Last Updated on 2024-04-10

17 Surprisingly Good Weekend Part-Time Jobs

We worked with these active, experienced gig-workers to write this article and bring you first-hand knowledge.

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Scott Jones

7 years of experience working across DoorDash, Lyft, Amazon Flex, and Instacart

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James Tuliano

4 years of experience working across Shipt and DoorDash

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Catherine Meyers

5 years of experience working across Shipt and Instacart

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Phil Grossman

Experienced writer/researcher in the gig industry working alongside our gig-workers


Weekends are not just for rest and relaxation — for many ambitious nine-to-fivers, they represent untapped potential for extra income. Whether you're padding your savings, paying down debt, or funding a passion project, part-time weekend jobs offer a flexible way to boost your bank balance without sacrificing your weekday commitments.

From zipping around town with delivery gigs to ridesharing with Uber or Lyft, from sorting parcels in Amazon Fulfillment Centers to flexing your muscles with moving services, there's something for every skill set and interest. Here, we’ll cover some of the best part-time gigs you can tackle on the weekend. Some require a bit of experience or resources, while others let you jump right in with little preparation.

Delivery gigs

The rise of DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, Instacart  and Shipt has created a feast of opportunities for those hungry for extra income. Such platforms offer flexibility and fast pay, making them ideal for anyone with a vehicle and a few free hours.

Whether you're navigating city streets to deliver mouth-watering food or ensuring someone's packages arrive on time, these gigs cater to a variety of schedules and preferences. 

Restaurant delivery apps

Restaurant delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub connect hungry customers with a wide range of eateries, offering the convenience of home delivery. As long as you have the app, a mode of transport, and a bit of spare time, chances are you can become a delivery driver.

Working with restaurant delivery apps offers the enticing prospect of a flexible work schedule. However, earnings can fluctuate significantly based on demand, location, and tips. 

Additionally, the job will put wear and tear on your vehicle, and you’ll need to pay for gas. Some delivery apps allow you to use a bike or even deliver on foot, which reduces or eliminates the issue, but not all do (we listed out all the delivery apps that allow alternate vehicles in our fully delivery driver apps post). 

Key takeaways:

  • Flexibility: Choose when and where you work.
  • Earnings: Competitive pay with tips can boost overall earnings. However, this is all dependent on which gigs you get.
  • Simplicity: It’s easy to sign up and start delivering, and requirements are fairly minimal.
  • Variety: You get to deliver from a wide range of restaurants, which keeps the job interesting.
  • Vehicle costs: You’ll not only need a vehicle, but you’ll have to cover the fuel and wear and tear.

Grocery delivery services

Instacart and Shipt are on the forefront of the grocery delivery wave, partnering with local supermarkets to deliver groceries directly to customers' homes. If you've got a car and a smartphone, you can help busy families, professionals, or those unable to shop for themselves by becoming a personal shopper.

Working for Instacart or Shipt can offer a flexible schedule and a chance to help out your community. However, like restaurant delivery, earnings can vary widely based on the number of orders, tips, and your location. Additionally, you'll be responsible for your vehicle's maintenance and fuel costs (Instacart does allow walkers in NYC and e-bikes in other cities ).

Key takeaways:

  • Community impact: Make a difference by aiding those who can't shop for themselves.
  • Flexible hours: Work according to your own schedule.
  • Earning potential: Pay varies, with tips often enhancing your income.
  • Active work: Spend your day moving around rather than sitting at a desk.
  • Vehicle expenses: Be prepared for fuel costs and wear and tear on your car.

Ridesharing gigs

Ridesharing has revolutionized the way we think about transportation. For those with a reliable vehicle and free weekends, ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft allow you to earn income with your vehicle. 

Both platforms connect drivers with passengers needing a lift, embodying the gig economy's spirit of convenience and flexibility. 

Uber

Uber, the true pioneer of the ridesharing industry, offers a flexible way to make money — and a way to turn your favorite depreciating asset into a money-maker. There are plenty of great reasons to work for Uber, including a flexible schedule and solid earnings. 

However, driving for Uber requires you to manage vehicle maintenance and fuel costs, which can eat into profits. Additionally, dealing with difficult passengers and navigating busy city streets can be challenging.

Key takeaways:

  • Flexibility: Drive at your convenience — perfect for weekend work.
  • Earnings: Uber can earn you a good amount, especially during peak hours, though this varies with location and demand.
  • Dynamic environment: Meet new people and explore different parts of your city.
  • Bonuses and incentives: Opportunities to earn more through promotional incentives.
  • Vehicle wear: Regular driving increases maintenance and fuel costs.
  • Customer interaction: Positive interactions can enhance tips, though managing difficult passengers is part of the job.

Lyft

Lyft offers a community-oriented approach to ridesharing, connecting drivers with passengers via an easy-to-use app. When combined with Uber, Lyft allows you to double your opportunities to give rides to passengers.

Similar to Uber, Lyft drivers face vehicle wear and tear and fluctuating earnings based on location, time, and demand. Some users report that tips are not as common on Lyft as on Uber. Lyft requires navigation of the same urban challenges and customer service demands as other platforms.

Key takeaways:

  • Community feel: Known for a friendly user base and supportive driver community.
  • Flexible scheduling: Work as little or as much as you want, with weekends being particularly lucrative.
  • Incentives: Regular promotions can increase earnings.
  • Income differences: Some drivers report lower overall earnings from Lyft compared with Uber.

Amazon warehouses

Amazon warehouses have become synonymous with fast-paced, efficient order processing and delivery, making them a vital part of the e-commerce giant's operations. For those seeking weekend employment, these centers offer a unique opportunity to step into the world of Amazon, where technology and logistics meet. 

If you're looking to supplement your income while gaining experience in logistics, working at an Amazon warehouse can provide a dynamic work environment with a variety of roles available. Amazon offers part-time work, including weekend shifts and flex schedules.

Be aware that this job can be physically demanding, and employees are often held to high standards in terms of efficiency and productivity. If you thrive in such environments and are goal-oriented (and perhaps even motivated by the idea of staying constantly on the move), this could be a good job to check out.

Key takeaways:

  • Variety of roles: Positions range from picking and packing to sorting and shipping, accommodating different skill sets and physical capabilities.
  • Competitive pay: Amazon offers attractive hourly rates, often above minimum wage, with potential for overtime.
  • Flexibility: Weekend shifts are ideal for those balancing other jobs or commitments.
  • Fast-paced environment: Work is brisk and time flies, suitable for those who enjoy staying active.
  • Benefits: Even part-time employees may be eligible for benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans.
  • Growth opportunities: Amazon's vast network allows for career advancement and learning new skills as well as easy transfers.
  • Physical demand: Some roles can be physically demanding, requiring you to be on your feet and potentially lift heavy items.
  • Strict schedules: While flexible, shifts may require adherence to precise timing and productivity goals.
  • Work culture: The environment is driven and performance-focused, with high expectations for efficiency and accuracy.

Moving services

Apps like Dolly and Lugg have revolutionized how we think about moving. Nowadays, you don’t need to be part of a traditional moving company to earn money helping people relocate. 

These platforms offer a way for individuals with a strong back and a bit of free time to make extra cash, especially on weekends. Whether it's helping someone move to a new home or delivering a large item from a store, Dolly and Lugg connect you directly with those in need of moving services.

Moving jobs are a great opportunity to practice good lifting technique — no slouched backs! — and are immensely gratifying for people who enjoy making a mess disappear. Note that different people have different ideas of cleanliness, so you’ll sometimes find yourself in a home with clutter, allergens like cat hair, and tricky entry/exit points.

Dolly

Dolly connects individuals who need moving and delivery help with locals who can do the heavy lifting. It's a flexible way to earn by assisting with moves or large deliveries. You can work either as a Helper (with a truck or SUV) or a Hand (just you). 

Key takeaways:

  • Flexible work: Choose jobs that fit your schedule.
  • Earn well: Dolly advertises that those with a vehicle earn an average of $50/hour, while those just using their muscle earn an average of $35/hour. 
  • Community-based: Engage with local clients and provide a valued service.
  • Physical demand: Be prepared for sustained, intensive lifting and moving. Dolly requires you to be able to lift over 75 lbs.
  • App simplicity: Easy-to-use app interface for job selection and navigation.

Lugg

Lugg offers a similar service to Dolly, but with a focus on smaller, more immediate moving and delivery needs. Things like store deliveries, small moves, donations, junk, and Craigslist purchases are common gigs for the app. 

This makes it ideal for those looking to fill their weekends with quick tasks that won’t eat up large chunks of time on their own. Like Dolly, Lugg also offers greater pay for those who own a truck. However, you can still find gigs without one.

Key takeaways:

  • Quick gigs: Most jobs are short and sweet.
  • Direct impact: Help people with urgent moving needs.
  • Payment: Lugg lets you keep 100% of your tips, and you get paid at the end of every workday.
  • Flexible hours: Work only when you want to.
  • Immediate work: Gigs can come quickly and steadily depending on demand and market.
  • Strenuous work: Be ready for a lot of lifting.
  • Vehicle use: Even if you don’t use your vehicle for moving, you’ll need one to get to and from gigs. 

Teaching English online

The ability to teach/tutor English online has become a popular part-time weekend gig, especially for those with full-time commitments during the week. 

Platforms like VIPKID, Skooli, and Preply have revolutionized the way English is taught and learned across the globe. Each provides flexible, rewarding opportunities for teachers. Whether you're a seasoned educator or someone with a passion for the English language and teaching, these platforms offer the chance to earn extra income while impacting the lives of students from various cultural backgrounds. 

VIPKID

VIPKID bridges the gap between English speakers and young learners, offering a platform for one-on-one English tutoring sessions that can easily be scheduled around your weekend plans. The app used to focus on the Chinese market, but now there’s more of a focus on South East Asia. 

Be aware that many learners will be 12-15 hours ahead of mainland US time zones, so you may need to work unusual hours.

Key takeaways:

  • Flexible weekend hours: VIPKID's scheduling system allows for complete control over your teaching hours, making it easy to work around your existing commitments.
  • Prepared materials: VIPKID provides all the necessary teaching materials and lesson plans, which means you can focus more on teaching and less on planning.
  • Competitive compensation: The platform offers an attractive pay rate, with additional bonuses for teachers who excel in their performance and achieve high ratings from parents.
  • No minimum hours: You're not required to commit to a minimum number of teaching hours, allowing for true flexibility.
  • Large time zone difference: There is demand for tutoring in the middle of the day in China, which is the middle of the night in the US.

Skooli

Skooli caters to a wide audience, providing tutors for students of various ages and levels in English. Its flexible scheduling and diverse student base make it a great choice for educators looking for weekend tutoring gigs. Skooli also allows you to teach other subjects beyond English.

Note that Skooli only accepts those who are certified teachers in North America. You must have a valid teaching license or ESL/TOEFL certification.

Key takeaways:

  • Wide student base: Teach a diverse range of students, from young learners to adults seeking to improve their English for professional reasons.
  • Choose your hours: Skooli's platform allows you to set your availability and accept tutoring sessions that fit your weekend schedule.
  • Interactive tools: Skooli has a dynamic online classroom equipped with video, messaging, and interactive whiteboards.
  • Attractive pay: Tutors receive around $19.40/hour on average, with the opportunity to earn more based on qualifications, experience, and student feedback.
  • Other subjects: If qualified, you can also tutor subjects beyond English.
  • Must be a teacher: Skooli does not accept those without teaching certificates.

Preply

Preply connects tutors with language learners globally for personalized one-on-one lessons, offering a flexible and personal approach to teaching English online during weekends.

Key takeaways:

  • Global reach: Engage with students from around the world, expanding your teaching experience and cultural knowledge.
  • Customized lessons: You can design your lessons based on each student's needs, making every tutoring session unique.
  • Manage your schedule: Preply's platform provides complete control over your teaching calendar, allowing you to book lessons when it's most convenient for you.
  • Direct communication: Preply offers a direct messaging system so you can interface directly with students.
  • Set your rates: Unlike other platforms, Preply allows tutors to set their own hourly rates, giving you the potential to earn more based on your experience and teaching style.

Housesitting and petsitting

Housesitting and pet sitting are ideal weekend gigs for those who enjoy a change of scenery and/or have a love for animals. These jobs offer an opportunity to earn extra income and perhaps even get some therapeutic bonding time with furry friends. 

Your main job will be ensuring a home and/or its pets remain safe and secure while the owners are away. Platforms like Care.com and Rover make it easy to connect with pet owners in need of your services, streamlining the process of finding gigs that match your schedule and preferences.

Care.com

Care.com is a comprehensive platform that connects caregivers with families seeking a variety of services, including babysitting, senior care, pet sitting, housekeeping, and tutoring, making it a one-stop shop for weekend gigs.

Key takeaways:

  • Broad opportunities: Access a wide array of caregiving jobs, from babysitting to senior care , allowing you to choose gigs that best fit your skills and interests.
  • Flexible scheduling: Care.com's platform enables you to set your availability, helping you track down gigs that align with your weekend plans.
  • Build your profile: Create a detailed profile to highlight your experience and attract more job offers from families looking for reliable sitters.
  • Community reviews: Benefit from a system of reviews and references that can help boost your visibility and credibility to potential clients.
  • Demand varies: Competition for gigs can be high, but once you land a gig it can be recurring.

Rover

Rover specializes in pet care services, offering a dedicated platform for finding pet sitting and dog walking gigs, ideal for animal lovers looking for weekend work.

Key takeaways:

  • Pet-focused platform: Focus exclusively on pets itting and dog walking, connecting with pet owners who need your care and expertise.
  • Choose your services: Rover allows you to select which services you offer: dog walking, pet sitting, or drop-in visits.
  • User-friendly app: Rover’s app is intuitive and allows you to manage your services, schedule, and communications.
  • Insurance provided: Rover's insurance coverage offers protection for both sitters and pets.

Catering

Catering gigs are a perfect match for those seeking part-time weekend work, particularly for those who thrive in dynamic social settings.

These jobs can range from serving at events to managing concessions at local sports games or aiding in the tear-down process after a big night. Catering companies and platforms like Gigsmart constantly seek weekend warriors ready to jump into the bustling world of event catering. 

This work is ideal for individuals who enjoy the excitement of different venues and the opportunity to contribute to the success of various gatherings. 

Gigsmart

Catering is just one of the gigs that Gigsmart offers. Overall, Gigsmart is a platform that connects workers with on-demand gigs of many types. It offers a straightforward way to find work that suits your weekend availability.

However, the work can be physically demanding, requiring long hours on your feet and sometimes heavy lifting. Job availability may fluctuate seasonally, with more opportunities in warmer months.

Key takeaways:

  • Diverse opportunities: From formal events to casual outdoor gatherings, choose gigs that match your preference.
  • Flexible scheduling: Accept jobs according to your availability, with no long-term commitment required.
  • Immediate payment: Gigsmart provides prompt payment after job completion, ensuring you’re compensated quickly.
  • Seasonal work: Many catering gigs happen only in the warmer months, making it difficult to find as many gigs during the winter. 

Local catering companies

Working directly with local catering companies offers a more personal and potentially steady stream of weekend catering gigs. Although securing consistent work may require more effort initially, establishing trust and a good working relationship with the company will help. 

Note that local companies may have fewer resources than larger platforms, affecting the variety and frequency of available jobs.

Key takeaways:

  • Community connection: Build relationships within your local event industry, potentially leading to other regular gigs.
  • Varied events: Experience a broad spectrum of events, from weddings and corporate functions to community events.
  • Team environment: Enjoy working as part of a team and being on-the-move for the entirety of the job.

Advice from experienced gig workers

We asked three of our Gig Pros what advice they’d give to those looking to find weekend part-time jobs. Here’s what they said. 

Scott's advice

Scott Jones has been doing DoorDash, Lyft, Amazon Flex, and Instacart since 2018. Here’s the advice he gave:

You're going to need to balance those with your work and rest. Well, I know it can seem like a great idea to burn the candle at both ends, but all the studies that I have seen have shown productivity to be higher on work weeks that are four days rather than 5. From there productivity goes even lower and lower, and over the long term, it becomes difficult to think of this as a feasible option. Life can't just be work. I know that there are those times when to get ahead we're willing to make whatever sacrifices necessary to get there. 

I think the easiest one to jump in and out of with is Instacart. The reason I say that is because Instacart doesn't require you to schedule. Whereas these other apps require you to schedule with them before working. Instacart's platform is actually the opposite, it makes it truly a real gig experience. You sign on give your location and then quite literally take bids to do grocery shopping and delivery. It's something you could do if you had one extra spare hour and make 25 to 50 bucks, or you could do it for 8 hours a day and make a full-time living off of it. But the flexibility of it allows you after any single delivery to sign off and just get paid for what you did. No harm comes to your record, and you're in good standing the next time that you want to use this platform. Equally, if you had a few hours and you were even going to be in another location, like imagine you were visiting in-laws, or vacationing. You could use the Instacart platform to help you make some real money in a short amount of time.

James's advice

James Tuliano has been doing Shipt and DoorDash since 2020, averaging about 20 hours per week across both platforms. Here are his tips:

If you're looking for a weekend part-time job, I don't think anything beats the DoorDash/Uber Eats combo. If you have a clean driving record, you can get started immediately, the job itself is very simple, and you can make a decent amount on Friday nights - Sunday. I started doing food delivery to supplement my income in 2020, and I've been doing it off and on ever since. It doesn't feel like a "job" if you only do it for a couple hours at a time, and it is a really great way to explore your community and check out areas you've never been to before.

I have personally found some of  my favorite establishments while working for Doordash/UberEats. It's obviously nice to have that extra money, but getting paid to explore your area is also a pretty nice perk. I would recommend that you start with food delivery, do only one order at a time (to start), only take orders that are paying you $1 a mile, and to go home the minute you're feeling tired of it so you don't get burned out.

Catherine's advice

Catherine Meyers has 5 years of experience doing Instacart and 2 years of experience with Shipt. Here’s her advice:

Having a consistent income from part-time weekend work requires motivation and flexibility! There are tons of options that are easy to pick up and try — my personal recommendations are Instacart, Shipt, and Uber Eats. However, it’s important to factor in your own preferences and needs.

If you’re an introvert and prefer less contact with your customers, UberEats and DoorDash are very hands off and task-oriented. You just pick up orders, send a few messages if needed, and drop off. Instacart and Shipt require more involved customer service, with Shipt centering their shopper training around excellent service. I’m an introvert, so this can get a little exhausting, but it’s important to remember that better customer service typically equals more earnings through tips.

Another important consideration is feeling out what service is busiest in your area, which is why I recommend signing up for at least 2-4 at once and giving them all a week or two of trial. From there, choosing 2 or 3 to multi-app over the weekends is what will give you your best earnings.

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