Wonolo
Did you know that you could easily become one of the 57 million U.S. workers that are currently taking part in the ‘gig economy’? For the uninitiated, the ‘gig economy’ is a term originally coined during the height of the financial crisis. At the time, it referred to both skilled and unskilled workers, many of whom had lost their jobs, forcing them to jump from underpaying gig to underpaying gig to keep the lights on. Back then, it was a side of the workforce that most professionals viewed as a last resort, but these days, some of the most innovative companies in America have transformed it into something that is truly legitimate – and workers are turning to the gig economy to earn a full-time income.
Today, workers taking part in the gig economy come from all walks of life and hold all different levels of education. But, as the gig economy grows, it can be difficult to understand which positions best match your skill-set and experience. To help you out, we’ve selected 50 of the best gig economy jobs based on bankability, availability, flexibility, and more.
For a more streamlined look at this list, click on any job category below that interests you:
- Warehouse Jobs
- General Labor Jobs
- Delivery Drivers
- Food Production Jobs
- Event Staffing Jobs
- Washing and Cleaning Jobs
- Administrative Jobs
- Merchandising Jobs
- Other Gig Economy Jobs
Warehouse Jobs
1. Warehouse Associate
Warehouse associates are the general labor workers of the warehousing world, making it a fitting job title for anyone who loves variety. Associates usually have their boots on the warehouse floor at all times performing a range of tasks, including damage inspection, invoice data entry, inventory and safety monitoring, warehouse organization, and more.
Who It’s Suited For: Workers who have experience with using inventory technology and databases. Familiarity with warehouse practices and excellent time management skills are required. Workers must be able to lift heavy objects. Valid forklift license is a plus.
Average Pay: $13.30/hour (Source: PayScale)
2. Warehouse Fulfillment Specialist
Multi-taskers who have a good eye for detail are particularly well-suited for warehouse fulfillment specialist jobs. Fulfillment specialists ensure that all facets of a warehouse’s inventory flow are moving as planned. These workers monitor the production line, regularly check inventory levels, and keep associates safe from potential hazards on the warehouse floor.
Who It’s Suited For: Workers who have experience with using inventory technology and databases. Familiarity with warehouse practices and excellent time management skills are required. Workers must be able to lift heavy objects.
Average Pay: $22.16/hour (Source: PayScale)
3. Warehouse Loader / Unloader
Warehouse loading/unloading positions require workers to move heavy equipment, including trucks, trailers, and roll offs, to and from loading docks. Warehouse loaders/unloaders must work efficiently and undergo specialized licensing and safety training prior to taking on the role.
Who It’s Suited For: Workers who have experience with using inventory technology and databases. Familiarity with warehouse practices and excellent time management skills are required. Workers must be able to lift heavy objects. Valid forklift license is a plus.
Average Pay: $13.79/hour (Source: PayScale)
4. Warehouse Material Handler
As the job title suggests, warehouse material handlers do a lot of heavy lifting, unloading/loading pallets and cases from trailers and delivering the items to their proper storage points. These days, most warehouse material handlers are provided with various technological devices for faster, more streamlined communication with managers.
Who It’s Suited For: Workers who have experience with using inventory technology and databases. Familiarity with warehouse practices and excellent time management skills are required. Workers must be able to lift heavy objects. Valid forklift license is a plus.
Average Pay: $14.55/hour (Source: PayScale)
5. Warehouse Order Picker
Warehouse order pickers spend their days traveling across the warehouse floor with carts or baskets, picking inventory from racks to fill customers’ orders. After they have the correct inventory in-hand, order pickers then assemble the product(s) for shipment and transport the order(s) to designated staging areas.
Who It’s Suited For: Workers who have experience with using inventory technology and databases. Familiarity with warehouse practices and excellent time management skills are required. Workers must be able to lift heavy objects. Valid forklift license is a plus.
Average Pay: $11.59/hour (Source: PayScale)
6. Warehouse Security Manager
Warehouse security is responsible for much more than your standard building and property protection. These managers work with building and facility staff to form iron-clad safety plans that are designed to fit the needs of a warehouse’s specific flow and design. Additionally, they have a team of security personnel working under them, reporting important findings like internal shrinkage, community crime trends, and more.
Who It’s Suited For: Security specialists who have experience working in the warehouse security field.
Average Pay: Varies based on operational size and experience
7. Warehouse Shipping and Receiving Associate / Clerk
Scrupulous workers who love performing duties right on the action of the warehouse floor make adept shipping and receiving associates/clerks. Tasks for this job include coding and identifying shipments, storing and preserving inventory, and conducting damage/replacement procedures. These workers also collaborate with the logistics team to ensure that all policies are being followed accurately.
Who It’s Suited For: Workers who have experience with using inventory technology and databases. Familiarity with warehouse practices and excellent time management skills are required. Workers must be able to lift heavy objects. Valid forklift license is a plus.
Average Pay: $10.88/hour (Source: PayScale)
General Labor Jobs
8. General Labor Jobs
General laborers are versatile workers who have the physical prowess and technical experience to perform a variety of tasks, from assisting with hands-on physical labor to operating heavy machinery. These workers are safety-minded and have no problems collaborating with colleagues and managers.
Who It’s Suited For: Workers who have experience in the general labor field. Some employers require a high school diploma. Workers must be able to lift heavy objects.
Average Pay: $15.00/hour (Source: Salary.com)
9. Delivery Drivers
First and foremost, delivery drivers are excellent behind-the-wheel. They are also great multi-taskers who have no problem navigating busy streets in order to safely make fulfillment deadlines. Daily tasks include collecting payment from customers, communicating with supervisors and delivery recipients, loading/unloading products, and more.
Who It’s Suited For: High school graduates who are licensed drivers with no major violations on their records. Previous delivery experience is always preferred.
Average Pay: $14.05/hour (Source: PayScale)
Food Production Jobs
10. Cashier
The best cashiers are able to work under pressure, exhibit excellent customer service, and routinely keep their tills balanced. These workers are knowledgeable about a range of different payment options, including credit cards, virtual payments, foreign cash, and more. Cashiers may also assist with food orders and daily cleaning tasks.
Who It’s Suited For: Friendly multi-taskers who can be on their feet for an entire shift. Note: Some heavy lifting may be required.
Average Pay: $9.41/hour (Source: PayScale)
11. Dishwasher
Well-qualified dishwashers not only perform their duties at lightning-speed, they also understand all relevant safety standards associated with the job. These hard workers keep dishes well-sanitized and also maintain a clean work environment by ensuring that all equipment stays in working order.
Who It’s Suited For: Multi-taskers who can be on their feet for an entire shift. Note: Some heavy lifting may be required.
Average Pay: $9.69/hour (Source: PayScale)
12. Farm Laborer / Farm Hand
Farm laborers/farm hands have a good understanding of various crops, as well as general farm operation practices. These workers manually tend to crops and, in the cases of skilled farm laborers, operate heavy farm equipment. Some also have a working knowledge of animal husbandry and slaughter/processing.
Who It’s Suited For: Workers with previous agricultural experience who can perform heavy-lifting with ease. Knowledge of animal husbandry is a plus. Some farms require farm hands to hold specialized farm equipment machinery licenses.
Average Pay: $11.08/hour (Source: PayScale)
13. Food Packer / Food Packaging Technician
Food packers are detail-oriented workers who perform tasks, like organizing and sealing food inventory, packing containers, and confirming invoices order details. Because food packing technicians work in food facilities, they must understand and comply with safety standards at all times. Knowledge of quality assurance is a must!
Who It’s Suited For: Fast-learners with previous experience in the food processing field. Heavy lifting is required. Forklift certification is a plus.
Average Pay: $17.65/hour (Source: PayScale)
14. Food Product Processor
Food product processors ensure that all products are ready for packaging. Tasks include ingredient preparation, production testing, and the maintenance of production equipment. These workers maintain detailed product counts and follow sanitation procedures throughout their shifts.
Who It’s Suited For: Fast, detail-oriented workers with previous experience in the food processing/packing field. Workers who hold food machine maintenance training have a leg-up on the competition.
Average Pay: $12.44/hour (BLS)
15. Food Production Line Attendant
Food production line attendants work to ensure that all ingredients and raw materials are handled with safety and care in mind. These workers also assist in the packaging/receiving of products and conduct official quality assurance inspections throughout their shifts.
Who It’s Suited For: Fast, detail-oriented workers with previous experience in the food processing/packing field. Food safety certification is a plus.
Average Pay: $16.11/hour (Source: PayScale)
16. Food Server / Waiter
Food servers work with the kitchen staff, hosts, and supervisors to ensure that all customers’ food and beverages are received in a timely manner. Because servers are the main point of contact throughout the dining experience, friendliness is a must. Servers must be personable, willing to answer questions, and multi-task with ease.
Who It’s Suited For: Fast, detail-oriented workers with previous experience in the food service field. Some heavy lifting is required. Experience interfacing with POS systems is a plus.
Average Pay: $9.32/hour (Source: PayScale)
17. Food Service Worker
Food service workers ensure that the kitchen (i.e., the back-of-house) is sufficiently stocked and sanitized. These workers may also perform food prep tasks for the chef, run food out to diners, and even bus tables or wash dishes. Food service workers must be humble and willing to support their colleagues at all times.
Who It’s Suited For: Fast, detail-oriented workers with previous experience in the food service field. Some heavy lifting is required. Experience interfacing with POS systems is a plus.
Average Pay: $10.34/hour (Source: PayScale)
18. Fruit/Produce Technician
Fruit/produce technicians work in restaurants, wholesale operations, and grocery stores to ensure that all inventory is meeting the quality standards of the operation. These technicians keep an organized log of defective/damaged fruits and maintain all relevant sanitation practices.
Who It’s Suited For: Workers with previous experience working with produce, specifically in quality inspection. Heavy lifting may be required.
Average Pay: $10.68/hour (Source: PayScale)
19. Quick-Service Restaurant Crew / Team Member
Quick service restaurant team members work at establishments like fast food restaurants and cafeterias. These roles are often customer-facing, making friendliness and patience a job requirement. Duties include cashiering, food prep, cleaning, stocking, and more.
Who It’s Suited For: Fast, detail-oriented workers with previous experience in the food service field. Some heavy lifting is required. Experience interfacing with POS systems is a plus.
Average Pay: $8.42/hour (Source: PayScale)
Event Staffing Jobs
20. Event Setup and Maintenance
Event setup and maintenance staff help to prepare the venue before an event begins, performing tasks such as configuring seating, preparing audio/visual equipment, and setting up vendor exhibit spaces. These event workers may other duties while the event is happening, such as transitioning equipment needed between speakers or panels and emptying trash bins, and they also assist with post-event teardown and cleanup.
Who It’s Suited For: Friendly, hard workers who are able to work in multiple locations and are comfortable carrying and moving heavy items. Event setup and maintenance work is never a one-person job, so a team-oriented mindset is a must.
Average Pay: $13.44/hour (Source: Salary.com)
21. Costume Character / Mascot / Sign Holder
Hard workers who love to have fun and, possibly, get some good exercise while making a paycheck are well-suited for costume character/mascot/sign holder roles. Duties include interacting with the public, entertaining passersby, and providing information about the company.
Who It’s Suited For: Friendly, hard workers who are able to work in multiple locations. Dance/fitness experience is a plus.
Average Pay: $10.81/hour (Source: PayScale)
22. Food and Beverage Server
Food and beverage event staff serve a range of food and drinks to attendees, from cocktails to five-course meals. On top of the food service, these workers also set up and break down events, such as weddings, concerts, conferences, and more. Familiarity with serving and food-running is a must.
Who It’s Suited For: Fast, friendly workers with previous experience in the food service field. Some heavy lifting is required. Bartending and food prep experience is a plus.
Average Pay: $13.00/hour (Source: Salary.com)
23. Greeter
Because event greeters help set the mood for the entire shindig, they must be professional, outgoing, and most of all, friendly. In addition to being most guests’ first point of contact, greeters also answer questions and communicate with other departments to provide targeted assistance. Greeters are sometimes asked to assist event setup and breakdown.
Who It’s Suited For: Friendly, hard workers who are able to work in multiple locations. Some heavy lifting is required.
Average Pay: $10.37/hour (PayScale)
24. Guest Registration / Ticket Taker / Wristband Issuer
Guest registration personnel greet attendees and issue clearance materials to those who have registered. Cashiering skills may be required for events with door tickets available. These workers also check IDs, issue wristbands, and politely decline admission to those who are ineligible or haven’t pre-registered for the event. Registration personnel are sometimes asked to assist event setup and breakdown.
Who It’s Suited For: Detail-oriented workers who are able to work in multiple locations. Some heavy lifting may be required.
Average Pay: $16.19/hour (Source: PayScale)
25. Security Staff
Event security team members are responsible for the safety of attendees, as well as the staff. These workers lend a helping hand to registration and eject unruly/unauthorized attendees. Security also performs frequent premise patrols to ensure that the property doesn’t fall victim to vandalization. Must be willing to provide emergency response when necessary.
Who It’s Suited For: Workers with experience in the security field. Some event companies may require that security guards carry specialized licenses.
Average Pay: $12.93/hour (Source: BLS)
26. Street Team Member
Street team members distribute branded marketing materials at events, city centers, and other crowded areas. Marketing materials can include everything from flyers to food. Members of the street team are knowledgeable about the company/service and are willing to answer questions from the public.
Who It’s Suited For: Friendly, hard workers who are able to work in multiple locations. Sales experience is a plus.
Average Pay: $8 – $15/hour (Source: Glassdoor)
27. Usher
Most commonly utilized in theaters and performance spaces, ushers ensure that all guests comfortably moving about the facility. Duties include aiding guests in finding their seats, distributing programs, and answering common questions. Ushers are also trained to provide emergency exit assistance during emergencies/drills.
Who It’s Suited For: Friendly workers who have experience in customer-facing positions.
Average Pay: $10.00/hour (Source: Glassdoor)
Washing and Cleaning Jobs
28. Guest Room Attendant
Guest room attendants work at hotels and are responsible for ensuring that guest rooms are cleaned to the highest standards and fully prepared with clean linens, bath towels, and other complimentary items in time for the next guest’s arrival. Guest room attendants are tasked with ensuring that guests are comfortable throughout their stay and satisfied with their experience.
Who It’s Suited For: Multi-taskers who can be on their feet for an entire shift and pay close attention to detail. Guest room attendants should have a friendly demeanor and be comfortable interacting with guests.
Average Pay: $11.35/hour (Source: PayScale)
29. Restaurant Maintenance Workers
Restaurant maintenance workers regularly visit different food establishments, performing duties such as machine and building repair. Depending upon the maintenance worker’s breadth of experience, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC repair/maintenance tasks may be required.
Who It’s Suited For: Experienced handypeople. Bonus points for holders of plumbing, electrical, or HVAC-related licenses.
Average Pay: $14.78/hour (Source: PayScale)
30. Housekeeper
Whether working for individuals or businesses, housekeepers are responsible for upkeeping the general cleanliness of the space. Duties include hard cleaning (window washing, grout cleansing, etc.), vacuuming, mopping, dusting, and bathroom sanitation.
Who It’s Suited For: Multi-taskers who can be on their feet for an entire shift. Note: Some heavy lifting may be required.
Average Pay: $10.33/hour (Source: PayScale)
Administrative Jobs
31. Customer Service Representative
Customer service representatives take incoming phone calls from customers, answering a variety of questions and issues, from product advice to returns, and more. These days, many companies are closing call centers to decrease overhead, allowing reps to field calls from the comfort of their own home.
Who It’s Suited For: High school graduates with plenty of data entry experience. Sales background is a plus.
Average Pay: $13.77/hour (Source: PayScale)
32. Data Entry Clerk
Data entry clerks organize large amounts of information for a variety of different sectors, including medical, government, education and private industries. These clerks have impeccable attention to detail and know their way around today’s most popular data entry software.
Who It’s Suited For: High school graduates with previous data entry experience. Familiarity with data entry software is recommended.
Average Pay: $15.00/hour (Source: Salary.com)
33. Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants perform the same standard duties as personal and administrative assistants, except they get to do it from the comfort of their own home. Common tasks include bookkeeping, schedule maintenance/planning, document assistance, content writing, social media management, and more.
Who It’s Suited For: High school graduates (college preferred) with previous administrative support experience. Familiarity with workflow software is recommended.
Average Pay: $15.69/hour (Source: PayScale)
Merchandising Jobs
34. Brand Ambassador
Brand ambassadors serve as walking, taking advertisements for companies. Most often, these workers are decked-out in logoed merchandise, appearing at events or in crowded areas where they give out free samples. Brand ambassadors must be friendly, outgoing, and knowledgeable about the brand that they are representing.
Who It’s Suited For: Friendly, hard workers who are able to work in multiple locations. Sales experience is a plus.
Average Pay: $15.49/hour (Source: PayScale)
35. Store Clerks
A good store clerk is a professional, customer-facing salesperson who also stocks merchandise, organizes inventory, and creates eye-catching displays. Store clerks must be knowledgeable about brands, price points, and desired shopping experiences.
Who It’s Suited For: Friendly, flexible workers. Sales and cashiering experience is a plus.
Average Pay: $10.35/hour (PayScale)
36. In-Store Merchandisers / Merchandise Stockers
In-store merchandisers generally work hands-on with the merchandise in larger stores. These hard workers track inventory levels, perform replenishment, and, most importantly, physically bring the merchandise to the shelves. In-store merchandisers also unpack shipments and perform quality assurance checks to ensure that all items are in tip-top shape for the customers.
Who It’s Suited For: Well-organized workers with an eye for detail. Previous merchandising experience is a plus. Heavy lifting is required.
Average Pay: $11.83/hour (Source: PayScale)
37. Manufacturer Merchandisers
Manufacturer merchandisers monitor inventory levels and price points at a store level. They also collaborate with the manufacturing team to build both account and customer relationship strategies. Additionally, these merchandisers create accurate reports documenting in-store sales trends.
Who It’s Suited For: Well-organized workers with an eye for detail. Previous merchandising experience is a plus. Heavy lifting is required.
Average Pay: $12.36/hour (PayScale)
38. Merchandisers at Merchandising Services Agencies
Merchandisers for merchandise servicing agencies go into stores to perform merchandise resets, a task which includes date code checks, restock/reorder logging, maintaining planogram integrity, and more. The best merchandisers in these roles ensure that the products are displayed well and are strategically-placed to increase customer engagement.
Who It’s Suited For: Well-organized workers with an eye for detail. Previous merchandising experience is a plus. Heavy lifting is required.
Average Pay: $12.36/hour (PayScale)
Other Gig Economy Jobs
39. Babysitter/Childcare Provider
Babysitting has long been a top choice for those seeking flexible, well-paying hourly work – long before the gig economy was even a ‘thing’. Babysitters are responsible for the general well-being of children, but some are also asked to perform general household tasks, such as cleaning and cooking. Babysitters who have a car and clean driving record are often paid more as they are able to perform school pickups and run errands.
Who It’s Suited For: Mature and responsible individuals with previous childcare experience. Though no formal education is required, college graduates command a higher rate. A clean driving record and clean background check are big pluses.
Average Pay: $10.27/hour (Source: PayScale)
40. Chef/Cook
These days, trained cooks and chefs have the opportunity to take part in the gig economy via a handful of revolutionary apps. Individuals who have vast experience working with different culinary styles can be hired to feed hungry guests at private parties and events, all on an on-demand basis.
Who It’s Suited For: Trained cooks and chefs who have plenty of experience working in the catering/private event realm.
Average Pay: Varies depending on experience level
41. Dog Walker
With the popularity of apps like Wag, more and more animal lovers are getting connected with dogs in need of walks. Dog walkers take dogs on walks, but owners routinely make other asks, such as light grooming, feeding, medicine administration, and more.
Who It’s Suited For: Animal lovers who have experience caring for a variety of different breeds and temperaments.
Average Pay: $14.30/hour (Source: PayScale)
42. Handyman
Handyman jobs have been around long before the rise of the gig economy, but just because the discipline is a longstanding one doesn’t mean its outdated. Good handymen and handywomen have a myriad of experience maintaining structures. Common duties include plumbing, light construction work, home repair, painting, and more.
Who It’s Suited For: Individuals with plenty of formal training and experience in building maintenance.
Average Pay: $20.77/hour (Source: PayScale)
43. Short-Term Rental/Vacation Host
Sites like Airbnb and Homeaway have completely revolutionized the travel industry by shifting travelers’ focus from traditional hotels to short-term private home rentals. Depending on key success indicators like hospitality and location, ambitious hosts who list second properties and extra rooms can make a good chunk of change on the sites.
Who It’s Suited For: Homeowners who have the time and know-how to run their very own B and B experience.
Average Pay: Varies depending on property and location
44. Mover
Similar to handymen, movers have been taking part in a form of the gig economy for decades. Generally, independent movers work for moving companies who are hired by individuals and businesses to pick up, transport, and, in some cases, arrange items. These items can include furniture, artwork, and kitchenware.
Who It’s Suited For:Strong, hardworking individuals who are able to lift very heavy loads. Bonus points for those who have clean driving records and carry CDLs.
Average Pay: $13.44/hour (Source: PayScale)
45. Pet Sitter
Pet sitters are individuals who have plenty of experience caring for all types of animals. Clients may ask these workers to provide private overnight boarding services or visit during workdays for walks and medicine administration. Great pet sitters also provide training and grooming services.
Who It’s Suited For: Animal lovers who have experience caring for a variety of different breeds and temperaments. Pet sitters with formal training and/or grooming certifications earn more.
Average Pay: $13.14/hour (Source: PayScale)
46. Caregiver
Caregivers come in a variety of forms. Some live in-home, providing round-the-clock care to their clients, while others work more traditional schedules. Sites like Care.com match caregivers with clients who may require assistance on an as-needed basis, making it perfect for gig economy workers requiring flexible employment options.
Who It’s Suited For: Patient individuals who have experience in the caregiving field. Caregivers who hold specialized certifications are more bankable.
Average Pay: $10.83/hour (Source: PayScale)
47. Personal Shopper
Apps like Instacart are completely changing the way Americans are shopping. Now, they can select their groceries right on their devices and get them delivered to their home, usually within hours. These apps are always looking for shoppers for item pickup and delivery. Shoppers are freelancers who enjoy very few expectations in terms of schedule or general availability.
Who It’s Suited For: Individuals with clean driving records and a reliable vehicle. Some opt to specialize in a niche such as fashion.
Average Pay: $11.56/hour (Source: PayScale)
48. Renter
With the rise of the gig economy, sites like Rentah – a service that connects people in need of items with people who own said items – have emerged. On the platform, Renters set daily rental prices for their belongings which are collected and processed through the app. To sweeten the deal, Renters are even given the flexibility to set both rent-to-own and final sales prices, too.
Who It’s Suited For: Individuals who are willing to rent out their valuables.
Average Pay: Varies depending on items and location
49. Rideshare Driver
One of the most common job titles in the gig economy realm is the rideshare driver. These individuals contract with services such as Uber and Lyft to work as de-facto taxi drivers. They use their own vehicles to pick up and drop off customers at all hours of the night and day. Schedules are flexible and, on top of an hourly salary, many drivers get the opportunity to make tips and bonuses.
Who It’s Suited For: Drivers with clean records and reliable vehicles.
Average Pay: $42.959/year (Source: Glassdoor)
50. Survey Taker
These days, companies are conducting more and more of their market research using survey takers registered on survey apps. Survey takers routinely share information about their income, shopping habits, and other personal information to a variety of companies. These workers are usually chosen based on their age ranges, locations, and household income levels.
Who It’s Suited For: Individuals with reliable devices and Internet access who don’t mind sharing personal information.
Average Pay: $9.00/hour (Source: Glassdoor)
![[Report] Beyond the Gig: Exploring Reliable Work Options for the Modern Workforce](https://info.wonolo.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Worker-Preferences-Report-Header-Image-500x383.png)
