Top-rated side jobs to make extra cash

Here’s how we ranked them

Read more: The secret to making money on eBay

[Note: Our choices are not meant as a promotion for any of the websites/companies listed in the article. Some opportunities are spotlighted throughout the article, appearing in more than one category, because of the diversity of offerings on their website. We are genuinely trying to give a comprehensive overview of the best ways you can earn extra cash. In some instances, we personally registered for the websites to give the most accurate assessment possible.]

Best side jobs for pet lovers

1. Care.com (for pet care) – Average rating overall: 3.67

On-boarding

When you complete the entire profile, the care.com team will review your information before they clear you through the system. Once you are on-boarded, there are even more up-sells, like the ability to take a background check for more credibility.

Money

Ease of payment

Side Note: Care.com sends a lot of e-mails to your account after registering, so be aware of this if you’re spam-averse.

2. DogVacay.com – Average rating overall: 3.33

On-boarding

Money

Ease of payment

Read more: How to start your own side business from scratch

Best side jobs for writers or creative types

1. (Tie) Skyword.com – Average rating overall: 3.00

On-boarding

Money

Ease of payment

1. (Tie) Ebyline.com – Average rating overall: 3.00

On-boarding

Money

Ease of payment

1. (Tie) Fivrr.com – Average rating overall: 3.00

On-boarding

Money

Perhaps the ease of registration mitigates the fact that there is less money to earn. As the name “Fivrr” suggests, all projects are worth $5. The money is not great, but the jobs are in abundance, and are relatively easy to land.

Ease of payment

2. Crowdsource.com – Average rating overall: 2.67

On-boarding

You can easily make a profile during the on-boarding process for Crowdsource.com; but in order to accept work, you'll need to pass tests to earn qualifying rankings. An example of a test might be a basic U.S. English test.

The more tests you complete, the more work for which you can apply. The positions you apply for clearly outline which tests you will need to take.

Tests are free, but they can be time-consuming.

Money

Ease of payment

Read more: How to establish your own side hustle

Best side jobs for off-beat life experiences 

1. (Tie) Wwoof.net – Average rating overall: 4.00

On-boarding

Money

What you earn is based around the opportunity you’ve decided upon. Most of the opportunities provide housing and meals, which is a great deal of course. Some opportunities provide a small stipend in addition to room and board, which is even more significant.

Ease of payment

Because your workplace is also your employer, payments will be given to you directly by your employer — which seems pretty easy.

1. (Tie) RV Park Host – Average rating overall: 4.00

On-boarding

Money

Ease of payment

As an employee of the campground, you will receive a traditional paycheck or direct deposit.

2. Crowdsondemand.com – Average rating overall: 1.33

Crowdsondemand.com is a service that allows organizations to buy crowds for their event. The Atlantic recently wrote an article about how Donald Trump uses the service to lure larger turnouts for his speeches.

On-boarding

Money

Ease of payment

Read more: 13 smart money moves to make in your 20s

Best side jobs for finicky schedules 

1. Care.com (for other caregivers) – Average rating overall: 3.67

On-boarding

Money

Ease of payment

2. Rideshare driver: Uber.com, Lyft.com – Average rating overall: 3.00

On-boarding

Money

Lyft states on their website that drivers can earn up to $35/hr. and Uber claims drivers can earn up to $22.70/hr, though the location you are working in will likely adjust this rate. Some ride share companies offer a bonus upon initial sign up.

Ease of payment