A group of people standing in a room, discussing the gig economy index.

Gig Economy Index

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

Explore the gig economy index to discover the lucrative top 10 highest paying gigs per hour.
1. Selling and renting property

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

3. Fitness training or coaching

4. Freelance work or consulting

The US Cities Where You Can Earn the Most With Uber and Lyft

Discover the top U.S. cities for maximum earning potential in the gig economy, as determined by the Gig Economy Index.

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.

1. San Jose, California – $47,203 median annual income

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

3. New York City, New York – $45,303 median annual income

Earning Money Through Taskrabbit in the US

A flyer for a cleaning service in the United States, highlighting its presence in the gig economy.

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

Help Moving

Minor Home Repairs

Snow Removal

Earning Money Through Taskrabbit in the UK

A screen shot of a website that offers a variety of services, showcasing the gig economy index.

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

Garden Work

Minor Home Repairs

Plumbing Help

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 homepage of a travel website displaying the gig economy index for average annual earnings by country.
1. USA – $44,235 average annual host earnings in 2021

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

3. United Kingdom – $22,196 average annual host earnings in 2021

Average Annual Host Earnings by US State

        Average annual host earnings by US state, according to the gig economy index.
1. Hawaii – $73,247 average annual host earnings in 2021

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

3. Arizona – $60,448 average annual host earnings in 2021

Infographic showcasing average annual heat earnings in each US state, incorporating gig economy index.

Average Annual Host Earnings by US City

The average annual host earnings by city can be analyzed using the gig economy index.
1. San Diego, California – $77,990 average annual host earnings in 2021

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

3. Kissimmee, Florida – $70,539 average annual host earnings in 2021

Average Annual Host Earnings by UK City

Average annual host earnings in the UK analyzed through the gig economy index by city.
1. York, North Yorkshire – £30,569 average annual host earnings in 2021

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

3. Brighton, East Sussex – £21,725 average annual host earnings in 2021

Average Annual Host Earnings by Canadian City

The average annual hotel earnings by Canadian city, analyzed with the gig economy index.
1. Whistler, British Columbia – $52,762 average annual host earnings in 2021

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

3. Kelowna, British Columbia – $20,266 average annual host earnings in 2021

Average Annual Host Earnings by Australian City

The homepage of a travel website showcasing the average annual heat earnings by Australian cities and an overview of the gig economy index.
1. Noosa Heads, Queensland – $56,182 average annual host earnings in 2021

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

3. Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast – $47,666 average annual host earnings in 2021

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.

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