TaskRabbit Jobs: How to Get Started and Make Money

If you’re looking for ways to make money by doing jobs on the side, TaskRabbit can be a solid option. But before you make yourself available to assemble Ikea furniture and run errands, understand what’s involved.

What is TaskRabbit?

TaskRabbit is an odd-job service that operates in approximately 100 U.S. cities and connects users, called Taskers, to paying gigs. Taskers set their own rates and may get tips. Jobs include handyman-type tasks, moving and cleaning, and shopping and delivery services.

How to become a Tasker

To be eligible, you must be able to work in one of the cities where TaskRabbit operates. You must be 18 or older, have a Social Security number, checking account, credit card and smartphone, and pass background and ID checks.

You also need to use the Tasker mobile app to create an account and go through the verification process.

You’ll have to provide basic information about yourself, upload a photo, set up direct deposit, set pay rates and give your level of experience for your task categories.

For each service you provide, you’ll also have to add a “quick pitch” detailing why people should pick your services. To help you maintain positive reviews and ratings, TaskRabbit recommends limiting those services to ones you can perform at a high-quality level.

If TaskRabbit approves your application, you’ll be charged a nonrefundable $25 registration fee. That's the only bill you'll pay as a Tasker. All other fees are for clients.

How to attract clients and succeed

Create a strong profile

Your “quick pitch” is a brief blurb for showcasing your skills, so you’ll have to be creative to get the right message across.

Focus on the most important details, like how you can solve a specific problem or meet the client’s needs. Back your pitch up with relevant credentials or experience.

For example, if you’re pitching mounting and installation services, you might mention the 70-inch TV you sturdily mounted for a client just before the big game. Get specific with it, and always check your pitches for typos.

There’s also an “about” section where you can provide more details about your qualifications, talk about your work ethic and link to your professional website to bolster your case. Check out the profiles of top-rated, or "elite," Taskers to get ideas for improving your profile.

Make a great impression, earn good reviews

Clients can leave public reviews and ratings on your profile once they receive an invoice or cancellation notice, so it’s important to provide excellent customer service.

That means having a friendly tone when messaging clients, showing up on time, avoiding cancellations and following up after you’re done to ensure clients are satisfied.

Their ratings cover their interaction with you as well as your timeliness and responsiveness, among other things.

Read the TaskRabbit blog for tips on how to improve your standing on the site. That will open the door to more gigs, increase your chances of earning tips and let you raise rates. Research the average prices for your services regularly to ensure your rate is competitive.

How to make money with TaskRabbit

Follow the steps above and pick a task. The average hourly rate for Taskers, according to ZipRecruiter, is $17.53. Some Taskrabbit jobs pay more than others depending on the task, the city you're in and your level of expertise. Some task types may be available only in certain cities.

Run errands

Pick up dry cleaning. Drop off packages at the post office. Get prescriptions filled. These errands are a logistical pain for most people. Ease their burden, and you could earn $29 per project or more, according to TaskRabbit.

Running errands may also include delivering items such as groceries to a busy household, doughnuts to an office meeting and drinks to a party. You need access to transportation to complete delivery tasks, in most cases. You won’t get reimbursed for expenses such as gas or parking. (If you have a car, learn about driving for Uber.)

For tasks that require you to pay upfront — such as picking up an item that hasn’t been prepaid — the client is expected to reimburse you through the platform. Just be sure to upload your receipt.

Help at a party

Pick up gigs as a bartender, server or caterer for events. Taskers might also be called on to greet guests and help with setup and cleanup.

Some requests for party staff may be more unconventional, especially around Halloween. Taskers can often get gigs that simply require them to dress in costume and mingle with guests.

Wait

Yes, you can get paid to wait — in line, on a field, for a delivery, you name it. In Los Angeles, for example, Taskers earn an average of $30 per hour to snag someone a spot at a hot new restaurant or tickets for a show. All you need is a good book, a blanket or chair and a few hours of free time.

Decorate

Turn your creative talents into a side gig. You can help decorate for an event such as a wedding or house party, or simply help clients hang pictures on their wall or put up holiday lights. Interior designers often charge between $100 and $200 an hour, according to TaskRabbit, so you could base your fees on that.

Assemble furniture

Putting together Ikea furniture is a sought-after skill that pays well. The typical assembly project starts at $52. Unless otherwise specified, be prepared to bring your own tools to complete the job.

Do yardwork

Enjoy getting your hands dirty in the garden? Help someone who doesn’t or is too busy to do it. Taskers can pick up gigs mowing lawns, raking leaves, shoveling snow, trimming trees and planting flowers.

According to TaskRabbit's blog, an average lawn-mowing job earns $45 to $52 per hour. You can set an hourly rate that factors in your skill level, attention to detail and the quality of your lawn and garden equipment.

Clean houses

The average cost for house cleaning in the U.S. is. $120 to $250 per visit. Purchase some cleaning supplies, earn a reputation for thorough work, and that money can be yours. You can land a one-time cleaning gig or a recurring stint, depending on the request.

» MORE: Ways to make money online, offline and at home