How to Make Extra Money in Las Vegas

Las Vegas offers many opportunities for individuals to supplement their income. The city’s tourism, entertainment, and local community create diverse side hustle options. Understanding these options can help navigate this market and achieve financial flexibility.

Exploring Gig Economy Platforms

Gig economy platforms offer flexible income opportunities through app-based services. Workers are typically independent contractors, meaning companies do not withhold income, Social Security, or Medicare taxes. Individuals are responsible for these taxes.

Ridesharing services (Uber, Lyft) allow transporting passengers. Food and package delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub) offer similar flexibility. Both require a vehicle, valid driver’s license, and background checks. Task-based services (TaskRabbit, Instacart) connect individuals with tasks like grocery shopping or handyman services.

As independent contractors, individuals are responsible for self-employment taxes, covering Social Security and Medicare contributions. The self-employment tax rate is 15.3% on net earnings, split into 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare. This tax applies to net earnings of $400 or more from self-employment. Individuals must make estimated tax payments quarterly if they expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes for the year, including both income and self-employment taxes. Payments are due on April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year.

All income earned through these platforms must be reported on a tax return, even if a Form 1099-NEC is not received. Companies typically issue a Form 1099-NEC for payments of $600 or more. Individuals report business income and expenses on Schedule C (Form 1040) and calculate self-employment tax on Schedule SE. Keeping accurate records of income and deductible business expenses, like vehicle mileage, maintenance, and phone expenses, is important for reducing taxable income.

Leveraging the Tourism and Hospitality Industry

Las Vegas, a global tourism hub, offers many part-time and temporary jobs in its hospitality sector. These roles often have flexible schedules, suitable for earning supplemental income. Opportunities include event staffing, hotel operations, and specialized tour guiding.

Event staff for conventions, trade shows, and entertainment venues is a common flexible work option. These temporary, event-based roles allow individuals to choose shifts. Examples include:
Ushers
Ticket takers
Security
Promotional staff
Part-time hotel and resort positions, such as banquet staff, front desk support, or housekeeping, also offer variable hours. Staffing agencies often fill these roles.

Tour guiding offers another opportunity to leverage city knowledge. Guides can lead walking, bus, or specialized tours focusing on history, attractions, or entertainment. Some roles are seasonal (late March through early November), while others offer year-round part-time or on-call options. Compensation often includes a base rate plus tips and commissions.

Many tourism and hospitality positions operate under a traditional employee (W-2) model, where the employer withholds taxes. This simplifies tax obligations for the individual. However, some specialized roles may classify workers as independent contractors. These individuals are responsible for managing their own tax responsibilities, including self-employment taxes and estimated quarterly payments, as detailed in the ‘Exploring Gig Economy Platforms’ section.

Pursuing Remote and Online Work

Remote and online work offers income possibilities not tied to a physical Las Vegas location, requiring only an internet connection. This category includes specialized freelancing and micro-task completion. These opportunities provide flexibility, allowing individuals to work from home or any internet-accessible location.

Freelancing includes services like:
Writing
Graphic design
Web development
Virtual assistant support
Skilled individuals can market their expertise on global platforms. Virtual assistants perform remote administrative, technical, or creative tasks. Online surveys and micro-task platforms offer smaller, immediate earning opportunities for short, simple tasks. Remote customer service roles are also common.

Individuals engaged in remote and online work are typically independent contractors. They are responsible for their own tax obligations, including federal income tax and self-employment taxes. As with other independent contractor roles, quarterly estimated tax payments are generally required if expected tax liability exceeds $1,000 for the year.

To manage tax responsibilities, remote workers should maintain meticulous records of all income and business expenses. Deductible expenses can include home office costs, internet and phone bills, software subscriptions, and professional development. Income and expenses are reported on Schedule C (Form 1040), with self-employment tax calculated on Schedule SE. All income earned must be reported, even if a Form 1099-NEC is not received.

Offering Local Services and Goods

Earning extra money can involve providing direct services or selling goods locally. These opportunities often rely on personal connections, local advertising, or community platforms. Such endeavors are typically operated as sole proprietorships, meaning the individual is self-employed.

Local services include pet sitting, house sitting, and tutoring, arranged directly or through online groups. Personal assistant services, like errand running or organization, also fit this category. Creative individuals can sell handmade goods or local crafts at markets, online platforms, or local shops.

As a self-employed individual, all income earned is taxable. If net profits are $400 or more, self-employment tax is required. Estimated quarterly tax payments are necessary if the expected tax liability for the year is $1,000 or more, as detailed in the ‘Exploring Gig Economy Platforms’ section.

Proper record-keeping is essential for tracking income and eligible business expenses, which can reduce taxable income. Expenses might include supplies, transportation costs, or advertising fees. Income and expenses are reported on Schedule C (Form 1040), and self-employment tax is calculated on Schedule SE. For those selling goods, understanding sales tax obligations is important, as these vary by location and apply to sales made within the state.