Gig Jobs: Flexible Work, Delivery Gigs and How to Start

Looking for gig jobs? Gig work can fit around school, family or another job, but it works differently from a regular shift job. This guide explains what counts as gig work, how it compares with flexible part-time employment, what you need to start delivery gigs like Amazon Flex, and how taxes work so there are no surprises.

What counts as a gig job?

The IRS describes the gig economy as activity where people earn income providing on-demand work, services or goods, often through an app or website. Its examples include driving for booked rides or deliveries, running errands or completing tasks, selling goods online, and other temporary, on-demand or freelance work^[1].

The defining features are usually flexibility and independence: you decide when to log on, you may use your own vehicle or equipment, and you are often paid per task or per block of time rather than on a fixed schedule. In exchange, you typically take on more responsibility for things an employer would normally handle, such as taxes and vehicle costs.

Gig work vs flexible shift jobs

Many people searching for "gig jobs" really want flexibility, and that is not only available through apps. Here is how the two options usually compare:

	App-based gig work	Flexible shift job (employee)
Schedule	You choose blocks or tasks when available	Scheduled shifts; part-time options are common
Worker status	Often independent contractor	Employee
Taxes	You may need to pay estimated taxes^[2]	Employer withholds from your paycheck^[2]
Vehicle and costs	Often your own vehicle, fuel and upkeep	Varies; some roles provide a vehicle
Benefits	Usually not employer benefits	May be offered, depending on employer and eligibility

Not sure which you'd be? The IRS suggests asking the business or checking your worker status before you start^[2].

Delivery gigs and driver jobs

Delivery is one of the most common kinds of gig work, and it is also where the line between gigs and regular jobs is easiest to compare:

Amazon Flex is app-based. You use your own vehicle and reserve delivery blocks in the Amazon Flex app^[3].
Amazon Delivery Service Partner (DSP) drivers are employees of independent delivery companies. Amazon says the DSP provides the van, gas and insurance, and hours and shift times vary by DSP^[4].
Domino's delivery drivers are store employees, usually at franchise locations, working full-time or part-time shifts with their own insured vehicle^[5].

For a full side-by-side comparison of requirements, see our delivery driver jobs guide.

What you need to start delivery gig work

Requirements depend on the program. For Amazon Flex, Amazon lists the following^[6]:

Be 21 or older
A valid U.S. driver's license and a Social Security number
An eligible vehicle: 4-door sedans, SUVs, vans, or trucks with covered beds (smaller cars and open-bed trucks are not eligible)
Auto insurance that meets local requirements
A compatible Android phone or iPhone
A checking or savings account for direct deposit
Living in an area where Amazon Flex operates

Amazon also says you must pass a background check that includes a review of motor vehicle records. If no delivery spots are open in your region, you're placed on an interest list and notified when spots become available^[3]. Getting through onboarding is not the same as being guaranteed work, so plan for some weeks to be busier than others.

Taxes and expenses

This is the part many new gig workers miss. According to the IRS^[1]^[2]:

Income from gig work is taxable and must be reported, even if it is part-time or side work, and even if you don't receive a 1099 form.
If you do gig work as an independent contractor, you may have to pay quarterly estimated taxes.
You must file a tax return if you have net earnings from self-employment of $400 or more from gig work.
Keeping records of income and receipts for expenses can help you deduct certain business expenses.

If you'll use your own vehicle, track your mileage and costs from day one. Fuel, maintenance and wear add up, and they affect what you actually take home.

Tips before you start

Compare at least two options. An app-based gig and a part-time shift job can suit very different weeks. See our guide to part-time jobs near you.
Check your insurance. Confirm what your personal policy covers and what the program provides before you drive.
Set money aside for taxes if no one is withholding for you.
Download apps only from official app stores or company sites, and never pay a fee to "unlock" gig work. The FTC says honest employers will never ask you to pay to get a job^[7].

Gig job guides

Delivery driver jobs

Domino's, Amazon DSP and Amazon Flex requirements compared.

Amazon jobs

Warehouse and hourly roles, and how Amazon hiring works.

Domino's jobs

Delivery driver and store roles.

Warehouse jobs

Amazon and Costco warehouse roles and what to expect.

Part-time jobs

Employers with part-time and flexible schedules.

Gig jobs FAQ

What are gig jobs?

Gig jobs are short-term or on-demand work, often found through an app or website, such as delivering packages or food, running errands or completing tasks. The IRS describes the gig economy as activity where people earn income providing on-demand work, services or goods, often through a digital platform.

Is gig work the same as a part-time job?

Not always. In many gig arrangements you work as an independent contractor and choose when to work, while a part-time job usually means you are an employee with scheduled shifts. The IRS notes that employers withhold tax from employees' paychecks, while independent contractors may have to pay estimated taxes themselves.

How do I find gig jobs near me?

Check which apps and delivery programs operate in your area. Amazon Flex, for example, says you must be based in an area where it operates and adds you to an interest list if no delivery spots are available. You can also search job sites by location for flexible delivery and shift roles.

Do I have to pay taxes on gig income?

Yes. The IRS says income from gig work is taxable and must be reported, even if it is part-time or side work and even if you don't receive a 1099 form.

What do I need to start delivery gig work?

It depends on the program. Amazon Flex requires delivery partners to be 21 or older with a valid U.S. driver's license, an eligible vehicle, insurance that meets local requirements, a compatible smartphone and a bank account, and to pass a background check.

How much do gig jobs pay?

Earnings vary by platform, location, hours and expenses. Check each program's terms or listing for how pay works.

Sources

Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Amazon and Domino's are trademarks of their respective owners, used here only to identify the companies.