16 Best Under the Table Jobs That Pay Cash Fast

Looking for ways to make extra cash without waiting weeks for a paycheck? Under the table jobs can be the perfect solution. These cash-paying jobs are flexible, simple to start, and often don’t require a long hiring process. They’re also called off-the-books jobs because the payments usually come in cash rather than going through formal payroll systems.

Many people turn to under the table jobs to cover bills, pay off debt, or save for something important. Whether you’re a student, a stay-at-home parent, or just someone who wants extra cash, these jobs can give you a reliable side income. But before jumping in, it’s important to know both the benefits and risks.

Key Takeaways

Under the table jobs offer flexible ways to earn fast cash.
Many can be done part-time, freelance, or on weekends.
Popular choices include pet care, house cleaning, tutoring, and manual labor.
Some creative and event-based jobs also pay in cash.
It’s important to know the risks and legal implications of off-the-books work.

What Are Under the Table Jobs?

Under the table jobs, also called off-the-books work, are paid in cash instead of through formal payroll systems. While they provide quick income and flexibility, they also come with downsides such as lack of benefits, no job security, and potential tax issues.

Still, many people prefer these jobs because they can be started immediately, require little experience, and give freedom to set your own hours.

Why Choose Under the Table Jobs?

Immediate Payment – Most cash-paying jobs pay the same day.
Flexibility – You set your own schedule.
Variety – From babysitting to landscaping, there are endless opportunities.

However, there are also downsides. Since these jobs are not always officially recorded, you may miss out on benefits like health insurance, job security, or retirement contributions. There can also be tax implications. Still, for many people, the flexibility and instant cash are worth it.

1. House Cleaning Services for Quick Cash

House cleaning is one of the most popular under the table jobs because it requires little to no formal training. Many homeowners prefer paying cleaners in cash for flexible, part-time help. Depending on the area and size of the home, you can earn anywhere from $15–$30 per hour, making this a reliable source of immediate income.

How to Get Started

Visit local pizza shops, Chinese takeouts, or small restaurants and ask if they need delivery staff.
Highlight availability during peak times like evenings and weekends.
Keep your own delivery bag for professionalism.
Be reliable to secure repeat shifts.

Pros of House Cleaning Jobs

Immediate cash payment after each job
Low start-up cost (basic cleaning supplies)
High demand in almost every neighborhood
Flexible hours work weekdays, evenings, or weekends

Cons of House Cleaning Jobs

Physically demanding and tiring work
Income depends on finding consistent clients
No health insurance or job benefits since it’s off the books
Some clients may cancel last minute

Tips

Ask happy clients for referrals
Advertise with flyers in your local community
Post on Facebook Marketplace or neighborhood groups
Offer discounts for first-time clients to build trust

2. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Jobs in Your Neighborhood

If you love animals, pet sitting and dog walking are excellent cash jobs. Dog walkers typically earn $15–$25 for a 30-minute walk, and pet sitters can make $30–$60 per day just by checking in, feeding, and playing with pets.

How to Get Started:

Walk into family-owned restaurants, diners, and bars asking for weekend or event shifts.
Emphasize prior experience or customer service skills.
Focus on busy times (Friday and Saturday nights).
Be polite and reliable managers love dependable workers.

Pros

Great for animal lovers
Flexible hours, especially mornings and evenings
Easy to start with little upfront cost

Cons

Work depends on pet owners’ schedules
Requires reliability and trust
Can be physically demanding if handling large dogs

Tips

Join community groups to advertise your services
Offer package deals (e.g., 10 walks at a discount)
Take photos of pets and send updates to build trust

This job is flexible and easy to start. Simply post flyers in your neighborhood or advertise on local Facebook groups.

3. Lawn Care and Garden Maintenance Work

Lawn mowing, trimming hedges, and general yard work are always in demand. Many homeowners prefer to pay cash for quick jobs. Rates vary, but most people charge $25–$50 per yard depending on the size.

How to Get Started:

Offer lawn mowing, trimming, and seasonal clean-up.
Print flyers and distribute them in your neighborhood.
Offer package deals for weekly or bi-weekly services.

Pros

High demand in spring and summer
Easy to scale up with more tools
Cash payment right after work

Cons

Seasonal — income may drop in winter
Requires physical labor and equipment
Dependent on weather conditions

Tips

Offer package deals for regular lawn maintenance
Knock on doors in your neighborhood
Start with basic tools, then expand as income grows

You’ll need basic tools like a mower, rake, and shears. If you don’t have them, some clients may let you use theirs.

4. Babysitting and Childcare Paid in Cash

Babysitting is one of the oldest under-the-table jobs. Parents often prefer paying cash for last-minute or weekend childcare. Hourly rates can range from $12–$20, depending on experience.

How to Get Started:

Offer services to family and neighbors first.
Create a reputation for punctuality and reliability.
Take a CPR or first-aid course to stand out.
Ask parents for word-of-mouth referrals.

Pros

Steady demand, especially evenings and weekends
Can earn extra for overnight stays
Builds strong, long-term client relationships

Cons

Requires patience and responsibility
Limited to when parents need you
Some families may require background checks

Tips

Build trust with parents through clear communication
Offer babysitting services to family friends first
Highlight CPR or first-aid certification if you have it

If you have experience with kids, this is an easy way to earn extra money. Offering services on weekends or evenings is especially in demand.

5. Handyman and Repair Work

If you’re good with tools, handyman jobs are a fantastic way to earn cash. Tasks include fixing leaky faucets, painting, assembling furniture, or small home repairs.

How to Get Started:

Advertise as a local handyman in your neighborhood.
Offer services like furniture assembly, faucet repairs, or painting.
Keep affordable pricing to attract first clients.
Build trust with honest, reliable work.

Pros

Can charge higher rates for skilled work
Flexible scheduling
High demand in almost every area

Cons

May require specific tools
Liability risk if mistakes happen
Income depends on consistent clients

Tips

Start with simple jobs like furniture assembly
Ask friends and family for referrals
Post services on local community boards

You can charge $20–$50 per hour, depending on the job complexity. Handyman work is often paid the same day.

6. Food Delivery and Takeaway Cash Jobs

Food delivery is one of the easiest ways to earn cash on a daily or weekly basis. While big companies like Uber Eats or DoorDash usually pay digitally, many small restaurants, pizzerias, and takeaways still pay cash to drivers. On average, a delivery driver can make $10 to $20 per hour plus tips, depending on location and demand.

How to Get Started:

Visit small restaurants and ask about delivery shifts.
Focus on evenings and weekends when demand is highest.
Keep a delivery bag to stay professional.
Be punctual for better tips and repeat shifts.

Pros

Flexible schedule, especially evenings and weekends
Cash tips can significantly increase earnings
Regular work available in busy areas

Cons

Requires a car, bike, or scooter
Gas and maintenance costs reduce profits
Can be stressful during rush hours

Tips

Deliver in areas with lots of student housing or offices
Focus on weekends and peak meal times for higher income
Be polite and efficient to earn better tips

7. Restaurant Roles Like Waiting Tables and Bartending

Restaurants, diners, and bars often pay servers and bartenders cash tips daily. Waitstaff typically make $100 to $200 in tips per night in busy locations, while bartenders can make $200 to $400 on weekends in upscale bars. These jobs are fast-paced and social, making them ideal for people with strong communication skills.

How to Get Started:

Walk into family-owned restaurants and ask for work.
Highlight any customer service or prior experience.
Be available on busy nights (Friday and Saturday).
Keep a friendly personality for better tips.

Pros

Daily cash tips, sometimes higher than hourly wage
Great for outgoing and social personalities
High earning potential in popular restaurants and bars

Cons

Late-night and weekend shifts required
Physically demanding (standing, carrying trays, cleaning)
Income varies depending on customer traffic

Tips

Choose busy venues with high customer turnover
Always provide excellent service to maximize tips
Learn cocktail basics if bartending

8. Freelance Creative Work like Photography and Art

If you have creative talent, freelance work like photography, painting, or custom art can bring in cash. Event photographers earn $100 to $500 per event, while portrait artists or painters can charge $50 to $200 per piece depending on skill and demand.

How to Get Started:

Offer services for small events like birthdays or weddings.
Build a small portfolio on social media.
Create flyers to advertise locally.
Upsell prints or extra services.

Pros

Showcase creativity while earning
Flexible projects and schedules
High earning potential if skilled

Cons

Requires tools (camera, paints, editing software)
Finding clients can take time
Unpredictable income stream

Tips

Start by offering services to family, friends, or local events
Build a small portfolio on social media
Offer seasonal services (holiday portraits, wedding art)

9. Cash-Paying Event Jobs like Party Help and Catering

Event-based work is a great way to earn fast money. Common roles include setting up venues, serving food, or helping caterers. Event workers usually earn $15 to $25 per hour, and can make $100 to $200 per night, often paid immediately after the event.

How to Get Started:

Ask catering companies for weekend shifts.
Offer to help with setup or clean-up.
Stay connected with event planners for future gigs.
Show reliability to secure steady calls.

Pros

Flexible, occasional work
Paid same day in most cases
Fun and social work environment

Cons

Physically tiring (lifting, serving, cleaning)
Mostly weekend and night work
Not steady, depends on event season

Tips

Partner with local catering companies for repeat gigs
Always arrive early and dress appropriately
Network with event planners for future opportunities

10. Manual Labor Jobs Including Moving and Construction

Manual labor jobs like moving furniture, basic construction, or yard work often pay cash. Movers can make $15 to $30 per hour, while small construction or handyman jobs can bring in $100 to $300 per project.

How to Get Started:

Offer moving or lifting services on local boards.
Have gloves, tools, and basic safety gear.
Start with small projects for word-of-mouth referrals.
Be dependable to get repeat work.

Pros

High demand year-round
Quick payment, often same day
No formal qualifications needed

Cons

Physically demanding
Requires strength and stamina
Seasonal demand in some areas

Tips

Advertise in local communities and marketplaces
Carry basic tools for handyman jobs
Be reliable and professional to get referrals

11. Hairdressing, Makeup, and Personal Care Services

If you’re skilled in beauty services, cash jobs are common. Hairdressers working from home or as freelancers can charge $30 to $80 per haircut, while makeup artists earn $50 to $200 per session, especially for weddings or events.

How to Get Started:

Offer services from home or visit clients.
Promote through social media with photos.
Provide first-time discounts.
Keep tools hygienic and professional.

Pros

High demand for personal care
Flexible work hours
Can build repeat clientele

Cons

Requires skill and sometimes certification
Supplies and tools can be costly
Competition is high in cities

Tips

Offer discounts for first-time clients
Focus on special events (weddings, prom, parties)
Build trust with clients to get repeat business.

12. Seasonal Cash Jobs Such as Holiday Help and Festivals

Seasonal jobs provide a chance to earn quick cash during busy times. During the holidays, many stores hire temporary workers who sometimes get paid in cash. Festival workers and market helpers usually earn $12 to $25 per hour, or $100 to $300 per event.

How to Get Started:

Approach malls, vendors, or festival organizers.
Offer availability during evenings and weekends.
Network with vendors for more gigs.
Show up on time for repeat opportunities.

Pros

Short-term and flexible
Lots of opportunities around holidays
Fun, festive atmosphere

Cons

Work is temporary
Physically exhausting during festivals
Not reliable long-term income

Tips

Apply early before the season starts
Work multiple events for higher total earnings
Focus on holiday markets and fairs where cash is common

13. Garage Sales and Local Flea Market Selling

Selling old items or handmade goods at flea markets is a simple way to make under-the-table income. Sellers can make $50 to $500 in a single day, depending on the items and crowd.

How to Get Started:

Collect unused items from your home.
Set up a garage sale with clear signs.
Rent a flea market stall for bigger sales.
Offer bundle deals to increase transactions.

Pros

Turn unused items into cash
Flexible, choose when to sell
Fun community interaction

Cons

Earnings depend on what you have to sell
Requires transportation and setup
Sales can be unpredictable

Tips

Focus on popular flea markets or community events
Offer deals for multiple purchases
Display items neatly to attract buyers

14. Cash-Paying Farm and Agricultural Jobs

Farms often hire workers for seasonal tasks like fruit picking, planting, or harvesting. Pay usually ranges from $10 to $20 per hour, or by weight of produce picked. A worker can make $100 to $150 per day, often paid in cash.

How to Get Started:

Visit local farms directly and ask for work.
Look for “help wanted” signs during harvest season.
Be ready for long hours.
Network with other farmhands.

Pros

Simple work, no experience needed
Paid daily or weekly
Opportunity to work outdoors

Cons

Very physically demanding
Seasonal, not year-round
Sometimes remote locations

Tips

Apply directly to local farms before harvest season
Bring gloves and water to stay comfortable
Work in groups to stay motivated

15. Earning from Odd Jobs and Daily Task Services

Odd jobs like lawn mowing, babysitting, dog walking, or small repairs are classic under-the-table cash jobs. These can pay $15 to $25 per hour, or $50 to $100 per job depending on the task.

How to Get Started:

Offer your services on Facebook or local bulletin boards.
Advertise as “no job too small.”
Always deliver good work for repeat clients.
Ask satisfied clients for referrals.

Pros

Wide range of work options
Paid immediately in most cases
Flexible and easy to start

Cons

Inconsistent availability
Earnings vary widely
Often physical or time-consuming

Tips

Advertise on community bulletin boards
Offer package deals (weekly lawn mowing, pet care bundles)
Build trust to get repeat clients

Websites like Craigslist or local classifieds are great for finding cash-paying gigs. Many people pay $50–$100 for small tasks.

16. Participating in Online Surveys and Quick Gigs for Cash

While not as profitable as physical jobs, online surveys and small online gigs still offer easy cash. On average, surveys pay $1 to $5 each, while micro-tasks can bring $20 to $50 a week with regular effort.

How to Get Started:

Sign up for trusted survey websites.
Avoid platforms asking for upfront fees.
Spend daily free time completing tasks.
Join multiple sites for higher payouts.

Pros

Work from anywhere, even at home
Very easy to start
Good for filling spare time

Cons

Low pay compared to other jobs
Can be repetitive and boring
Requires a lot of time for small earnings

Tips

Use multiple survey platforms to maximize income
Do short surveys during free time
Avoid scam websites stick to trusted platforms

This is ideal for those who want low-effort, flexible cash gigs.

Conclusion

Under-the-table jobs are one of the fastest and most flexible ways to earn extra income without going through long hiring processes or waiting weeks for a paycheck. Whether you’re cleaning homes, babysitting, walking dogs, or even doing seasonal work at a festival, these jobs give you immediate cash in hand.

While the earnings can be solid anywhere from $12 an hour babysitting to $300+ a night bartending it’s important to remember the trade-offs. Most of these jobs don’t come with benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, and the work can sometimes be inconsistent. Still, for students, stay-at-home parents, or anyone looking for side cash, these gigs can provide quick financial relief and even lead to steady repeat clients.

FAQs

1. Are under-the-table jobs legal?
Not always. Many of these jobs operate outside formal payroll systems, which can create tax or legal concerns. While the work itself (like babysitting, cleaning, or tutoring) is legal, getting paid off the books may create issues if not reported.

2. How much can I realistically earn?
Earnings vary widely. For example, babysitting can pay $12–$20 per hour, while bartenders in busy locations can make $200–$400 a night. Seasonal jobs or odd jobs may pay $50–$150 per day. With steady clients, it’s possible to earn a few hundred to over a thousand dollars per month.

3. Do I need experience to start?
Not always. Many jobs like lawn care, pet sitting, and odd jobs don’t require experience — just reliability and trustworthiness. Others, like handyman work or beauty services, may require specific skills or tools.

4. How can I find clients?
Start with your personal network — family, friends, and neighbors. Post flyers in your community, advertise in local Facebook groups, or offer discounts to first-time clients. Building trust and delivering quality work is the fastest way to get repeat business.

5. What are the biggest downsides of cash jobs?
The main disadvantages are:

No health or retirement benefits
Inconsistent income
Physically demanding in some cases
Possible tax or legal risks if earnings aren’t reported

6. Can these jobs become full-time income?
Yes, but it depends. Some people scale house cleaning, landscaping, or beauty services into full-time businesses. Others use these jobs mainly as side hustles for extra income. If you stay reliable and build a strong client base, turning them into steady work is possible.

7. How do I avoid scams with online gigs or surveys?
Stick to trusted platforms, avoid any site asking for upfront fees, and look for reviews before signing up. Legit survey and gig platforms never charge you to join.