14 Best Jobs That Pay Cash Under The Table

Whether you’re looking for quick cash or flexible work hours, under-the-table jobs can be an appealing option for supplemental income.

You’ll find plenty of opportunities that don’t require formal employment agreements – from mowing lawns to pet sitting to handcrafting unique items.

While these jobs won’t provide traditional benefits, they offer the freedom to set your own schedule and earn money on your terms.

Let’s explore some promising options that could put extra cash in your pocket today!

1) The Art of Lawn Care Service

When it comes to making quick cash, lawn care services offer one of the most promising opportunities in today’s growing market!

With the average household spending $503 on lawn care annually, you’ll find plenty of potential customers in your neighborhood.

The best part? You don’t need much to get started! Basic mowing, weeding, and maintenance services can turn into a steady cash flow.

Since the industry is super fragmented (no single company dominates), there’s plenty of room for newcomers like you.

Start small with residential clients – they’re growing faster than commercial ones.

Plus, you can expand your services as you gain experience! 🌿

Starting a lawn care business is one of the most profitable home-based ventures you can launch with minimal upfront investment.

2) Snow Removal and Winter Services

As winter blankets neighborhoods in snow, you’ll discover plenty of cash opportunities in the snow removal business!

From shoveling driveways to operating plows, you can earn good money helping people clear winter’s obstacles.

The work is physical but rewarding – just make sure you’re ready for heavy lifting and freezing temps!

❄️ Be the hero who helps neighbors get to work on time!
💪 Turn those winter workouts into cash while staying fit
🌨️ Enjoy the peaceful solitude of early morning snow clearing
🚜 Learn valuable equipment operating skills
💰 Make more money during big storms when demand peaks

3) In-Home House Cleaning

professional residential cleaning services

Quick tips to get started:

Start with friends and neighbors for references
Set competitive rates ($20-25/hour is typical)
Bring your own cleaning supplies
Be reliable and thorough
Ask satisfied clients for referrals

House cleaning is an excellent part-time retirement job that offers flexible hours and steady income potential.

4) Pet Sitting Adventures

Looking after other people’s pets can be one of the most enjoyable ways to earn extra cash!

With the pet-sitting industry growing 11% yearly and most sitters working independently, you’ve got a great opportunity to build your own flexible schedule.

You can earn anywhere from $25 for quick visits to $80 for overnight stays.

This flexible gig is perfect for stay-at-home moms looking to earn while caring for their own families.

🐾 Cuddle with adorable furry friends while getting paid
🏠 Work in cozy homes instead of a stuffy office
💪 Stay active with fun dog walks and playtime
🎯 Set your own hours and choose your clients
💰 Turn your love of animals into steady income

The best part? Most clients pay in cash, and you can start right away!

5) Professional House Sitting

When homeowners jet off on vacation or business trips, you can turn their empty houses into your temporary workspace! House sitting lets you live rent-free while getting paid to care for someone’s property.

Your main duties? Keep the home secure, water plants, collect mail, and look after any pets.

You’ll need to be reliable, good with basic home maintenance, and flexible with your schedule. The best part? Assignments can last from a weekend to several months!

Connect with homeowners through platforms like HouseSitMatch.com or local agencies. Build trust by getting background checks and maintaining solid references.

It’s a win-win arrangement – they get peace of mind, you get free accommodation!

6) Home-Based Babysitting

Parents everywhere need reliable childcare, making home-based babysitting one of the most flexible ways to earn cash!

You’ll have the freedom to set your own schedule, including evenings and weekends when many families need help most. Plus, you can often charge competitive rates while providing personalized care in a cozy home setting.

The best part is you can receive daily cash payments directly from parents after each sitting session.

Why families will love having you as their sitter:

You’ll share their values and cultural preferences 🏠
You’ll prepare healthy meals their kids will actually eat 🥗
You’ll create fun learning activities tailored to each child 📚
You’ll build lasting relationships through one-on-one care ❤️
You’ll provide peace of mind in a safe, familiar environment

7) Street Performance and Music

If you’ve got musical talent or performance skills, street performing (also known as busking) can be an exciting way to earn cash while sharing your art with the world!

The key to successful busking is picking the right spot with high foot traffic and following local rules. Popular areas like tourist spots and busy streets can help you earn more tips! 🎸

To maximize your earnings:

Play familiar, upbeat songs
Take song requests
Add visual elements like costumes
Keep a varied repertoire
Be respectful of other performers

Remember to check your city’s busking regulations before getting started.

With practice and the right location, you can turn your talents into cash!

8) Private Tutoring Services

As more students seek academic support, private tutoring has become an excellent way to earn cash while helping others succeed!

With the market growing rapidly and expected to reach $154.8 billion by 2030, there’s never been a better time to share your knowledge. You can teach in-person or online, focusing on subjects you’re great at.

Consider developing multiple income streams by combining tutoring with other flexible opportunities.

Help a struggling student finally understand math and see their face light up! 🌟
Set your own schedule and rates based on your expertise
Work from home using popular online tutoring platforms
Build meaningful connections while boosting students’ confidence
Watch your students transform from confused to capable!

9) Handyman Repair Work

Three key factors make handyman repair work an excellent choice for earning cash: high demand, flexible scheduling, and diverse income opportunities!

You’ll find endless possibilities to earn money through basic repairs, yard work, and specialized tasks.

The best part? You can start small with simple jobs like mounting TVs or fixing leaky faucets, then work your way up to more skilled services that pay $100+ per hour.

Want to maximize your earnings? Focus on developing specialized skills in plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work.

These services are always in demand, and you can easily pull in $1,000+ daily when you combine multiple high-paying jobs.

10) Event Staff and Catering

Working events and catering gigs offers an excellent way to earn quick cash while enjoying a fast-paced, social environment!

You’ll find plenty of opportunities at festivals, weddings, and corporate events that need extra hands. The best part? Many event companies pay on the spot!

What makes event work exciting:

Meeting new people and creating unforgettable memories 🎉
Flexible schedules that fit your lifestyle
Free food and drinks during shifts (score!)
Learning valuable hospitality skills that’ll help your future career
Quick cash in your pocket – up to $30/hour in some cities!

11) Agricultural Farm Labor

To get started:

Check local farms directly
Visit farmer’s markets to make connections
Ask at nurseries and greenhouses
Network with other farm workers

Be ready to work in all weather conditions! 🚜

12) Personal Assistant Work

Personal assistant work offers a flexible way to earn cash while helping busy professionals manage their daily lives.

You’ll handle tasks like scheduling appointments, running errands, and coordinating travel plans. It’s perfect if you’re organized and enjoy variety in your work!

As work from home opportunities continue to grow through 2025, personal assistant roles are becoming increasingly remote.

Make lasting connections with successful entrepreneurs who can open doors for your future 🤝
Set your own schedule and work when it fits your lifestyle ⏰
Learn valuable skills that can lead to higher-paying opportunities 📈
Get paid to shop, organize, and help make others’ lives easier 🛍️
Build a network of clients through word-of-mouth referrals

13) Yard Work and Landscaping

Service Type	Typical Pay	Difficulty
Lawn Mowing	$30-50/yard	Easy
Pruning	$40-75/hr	Medium
Tree Trimming	$75-150/job	Hard
Leaf Removal	$25-45/hr	Easy

You can start small with basic yard maintenance and work your way up to more specialized services.

The industry’s steady 8.3% growth rate means there’s no shortage of opportunities, especially in states like Florida and California.

Many teens find that landscaping jobs consistently rank among the highest-paying seasonal work opportunities.

14) Handmade Craft Creation

While yard work puts your physical strength to use outdoors, crafting lets you turn your creative talents into cash from the comfort of home!

From sewing custom clothing to making unique jewelry, there are countless ways to earn money with your crafty skills.

You can sell through local markets, online platforms like Etsy, or directly to customers in your community.

Create adorable stuffed animals that bring smiles to children’s faces 🧸
Design one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces that make people feel special ✨
Craft cozy quilts that wrap families in warmth and love 🏠
Make custom t-shirts that help people express themselves 👕
Arrange beautiful flowers that brighten someone’s day 🌸

Get started by choosing a craft you enjoy and marketing your creations!

Consider learning how to flip furniture items by repainting and restoring them for additional income opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Handle Disputes With Clients Over Payment Amounts?

You should review invoices thoroughly, communicate openly with clients, document all discussions, maintain detailed records, and aim for prompt resolution. Stay professional and be willing to negotiate reasonable solutions when appropriate.

What Safety Precautions Should I Take When Meeting New Clients?

Meet in public places, tell someone your location, trust your instincts, and keep your phone handy. Conduct pre-meeting phone screenings and maintain a clear exit route during client meetings.

How Much Should I Set Aside for Self-Employment Taxes?

You’ll need to save about 30% of your earnings for taxes – 15.3% for self-employment tax and additional income tax. Set up a separate savings account and make regular deposits to meet quarterly payment requirements.

What Insurance Coverage Do I Need for These Types of Jobs?

You’ll need health insurance to cover medical costs, liability insurance to protect against lawsuits, disability insurance for income protection, and business insurance if you’re self-employed. Don’t skip these essential safeguards for your protection.

Should I Create a Separate Bank Account for Cash Earnings?

You should create a separate bank account for cash earnings to improve record-keeping and financial organization. It’ll help you track income, manage expenses, and simplify your tax reporting throughout the year.