Gig Economy Index
Table of Contents
The gig economy is booming, with more and more people wanting to get into the industry of freelance and contract work due to its flexibility and rewards.
Gig work eliminates the need to clock in and out of work at specific times, allowing people to work around other responsibilities and to their own schedule.
Receiving payment for gig work is also made simple. Creators, ad tech, sharing and marketplace economies are able to thrive with reliable, scalable, mass payments.
There are thought to be 57 million gig economy workers in the US, but which gig economy jobs pay the most?
Top 10 Highest Paying Gig Economy Jobs Per Hour
The property industry offers the highest average hourly rate, with people earning approximately $81 per hour and a median monthly income of $500. However, at the top end of the scale, it is possible to make up to $7,000 a month.
There is a range of real estate apps available, such as Arrived Homes, CrowdStreet and RealtyMogul, which make it easy for both accredited and non-accredited investors to invest in real estate.
2. Lyft driver
Lyft drivers earn the second highest hourly rate, earning an average of $33 per hour and a median monthly income of $5,688. However, this can vary depending on how many lifts you take and whether you work during rush hour.
With a 28% market share, Lyft is the second-largest ridesharing company in the US, after Uber.
3. Fitness training or coaching
Fitness coaches earn an average hourly rate of $20 and a median monthly income of $200, however, this can increase up to $3,000, depending on the number of hours worked and the number of clients.
Many fitness coaches grow their businesses by utilizing social media apps, such as Instagram and TikTok, while generating additional revenue with health and wellness affiliate programs and influencer partnerships.
4. Freelance work or consulting
Freelance workers also earn an average hourly rate of $20 and a monthly income of up to $4,000.
Forrest McCall, a freelance marketer and blogger for Don’t Work Another Day, from Louisville, Kentucky, has worked in the gig economy for a total of three years. After resigning from his full-time job, Forrest is now able to work fewer hours for a similar amount of money.
“For me, it was all about flexibility. I originally took on many freelance gigs in addition to my full-time employment, but quickly realised it was too much. Eventually, my freelance work became the majority of my income, and that’s when I decided to go full-time in the gig economy.”
“The main positive is the freedom that you gain. Being able to work as much or as little as I’d like is a massive benefit to me. I enjoy spending the day how I please and avoiding unnecessary meetings and conversations. I’ve found that I enjoy working at my own pace, instead of having daily objectives.”
“The main negative is the unknown when it comes to freelancing. Because you can never be sure that more work will come your way, this can lead to more financial stress than a traditional job.”
“I don’t think I will return to a traditional form of employment, unless the circumstances are right. Sitting in an office all day for 40 hours each week sounds miserable and the lack of freedom would be crushing.”
The US Cities Where You Can Earn the Most With Uber and Lyft
Uber and Lyft are both ride-hailing apps, offering an alternative to taxis and public transportation.
The apps allow users to select the size of the car (e.g for how many passengers), be alerted of their driver’s arrival and see an estimated cost for their journey.
Although there are many similarities between the two companies, there are also some differences, with the main one being the areas of operation. Both services are available in the US and Canada, however, only Uber is operating in other countries such as the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
Lyft riders are able to tip their drivers for up to 72 hours after their journey is completed and drivers keep 100% of their tips.
As of 2017, Uber drivers are now able to receive tips, whether that be through the app or by cash. In the US, a program has also been introduced by Uber that rewards drivers based on a certain rating status.
The US city offering the highest annual income to Uber and Lyft drivers is San Jose, California.
Drivers within this city earn an average hourly rate of $23 and a median monthly income of $3,934. This leads to a median annual income of over $47,200.
2. San Francisco, California – $47,103 median annual income
San Francisco, California offers the second highest annual income to Uber and Lyft drivers, with them earning over $47,100 a year, on average.
Drivers within this city earn an average hourly rate of $23 and a median monthly income of $3,925.
3. New York City, New York – $45,303 median annual income
New York is the city offering the third highest annual income to Uber and Lyft drivers.
Drivers within this city earn an average hourly rate of $22 and a median monthly income of $3,775. This amounts to a median annual income of over $45,300.
Earning Money Through Taskrabbit in the US
Taskrabbit is an online and mobile marketplace which allows freelance workers to match with local demand. There are a wide variety of tasks available, including cleaning, furniture assembly, heavy lifting and snow removal.
From Albany to Wichita, Taskrabbit is available in 60 cities across the US. However, not every task is available in every city.
But how much money can you earn in the US by completing tasks through Taskrabbit?
Car Washing
In the US, you can earn between $15 and $35 per hour for car washing.
In areas such as Cleveland, El Paso and Milwaukee, you can earn the lowest rate of $15 per hour and you can earn the highest rate of $35 per hour in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Cleaning
For cleaning tasks, the rate varies massively from just $22, all the way up to $62.
You can earn the lowest rate of $22 in New Orleans and Norfolk, and the highest rate of $62, again, in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Help Moving
You can also get paid to help people move home, with rates varying from $28 to $63.
In Oklahoma City, you can earn the lowest rate of $28 and in Los Angeles and Orange County, you can earn the highest rate of $63.
Minor Home Repairs
For minor home repairs, you can earn an hourly rate of between $30 and $69.
Nashville offers the lowest hourly rate of $30 and, for the third time, San Francisco Bay Area offers the highest hourly rate of $69.
Snow Removal
For snow removal, you can get paid anywhere between $17 and $48.
Due to the lack of snowfall, you can earn the lowest rate of $17 in Los Angeles and Orange County. You can earn the highest rate of $48 per hour in Boston.
Earning Money Through Taskrabbit in the UK
From Aberdeen to York, Taskrabbit is available in 34 locations across the UK.
But how much money can you earn in the UK by completing tasks through Taskrabbit?
Electrical Help
In the UK, you can earn between £17 and £43 for providing electrical help.
In areas such as Belfast, Norwich and Swansea, you can earn the lowest rate of £17 per hour and you can earn the highest rate of £43 per hour in London. The second highest rate of £28 can be earned in the city of Manchester.
Flat-pack Assembly
For assembling flat-pack furniture, the rate varies from just £11 to £28.
You can earn the lowest rate of £11 in cities such as Carlisle, Lincoln and Perth, and the highest rate of £28, again, in London. You can earn the second highest rate of £22 in Edinburgh, Exeter and Reading.
Garden Work
You can also get paid to assist with garden work, with rates varying from just £10 to £24.
In cities such as Cambridge, Inverness and Shrewsbury, you can earn the lowest rate of £10 and, for the third time, you can earn the highest rate of £24 in London. In Manchester, you can earn the second highest rate of £20.
Minor Home Repairs
For minor home repairs, you can earn an hourly rate of between £14 and £39.
Chelmsford, Maidstone and York offer the lowest hourly rate of £14 and as expected, London offers the highest hourly rate of £39. Manchester, again, offers the second highest rate of £24.
Plumbing Help
For providing plumbing help, you can get paid anywhere between £22 and £48.
You can earn the lowest rate of £22 in locations such as Aberdeen, Llandudno and Truro and the highest rate of £48, of course, in London. You can earn the second highest rate of £27 in Birmingham.
Earning Money Through Airbnb
Airbnb is an online marketplace which allows users to book stays at holiday homes and apartment rentals in over 190 countries.
There are currently thought to be over 2.9 million hosts on Airbnb worldwide. Airbnb hosts receive various benefits, including $3 million damage protection and $1 million liability insurance. There is also a 24 hour safety line, guest identity verification and reservation screening.
But how much money can you earn by becoming an Airbnb host and which property styles are the most popular?
Average Annual Host Earnings by Country
The country with the highest average annual host earnings is the USA. Airbnb hosts in the US earn, on average, $44,235 per year.
There were over 2.2 million Airbnb listings in 2020 in the USA alone, with some of the most popular cities being Kissimmee, New York and Los Angeles.
2. Australia – $27,988 average annual host earnings in 2021
Australia has the second highest average annual host earnings, with $27,988 per year.
There are approximately 100,000 Airbnb listings in Australia, with Melbourne, Surfers Paradise and Point Nepean having the most listings.
3. United Kingdom – $22,196 average annual host earnings in 2021
The third highest average annual host earnings is generated in the United Kingdom, with $22,196 per year.
In 2021, there were over 560,000 Airbnb listings in the United Kingdom, with some of the most popular locations being Brighton, Bath and London.
Average Annual Host Earnings by US State
The US state with the highest average annual host earnings is Hawaii. Airbnb hosts in Hawaii earn, on average, $73,247 per year.
There are plenty of unique and stunning Airbnbs in Hawaii, including the Dreamy Tropical Tree House in Fern Forest, the Aloha Nature Lovers cabin with a private waterfall in Pãpa’aloa and the Aolani House with an infinity pool in Holualoa.
2. Tennessee – $67,510 average annual host earnings in 2021
Tennessee has the second highest average annual host earnings, with $67,510 per year.
There is a range of amazing Airbnb listings in Tennessee, including a lakefront mansion in Gallatin, a luxury tiny house in Franklin and a rustic log cabin in Pigeon Forge.
3. Arizona – $60,448 average annual host earnings in 2021
The third highest average annual host earnings are generated in Arizona, with $60,448 per year.
There are a variety of beautiful Airbnb rentals in Arizona, including a mostly underground home in Cave Creek, a forest mountain retreat in Walker and a geodesic dome house in West Sedona.
Average Annual Host Earnings by US City
The US city with the highest average annual host earnings is San Diego, California. Airbnb hosts in San Diego earn, on average, $77,990 per year.
There are a variety of stunning Airbnb properties in San Diego, including a premium loft in Gaslamp Quarter, a modern beach home in Ocean Beach and a secret garden guesthouse in Kensington.
2. Austin, Texas – $74,241 average annual host earnings in 2021
Austin, Texas has the second highest average annual host earnings, with $72,241 per year.
There is a range of amazing Airbnbs in Austin, including a signature cottage in East Austin, a remodelled trailer in Ford Oaks and a quirky townhouse in Zilker.
3. Kissimmee, Florida – $70,539 average annual host earnings in 2021
The third highest average annual host earnings are generated in Kissimmee, Florida, with $70,539 per year.
There is a variety of beautiful Airbnb retreats in Kissimmee, including an apartment with access to a hot tub, lazy river and games room, a Disney-themed townhouse with access to water slides and a stylish bungalow close to the lakefront.
Average Annual Host Earnings by UK City
The UK city with the highest average annual host earnings is York, North Yorkshire, with $37,109 per year.
There is a range of stunning Airbnb rentals in York, including riverside studios and apartments, a 300-year old cottage and modern flats.
2. Bath, Somerset – £29,937 average annual host earnings in 2021
Bath, Somerset has the second highest average annual host earnings, with $36,342 per year.
There is a variety of beautiful Airbnb properties in Bath, including a Georgian apartment, a contemporary newly built cottage and a cosy annexe.
3. Brighton, East Sussex – £21,725 average annual host earnings in 2021
The third highest average annual host earnings are generated in Brighton, East Sussex, with $26,373 per year.
There are plenty of amazing Airbnb listings in Brighton, including a modern warehouse apartment, a sunny garden flat and a cosy unique cottage.
Average Annual Host Earnings by Canadian City
The Canadian city with the highest average annual host earnings is Whistler, British Columbia, with $52,762 per year.
There is an array of beautiful Airbnb rentals in Whistler, including a modern village penthouse, a newly renovated townhouse and a cosy condo.
2. Les Laurentides, Quebec – $35,770 average annual host earnings in 2021
Les Laurentides, Quebec has the second highest average annual host earnings, with $35,770 per year.
There is a range of stunning Airbnb properties in Les Laurentides, including a Swiss chalet, a cosy cabin and a docked boathouse.
3. Kelowna, British Columbia – $20,266 average annual host earnings in 2021
The third highest average annual host earnings are generated in Kelowna, British Columbia, with $20,266 per year.
There is a variety of amazing Airbnb listings in Kelowna, including a self-contained studio near Lake Okanagan, a garden suite in Lower Mission and a mountain view guesthouse.
Average Annual Host Earnings by Australian City
The Australian city with the highest average annual host earnings is Noosa Heads, Queensland, with $56,182 per year.
There are a variety of amazing Airbnb rentals in Noosa Heads, including a boutique studio, a bright cove-style unit and a tree-top eco retreat.
2. Byron Bay, New South Wales – $55,368 average annual host earnings in 2021
Byron Bay, New South Wales has the second highest average annual host earnings, with $55,368 per year.
There is a range of stunning Airbnb properties in Byron Bay, including a modern treehouse with ocean views, a stunning villa with a swimming pool and a spacious bungalow.
3. Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast – $47,666 average annual host earnings in 2021
The third highest average annual host earnings are generated in Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, with $47,666 per year.
There are plenty of beautiful Airbnb listings in Surfers Paradise, including a vibrant house in Broadbeach, a central studio with ocean views and a recently renovated waterfront home.
Methodology:
Top 10 highest paying gig economy jobs – we used My Millenial Guide to generate a list of some of the highest paying jobs within the gig economy. Data is correct as of December 12 2022.
Uber and Lyft earnings in US cities – we used Salary.com to find out the median hourly rate, median monthly income and median annual income of Uber and Lyft drivers in the 50 most populated cities within the US. Data is correct as of November 23 2022.
Taskrabbit earnings – we used Taskrabbit to select 20 jobs and find out how much you can earn per hour in all available locations in both the US and UK. Data correct as of 2022.
Airbnb earnings – we used AllTheRooms to find out the average annual earnings of Airbnb hosts in 2021 by country, US state. US city, UK city, Canadian city and Australian city. Data correct as of 2022.