Last summer, I met a guy named Brian at a garage sale.
He was hauling a broken couch into a stranger’s truck like it was nothing. Sweat dripping, T-shirt half-soaked, and a smile on his face. I asked Brian what he did for work, and he shrugged and said, “…. anything that pays cash!”
It turns out, Ray made more in a single weekend helping people move, mow, clean, and fix stuff than most folks made all week at their desk jobs.
No resumes, no interviews, no HR departments. Just sweat, hustle, and cash in hand.
And that’s when it hit me: there are still real ways to make real money without waiting two weeks for a direct deposit to hit—especially if you’re one of those adults who works hard. Like, wake-up-before-sunrise, go-home-after-dark, muscles-aching-but-still-smiling kind of hard.
If that’s you, keep reading. This list of under the table jobs for very hard-working adults is packed with practical, doable ways to earn fast money now.
Whether you’re looking for side jobs that pay under the table, cash paying jobs without paperwork, or just a chance to get ahead—there’s something here for you.
No fluff. No corporate nonsense. Just honest cash for honest work for honest people, like yourself.
1. Cleaning Houses
Why it works: People hate cleaning—and they’ll pay you to do it.
What to offer:
- General house cleaning
- Deep cleaning for move-outs
- Airbnb turnovers
How to start:
Ask friends, post in Facebook groups, or leave flyers at laundry mats or local coffee shops. Show up on time, do a good job, and word will spread.
Average pay: $20–$40 per hour (cash)
2. Yard Work or Snow Removal
Why it works: People would rather pay than rake, mow, or shovel anything.
What to offer:
- Lawn mowing
- Leaf cleanup
- Weeding, pruning, snow shoveling
How to start:
Walk the neighborhood, knock on doors, or post your services on community bulletin boards.
Average pay: $15–$50 per hour, depending on the task and neighborhood
3. Handyman or Handywoman Help
Why it works: Everyone has something broken—but not everyone knows how to fix it.
What to offer:
- Furniture assembly
- Hanging shelves or curtains
- Small repairs around the house
How to start:
Post ads in local buy/sell groups or respond to Craigslist gigs.
Average pay: $25–$75 per hour
4. Moving Help
Why it works: Nobody wants to move their own stuff. Nobody.
What to offer:
- Lifting and loading boxes
- Packing and unloading
- Rearranging furniture
How to start:
Look for local gigs or offer help through Facebook Marketplace or neighborhood apps.
Average pay: $20–$50 per hour (often paid same day)
5. Babysitting or Elderly Companion Care
Why it works: Trustworthy adults are in high demand for personal care.
What to offer:
- Evening or weekend babysitting
- Checking in on elderly neighbors
- Light housekeeping or errand help
How to start:
Ask around locally or respond to posts from parents and caregivers needing help.
Average pay: $15–$30 per hour
6. Day Labor and Construction Help
Why it works: Builders always need an extra set of hands.
What to offer:
- Site clean-up
- Hauling materials
- Assisting contractors
How to start:
Show up early at construction sites or find listings at labor centers.
Average pay: $12–$30 per hour, often paid daily
7. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Why it works: Pet owners need help they can trust.
What to offer:
- Daily dog walks
- Pet check-ins or feeding
- Overnight stays
How to start:
Talk to neighbors, post online, or leave flyers at vet clinics.
Average pay: $15–$40 per visit
8. Selling Homemade Food or Baked Goods
Why it works: People love homemade treats—but not everyone likes to bake.
What to offer:
- Cookies, brownies, pies
- Tamales, jarred soups, or snack boxes
- Seasonal goodies like holiday trays
How to start:
Start with coworkers or friends, then promote locally through Facebook groups.
Average pay: Varies, but $100+ per weekend is totally doable
9. Car Detailing (Mobile or Home-Based)
Why it works: People love a clean car but hate doing it themselves.
What to offer:
- Interior vacuuming and wipe downs
- Waxing, tire shining, deep cleaning
- Mobile services right in their driveway
How to start:
Post your services on Facebook Marketplace or leave flyers at gas stations and car washes.
Average pay: $40–$150 per car depending on size and service level
10. Furniture Flipping
Why it works: One person’s “trash” is your next payday.
What to offer:
- Find cheap or free furniture (Facebook, alley finds, yard sales)
- Clean it, paint it, fix it
- Resell it for a profit—cash only
How to start:
Use the free section of Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or even curb alerts to grab inventory.
Average pay: $50–$300 per flip depending on the piece and your skills
11. Tutoring (No Degree Needed)
Why it works: Parents will pay cash for someone who can help their kid pass math—or even just sit down and help with homework.
What to offer:
- Help with reading, math, study skills
- Support for ESL students
- Online or in-person sessions
How to start:
Spread the word at schools, libraries, or in parent Facebook groups. Bonus if you’re patient and dependable.
Average pay: $20–$60 per hour
12. Painting Interiors
Why it works: Painting is annoying. People love fresh walls but hate doing the work.
What to offer:
- Room repainting
- Trim touch-ups
- Rental turnover painting jobs
How to start:
Offer flat-rate pricing to landlords or renters moving out. Bring your own supplies if you can.
Average pay: $100–$500 per job depending on the space
13. Trash or Junk Hauling
Why it works: Everyone has junk. Nobody wants to deal with it.
What to offer:
- Pickup and haul-away of old furniture, yard waste, or appliances
- Garage cleanouts
- Curbside trash services after yard sales or moves
How to start:
If you have a truck or trailer, you’re already ahead. Post your service locally and price competitively.
Average pay: $50–$200 per haul
14. Event Setup and Takedown
Why it works: Parties and weddings need workers who can lift, move, and hustle.
What to offer:
- Set up tables, chairs, decor
- Tear-down and cleanup
- Help vendors or caterers
How to start:
Reach out to local event venues or planners directly. Or respond to gig posts on Craigslist.
Average pay: $15–$25 per hour (plus possible tips from happy hosts)
15. Photography for Social Media or Events
Why it works: People want nice photos—but not everyone can afford a pro.
What to offer:
- Family or pet photo shoots
- Mini-sessions for holidays
- Photos for social media or small biz owners
How to start:
If you’ve got a decent phone or camera and an eye for angles, you’re in. Post sample pics online to attract clients.
Average pay: $50–$200 per session (cash or e-transfer)
16. Selling Firewood, Eggs, or Produce
Why it works: Backyard farming is trendy—and profitable.
What to offer:
- Fresh eggs, garden veggies, or homemade jams
- Chopped firewood or kindling bundles
- Simple porch stands or door-to-door delivery
How to start:
Sell to your neighbors, post on local Facebook groups, or set up a small stand in your yard.
Average pay: Varies, but steady buyers = steady cash
17. House Sitting
Why it works: People will pay just to have someone be there while they’re gone.
What to offer:
- Bring in mail
- Water plants
- Keep an eye on things (bonus points if you’re good with pets)
How to start:
Offer your services to neighbors or post in local Facebook groups right before holidays.
Average pay: $25–$75 per night
18. Seasonal Decorating or Take-Down
Why it works: People love Christmas lights but hate putting them up.
What to offer:
- Holiday light installation or removal
- Outdoor or indoor decor setup
- Yard displays and wreath hanging
How to start:
Advertise in early November or mid-December. You’ll get more bites than you think.
Average pay: $50–$200 per house depending on the job
19. Window Washing
Why it works: Nobody likes cleaning windows. Especially not second-story ones.
What to offer:
- Interior and exterior window cleaning
- Storefront or business windows
- Sliding door and mirror polishing
How to start:
Start with local businesses or houses in your neighborhood. Offer package deals for multiple windows.
Average pay: $2–$10 per window
20. Pool Cleaning
Why it works: Pools get gross fast. And not everyone wants to deal with it.
What to offer:
- Skimming, vacuuming, chemical balancing
- Weekly or one-time cleanups
How to start:
Great for summer. Offer your services to pool owners in your area or post on community boards.
Average pay: $50–$150 per visit
21. Clothing Alterations or Mending
Why it works: A small rip isn’t worth a trip to the tailor—but it’s worth a few bucks to fix.
What to offer:
- Simple hems, buttons, zipper fixes
- Alterations for formal wear or work clothes
- Patch jobs and quick sewing repairs
How to start:
Offer help to friends, neighbors, or post before prom/wedding seasons.
Average pay: $10–$40 per item
22. House Organizing
Why it works: Clutter makes people panic. You help them breathe.
What to offer:
- Closet clean-outs
- Pantry organization
- Garage, attic, or storage help
How to start:
Market it like a “declutter session” and you’ll attract busy parents or overwhelmed homeowners.
Average pay: $20–$50 per hour
23. Reselling for Others
Why it works: People have stuff they want gone—but no time to sell it.
What to offer:
- Take photos, write descriptions, and list items online
- Handle porch pickups or local sales
- Get paid in cash or take a cut
How to start:
Ask family or coworkers if they have clutter you can sell for them.
Average pay: 20%–50% of the sale price
24. Tech Help for Seniors
Why it works: Grandma just wants to check her email without screaming at her iPad.
What to offer:
- Help with phones, tablets, and computers
- Setting up email, Netflix, Zoom, etc.
- One-on-one training or troubleshooting
How to start:
Offer your services through churches, libraries, or senior centers.
Average pay: $20–$40 per hour
25. Freelance Writing (Offline Clients)
Why it works: Not every business wants a blogger—they just want a flyer, menu, or sign written.
What to offer:
- Write menus, signs, event flyers
- Edit resumes or letters
- Create content for local businesses
How to start:
Pitch yourself at local small businesses, markets, or post ads at libraries.
Average pay: $50–$200 per job
26. Personalized Gift Baskets
Why it works: Everyone wants to look thoughtful—without doing the work.
What to offer:
- Birthday, baby shower, or get-well baskets
- Custom baskets for teachers or coworkers
- Local treats, themed gifts, or handmade items
How to start:
Create samples and post them before major holidays or events.
Average pay: $25–$100 per basket depending on content
27. Pressure Washing
Why it works: Clean driveways and siding make a huge difference—and people will pay for it.
What to offer:
- Pressure wash patios, fences, and siding
- Gutters and driveways
- Offer seasonal packages or one-time deep cleans
How to start:
Rent or borrow a machine and target high-traffic neighborhoods.
Average pay: $100–$300 per job
28. Balloon or Party Decor Setup
Why it works: Parties are cute on Instagram—but a nightmare to set up.
What to offer:
- Balloon arches
- Table setups and centerpieces
- Backdrops or dessert tables
How to start:
Offer your services for birthday parties, baby showers, or weddings. Bonus if you post cute photos for future clients.
Average pay: $50–$200 per event
29. Pop-Up Vendor at Flea Markets
Why it works: Low-cost tables, high profit potential.
What to offer:
- Handmade crafts, vintage items, baked goods
- Clearance stock or flipped finds
- Homemade candles, soaps, or snacks
How to start:
Rent a table at your local weekend market and bring a folding chair.
Average pay: Varies—$100–$500 a day
30. Hair Braiding or Home Haircuts
Why it works: Not everyone can afford a salon—but they still want to look good.
What to offer:
- Simple trims, fades, or kids’ cuts
- Braids, twists, and styles
- In-home service = major convenience
How to start:
Offer discounted cuts to family and friends for referrals, or post in local mom groups.
Average pay: $15–$60 per service
Before You Clock Out…
Are these jobs fancy? No.
Easy? Not always.
But if you’re willing to show up and work—really work—then under the table jobs for very hard working adults can be exactly what you need to fill the gap, pay that bill, or build something bigger.
I still think about Ray sometimes. That guy had no fancy title. No manager. Just a strong back, a good attitude, and a handful of cash. He didn’t wait for someone to give him a job—he became the job.
You can too. So go grab your shovel, your mop, your mixing bowl—whatever you’ve got—and make it work.
Because you’re not lazy. You’re not lost.
You’re just ready to get paid for your hard work.
Hats off to you!
