18 Top Under the Table Jobs for Single Moms That Pay Cash Directly

Last Updated on January 19, 2024 by Lori Pace

You may already be working part-time or full-time for a company, but you might want extra income by doing under the table jobs. You can find many gigs to earn extra money. This can be used for your savings, investments or faster debt repayment.

Even if you don’t think you have the skill, there are simple things that people will pay money for to help them.

What Does “Under the Table Jobs” Mean?

It simply means that you earn money that is not reported and paid in cash. As the person who performed the work, you will receive cash for your efforts instead of an official salary. No taxes, social insurance, or reporting are required. These gigs can help you save money or make more. These under table jobs require no experience.

Is It Against The Law To Work Under The Table Jobs?

Some businesses will pay employees or contractors in cash. If you pay wages in cash, your business is responsible for reporting employment taxes. According to the IRS, one of the most serious types of tax non-compliance is when employees are paid under the table.

If you’re an employee or contractor who is being paid below the table, taxes don’t have to be withheld from your wages. You should still file. You should still be reporting your earnings and paying taxes. Many people accept cash from side jobs and other transactions that are not reported. This is a risk that both parties take.

You can do what you want, but be aware of the possible penalties. Cash earnings earned in a non-business environment will usually not be reported and won’t be flagged by the IRS. However, you have the responsibility of how you manage these cash transactions.

Top Under the Table Jobs

There is nothing wrong with working under the table jobs. It’s a great way for you to earn some extra income for single mother. These jobs can even help their career growth. These gigs can also be full-time jobs or very lucrative for a future career. Technically, any earnings earned must be reported according to the previous section.

Here are the top jobs below the table that pay cash directly that single moms can consider. Some might not “under the table” jobs, but you technically are a contractor. So, any cash earned should be recorded at year-end. Well, it is up to you what you do with the cash that you earn. But as a busy single mom, you should also consider the time you have spending to work on these jobs.

Babysitting

Babysitting

Babysitting and nannying are the most popular jobs under the table. Many families will pay you cash to watch their children for a few minutes. This job is not for everyone, especially if it involves children or babies. This job is great for weekend or weeknight work if you enjoy it. And if you have extra time while taking care of your children. Why not, right?

House Sitting

House sitting is another way to make money. There are no children involved in this, but some families might go on extended vacations and/or travel for work, which may require you to inspect their house.

House sitting involves taking care of the following tasks: checking the mail, watering plants, getting mail and general checks. It’s easy cash!

Cleaning jobs are counted as under the table jobs

Although I enjoy keeping things clean and tidy, it is something I don’t like doing. Many people hate cleaning or don’t have the time. They are willing to hire others to do it.

To start a cleaning business, you don’t need to be a professional. However, you may want to if you do a lot of work. You can do the cleaning yourself, such as dusting, vacuuming and washing.

Pet Sitter/Dog Walker

This might be included in house sitting for pets but it could be an entirely different job. Sometimes, people have hectic work schedules and need someone to care for their pets. It could also be while on vacation, as it can be quite expensive to take pets to kennels. This can be a great way for you to earn some extra cash if you are passionate about animals.

Others may only require you to walk their dog for a set number of hours per week, in addition to taking care of them.

Pet Grooming

Pet Grooming

Pet grooming is another way to make some extra money. Especially if you love animals, and if your workplace also allows you to take your kids to work. However, some people will also prefer professional services. If you are a novice at nail trimming and bathing, you might be able to find a job. 

Landscaping/Yardwork 

Professional landscapers can be beautiful and help with big projects but they can also cost a lot. You can also handle the work if it isn’t too complicated. These include mowing the lawn, weeding, watering and even helping with gardening.

Snow Removal/Shoveling

You know what else many people dislike doing other than cleaning? Clearing snow and shoveling. However, it is not just for those who hate it. Older people and those with disabilities may also need assistance clearing driveways, sidewalks, etc.

To get started, all you need is a snow blower or shovel. You can offer more aggressive snow removal if you own a truck. Attach a plow at the front of your truck and help some local businesses.

Farmers market

Farmers markets are available in any town, no matter where you live. These are usually available on weekends, or at certain times of the year depending on what market it is. These are great places to work with vendors to set up or sell products. You can also sell your stuff at one for cash, such as homemade goods, produce that you grew, and crafts.

Class Instructor 

This is a skill that people want to learn. You can think of basic yoga, dance, karate or crafting as examples. Yes, you can get certified for certain jobs and they will pay you more. It’s a great way for you to share your knowledge with others and make quick money.

Handyman

You can fix anything, including household appliances, woodworking and electronics. No matter what your skill set, people will pay you to help them. This might sound weird for single moms. But if you can do it, why not utilize your skills?

This is especially true if they can save money on otherwise expensive professional services. To make some extra money, don’t take on a job that you don’t know anything about. It is not a good idea to begin with negative experiences.

Tutoring

People are always in search of help, especially when it comes to math, reading, writing and the English language. It doesn’t have to be a core subject in school. You could even be able to do simple tasks like gardening or cooking. If you are a skilled tutor and enjoy teaching others, tutoring can be a great way of making money.

Painting

Painting is the other job most people hate. It can be time-consuming and not very enjoyable. If you are willing to work hard and have experience, this job can be lucrative. You might paint certain rooms, sheds or fences in your house. Painting may include particular rooms in someone’s house, fences, sheds, or maybe other miscellaneous items.

Photography

Thanks to the advances in camera technology on smartphones, almost everyone can take great photos. It takes some skill to edit and take great photos.

If you are interested in photography and enjoy it, there will always be a market. It could be family portraits, maternity or weddings, as well as product photos for businesses. Although the market is very competitive, if you are persistent and have a strong portfolio of your work, it could be a really profitable side hustle, or a full-time job.

Graphic Design

Are you an artist? Or are you a single mom looking for a work from home job? Do you have a good understanding of computers and graphics? You can also make a living by designing graphics for others. This is a full-time job for most people but it’s also a great way to get started. Logos for websites, tee-shirt designs, greeting cards, and signs are all possible. These services can be expensive, but people are willing to pay a decent amount. All of this is quite easy with an online image editor.

Selling Crafts are under the table jobs

You can also sell your skills and creativity in graphic design to make a profit. This can be done at local festivals, garage sales, craft shows, and art shows. There is a market out there for everything you make, including woodworking, clothing and jewelry. Although this requires more work than some other options, you can make a few hundred dollars or more.

Personal assistant

While not everyone will require or want a personal assistant to help them, there are many people who can afford it. You could be responsible for organizing someone’s home or grocery shopping. Many people of all ages are looking for personal assistants to assist with their daily tasks. This can be a great job for single mom if they want to make extra money while doing their grocery shopping. Besides, many of these jobs may seem random, this is a great way for you to make some extra cash.

Baking is also one of under the table jobs

Everyone loves sweet and delicious treats. You can make a lot of money selling your baking skills if you are a good baker. There are many ways to make money, whether it’s for individuals, bake sales, or advertising for people to visit you. Although this can be a full-time venture, it is not for everyone.

Baking specialty cakes and cookies, if you’re really creative, can be a great way to make a lot of money. Who doesn’t like a theme cake or baked goods!

Driver

You can still make money even if you don’t have Lyft or Uber.

You can search for “Rideshare” on Craigslist to find other people who are looking for rides and will pay cash. People are looking for drivers, people to take them to their destinations, and lifts. You can also find many people advertising their services. Be cautious before you randomly pick up strangers. Especially, if you are a single mom! Honestly, if you want to spend more time with your child, we do not recommend this job.

How to Find Under the Table Jobs

You now know what jobs are available below the table. How can you find the best gigs and job listings? You can search online for gigs in a variety of ways. However, you will need to be proactive and take the initiative to make yourself known.

Craigslist for under the table jobs

Craigslist is one of the best places to search for jobs below the table. This website has been around for many years. You can find people looking for work and pay them for it. You should allow the website to locate your location. If you don’t have the ability to find your location, you can choose the closest area.

Scroll down to the “Gigs” section to search for potential cash jobs. There are many options and categories. Craigslist can also be a scam. There will be many legitimate options available, but you need to filter out those that offer cash payments.

Facebook

Facebook is a great resource for finding jobs that aren’t listed on the site. You can search for people to help you with odd jobs through Facebook Marketplace or local groups. Look for active local groups that have people posting every week. There are a few groups you can join to find work.

You can also post statuses to Facebook for your friends and family. You might be amazed at how many people will pay for your skills, or even if you just post for work.

Nextdoor

Technology has made it easier to quickly find jobs below the table. Nextdoor, a popular social network that is growing rapidly, is worth considering. This social network is free and keeps you up-to-date on what’s happening in your area. This includes sharing safety tips, finding a babysitter, planning an event, and lawn care.

Although the social network can be used for many purposes, it is still an excellent way to find local jobs.

Ask Friends and Family for under the table jobs

Ask your family and friends to help spread the word! They may have work to do and would be more inclined to trust someone they already know to complete the task. They may not only need your help, but they might also have their own networks of people who would be interested.

It’s never a bad idea to ask for help or to mention it to others you know. There are many other websites and methods to find under-the-table paying gigs. But these are the best places to start. It should not take long to find cash jobs. As you do great work, your clientele will increase.

Lori Pace
Lori Pace

Lori Pace is a single mother of three daughters ages 7 and under. As a working mom from home, she balances kids, work and two crazy dogs with humor and love. Follow Lori as she honestly gives tips and advice based on her own experiences as a single mom!