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Last Updated on May 16, 2022 by coffeepo
1. Proofreader
Average Base Pay: USD $45,303
Top Companies: Aquent, Cambridge Proofreading Worldwide
Proofreaders double-check written material–from book manuscripts to legal transcripts to academic papers–for typographical, grammatical, and other errors before they’re published.
Requirements to be a proofreader are a good grasp of grammar, an eye for details, and knowledge on the subject (although the last is not always needed). Certain employers will also ask you to undergo a test to rate your proofreading skills.
2. Virtual assistant
Average yearly salary: USD $57,767
Top Companies: Belay, Virtual Assistant USA, Priority VA
Virtual assistants help business owners, executives, and managers get their jobs done–from arranging meetings and answering their messages, to sending emails and managing projects.
You can get a certificate to be a virtual assistant, which you can get by finishing an online course (although this isn’t always a requirement, some companies will ask for this). Some employers will also require that you have prior administrative experience.
3. Transcriptionist
Average yearly salary: USD $42,585
Top Companies: Allegis Transcription, Scribie, TranscribeMe
Transcriptionists translate audio and video into text and are high in demand, thanks to the podcasting and video streaming industry.
Requirements to be a transcriptionist aren’t stringent, with employers paying closer attention to your researching skills and your typing speed than formal qualifications.
4. Writer
Potential Income: USD $51-70/hr
Top Companies: Contena, ProBlogger, Freelance Writing, BloggingPro
The demand for freelance writers is rising as more businesses go online. Companies hire writers for their website and social media content, marketing strategies, and annual reports among other things.
To be a writer, all you need is a good grasp of the English language and great research skills. You’ll also need to prepare a portfolio of your work, so employers know your skill level.
5. Babysitter
Average Income: USD $28/hr
Top Companies: Care.com, SitterCity, UrbanSitter
With the increased amount of households having both parents working, the demand for babysitters is rising. Luckily, there are now apps that easily connect babysitters with families and guarantee that both parties are legit and trustworthy.
You just need to be older than 18 years old to create a profile and apply for babysitting jobs online.
6. Elderly Companion
Average Income: USD $13/hr
Top Companies: Visiting Angels, Right at Home
Elderly companions help seniors with their day-to-day needs–from cooking meals to housekeeping to grocery shopping. And although they don’t have medical training, they do keep a check on the mental and overall well-being of their senior client.
Requirements to be a companion focus more on soft skills such as empathy, patience, time management, and organization than certifications and degrees.
7. Telehealth Provider
Average yearly salary: USD $64,224-$72,201
Top Companies: Heal.com, IntelyCare, Pager, Soothe, Talkspace
Telehealth providers give medical care to people who have no means to go to the hospital through virtual consultations, checkups, and therapy sessions. Thus, more people have the chance to receive the healthcare they need, especially the marginalized, disabled, and elderly.
The main requirement to be a telehealth provider is to have a medical degree or background.
8. Retail Support Technician
Income: Varied
Top Companies: Field Agent, BestMark, Secret Shopper
Retail support technicians complete tasks that help retail companies provide a better customer experience by reviewing their products and services.
Because of the diversity of jobs available, there is no accurate way to measure income. Some jobs earn you a few dollars an hour while others pay up to USD $20/hour.
All you need to do to be a retail support technician is create a profile, apply for a job, and finish the task assigned to you.
9. Developer
Average Income: USD $60/hr
Top Companies: Upwork, Hubstaff Talent Jobs, Stack Overflow Jobs
With the rise of technology comes the rise in demand for developers. Today, there are a multitude of specialized fields–from developing apps and games, to websites and computer programs.
To be a developer, you need to have a degree or certificate in developing, coding, IT, or other related courses. Some employers will also ask for a portfolio and samples of programs you have developed in the past.
10. Graphic Designer
Average Income: USD $27/hr
Top Companies: 99 Designs, Fiverr, Crowdspring
Much like developing, graphic design has many specialized fields. There’s website design, book design, illustrator, 3D design, and game design, among other things–and many designers wear more than one hat.
More than a design degree and certificate, a portfolio that showcases your skills and talent is the most important thing you need to get work as a graphic designer.
11. Photographer
Potential Income: USD $32/hr
Top Companies: EyeEm, Shutterstock, AdobeStock
There are now many types of photography to specialize in–everything from food to fashion to wildlife.
There are also more ways than one to earn from photography. You can earn via client consignment, sell your photos as stock photos, or transform them into merchandise such as bags and graphic shirts to sell.
Other than a good camera and camera equipment, you need to have the talent and practiced skill to be able to capture priceless moments and be a successful photographer.
12. Mover
Potential Income: USD $14/hr
Top Companies: Bellhop, GigSmart
If you’re quite athletic and enjoy physical tasks, you might consider helping people move their things for a living. Online platforms will connect you to people who need their big, heavy items transported near your area, and you can choose to accept the ones that match your schedule.
To be a mover, you need to be 18 or older, have a smartphone and a vehicle to transport the items, and be able to carry about 50-100 lbs.
13. Handyman
Potential Income: USD $45/hr
Top Companies: Handy, HomeAdvisor, TaskRabbit, Your Mechanic
Know how to fix furniture, install lighting, or repair broken pipes? Then being a handyman might be the job for you.
Aside from skills and expertise in the field, you’ll also need your own set of tools and a vehicle to be able to get from one customer to another.
14. Delivery Driver
Average Income: USD $18/hr
Top Companies: Amazon Flex, Roadie, Shipt
One of the highest-earning gig economy jobs is being a delivery driver. Delivery drivers courier many different items from one location to another. And sometimes they get to courier to several destinations in one trip for increased income.
Requirements to be a delivery driver are a vehicle (car, motorcycle, or bike), license to drive, and to pass a background test.
15. House Sitter
Potential Income: USD $34/hr
Top Companies: HouseSit Match, HouseSitters America, TrustedHousesitters, Housesitter.com
House sitters take care of houses–and possibly, pets and plants–while the owners are on vacation.
To be a housesitter, all you need to do is create a profile and start applying for jobs. However, many apps will require a membership fee of USD $20-100/year, but offer verified jobs in exchange for this cost. For a list of all the different platforms where you can find house-sitting jobs, check out this article.
Conclusion
Want to change the way you work for the better?
These 15 gig economy jobs give you a wide range of options to choose from to help you find the company and work that best fit what you’re looking for.Considering working as a full-time freelancer instead? You can read more of our work-from-home articles here.
