10 Weekend Gigs That Actually Pay Well

by Anthony Vion:  

edited by Doug Garfinkel:

Remember when you spent your weekends sleeping until noon, watching TV and then getting ready to go out with friends again? Me, too.  

But those days are long, long gone. Now, you have responsibilities. You have bills. And the prices of everything in your life are going through the roof. 

So, now weekends are the time to find ways to make some extra cash to make your life just a little bit easier.  

But how, you ask? Well, I’ll tell you. There are tons of weekend gigs that pay well and I can say I’ve done quite a few of them. And the best part is that most don’t require a long-term commitment.   

You want to find something that’s right for you though. So, let’s get at it. 

Bartending 

I bartended weekends in college at Oswego and the money I made from one shift got me through the week. Although my bills back then were slightly lower than they are now. Top bill now: mortgage. Top bill then: beer. 

It’s one of the best high-paying weekend gigs out there, especially if you’re working nights at a busy bar, restaurant or event. 

You’ve seen it from the other side. The weekend crowds are bigger and in bartender speak, that means more and better tips. 

You don’t have to be Tom Cruise in Cocktail, flipping bottles around, to make some serious cash. Even if you’re new to the game, you’ll get the hang of it quick and start raking in the money.  

Luck into private events like weddings and parties, and you can double or triple your one shift pay. 

Waiting Tables 

Not as glamorous as bartending, but waiters and waitresses can also bring in some serious cash on the weekends.  

Just like bars, restaurants are generally at maxed out capacity on weekends, which makes serving tables a prime weekend gig. My wife was a waitress at Applebee’s years back and made a lot more money on Friday and Saturday nights for sure. 

You have to hustle though and keep that smile on your face if you want to see bigger tips. That’s where most of your money is going to come from. 

Moving Help 

Weekend moving is the worst when friends or family ask you to help them out for free. 

But… there are people out there willing to pay you good money for help lifting, loading and unloading their furniture.  

I made $300 cash one Saturday a few years back helping move my friend Phil’s ex-girlfriend’s stuff out of his apartment. It was a little awkward, but the pay was good. And the fact that I never liked her made it easier.  

From couches to apartments to full house moves, the work is out there if you want it. Usually it’s hourly pay, but some people tip well, especially if you do a good job and they can’t hear you complain. 

Junk Removal and Hauling 

I did this one a few times in college, too. No matter where you are, there are always people who want to get rid of stuff. 

If you have, or can borrow, a truck or trailer, getting rid of other people’s junk can make you a lot of money on the weekends. 

Even small jobs like hauling away an armchair or a few bags of debris can pay well for a short amount of time. Larger cleanouts, like garages or basements, can bring in even more. 

Car Washing and Detailing 

Personally, I have no interest in this one, but I have friends who do it on the weekends and make pretty good money. 

Something I tell my kids, which is like preaching to the choir, people are lazy. And most people don’t want to be bothered washing their own cars. 

That’s where you come in. Whether it’s a quick exterior wash or full detailing job with waxing and all, you can build up a steady client base if people are happy with your work. And you smile. Always important. 

Yard Work and Landscaping 

Not just for teenagers anymore, this can be a pretty sweet weekend gig.  

From mowing lawns to trimming hedges and cleaning up leaves, people always need their yards cleaned. And most don’t want to, or can’t, do it themselves. 

I had a gutter cleaning business years back and parlayed it into more than a few fall cleanups at $300 a pop, back then. 

You don’t need a full landscaping business. Just a lawn mower, leaf blower and some other basics and you can (wait for it), really clean up on the weekends.  

Open House Assistant (Real Estate) 

OK, never done this one, but apparently it’s a thing. 

Real estate agents often need help hosting open houses on weekends. Stuff like greeting visitors, answering basic questions and keeping everything clean. 

Don’t worry, you don’t need a license and won’t be selling property yourself, but it’s a relatively low-stress way to earn extra weekend money in a professional setting. 

Also, it’s a cool networking opportunity if you have any interest in real estate long-term. 

Furniture Assembly 

This is one I have tons of experience with, although it’s with putting my own stuff together.  

Places like Ikea, Walmart and Amazon all have some pretty good stuff, but it doesn’t come put together.  

And not everyone (read, almost no one) wants to spend hours putting it together. Again, this is where you come in. Things like desks, shelves, bed frames and outdoor furniture are pretty common.  

If you have the patience, this could be a good one for you.  

Fitness Instruction or Coaching 

My wife keeps telling me I should get into this one, since I’m at the gym twice a day anyway. 

If you’re into fitness, coaching weekend classes or sessions may be a natural way to make some extra money on the weekends. 

Gyms, community centers and local groups often look for instructors for classes like boot camps, yoga or strength training. Just stay away from the crazy stuff like Hyrox, unless you’re a true workout lunatic.  

Market or Festival Vendor 

These are pretty much seasonal, but still a good spot to cash in. 

Weekend markets, fairs and local festivals bring in nice crowds and vendors can do well selling food, drinks or merchandise. 

What Makes a Weekend Gig Worth It? 

Money, oh wait, besides the money. I can tell you firsthand that every weekend gig is not worth your time. I once spent a whole Saturday ripping a roof and only got $75, along with an excruciating sunburn. 

What you’re looking for is something where business peaks on the weekends, has flexibility, needs minimal training and gives you a solid hourly return on your time. 

Do you like social, fast-moving places like bars or restaurants? Or more independent work like yard work or hauling jobs? 

The most important thing is choosing what feels right for you. 

BIO – Anthony Vion is a savings enthusiast from Long Island, NY who prides himself on finding the best deals possible. He shares practical, real-world strategies that help families stretch their dollars, cut waste, avoid common spending traps and finally feel like they’re getting ahead instead of just getting by. 

(Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. The advice given isn’t a guarantee for specific money earnings.)