Amazon Flex and 29 Other Gig Jobs in Houston to Make Extra Money
Amazon Flex, DoorDash, Uber, Instacart, Instawork, Favor, Roadie and Veryable are some of the best-known ways to find gig work in Houston, but they are far from your only options. I found 30 companies and platforms Houston workers can check for delivery work, warehouse shifts, hospitality jobs, caregiving, pet sitting, medical courier work and other flexible ways to make money.
I’m Nick Bryant, founder of Houston Healthcare Jobs and author of Understanding Healthcare Is Half the Battle. I have worked in Houston healthcare for more than 15 years, and one thing I regularly see is people who need income right now while they are looking for a permanent job, completing training or going through another transition.
Gig work can help fill that gap.
Just remember that many of these opportunities are independent-contractor jobs rather than traditional W-2 employment. That can mean you are responsible for expenses such as gasoline, vehicle maintenance, insurance and taxes.
Also, availability changes constantly. A company may have Houston openings this month and a waiting list the next. Apply directly through the company whenever possible.
1. Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex lets independent delivery partners use their own vehicles to deliver Amazon packages during delivery blocks they select.
This is probably one of the first gig jobs many people think about, which is why I would start here. Drivers reserve delivery blocks, pick up packages from an Amazon location and complete the assigned route.
Amazon says most Flex drivers earn between $18 and $25 per hour, although actual earnings depend on location, tips, route length and other factors.
Work to look for: Amazon Flex Delivery Partner
Apply directly: Amazon Flex delivery opportunities
Indeed search: Search “Amazon Flex” with the location set to Houston, Texas.
Search Amazon Flex jobs in Houston on Indeed
One warning: Indeed searches for Amazon delivery work may also show Amazon Delivery Service Partner companies. Those are often regular scheduled delivery jobs rather than Flex gigs, so read the posting carefully.
2. DoorDash
DoorDash lets Houston Dashers deliver restaurant orders and other products using their own vehicle.
DoorDash has a Houston-specific driver page and allows workers to choose when they want to deliver. Depending on the area, Dashers may deliver by car, motorcycle, scooter or bicycle.
Work to look for: Dasher, Delivery Driver, Food Delivery Driver
Apply directly: Become a DoorDash driver in Houston
Indeed search: “DoorDash driver”
Search DoorDash jobs in Houston on Indeed
3. Uber Eats
Uber Eats lets Houston workers make money delivering food and other orders without transporting passengers.
You can decide when you want to go online and see an estimated payment before accepting an order. Houston delivery options can include cars and other eligible forms of transportation.
Work to look for: Uber Eats Delivery Driver, Delivery Person, Courier
Apply directly: Deliver with Uber Eats in Houston
Indeed search: “Uber Eats driver”
Search Uber Eats jobs in Houston on Indeed
4. Uber
Uber also gives Houston drivers the option of transporting passengers instead of delivering food.
Uber's Houston driver platform lets eligible drivers use their vehicles for rideshare work and choose when they want to drive.
Work to look for: Uber Driver, Rideshare Driver
Apply directly: Drive with Uber in Houston
Indeed search: “Uber driver”
Search Uber driver opportunities in Houston on Indeed
5. Lyft
Lyft is another option if you are comfortable transporting passengers around Houston.
The Lyft Driver app matches Houston drivers with local riders, and drivers choose when they want to go online.
Work to look for: Lyft Driver, Rideshare Driver
Apply directly: Become a Lyft driver in Houston
Indeed search: “Lyft driver”
Search Lyft jobs in Houston on Indeed
6. Instacart
Instacart pays shoppers to shop for groceries and deliver orders to customers.
Workers choose available orders, shop inside the store, communicate with the customer when necessary and deliver the groceries. Instacart requires shoppers to be at least 18 and have access to a vehicle for deliveries.
Work to look for: Instacart Shopper, Grocery Delivery Driver
Apply directly: Become an Instacart Shopper
Indeed search: “Instacart shopper”
Search Instacart work in Houston on Indeed
7. Shipt
Shipt hires independent shoppers to shop for and deliver groceries, household goods and other products.
Shipt operates in Houston and lets personal shoppers select opportunities through its app.
Work to look for: Shipt Shopper, Personal Shopper, Package Delivery Driver
Apply directly: Become a Shipt Shopper
Indeed search: “Shipt shopper”
Search Shipt jobs in Houston on Indeed
8. Walmart Spark Driver
Spark Driver connects independent drivers with Walmart and other delivery opportunities.
Drivers first check whether the Spark Driver platform is accepting workers in their area. Availability can change, so enter your Houston ZIP code during registration.
Work to look for: Spark Driver, Walmart Delivery Driver
Apply directly: Check Spark Driver availability
Indeed search: “Spark Driver Walmart”
Search Walmart Spark opportunities in Houston on Indeed
9. Favor
Favor is especially worth checking in Houston because it is a Texas-based delivery company and part of H-E-B.
Favor Runners deliver restaurant food, groceries and other items. Favor specifically lists Houston as one of its Texas markets, and Runners work as independent contractors.
Work to look for: Favor Runner, Delivery Driver, H-E-B Shopper
Apply directly: Become a Favor Runner
Indeed search: “Favor Runner”
Search Favor jobs in Houston on Indeed
10. Grubhub
Grubhub gives drivers another way to make money delivering restaurant orders.
Drivers use the Grubhub for Drivers app, select a market and can schedule blocks or go available for offers depending on the market.
Work to look for: Grubhub Driver, Delivery Partner
Apply directly: Apply to deliver with Grubhub
Indeed search: “Grubhub driver”
Search Grubhub jobs in Houston on Indeed
11. Gopuff
Gopuff delivers convenience items from its own local facilities rather than sending drivers to multiple restaurants.
Gopuff lists Houston as a market and recruits independent Delivery Partners through a separate delivery application.
Work to look for: Gopuff Delivery Partner, Delivery Driver
Apply directly: Apply to become a Gopuff Delivery Partner
Indeed search: “Gopuff delivery driver”
Search Gopuff jobs in Houston on Indeed
12. Roadie
Roadie is a UPS-owned crowdsourced delivery platform that connects independent drivers with local delivery gigs.
Drivers can select individual deliveries or multi-stop routes. Roadie can be especially interesting if you prefer transporting packages rather than passengers or restaurant food.
Some RoadieXD opportunities also target drivers with larger vehicles such as cargo vans or box trucks.
Work to look for: Roadie Driver, Independent Courier, Delivery Driver
Apply directly: Become a Roadie driver
Indeed search: “Roadie driver”
Search Roadie jobs in Houston on Indeed
13. Dropoff
Dropoff is one of the Houston gig companies I would check if you are interested in becoming a medical courier.
Dropoff currently lists independent medical courier work in Houston involving medical products, specimens and supplies. The company says prior courier experience can help but is not always required.
Dropoff also recruits workers for afternoon, weekend and specialized cargo-van routes.
Work to look for: Independent Medical Courier, Driver Contractor, Same-Day Delivery Driver
Apply directly: See Dropoff contractor openings
Indeed search: “Dropoff medical courier”
Search Dropoff courier jobs in Houston on Indeed
14. Fetch Package
Fetch offers Houston independent-contractor routes delivering packages and other services to apartment communities.
Fetch's current careers information separates W-2 jobs from 1099 Service Partner opportunities. Service Partners choose hours and run local routes.
Recent Houston listings have included regular delivery routes and higher-capacity cargo delivery opportunities.
Work to look for: Fetch Delivery Partner, Service Partner, Cargo Delivery Partner, Trash Service Partner
Apply directly: See Fetch Service Partner opportunities
Indeed search: “Fetch Package delivery partner”
Search Fetch Package gigs in Houston on Indeed
15. HopSkipDrive
HopSkipDrive offers a different kind of driving gig: transporting children and students.
The company currently operates its CareDriver program throughout Houston and surrounding communities. CareDrivers choose rides that fit their schedules, but this is not as entry-level as food delivery. HopSkipDrive has a much more extensive screening and certification process because drivers transport children.
Work to look for: HopSkipDrive CareDriver
Apply directly: Apply to become a Houston CareDriver
Indeed search: “HopSkipDrive CareDriver”
Search HopSkipDrive jobs in Houston on Indeed
16. Life Couriers
Life Couriers contracts with independent drivers who transport healthcare and life-science products.
This is another company worth checking if you want to move beyond restaurant delivery and into medical logistics.
Work to look for: Independent Courier, Medical Courier, Healthcare Courier
Apply directly: See Life Couriers independent-contractor opportunities
Indeed search: “Life Couriers medical courier”
Search Life Couriers jobs in Houston on Indeed
17. Instawork
Instawork is one of my favorite options for someone who wants gig work without making deliveries all day.
Houston businesses use Instawork for hourly shifts involving hospitality, events, retail and other service work. Workers accept shifts that fit their availability. Instawork's Houston page currently shows a large pool of local workers and examples of Houston-area shifts.
Work to look for: Event Staff, Retail Associate, Dishwasher, Server, Bartender, Warehouse Worker, General Labor
Apply directly: Find flexible work through Instawork
Indeed search: “Instawork”
Search Instawork jobs in Houston on Indeed
18. Wonolo
Wonolo connects workers with short-term local jobs in warehouses, manufacturing, delivery, merchandising and general labor.
Wonolo currently has a Houston job market and says workers do not need a résumé simply to join the platform.
This could be a good option if you are trying to build recent experience.
Work to look for: Warehouse Worker, General Labor, Merchandiser, Delivery Worker, Production Worker
Apply directly: Browse Wonolo jobs and select Houston
Indeed search: “Wonolo”
Search Wonolo jobs in Houston on Indeed
19. Veryable
Veryable is one of the strongest options on this list for Houston warehouse and manufacturing workers.
Veryable's Houston market includes Houston, Pasadena, Deer Park, Baytown, Pearland, League City, Sugar Land, Missouri City, The Woodlands and many other surrounding communities. Houston opportunities focus heavily on manufacturing, production, fulfillment and warehousing.
Workers, called Operators, browse available opportunities, bid on the work they want and can receive payment as soon as the following day after completing an assignment.
Work to look for: Warehouse Associate, Production Worker, Manufacturing Worker, Forklift Operator, General Labor
Apply directly: Find work through Veryable
Indeed search: “Veryable warehouse”
Search Veryable work in Houston on Indeed
20. Qwick
Qwick specializes primarily in hospitality, restaurant, hotel and event work.
Houston Qwick categories include servers, bartenders, cooks, dishwashers, cashiers, concession workers, event setup, housekeeping and front-of-house support.
Qwick has also expanded beyond individual shifts into some longer-term jobs.
Work to look for: Server, Cook, Bartender, Dishwasher, Event Staff, Concession Worker, Hotel Staff
Apply directly: Browse Qwick gigs in Houston
Indeed search: “Qwick hospitality”
Search Qwick jobs in Houston on Indeed
21. GigSmart
GigSmart's Get Gigs app connects Houston workers with short-term shifts and regular part-time or full-time jobs.
Houston businesses use GigSmart for general labor, events, warehouse work, food service and similar hourly positions.
Workers can create a profile and immediately begin applying for local shifts.
Work to look for: General Labor, Event Worker, Warehouse Worker, Food Service, Production Worker
Apply directly: Learn how to find gigs with GigSmart
Indeed search: “GigSmart”
Search GigSmart work in Houston on Indeed
22. Shiftsmart
Shiftsmart lets workers choose individual shifts through an app based on their location and availability.
The platform shows workers the shift details and earnings before they book the work.
Work to look for: Store Associate, Merchandising, Stocking, Food Prep, Retail Shift Work
Apply directly: Become a Shiftsmart worker
Indeed search: “Shiftsmart”
Search Shiftsmart jobs in Houston on Indeed
23. Bacon Work
Bacon Work is another app that lets workers pick up individual shifts instead of committing to a traditional schedule.
Bacon advertises general labor, catering and warehouse work, and says many shifts do not require specialized skills.
Availability will depend on which Houston businesses are posting shifts when you check.
Work to look for: General Labor, Warehouse Worker, Catering Staff, Event Staff
Apply directly: Find gig work with Bacon Work
Indeed search: “Bacon Work”
Search Bacon Work opportunities in Houston on Indeed
24. Taskrabbit
Taskrabbit can work well if you would rather get paid for completing projects than work inside a warehouse or restaurant.
Houston Taskers provide services such as moving help, furniture assembly, lawn work, cleaning, home organization, pressure washing and other household tasks.
Taskers choose the services they offer, define their work area and set their availability. Taskrabbit may charge a one-time registration fee in applicable cities.
Work to look for: Moving Help, Furniture Assembly, Cleaning, Yardwork, Delivery, Errands
Apply directly: Become a Taskrabbit Tasker
Indeed search: “Taskrabbit”
Search Taskrabbit work in Houston on Indeed
25. Rover
Rover lets people make money providing pet care.
Houston Rover workers can offer dog walking, pet sitting, drop-in visits, boarding, house sitting and doggy day care.
Rover sitters operate as independent contractors and can set their own schedules and prices.
Work to look for: Pet Sitter, Dog Walker, Dog Boarding
Apply directly: Become a Rover sitter or dog walker
Indeed search: “Rover pet sitter”
Search Rover jobs in Houston on Indeed
26. Wag!
Wag! gives Houston pet lovers another option for earning money through pet care.
Wag! Pet Caregivers can provide dog walking, drop-in visits, pet sitting, boarding and daycare services.
Wag! currently operates pet-care services in Houston.
Work to look for: Dog Walker, Pet Caregiver, Pet Sitter
Apply directly: Apply to become a Wag! Pet Caregiver
Indeed search: “Wag dog walker”
Search Wag! jobs in Houston on Indeed
27. Care.com
Care.com can connect Houston workers directly with families who need child care, senior care, pet care, housekeeping and other assistance.
Houston families currently advertise caregiver opportunities through the platform, and workers can build profiles, search local jobs and apply to families that fit their schedules.
Work to look for: Caregiver, Babysitter, Nanny, Senior Caregiver, Companion, Housekeeper, Pet Sitter
Apply directly: Search Care.com jobs in Houston
Indeed search: “Care.com caregiver”
Search Care.com opportunities in Houston on Indeed
28. Poplin
Poplin offers one of the more unusual gigs on this list: doing other people's laundry from home.
Poplin operates its laundry pickup and delivery service in Houston. Laundry Pros accept orders, pick up the clothes, wash and fold them at home and return the completed laundry.
This could appeal to someone who wants flexible work but does not want to spend the entire day driving passengers or working inside another business.
Work to look for: Poplin Laundry Pro
Apply directly: Become a Poplin Laundry Pro
Indeed search: “Poplin Laundry Pro”
Search Poplin opportunities in Houston on Indeed
29. Field Agent
Field Agent pays workers for small tasks completed at stores and other locations.
Jobs can involve checking displays, taking pictures of products, recording prices, completing surveys, mystery shopping or checking retail inventory.
This is contract work, not regular employment, and available tasks depend heavily on where you live and what companies need checked.
Work to look for: Retail Audit, Mystery Shop, Product Check, Field Agent
Apply directly: Download Field Agent and look for nearby gigs
Indeed search: “Field Agent retail auditor”
Search Field Agent work in Houston on Indeed
30. Merchandiser by Survey.com
Survey.com's Merchandiser app pays independent workers to complete retail merchandising projects.
Assignments can include visiting stores, completing inventory audits, setting up promotional displays and stocking products.
This is another app where your Houston ZIP code and current project availability will determine how much work you see.
Work to look for: Retail Merchandiser, Retail Auditor, Inventory Auditor, Product Display
Apply directly: Get the Survey.com Merchandiser app
Indeed search: “Survey.com merchandiser”
Search merchandising gigs in Houston on Indeed
Which Houston Gig Apps Should You Apply to First?
I would apply to several platforms instead of waiting for one company such as Amazon Flex to accept you.
If you have a reliable car and want delivery work, start with:
- Amazon Flex
- DoorDash
- Uber Eats
- Favor
- Spark Driver
- Roadie
- Fetch Package
- Dropoff
If you do not want to put a lot of mileage on your vehicle, start with:
- Instawork
- Wonolo
- Veryable
- Qwick
- GigSmart
- Shiftsmart
- Bacon Work
If you like helping people or animals, look at:
- Care.com
- Rover
- Wag!
- HopSkipDrive
If you have tools, a truck or practical skills, look at:
- Taskrabbit
- Roadie
- Fetch Package
- GigSmart
And if you just want occasional extra money when something pops up, Field Agent and Survey.com can give you smaller jobs to check while you are already out running errands.
Should You Search Indeed for Gig Jobs Too?
Yes, but use Indeed as a secondary search because many gig companies recruit directly through their apps.
Try these Houston Indeed searches:
- Amazon Flex
- 1099 delivery driver
- Independent contractor delivery driver
- Medical courier
- Independent medical courier
- Courier own vehicle
- Cargo van independent contractor
- Delivery partner
- Gig worker
- On-demand worker
- Flexible shifts
- Event staff
- Warehouse gig
- Temp warehouse
- Merchandiser
- Retail auditor
- Catering event staff
A particularly useful search is:
“independent contractor delivery driver” + Houston, Texas
Another is:
“1099 courier” + Houston, Texas
Current Houston Indeed searches show independent medical courier, package delivery and other contractor opportunities beyond the big-name apps.
Remember That Gig Income Is Not Always the Same as Hourly Pay
Always calculate your actual profit after expenses, especially when you use your own vehicle.
If an app says you earned $100, you may still have expenses such as:
- Gas
- Oil changes
- Tires
- Vehicle depreciation
- Tolls
- Additional insurance
- Parking
- Supplies
- Self-employment taxes
A delivery that looks good at first may not be as attractive after you drive 70 miles.
That is why I like having several apps.
You might use Amazon Flex when good delivery blocks appear, Instawork when an event shift fits your schedule, Roadie when a delivery is already headed in your direction and Field Agent when a store near you has an easy retail task.
You do not have to be loyal to one app.
Conclusion: There Are Far More Houston Gig Jobs Than Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex is one of the most recognizable gig jobs in Houston, but Houston workers can also find flexible opportunities through DoorDash, Uber, Favor, Spark Driver, Roadie, Dropoff, Instawork, Veryable, Qwick, Taskrabbit, Care.com and many other platforms.
My advice is to apply to five or six platforms that match the type of work you actually want instead of downloading 30 apps and never using any of them.
If you want to drive, choose delivery apps.
If you like warehouse work, choose on-demand shift apps.
If you like animals, try Rover or Wag!.
If you have caregiving experience, look at Care.com or HopSkipDrive.
If you have a cargo van, truck or courier experience, focus heavily on Roadie, Fetch, Dropoff and medical courier opportunities.
Gig work does not have to become your career. Sometimes it simply gives you a way to make money while you search for your next permanent job.