In this era of digitalization, job seekers are no longer finding jobs in newspaper ads. Most job seekers are now applying for jobs on online platforms such as gig economy apps. Current gig economy statistics indicate that this is the future of the job market. According to a study done by Gallup, 36% of US workers are gig workers.
This comes up to around 57 million Americans. According to Forbes, this independent workforce contributes about $1.3 trillion to the US economy with an average pay for a designer at $195.
Besides the fact that you are likely to earn more money through gig apps, working in the gig economy comes with many more advantages. Numerous gig work apps let you work anywhere.
Work from home gigs allow you to pursue other interests and take care of the family without having to clock in and out.
The gig economy jobs allow you to decide how much you want to earn at the end of the month. Gig workers get paid to complete short tasks and can decide how many gigs jobs they can complete within a specified time based on their schedules.
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But what is gig work?
The gig economy comprises of three participants:
- The consumer requesting for goods or needs a service accomplished.
- The gig worker who will provide the service or goods.
- The gig economy platforms that connect the consumer and the gig worker.
The gig economy offers numerous ways on how to make money with gig work. Here are some examples of gig jobs you are likely to find online:
- Home tutor
- Graphic designer
- Web developers
- In-home nurse
- Photographer, among others.
So how long do gig workers work? Well, this is dependent on the gig worker.
While some of the gig apps pay you upon completing a task, some gig jobs will pay you based on the hours worked on the job.
There are numerous apps for gig work available today and where one is not meeting your needs, you can simply move on to the next one and make money with gigs.
How the gig economy works
The gig economy is a free market place where organizations hire independent workers for short term commitments. The gig workforce has grown tremendously due to the need for work hours flexibility and convenience of the digital generation.
There are numerous apps for gig work that you can use to make money in the gig economy today.
To come up with the best gig apps to work with, here are a few factors that you need to put into consideration:
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Expected payout
Of course, you are in this for the money. With so many gig work apps online, I analyzed the apps based on the expected amount you are likely to earn at the end of the day, having paid your expenses. Some apps pay well but have huge costs attached to them.
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Customer support
You want to work with an app with a good support network. Having your calls answered or emails ignored can negatively impact on your productivity and customer experience.
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Apps with minimal or no bugs
An app with bugs can be really frustrating! You honestly don't want to keep calling support now and then to resolve bugs on their app
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Availability of gig jobs
While some gig work apps pay really well, you could wait all day before you get a job. You are likely to earn more from an app that has plenty of tasks to accomplish with lesser pay.
Best Gig Apps to Make Money
Here are some of the best gig work sites available online.
Making it to the top of the list is:
1. Doordash app
Based on my review, Doordash is considerably the best app in the gig economy.
Gig workers using Doordash retain 100% of the delivery fee as well as tips earned. A Dasher also earns from the percentage charge on every order delivered.
After a customer makes a request on the partner restaurants on the app, the request is sent to any of the dashers who pick the request and deliver it.
They, however, bear the costs of the transaction such as gas, tax, or phone charges.
Hourly Pay | Tip % | Delivery Volume | Next Steps | |
---|---|---|---|---|
$10-$14/hour | 100% | Excellent | SIGN UP | Read Review |
Pros of the Doordash app
- Work flexibility
Taking gig jobs from this app gives you the flexibility of time. You can clock in anytime and clock out when you feel you need to take a midday nap. This will go along way in maintaining work-life balance. You do not have to feel the pressure of staying away from your little ones.
- Decent pay
Doordash is a good starting point for job seekers. While the pay may not be extravagant, a dasher can earn a decent pay based on the work input.
- Easier registration
While other gig apps will require car inspection and restrictions, Doordash only requires you to register and start earning.
Cons of the Doordash app
- Difficulty in finding gig jobs
Unlike other gig work apps, how often you get jobs on the Doordash is dependent on your geographical location. If you are near some of the busy restaurants, you are likely to get more gig jobs as opposed to someone far away from them.
- Sometimes you will have to walk.
Doordash requests can come from clients in inaccessible areas or apartments. This requires you to walk to these areas.
2. Survey Junkie
This platform has over 20 million members and is one of the most popular survey platforms. This site collects market research for various brands through its army of survey takers.
Survey Junkie is one of the gig apps that let you work anywhere.
Whether it's on the bus stop or your ride home from school or work, you can make money from gigs jobs on this app and earn your fare home!
By responding to as many surveys as possible, you can earn reward points that are later redeemed for cash.
Earn Per Activity | Payment Method | Min To Cash Out |
Next Steps | |
---|---|---|---|---|
$1 - $40 | PayPal & Gift Cards | $5 | SIGN UP | Read Full Review |
Pros of the Survey Junkie app
- Ease of use
This app is extremely easy to use and has a simple and clean design. Even if you are not technology savvy, it is easy to create a profile and start earning immediately.
- Ease of translating points to cash
While many survey sites offer gifts as a reward for surveys taken, Survey Junkie has an option that translates point to cash through PayPal.
Cons of the Survey Junkie app
- Users often complain of their accounts being randomly closed.
- You are sometimes invited to take surveys that you do not qualify for.
3. LifePoints
This is an online survey site where like-minded people share their views and earn rewards while their views and opinions are used to make big brand decisions.
How does earning from watching your favorite movie or visiting your favorite hotel sound? The Lifepoints panel app allows you to earn money for living your life.
By giving your views on these products or experiences, you earn reward points that can later be converted into cash.
Earn Per Activity | Payment Method | Min To Cash Out |
Next Steps | |
---|---|---|---|---|
$0.6 - $1 | Lifepoints pays in PayPal | $20 | CLAIM BONUS | Read Full Review |
Pros of the Lifepoints app
- Great rewards option
Lifepoints allows you to redeem your points for gift cards or through cash on PayPal.
- Work reward balance
Earnings are paid based on the length of the survey. Longer surveys pay more as compared to short surveys.
Cons of the Lifepoints app
- Poor customer service
App users complained of not receiving support when faced with challenges.
4. Shipt
This app allows customers to make orders of all their shopping needs. These requests are then transferred to you for fulfillment.
As a curated marketplace for retailers, Shipt gives its customers convenience shopping, thus receiving many orders.
Finding gig work on this app is easy as there are numerous requests for various products.
Hourly Pay | Tip % | Delivery Volume | Next Steps | |
---|---|---|---|---|
$10-$14/hour | 100% | Fair | GET STARTED | Read Full Review |
Pros of the Shipt app
- Products are reasonably priced hence attracting many shoppers.
- Ease of communication with shoppers.
- You are to set a work schedule that is convenient for you.
Cons of the Shipt app
- The app sometimes experiences glitches.
5. InboxDollars
How about earning some cash from playing games and watching your favorite games? Sounds great?
Well, the InboxDollars app allows you to get paid to complete gigs such as playing games, answering surveys, and reading promotional materials.
This app has the advantage of being a cash-only app compared to other gig economy apps that offer reward points.
Earn Per Activity | Payment Method | Min To Cash Out |
Next Steps | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Up to $5 | Cash & Gift Cards | $30 | CLAIM BONUS | Read Full Review |
Pros of the InboxDollars app
- Inboxdollars has a ton of options for earning extra cash.
- The app offers great gift card choices.
Cons of the Inboxdollars app
- Some surveys are very long and take a long time to complete with a low payout.
6. Fiverr
Fiverr is similar to other gig economy apps such as Craigslist or Upwork. This app allows you to utilize your professional skills and get jobs from independent contractors.
Some of the gig jobs available on this app include graphic design, digital marketing, video, and animation, among others. The sky is the limit as to how much you can earn from this app. So go ahead, sharpen your skills as you make money.
Pros of the Fiverr app
- There are numerous gig jobs based on your skills that ay well.
- User friendly.
Cons of the Fiverr app
- Some jobs offer very poor rates, not commensurate with the amount of work put in.
7. Instacart
Instacart is a grocery delivery app that pairs customers with personal shoppers. Requests received from grocery shoppers are transferred to you for fulfillment and delivered to their doors.
You can make more money by focusing on the busier shifts. The amount earned is computed based on the orders per shift and items ordered.
Hourly Pay | Tip % | Delivery Volume | Next Steps | |
---|---|---|---|---|
$10-$14/hour | 100% (Check Policy) | Decent | BECOME A SHOPPER |
Pros of the Instacart app
- Flexible working hours.
- The app is extremely user friendly.
Cons of the Instacart app
- You pay your own parking fees and gas.
8. Rover
The Rover app allows you to make money with gigs pet services like dog walking. For those looking for a unique side hustle, this is the app for you. Some of the gig jobs available on this app include pet walkers services, pet sitters services, or pet feeders jobs.
For these jobs, you have to go through a background check. You will equally have to carry your pet supplies, including poop bags, crates, toys, or leashes.
Pros of the Rover app
- Fulfilling and allows you to earn while exercising.
- Pet lovers can do what they love as they earn money from it.
- You are your boss and can work at your own convenient time.
Cons of the Rover app
- Bad experiences with clients. Pet owners sometimes profile those offering pet services.
9. Dabbl
This app allows you to take short surveys, watch videos, and complete small tasks to earn reward points. This, of course, gives you the confidence to earn money whenever and wherever you are.
Think about taking a survey while watching tv or completing that puzzle while waiting in line at the bus stop. Sounds like fun? Then this is the app for you.
If you like what you are hearing, read this full Dabbl app review.
Pros of the Dabbl app
- Ease of use and mobile app friendly.
- Earn more by making referrals to friends.
Cons of the Dabbl app
- Users reported UI bugs.
- Not as big or reliable as other short task sites.
10. HyreCar
This app offers rental cars on demand, food delivery services, or delivery on corporate companies' demand. The app markets your car rental to Lyft drivers or uber.
Your car is, however, at risk and should have adequate insurance. This app requires that drivers should be over 21 years and sign a legally binding contract.
Pros of the Hyrecar app
- Your car rents fast and for a long time. You can start earning money immediately.
Cons of the Hyrecar app
- Your vehicle can wear down fast.
- Their insurance policy is limited.
See this full HyreCar review if you'd like to learn more.
11. Lyft
This app provides ridesharing services. Lyft requests for riders are then transferred to registered drivers. Do not worry if you don't own a car or don't want to use your own. The company can lease their vehicles to you.
This is a great place to work as you get a work-life balance. The company is based on the value of professionalism. Lyft focuses heavily on developing its drivers both personally and professionally.
Pros of the Lyft app
- Work flexibility and autonomy.
- Work fulfillment based on Lyft's commitment to professionalism.
Cons of the Lyft app
- Some users complained about poor pay from the trips taken.
12. Uber
How about getting on to the driver's seat and getting paid for it? This platform has the largest network of riders. Just have your app on, and you can be sure you go home with some well-earned money.
Uber has since expanded its operations to include deliveries. This app has the advantage of being available in almost all cities. You equally have the opportunity to see areas that have a surge of riders.
Pros of the Uber app
- Flexible work schedule and autonomy.
- Plenty of available jobs.
- Extremely well-known app.
Cons of the Uber app
- Wear and tear on your vehicle.
- Poor pay for long distances traveled.
See Related: Top Uber Alternatives to Earn Cash
13. Uber Eats
This app receives food orders requests for its partner restaurants. Their drivers fulfill the requests. As a driver, you can make more money by scheduling your trips during pick hours.
It is considered one of the greatest apps to make money due to its numerous requests. You can take on these jobs after your regular job working hours and make some extra cash.
Sign up for UberEats today and have control over how and when you make money.
Pros of the Uber Eats
- Flexible working hours.
- A great side hustle for salaried employees.
Cons of the Uber Eats app
- You don't get paid by the hour.
14. Grubhub
Here is all you need to start earning on this app
- A valid state ID
- Smartphone
- A valid drivers license
- A car or motorbike
Every driver is required to be at least 19 years of age. It is, however, not mandatory for them to have a delivery experience. Drivers on this platform get to keep 100% of the tips earned.
Pros of the GrubHub app
- You will enjoy the flexibility of working within your schedule.
- You keep the tips.
Cons of the GrubHub app
- You pay your parking fees and gas.
15. TaskRabbit
If you like to have fun doing odd jobs, then this app for you. TaskRabbit is a platform that allows independent contractors to connect with people who get aid to complete gigs such jobs as cleaning houses, deliveries, and various household tasks.
Getting excellent gig economy jobs is not easy. This app allows you to interact and contact your clients and discuss how to accomplish the task at hand. This gig app ensures you get paid for work done.
Pros of the TaskRabit app
- The app ensures you are paid for work done.
- Efficient communication with clients as you can directly contact them.
Cons of the TaskRabit app
- The app has bugs and needs improvements.
See Related: Best TaskRabbit Alternatives
16. Dumpling
This is a grocery delivery app. Unlike other apps, grocery shoppers request for groceries and set their own prices. Dumpling customers then review the requests and ask individual shoppers to complete those orders for them.
Dumpling allows you to run your own business by receiving customer requests and fulfilling them. Dumpling offers different pricing options which include a percentage charge per order or a monthly subscription.
Pros of the Dumpling app
- Time flexibility.
- You only fulfill orders based on your schedule.
- Opportunity to build a customer network
- Dumpling gives you the opportunity to a customer base through face-to-face interactions that you could use to build your own business in the future.
Cons of the Dumpling app
- To keep the Dumpling account active, you must at least fulfill one order per month.
17. EasyShift
This app pays allows you to get paid to complete gigs such as taking photographs of products in convenience stores or convenience stores.
Some of the gig jobs will require lots of photos and you will have to decide what is worth pursuing and what will consume too much of your time.
Pros of the EasyShift app
- You can earn your cash from anywhere.
- This app offers fast automatic payments.
Cons of the EasyShift app
- Some photograph sessions could consume a lot of time with minimal pay.
18. Airbnb
If you have extra rooms or space, you can rent out and earn some cash; then this is the app for you. Of course, this if you don't mind sharing your space with a few strangers for a while.
Airbnb has the advantage of letting you set your own prices for the space you intend to let. You equally have the chance to attend to your regular job or pursue other interests while incurring minimal costs.
Pros of the Airbnb app
- You determine how much you earn.
- Minimal or no expenses.
- Make money from renting assets your already own.
Cons of the Airbnb app
- Your home is under scrutiny, and activities can be regulated by your local, state or national government.
- Minimal or no tax advantages.
See these key Airbnb hosting tips to make more money.
See Related: 13 Best Amazon MTurk Alternatives
19. Amazon Flex
This app offers Amazon gig work, such as making deliveries of order requests made on Amazon. You will be required to collect parcels from a specific Amazon office and deliver them to their owners.
The app will carry out your background check for any criminal history as well as your driving record.
The minimum requirements for registration are:
- You must be at least 21 years of age with a valid US drivers license.
- You must have a smartphone.
- Willing to use your own vehicle to make fulfill orders.
Pros of the Amazon Flex app
- You are able to set your own schedule.
- The earning potential is limitless, especially if you have a large car or several vehicles.
Cons of the Amazon Flex app
- Payments are not immediate and could be made twice a week for those hoping for immediate cash.
See Related: Best Apps like Amazon Flex
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does the gig economy refer to?
This refers to the growing trend of corporate companies employing temporary workers to achieve long term and short term tasks. This trend has grown in popularity among major companies in the economy and has become a good employment source. These companies offer work from home gigs without requesting you to visit their premises.
What is a gig job?
This is a task that lasts a specific period. This could be short term or long term based on the needs of the company.
Which gig app pays the most?
The amount earned from a gig job depends on the work you put in or the time spent on a job. You can earn as much as you want, provided you put in the work.
Do I have any rights as a gig worker?
Gig work sites have the responsibility of ensuring that you get paid for all work done. You are equally entitled to technical support should you experience challenges with the app.
How do you find gig work?
Concentrate on apps that offer gig work based on your set of skills or what is convenient with your time schedule. Do not be too rigid, trying something new adds all the fun. You can also focus on gig apps that let you work anywhere. Work from home gigs could be all fulfilling especially if you have a young family to take care of.