Make Money

14 Easy Jobs That Actually Still Pay in Cash

These jobs pay quickly and put money in your pocket when you need it.

woman walking adorable dogs
Updated May 28, 2024
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Cash is still king when it comes to some jobs.

In a handful of positions, you can still get paid in greenbacks instead of a paper check or a direct deposit. This means you can quickly put more money in your wallet so you can spend it right away.

So, if you prefer to get your money instantly, here are jobs that pay in cash.

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Babysitting

Svitlana/Adobe baby sitter

Working as a babysitter is a great cash-paying job. This role is in demand for parents who want a night out, need to work, or require someone to stop by and take care of the kids at the last minute.

Look for opportunities on community message boards or local moms' groups on social media platforms, such as Facebook.

Lawn care

Horticulture/Adobe lawn mowing

Mowing lawns can be a great side hustle or main job during the spring and summer. Homeowners in your neighborhood may need their grass cut or lawns edged.

One issue with this type of work is that you usually need your own equipment. That can be a high cost when you start up.

Snow removal

robsonphoto/Adobe red snow shovel

The winter version of lawn care is snow removal. This might be an opportunity depending on where you live and how much snow falls during winter.

And, like lawn care, you may have to sink some cash into upfront costs. A shovel may not cost much, but a snowblower — which speeds up the snow-clearing process — can get expensive.

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Dog walker

hedgehog94/Adobe dog walker enjoying with dogs

Keep the cute canines in your area busy with exercise by becoming a dog walker.

Regular clients will pay you cash daily to give their dogs walks or care for them occasionally.

Pro tip: Dog walking can also be great exercise and perhaps even save you the cost of a gym membership.

Housesitting

New Africa/Adobe woman reading book on sofa

Housesitting can take anywhere from a few hours a week to a much more extended period when people are on vacation.

Housesitters check in regularly to make sure home systems are running properly. They also keep an eye out for water issues and other maintenance or repair issues.

Cleaning

Andrey Popov/Adobe young woman cleaning the shelf in house

Maid services are in demand, especially as more people return to the office and don't have the time to keep things clean at home, and you can set your own schedule. 

You might have to bring your own cleaning supplies, or the homeowner might provide them.

Crafting

amixstudio/Adobe hobby knitting macrame

Is there a craft you enjoy that can also make you money? Use your skills to create wood toys or knit mittens. Or create art to decorate homes.

You may have to invest some money upfront to cover the cost of materials. If you want to earn cash, you will also have to find a local venue — such as craft fairs or farmers markets — to sell your wares.

Handyperson

AntonioDiaz/Adobe man fixing a door lock

Some projects need a specialized tradesman, but a general handyperson can do other to-do list items.

To fill this role, you need to be good at performing basic plumbing, painting, and other everyday tasks.

Reselling

Kathy images/Adobe yard sale

Reselling goods — especially your own clutter — at garage sales and flea markets is a good way to make quick cash online.

Clear out your home and earn some cash in the process. If you enjoy the experience, look for items to resell at estate sales and thrift stores.

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Tutoring

Halfpoint/Adobe man with down syndrome and his tutor

Perhaps you have particular expertise that you can turn into a tutoring service to help students who may need a boost in their understanding of the topic.

Tutoring is a great option if you want a side hustle to supplement your income in addition to a typical day job. Tutoring hours are usually in the evenings. And you can do the job either in person or online.

Photography

Rawpixel.com/Adobe young photographer standing in front of a reflective umbrella

Photography can be a great option if you want to make some cash taking pictures of families or providing photos for professional headshots.

The equipment you need can be expensive, so factor that into your calculations.

Baking

JacobLund/Adobe chef making a cake at home

Turn your kitchen into a bakery and sell items such as cupcakes and cookies for cash. You can also take orders for items that may take longer, such as cakes.

Think about different ways to sell your items — such as at farmers markets and craft fairs — where small transactions might make it easier to sell things for cash.

Bartending

Graphicroyalty/Adobe  female worker at bartender desk

One of the best-known cash jobs is working as a bartender. You can earn a small hourly wage but make up for it with plenty of cash tips.

Bartenders usually need some training when it comes to mixing drinks or knowing specific things they must do behind the bar. So, factor in the money you might need for a class.

Personal assistant

Monkey Business/Adobe women looking at paperwork

Help out clients with things such as scheduling meetings, shopping for items, or picking up dry cleaning.

You can earn cash based on an hourly wage or charge a specific amount per task.

Bottom line

Pixel-Shot/Adobe girl studying with tutor at home

There are plenty of ways to move beyond living paycheck to paycheck. If you need some extra spending money or want some greenbacks in your hand quickly, consider one or more of these cash-paying side hustles.

These opportunities are great ways to supplement your income from your main job. And if you are successful, perhaps one of these side jobs will eventually replace your main job altogether.

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Author Details

Jenny Cohen

Jenny Cohen is a freelance writer who has covered a bit of everything, from finance to sports to her favorite TV shows. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and FoxSports.com.