Top-Paying Under-the-Table Jobs That Pay Cash

Looking for under-the-table jobs?

If you need extra cash, working for pay in cash-only arrangements can be an option. These informal jobs are often paid in cash and can be part-time side hustles or even full-time work.

Keep in mind: while employers or clients may not withhold taxes when paying in cash, you are legally required to report that income and pay any taxes owed in the U.S.

Key Takeaways

Under-the-table work offers flexible, cash-based ways to earn money without formal employment paperwork.
Common fields for cash work include childcare, home maintenance, pet care, and tutoring.
Even if you’re paid in cash, you should report that income to the IRS. Failure to do so can be considered tax evasion.

Best Under-the-Table Jobs

There are many legitimate informal jobs that pay in cash. Below are popular options that many people use to earn extra income.

Common choices include:

Handyman work: Fixing doors, mirrors, or small home repairs—great if you’re handy with tools.
Tutoring: Helping students with school subjects or teaching music if you play an instrument.
Babysitting: Watching kids during evenings or weekends; a classic cash-paying gig.
Landscaping and lawn care: Mowing, trimming, and general yard maintenance for homeowners.
Dog walking and pet sitting: Caring for animals while owners are away or at work.

Read on for the full list and practical details about each job type.

1. Reseller

Resellers buy items at low prices and sell them at a profit. You can source merchandise from garage sales, thrift stores, clearance sales, or online marketplaces, then resell on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or directly to friends and family.

Items that resell well include clothing, electronics, toys, and books. Specializing in categories you know makes it easier to spot good deals. Reselling can be a casual side hustle or grow into a full-time income stream.

2. Childcare

Babysitting remains a popular cash-paying job. Parents often pay well for reliable sitters to watch children for an evening or on weekends. Typical rates vary, and many sitters earn around $20 per hour in many areas.

Simple promotion—posting on local social media or sharing your availability with neighbors—can lead to clients. Make sure to check local regulations and consider certifications like CPR for safety and professionalism.

3. Home and yard maintenance

Home and yard maintenance tasks—lawn mowing, hedge trimming, house cleaning, and garage organization—are in steady demand. Clients often pay cash at the end of the job or on a regular basis.

Outdoor tasks suit people who like being outside; indoor chores appeal to those who prefer working inside. Advertise locally through word of mouth, neighborhood groups, or community boards.

4. Pet groomer

Pet grooming includes bathing, brushing, nail trims, and basic styling. Mobile grooming setups that visit clients’ homes often accept cash payments. If you enjoy working with animals and learn grooming techniques, this can be a fulfilling side business.

5. Pet sitter

Pet sitters care for animals while owners are away—feeding, walking, and spending time to keep pets happy. Pet sitting can be arranged to have pets stay with you or for you to visit the owner’s home. Services are often paid in cash.

House-sitting—watching a home while the owner is away—often overlaps with pet-sitting duties and can also be a cash-paid gig.

6. House cleaning

House cleaners perform tasks like dusting, vacuuming, bathroom cleaning, and laundry. Cleaners may be hired for one-time deep cleans or for recurring visits. Rates commonly range from $25 to $50+ per hour depending on location and the depth of service.

Most cleaners keep costs low by using their own supplies and promote services through social networks, local listings, and referrals.

7. Dog walker

Dog walkers take pets out for daily exercise, often for 30–60 minutes per walk. Walkers can find clients through local ads, community groups, or pet service platforms. Typical pay ranges from $15 to $25 or more per walk, per pet.

8. Snow removal

During winter, snow shoveling and snowblower services are in demand. Jobs can be one-off after a storm or recurring throughout the season. Homeowners usually pay immediately after the job is finished.

9. Makeup artist

Makeup artists apply cosmetics for events like weddings, photo shoots, and special occasions. If you have skill and a strong portfolio, you can offer services locally and often receive cash or direct payment for appointments.

10. House sitting

House sitters check on homes while owners travel, handle mail, water plants, and sometimes stay overnight. These services are often paid directly by homeowners and can be arranged locally or through personal networks.

11. Sell at farmers markets

Farmers markets are good places to sell fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, or jewelry. Many shoppers pay in cash, which makes transactions simple and immediate. Check local rules and permits required for vending before you set up a booth.

12. Have a garage sale

Garage sales let you sell household items you no longer need—clothes, books, toys, furniture—and get paid in cash. Organize items by category, clearly price everything, and promote the sale in local community groups to attract buyers.

13. Tutoring

Tutors help students master subjects like math, reading, test prep, or foreign languages. Rates vary by subject and expertise; many tutors earn $25 or more per hour. Payment can be arranged per session, weekly, or monthly, depending on your agreement with clients.

14. Painter

Painters prepare surfaces and apply paint to walls, exteriors, and other surfaces. This trade often pays well for both small residential jobs and larger projects, and painters frequently accept cash payments from homeowners.

15. Handyman

Handymen handle small repairs—fixing leaks, patching drywall, assembling furniture, and more. Homeowners often prefer a reliable local handyman for quick jobs and may pay in cash for same-day service.

16. Dance instructor

Dance instructors teach styles like ballet, hip-hop, or salsa to students of all ages. If you have formal training or significant experience, offering private lessons or small group classes can be a rewarding way to earn cash.

17. Auto mechanic

Independent mechanics often offer services at lower rates than dealerships and attract customers looking to save money. Work includes oil changes, brake repairs, and general maintenance. Mechanics often advertise locally or on classified sites to find clients.

18. Photographer

Photographers can specialize in portraits, events, or commercial photography. Working independently lets you set rates and accept cash or direct payment from clients for sessions and prints.

19. Sell firewood

Selling firewood can be profitable in regions where wood burning is common. If you source or cut firewood legally and follow local regulations—especially those aimed at preventing pest spread—you can sell by the truckload or bundle and accept cash payments.

20. Junk hauler

Junk haulers remove unwanted items like old furniture and appliances. You’ll need a reliable vehicle and a plan for disposal. Jobs are typically paid at completion, often in cash.

21. Rent out a spare room

Renting a spare room to a long-term tenant or a short-term guest can generate steady extra income. Advertise locally, through social networks, or via rental platforms to find roommates or travelers. Make sure to follow local housing and tax rules when renting space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about cash-based or informal work.

What are under-the-table jobs?

Under-the-table jobs are informal work arrangements where payment is often made in cash and not formally recorded by an employer. These jobs typically lack payroll paperwork, but you are still responsible for reporting and paying taxes on that income.

Is under-the-table work legal?

Receiving cash for work is not illegal by itself, but failing to report income is. Both workers and payers can face penalties if the IRS determines income has been hidden. Always report your earnings and comply with tax laws.

What are the positives of working for cash?

Cash payment gives immediate access to earnings and can be convenient for short gigs. It’s especially common for one-off jobs like babysitting, yard work, or quick repairs. However, the convenience does not remove your obligation to report income for taxes.

What are the risks of working under the table?

Risks include tax consequences if you don’t report income, lack of worker protections and benefits, and challenges proving income for loans or rentals. Without official records, it can be harder to demonstrate consistent earnings.

How can I find under-the-table jobs?

Start by asking friends, neighbors, or family if they need help. Use local community boards, social media groups, classified ads, and neighborhood listings to find cash-paying opportunities.

How do I ask for cash payment?

Be transparent: tell clients you prefer cash and agree on payment terms beforehand. Many small, informal gigs are paid in cash, but remember to keep records and report the income for tax purposes.

How can I find cash-paying jobs on Craigslist?

Use search terms like “cash pay,” “cash,” or “under the table” in the Craigslist listings, especially in local gig or services sections. Exercise caution and vet clients for safety.

Under-the-Table Jobs – Summary

Working for cash can be a fast way to earn money, especially for short-term or flexible gigs. There are many options—from babysitting and pet care to home maintenance, tutoring, and seasonal work like snow removal.

However, weigh the pros and cons. While cash payment offers immediacy, informal work may lack legal protections and benefits. Crucially, you are responsible for reporting all income and paying taxes.

If you choose to pursue under-the-table work, keep records of your earnings, set clear payment terms with clients, and follow local laws and tax obligations. Over time you may prefer more formal employment for stability and benefits, but informal work can be a useful way to supplement income in the short term.

Which of these under-the-table jobs appeals to you most?