22 Under-the-Table Jobs That Pay Cash (2026)
Saving money on under table jobs that does not have to be complicated. We rounded up the essentials so you can spend less and skip the guesswork.
Key Takeaways
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- While most jobs these days pay by direct deposit, there are still many jobs that pay in cash. For the purposes of this article, we’re...
While most jobs these days pay by direct deposit, there are still numerous jobs that pay in cash.
For the purposes of this article, we’re considering “cash” to be money you get paid up-front and directly, whether in paper money or via electronic transfer to your bank, PayPal or Venmo account.
In most cases, these under the table jobs are independent contractor roles rather than formal W-2 employment. For each option listed below, we note whether an online or gig economy option is available. Numerous of the jobs on this list can also be turned into small-scale businesses.
Keep in mind that working under the table to skirt taxes is illegal. While there are benefits to getting paid in cash at the end of every shift or gig, you’re still responsible for reporting that income.
Note: The jobs below are listed alphabetically.
Table of Contents
Toggle#1. Auto Detailing
This job can be as simple as shampooing and vacuuming vehicles, or as full-service as waxing, applying a kevlar coating, buffing and removing oil stains. As you get more shoppers and experience, you can offer more services to upsell and increase your revenue.
How to get this job: Promote your own services through local Facebook groups and set up a website to target shoppers in your local area. Consider asking local repair shops or auto supply stores to keep your business card or flyer in their stores.
How much it pays: $10 to $18 per hour.
Pro tip: Why only offer detailing for cars? Increase your market by offering detailing services for RVs, boats, semis, and other vehicles.
Gig economy option: While there isn’t currently an app for detailing cars, you could talk to a local Turo fleet owner to garner some potential business.
#2. Child Care/Babysitting
This can be one of the best ways to make cash quickly and easily , especially if you’re a teen with a flexible schedule or a parent with your own young children. If you’re an adult with a car, you’ll get paid more as a nanny or au pair who can help with homework, take kids to lessons and practices and prepare meals.
How to get this job: Parents want someone they know and trust to care for their kids, so word-of-mouth networking is the most reliable method of getting solid leads for babysitting gigs.
How much it pays: $10 to $15 per hour on average, but trusted sitters can earn significantly higher rates.
Pro tip: Offer overnight babysitting services to make money while you sleep. Overnight childcare is hard to come by, but essential for parents who work night shifts , and it can be one of the absolute best-paying overnight jobs.
Gig economy options: Care.com, Urban Sitter and Sittercity.
#3. Day Labor
Movers, contractors and event coordinators frequently need day laborers, so there’s no shortage of day labor gigs. If you need quick cash, this is one of the best ways to make $200 or more in a single day.
How to get this job: Check websites like Craigslist, Nextdoor and Facebook Marketplace.
How much it pays: $15 to $23 per hour.
Pro tip: If you’re having trouble finding work, consider signing up with a temp agency for day labor gigs. Some temp agencies even offer same-day pay jobs.
Gig economy options: TaskRabbit, Thumbtack and Handy.
#4. Delivery For a Local Restaurant
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Final Thoughts
Before you check out, double-check under table jobs that against current offers and any coupons you can stack. Small habits like this add up to real savings over a year.
Originally published at thewaystowealth.com.
Jenni Sisson
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