Looking for flexible ways to make extra money? Whether youre a student, stay-at-home parent, or just want a side hustle, gig apps can help you earn on your own terms. In this guide, youll discover 12 beginner-friendly gig apps you can use when it fits your life. Well cover how each works, what to expect, and honest tips to help you get started safely and successfully.
Table of Contents
- What Are Gig Apps?
- Top 12 Gig Apps You Can Do on Your Own Schedule
- Getting Started: Tips for Beginners
- FAQ: Gig Apps for Flexible Earning
- Summary & Next Steps
What Are Gig Apps?
Gig apps connect you with short-term, flexible jobs—called gigs—that you can do whenever you have time. These range from delivering food to answering surveys, pet sitting, or doing odd jobs. Most require only a smartphone and basic skills to start.
The best part? You choose when and how much you work. This makes gig apps perfect for anyone needing extra income without a fixed schedule.
Top 12 Gig Apps You Can Do on Your Own Schedule
1. DoorDash
How it works: DoorDash lets you deliver food from local restaurants to customers. Use your car, bike, or scooter.
- Earning expectations: $10–$20/hour (before expenses)
- Time commitment: As little as 30 minutes at a time
- Requirements: 18+, valid license, background check, smartphone
- Startup costs: Gas, vehicle expenses
- Pros: Instant payouts, high-demand hours, no boss
- Cons: Wear on vehicle, variable demand, must handle food
Beginner tip: Work during lunch and dinner for more orders. Track miles for tax deductions.
2. Instacart
How it works: Shop for and deliver groceries to customers. You can choose to just shop or shop and deliver.
- Earning expectations: $10–$25/hour (before expenses)
- Time commitment: Flexible; batches can take 1–2 hours
- Requirements: 18+, reliable transportation, background check
- Startup costs: Gas, vehicle
- Pros: Choose orders, instant cash out, tips
- Cons: Heavy lifting, busy stores, possible wait times
Real-world example: Sarah, a stay-at-home mom, shops while her kids are at school and cashes out daily.
3. Uber Eats
How it works: Deliver food from restaurants to customers using your car, bike, or scooter.
- Earning expectations: $9–$18/hour (before expenses)
- Time commitment: No minimum shifts
- Requirements: 18+, valid ID, background check
- Startup costs: Transportation costs
- Pros: Flexible, instant pay, no need to talk much
- Cons: Low pay in slow times, vehicle wear
Beginner tip: Stack orders when possible and check for surge pricing.
4. TaskRabbit
How it works: Get paid to help people with tasks like moving, furniture assembly, cleaning, or running errands.
- Earning expectations: $15–$40/hour (varies by task and city)
- Time commitment: You set your availability
- Requirements: 18+, background check, basic skills for tasks
- Startup costs: None, unless you need tools
- Pros: High hourly rates, variety of tasks
- Cons: Physical work, must travel to clients
Real-world scenario: Mark earns extra each weekend assembling IKEA furniture for neighbors.
5. Rover
How it works: Get paid to walk dogs, pet sit, or board pets in your home.
- Earning expectations: $15–$30 per walk or visit
- Time commitment: Flexible; schedule with pet owners
- Requirements: 18+, love for animals, background check
- Startup costs: None
- Pros: Fun for animal lovers, set your own rates
- Cons: Responsibility for pets, may need to handle messes
Beginner tip: Build trust with reviews and offer discounts to first-time clients.
6. Survey Junkie
How it works: Earn money by sharing your opinions in online surveys.
- Earning expectations: $1–$5 per survey; $10–$50/month for casual use
- Time commitment: 5–30 minutes per survey
- Requirements: 16+, email address
- Startup costs: None
- Pros: Easy, no experience needed, can do from anywhere
- Cons: Low pay, screen-outs can be frustrating
Legitimacy check: Survey Junkie is free and has paid millions to users. Never pay to join a survey site!
7. Amazon Flex
How it works: Deliver Amazon packages using your own car. You pick delivery blocks that fit your schedule.
- Earning expectations: $18–$25/hour (before expenses)
- Time commitment: 2–4 hour delivery blocks
- Requirements: 21+, valid license, background check, midsize car
- Startup costs: Gas, vehicle
- Pros: High hourly rates, predictable work
- Cons: Can be competitive to get blocks, heavy lifting
Beginner tip: Sign up for notifications and grab blocks as soon as theyre available.
8. Fiverr
How it works: Offer digital services (writing, graphic design, voiceovers, etc.) to clients worldwide.
- Earning expectations: $5–$100+ per gig (varies by skill)
- Time commitment: You set deadlines and workload
- Requirements: 18+, skills in a service area
- Startup costs: None
- Pros: Work from home, global clients, build a portfolio
- Cons: Competition, Fiverr takes a 20% fee
Real-world example: Emily earns $200/month writing blog posts on Fiverr in her spare time.
9. Gigwalk
How it works: Get paid to complete small tasks for companies, like checking store displays or taking photos.
- Earning expectations: $3–$20 per gig
- Time commitment: 5–30 minutes per task
- Requirements: 18+, smartphone
- Startup costs: None
- Pros: Quick tasks, no experience needed
- Cons: Limited gigs in small towns
Beginner tip: Check the app often—gigs go fast!
10. UserTesting
How it works: Get paid to test websites and apps and give feedback via recorded video.
- Earning expectations: $10 per 20-minute test
- Time commitment: 20–30 minutes per test
- Requirements: 18+, computer or smartphone, microphone
- Startup costs: None
- Pros: Easy, interesting, no special skills needed
- Cons: Not always tests available, must speak clearly
Legitimacy check: UserTesting is a reputable company. Never pay to join!
11. Field Agent
How it works: Complete small jobs for brands, like checking prices or taking shelf photos at stores.
- Earning expectations: $3–$12 per job
- Time commitment: 10–30 minutes per job
- Requirements: 18+, smartphone
- Startup costs: None
- Pros: Quick, easy, pays via direct deposit
- Cons: Jobs may be scarce in rural areas
Beginner tip: Combine jobs in one trip to save time and gas.
12. Swagbucks
How it works: Earn points (SB) for surveys, watching videos, shopping online, and more. Redeem points for gift cards or PayPal cash.
- Earning expectations: $1–$5/day for casual use
- Time commitment: As little as 5 minutes at a time
- Requirements: 13+, email address
- Startup costs: None
- Pros: Many ways to earn, low payout threshold
- Cons: Low pay, some tasks repetitive
Legitimacy check: Swagbucks is free and has paid out over $700 million. Avoid lookalike scam sites.
Getting Started: Tips for Beginners
- Pick 1–2 apps to start. Dont overwhelm yourself.
- Use official app stores and websites to avoid scams.
- Read reviews and check for payment proof online.
- Set realistic income goals—these are side hustles, not full-time jobs.
- Track your earnings and expenses for taxes.
- Stay safe—meet in public places and never share sensitive info.
FAQ: Gig Apps for Flexible Earning
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Q: Can I do gig apps with no experience?
A: Yes! Most apps require no special skills or experience. Just follow instructions and be reliable.
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Q: How do I get paid?
A: Most apps pay via direct deposit, PayPal, or gift cards. Check payout minimums and schedules.
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Q: Are gig apps safe and legit?
A: The apps listed here are reputable, but always use caution. Never pay to join and protect your info.
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Q: Can I use multiple gig apps at once?
A: Absolutely! Many people combine apps to maximize earnings and fill slow periods.
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Q: How much can I really make?
A: Most people earn $50–$500/month with casual use. Your results depend on effort, location, and demand.
Summary & Next Steps
Gig apps are a simple, flexible way to earn extra money on your own schedule. While they wont make you rich overnight, theyre perfect for beginners, students, and anyone needing a side hustle. Start small, stay safe, and build your experience.
Ready to explore more ways to earn? Check out Survey Soda for honest reviews, tips, and the latest opportunities in the gig economy. Your next side hustle is just a tap away!