely will come across scams from time to time.
Family, Friends, and Neighbors
Lastly, you can always ask your family, friends, or neighbors if they or someone they know needs help.
Whether it’s babysitting, yard work, house cleaning, or anything else, someone you know may be willing to pay you cash for helping out.
This is one of my favorite options because it’s always someone you can trust and you know they won’t scam you.
Disclaimer
While what you do is ultimately up to you, you must understand the potential charges that could be brought against you if you fail to pay taxes. Tax evasion is illegal and is a severe crime.
If you get paid in cash, taxes may not be withheld from your wages. However, how you decide to handle these cash transactions is your responsibility. Even if your employer pays you under the table, you should still report your earnings, file, and pay taxes.
With that said, we are not liable for any choices you make.
Jobs That Pay Cash FAQs
Here are a few frequently asked questions about jobs that pay cash only:
How Do You File Taxes if You Get Paid Under the Table?
If you get paid under the table, you should use IRS Form 1040 to file your taxes. However, if the income you earned wasn’t reported to your employer, cash tips, for example, then you need to report these earnings using IRS form 4137.
If you’re still unsure how to file your taxes, you should consult a tax professional or refer to the Internal Revenue Service’s website.
How Much Money Can You Make Without Reporting to IRS?
According to the Internal Revenue Service, you are required by federal law to report cash transactions of more than $10,000.
This includes $10,000 you receive in one lump sum, two or more related payments within a day, part of a single transaction within a year, or part of two or more related transactions within 12 months.
In other words, if you receive $10,000 or more in cash transactions within 12 months, you’re required to report it to the IRS.
How Can I Prove My Income if I Get Paid Cash?
One of the most challenging parts about getting paid in cash is proving its income. It’s also difficult to prove which cash isn’t.
To prove cash is income, you should always log your earnings, store invoices, keep letters from those who pay you, and most importantly, be ready to provide tax statements.
On the other hand, to prove which cash isn’t income, keep letters from people who gifted you cash and other letters/receipts from things like casino winnings, lottery winnings, etc.
If you received an inheritance, you should also store any documents you received from your attorney.
The more information you can provide, the easier it will be to prove which cash is income and which cash isn’t.
Final Thoughts on Jobs That Pay Cash
Whether it’s in addition to your full-time job or just one of your ways to make extra money, jobs that pay cash only have some real advantages, like getting paid the same day.
However, keep in mind that jobs that pay cash only usually pay less than jobs that pay by check and require you to be on your employer’s payroll.
You’re also still required by federal law to pay taxes even if you have a job that pays cash only.
With that said, don’t allow these types of jobs to prevent you from pursuing a career that will most likely pay you more.
Besides, many employers offer direct deposit nowadays, which is arguably more convenient than cold, hard cash.
