7 Best Temporary Jobs That Pay Well (Plus Top Websites to Find Them)

Looking for a way to maintain a steady income flow while seeking permanent work, or need something low-commitment?

Whatever your reasons, temporary jobs can be beneficial in some situations. However, it can be tough to find a flexible job that suits your interests.

In this article, you’ll find some best temporary jobs and the places where you can find them.

1. Dog Walker

Dog walking provides a steady, predictable income, and you can do it as often or little as your work schedule allows. And it’s mostly recession-proof. Become a dog walker and start making money without worrying about leaving your regular job.

Average Salary: $16 per hour

2. Uber or Lyft Driver

Becoming a Uber or Lyft Driver would be a perfect temporary job while you figure out your next career move or business venture. It’s a great way to supplement your income on top of your regular job.

Average Salary: $15.97 per hour

3. Server/Bartender

As a server/bartender, you can serve food and drinks in restaurants or bars for a steady paycheck. Become a bartender and earn a lot of money working in a high-end restaurant. You can enjoy some great perks too, such as free meals or drinks.

Average Salary: $11 per hour

4. Warehouse Associate

Warehouse associates perform several duties, such as receiving and processing shipments, preparing deliveries, filling orders, organizing stock, and more. They assist with inventory management and logistics in a warehouse setting.

Average Salary: $17.02 per hour

5. Administrative Assistant

The role of an Administrative Assistant requires providing administrative services such as answering phone calls, scheduling meetings, managing calendars, organizing documents, taking notes, and much more.

Average Salary: $22 per hour

6. Ski Instructor

You can work as a ski instructor and land your dream job teaching techniques to other enthusiasts on the slopes. Spend your weekends showing beginners how to master the slopes and make good money.

Average Salary: $20.05 per hour

7. Retail Merchandiser

A retail merchandiser organizes and displays products, manages inventory, and monitors stock in a retail store. They implement various strategies to maximize sales and enhance the shopping experience for customers.

Average Salary: $32 per hour

Why You Should Consider a Temp Job

Temporary jobs are a great way to find permanent employment and have many upsides. Here are some reasons why you should consider taking a temp job:

• Freedom and Flexibility: A temp job offers more freedom than permanent work. You can choose your schedule and work on tasks that you like. Temp work gives you a chance to explore other career paths.
• Stable Income: You can do a temp job as a side gig to make some extra money while working a full-time job. This gives you an additional source of income, especially when you’re between jobs or seeking permanent employment.
• Long-Term Potential: Temporary work may provide a key entry point to the job market. For temporary employees, it can be a stepping stone towards stable employment.
• Constant Learning: Temp jobs can provide good opportunities to gain new skills and experience in different industries. The experience you get from these temp jobs can also help fill those little gaps in your work history.

Top Places to Find Temp Jobs

Here are some of the top websites that can connect you with the best part-time jobs tailored to your skills and preferences:

1. Rover – For Dog Walker Jobs

Rover is one of the most popular online platforms connecting pet owners with experienced pet sitters and dog walkers. 

All kinds of pet care services are booked on the platform. This allows dog walkers to find their best-match jobs in their local area.

Pros of Rover

• A vast and active user base, which means more opportunities
• Clients can leave ratings and reviews, which helps build a reputation
• Secure payments to ensure dog walkers receive their earnings
• Provides insurance coverage for some services

Cons of Rover

• Rover charges a service fee on each transaction
• Strict application and review process
• Tough competition among dog walkers

2. Uber and Lyft – For Part-Time Drivers

Uber and Lyft are popular ride-hailing platforms that connect drivers with plenty of opportunities. 

You can sign up on the platform and start making money driving people around your city. You can drive your vehicle (if you have one) or the one owned by a non-driving partner.

Pros of Uber and Lyft

• Set your hours and drive on any day of the week
• Both apps make it easy for you to find and accept rides 
• Drivers can view their trips, earnings, and ratings on the apps
• Both platforms offer bonuses and incentives to drivers

Cons of Uber and Lyft

• Drivers are subject to user ratings
• Both platforms charge service fees and commissions on each ride

3. GigSmart – For Bartender Jobs

GigSmart is an innovative technology company that connects businesses with skilled, on-demand gig workers. 

It’s an excellent online platform for short-term temp job opportunities. It offers many temporary jobs across various industries, including bartending.

Pros of GigSmart

• One of the fastest-growing staffing companies in the gig economy
• Provides access to several work opportunities that best suit your skills
• Allows workers to find gigs that fit their availability and experience
• Instant payment upon approval

Cons of GigSmart

• Tough competition for jobs in some industries
• Workers may not receive traditional benefits like health insurance

4. Indeed – For Warehouse Associate Jobs

Indeed caters to several industries, including warehousing and logistics, so you could find your best-match job.

Pros of Indeed

• Offers access to a vast database of job listings
• Easy job search based on location, experience, and job type
• Provides employer reviews and ratings
• Allows users to track their job applications on-the-go 

Cons of Indeed

• Occasional fake job postings or potential scams
• Some job posts lack adequate information about the requirements
• The response time from employers can vary

5. FlexJobs – For Administrative Assistant Jobs

FlexJobs is the go-to freelance marketplace for those seeking legitimate temporary job opportunities.

Pros of FlexJobs

• Primarily focuses on remote temporary work 
• Curated job postings to ensure access to only legit and quality employment
• Features part-time, freelance, and alternative jobs
• Offers a subscription, which means legit jobs and less competition

Cons of FlexJobs

• The subscription-based model may not be affordable for budget job seekers
• The availability of jobs in specific industries and locations may vary

6. SeasonWorkers – For Ski Instructor Jobs

SeasonWorkers is an award-winning job search platform that connects job seekers with seasonal and temporary work. It focuses on the tourism, hospitality, and outdoor industries.

Pros of SeasonWorkers

• Hosts a diverse range of seasonal job listings from employers worldwide
• Covers several industries, including ski and snowboard resorts, summer camps, beach resorts, etc
• Offers job opportunities in multiple countries
• Direct contact with employers through the platform

Cons of SeasonWorkers

• Most job postings are seasonal, so you have to check the website regularly
• No fat paychecks and amazing perks

7. Snagajob – For Retail Merchandiser Jobs

Snagajob is one of the best freelance work marketplaces specializing in hourly and part-time job opportunities. It’s a good choice for those interested in the retail sector.

Pros of Snagajob

• Easy to set up your profile and start your job search
• Offers access to all kinds and levels of hourly jobs
• Offers a user-friendly mobile app, allowing you to apply for jobs on-the-go

Cons of Snagajob

• The availability of temporary jobs can vary depending on your location
• Banners aren’t available to small businesses

What You’ll Need to Do Temp Jobs

You need a combination of soft and technical skills, plus certain qualities, to do temporary jobs effectively. Here are a few of them:

• Time Management Skills: Temp jobs typically are short-term positions, and employers expect you to be productive from day one. You need to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and deliver quality work to effectively organize your workload and plan your schedule.
• Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication will help you build relationships and understand expectations better.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Temp jobs often involve handling complex tasks or projects. Problem-solving skills allow you to find solutions when you’re experiencing setbacks. It demonstrates your value to the employer.

Tips to Succeed at Temp Jobs

Here’s how you can ace your temporary position and make the most of it: 

• Find Your Passion: Remember, there’s more than one perfect job for each individual. The truth is you can find satisfaction with lots of different types of jobs. However, it’s important to first figure out what you like to do or what you’re good at.
• Update Your Resume: Keep your resume up to date, highlighting all your relevant skills, experience, and education. Tailor your resume to the specific temp job you’re applying for to attract the employer’s attention.
• Job Search Strategy: Leverage job search platforms and websites to find jobs in your desired industry or location. Keep an eye out for job openings labeled as “temporary,” “part-time,” “contract,” and so on.
• Online Portfolio: Build a solid portfolio of your recent work and past experiences to demonstrate your credibility to potential employers. For one, keep your LinkedIn profile up-to-date and professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping Up

People assume that a permanent job is the only way to earn a living, but a significant percentage of the workforce doesn’t make money from traditional jobs.

Workers in the gig economy are now thriving and enjoying the flexibility the only temp work offers!

You can explore our list of some of the best temporary jobs in many distinct occupational sectors or industries. These temp jobs are a great way to start your career as you figure out what to do next.

Do you find the article helpful? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. And feel free to share it with others who’d be interested in a temporary job.