Best Gig Work Opportunities in Des Moines
If you need money fast in Des Moines, gig work is one of your most flexible options. You can start earning within days, set your own hours, and pick work that fits your schedule. The key is knowing which gigs actually pay decent money and don't waste your time. Here's what's actually available in Des Moines and what you can realistically expect to make.
Delivery Apps Pay Decent If You're Strategic
Delivery driving through DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub is probably the easiest gig to jump into. You'll need a car, valid driver's license, and insurance. Sign-up takes 3-5 days. Here's what you're looking at:
- $15-25 per hour on average, depending on order volume and tips
- Peak times (lunch 11am-2pm, dinner 5pm-9pm) are when you'll make the most
- Weekend evenings typically pay better than weekday mornings
- Your car expenses matter: gas, wear and tear, and maintenance come out of your pocket
The reality is delivery apps work best if you live near restaurants and residential areas where orders stack up. If you're doing this full-time, you'll make closer to $1,200-1,600 per week before expenses. Part-time? Figure $15-20/hour after gas.
Task-Based Work Pays Better Than You'd Think
Apps like TaskRabbit, Handy, and Fiverr connect you with people who need help with specific jobs. This includes assembling furniture, moving help, minor repairs, or handyman work.
- $20-60 per hour depending on the task difficulty
- You set your own rate on some platforms
- More specialized skills (plumbing-related work, electrical help) pay significantly more
- Tasks usually take 1-4 hours
The catch is you need actual skills or at least reliability. People will rate you, and your rating directly affects how much work you get. Building up reviews takes time, but once you have them, you can be selective about which jobs you accept.
Rideshare Driving Is Steady But Not a Quick Buck
Uber and Lyft both operate in Des Moines and let you start driving within a week of application.
- $16-22 per hour after Uber/Lyft takes their cut
- Requires a newer car (usually 2012 or newer), clean driving record, and insurance
- Surge pricing during peak times (nights, bad weather, events) can push you to $25-35/hour
- Slow afternoons might pay only $12-15/hour
This works best if you already own a reliable car and don't mind driving. The wear and tear on your vehicle is real, so factor in maintenance and higher insurance costs. Some drivers combine rideshare with delivery (doing both apps) to maximize their earnings, though you can't do both simultaneously.
Other Quick-Start Gigs Worth Considering
Beyond the big three, Des Moines has other opportunities:
Food delivery only (DoorDash, Instacart). These are faster to sign up for than rideshare and require zero background check delay. You can start earning within days. Pay is similar to full delivery work, $15-22/hour, but you're just carrying food or groceries, not driving passengers.
Freelance work online. If you have writing, design, social media, or virtual assistant skills, platforms like Upwork and Fiverr let you work entirely from home. Pay varies wildly from $10-100+/hour depending on your skill level. This doesn't happen fast, but once you build clients, it's solid recurring income.
Pet sitting and dog walking. Apps like Rover and Wag connect you with pet owners. You can make $15-30 per walk or $30-75 per day for pet sitting. Less available in Des Moines than bigger cities, but worth checking.
Getting Started Today
The best gig for you depends on what you have access to (car, skills, equipment) and your schedule. Most people in Des Moines doing this successfully mix two or three gigs to smooth out slow periods and avoid burnout.
Ready to find actual gig opportunities near you? Search whopaysmenow.com/gig-work to discover verified gig work locations, platforms actively hiring in Des Moines, and what others are actually earning in your area.