6 Top Gig Economy Jobs To Start Earning Money
Gig work -- work for hire as a self-employed freelancer or independent contractor -- is more popular than ever. In fact, 36% of employed respondents to McKinsey's 2022 "American Opportunity Survey" (AOS) identify as independent workers. Twenty-six percent of that group identify as gig workers.
The IRS defines the gig economy, aka the sharing economy or access economy, as "activity where people earn income providing on-demand work, services or goods." A gig economy job, then, is a job you perform on-demand. The space is wide-open in terms of sources of gig work, but opportunities often come from digital platforms.
Computer programmers have their choice of niches, including web developer, programmer analyst and database administrator, to name a few, and they have the potential to grow into a full-time business. Although you'll likely need a degree or certification, you can charge serious money for your work, so it's worth acquiring the necessary skills.
Homeowners, including investment-property owners, need help with all manner of household maintenance, as well as assembling furniture, connecting home electronics and mounting televisions and art on the wall. If you have the skills to provide these services, there's a good chance you can build a loyal following.
If you've got the muscle, you can make good money helping people move or hauling away their unwanted bulky items. Laborers who have trucks or vans can make even more by using their own vehicles.
Writers, editors, graphic designers, photographers and video professionals can create their own income-generating content or create it for other businesses.
There's plenty of demand for academic tutors who have the appropriate degrees and licenses. But even without formal teaching credentials, you can use your subject-matter expertise to prepare adult students for professional licensing exams you've passed.
Rideshare demand plummeted at the beginning of the pandemic, forcing drivers to find other ways to earn income. Three years later, ridesharing services are struggling to keep up with demand, prompting Uber, for example, to offer bonuses and other perks to attract new drivers.