If you're looking to earn money with moving gigs in 2026, two platforms dominate the conversation: Bellhops (specialized moving labor) and Thumbtack (a broader services marketplace where movers pay for leads). But which one actually puts more money in your pocket per job? We analyzed pay rates, fees, job availability, and real mover experiences to give you the definitive answer.
Whether you're a full-time mover or just looking for weekend work, understanding the nuances of each platform can mean the difference between earning $20/hour and $40/hour. Let's break it down.
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📋 Table of Contents
- 1. Platform Overview: Bellhops vs Thumbtack
- 2. Head‑to‑Head Pay Comparison (2026 Data)
- 3. Fee Structures & Hidden Costs
- 4. Realistic Earnings Scenarios
- 5. What Movers Are Saying
- 6. Pros & Cons for Movers
- 7. How to Maximize Your Pay on Each Platform
- 8. The Verdict: Which Platform Pays More?
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Platform Overview: Bellhops vs Thumbtack
Bellhops – Dedicated Moving Labor
SpecializedBellhops (now part of the Moving Labor group) connects customers with local moving labor. You’re hired by the hour, typically in 2‑hour minimum blocks. The platform handles scheduling, payments, and basic insurance. Movers are employees (W‑2) in most states, meaning taxes are withheld and you may get benefits.
Thumbtack – Services Marketplace
BroadThumbtack allows customers to post moving jobs, and pros pay for leads to quote them. You set your own rates, but you also pay per lead (typically $10–$50 depending on job value). You are an independent contractor (1099).
2. Head‑to‑Head Pay Comparison (2026 Data)
| Factor | Bellhops | Thumbtack |
|---|---|---|
| Typical hourly pay (pre‑fees) | $18–$25 | $35–$60 |
| Platform fees / costs | None (W‑2, taxes withheld) | Pay per lead: $10–$50 per job |
| Tip frequency | Common (15–20% of jobs) | Less common (5–10%) |
| Average hours per week | 15–30 (depending on area) | Self‑managed, highly variable |
| Take‑home after costs (per hour) | $18–$25 | $25–$45 (after lead costs) |
| Tax handling | Taxes already deducted | Must set aside 25–30% for self‑employment tax |
Note: Thumbtack’s effective hourly rate depends heavily on your conversion rate. If you pay $30 for a lead and book a 4‑hour job at $50/hour, you gross $200, net $170 → $42.50/hour. If you don’t win the job, that lead cost is a loss.
3. Fee Structures & Hidden Costs
Bellhops: W‑2 Simplicity
Bellhops takes a cut before you see your pay—they set the customer rate, and you receive an hourly wage. There’s no bidding, no lead costs. However, you might earn less per hour than you could by setting your own rates on Thumbtack.
Thumbtack: Pay‑to‑Play Model
Thumbtack charges you for each lead you receive. Costs depend on the estimated job value: a small moving job might cost $10, a full‑house move could be $50+. You also pay a small “service fee” on jobs booked through Thumbtack’s payments (around 3%). The biggest hidden cost is unconverted leads—you can spend hundreds without booking a single job if your profile or pricing isn’t competitive.
⚠️ Critical: Thumbtack Lead Costs
In 2026, Thumbtack’s average cost per moving lead is $28 according to industry data. To stay profitable, you need to win at least 1 out of every 4–5 leads you purchase. New movers often lose money in the first few months while learning to optimize their quotes.
4. Realistic Earnings Scenarios
Part‑Time Mover (Weekends Only)
Bellhops: Work 8 hours each Saturday and Sunday → 16 hours/week. At $20/hour average → $320/week, $1,280/month. Taxes already deducted, so that’s take‑home.
Thumbtack: Purchase 10 leads/week at $28 each = $280 cost. Convert 30% (3 jobs) at 4 hours each, $45/hour = $540 gross. After lead costs, $260/week. But you still owe ~30% in self‑employment taxes → net ~$182/week. So Thumbtack may yield less for part‑timers who haven’t optimized conversion.
Full‑Time Experienced Mover
Bellhops: 40 hours/week at $22/hour → $880/week, $3,520/month take‑home. Steady, predictable.
Thumbtack: Purchase 40 leads/week at $28 = $1,120 cost. Convert 50% (20 jobs) at 3.5 hours each, $50/hour = $3,500 gross. After lead costs, $2,380/week, then ~30% taxes → net ~$1,666/week. Thumbtack wins for high‑converters.
📊 Key Insight
Your conversion rate on Thumbtack is everything. Movers who respond instantly, have great reviews, and price competitively can hit 50%+ conversion, making Thumbtack far more lucrative. Beginners often struggle below 20% and may lose money.
5. What Movers Are Saying (2026)
🗣️ “Bellhops is consistent but capped”
— Mike, Atlanta: “I’ve been with Bellhops for two years. I never worry about finding work—it’s always there. But the pay hasn’t increased much. I top out at $24/hour. Meanwhile, friends on Thumbtack sometimes clear $50/hour, but they also have dry spells.”
🗣️ “Thumbtack is a grind, but worth it once you’re established”
— David, Austin: “My first three months I barely broke even on lead costs. Now I have 50+ five‑star reviews, and my conversion is over 60%. I earn about $4,500/month after taxes working about 30 hours a week.”
6. Pros & Cons for Movers
Bellhops Pros
- No lead costs, no marketing stress
- W‑2 with tax withholding and possible benefits
- Jobs are pre‑vetted and scheduled
- Insurance coverage during moves
Bellhops Cons
- Lower earning ceiling ($25/hour typical max)
- Less control over schedule (shifts may be assigned)
- Tips may be pooled or shared
Thumbtack Pros
- Unlimited earning potential – set your own rates
- Flexible schedule – accept jobs you want
- Build your own brand and clientele
- Can scale into a full moving business
Thumbtack Cons
- Upfront lead costs; risk of losing money
- Must manage taxes, insurance, and marketing
- High competition in popular areas
- No guaranteed work – feast or famine
7. How to Maximize Your Pay on Each Platform
Bellhooks Hacks:
- Be available for last‑minute jobs (often pay premium).
- Get certified for specialized moving (pianos, safes) for higher pay tiers.
- Maintain a 5‑star rating to get first dibs on shifts.
Thumbtack Hacks:
- Respond to leads within 5 minutes – conversion rates drop sharply after that.
- Offer a “move kit” (boxes, tape) as an upsell to increase job value.
- Ask every satisfied customer to leave a review; it’s your best asset.
- Start with slightly lower rates to build reviews, then raise them.
8. The Verdict: Which Platform Pays More?
For beginners or those who want steady, low‑hassle work, Bellhops is the better choice. You won’t earn a fortune, but you’ll earn reliably without financial risk.
For experienced movers who can convert leads efficiently and treat moving as a serious business, Thumbtack offers a much higher ceiling. Top Thumbtack movers report net hourly earnings of $40–$60 after all costs and taxes.
Ultimately, many successful movers use both: Bellhops for steady base income while building up Thumbtack reviews and a client base.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely. Many movers start with Bellhops for steady income while building their Thumbtack profile. Just be careful not to double‑book jobs.
Bellhops typically provides basic equipment (dollies, blankets) but you may need to bring your own tools. Check with your local market.
As a 1099 contractor, you must pay self‑employment tax (15.3%) plus income tax. Set aside 25–30% of each payout. Consider quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid penalties.
Buying too many leads without optimizing their profile and response time. Start with a few leads, track your conversion, and only scale when you’re consistently winning jobs.
Tips are not guaranteed but are common. Bellhops allows customers to tip via the app, and you receive 100% of tips.
Your 2026 Moving Gig Strategy
Both Bellhops and Thumbtack can pay well, but they serve different mover profiles. If you value predictability and don’t want to deal with lead costs, Bellhops is your platform. If you’re entrepreneurial and willing to invest time (and some money) into marketing yourself, Thumbtack can more than double your hourly earnings.
The smartest path? Start with Bellhops to learn the trade and earn consistently. Simultaneously, build a Thumbtack profile with great reviews (maybe offer a few discounted moves to friends). Once you have 10+ reviews, gradually shift your focus to Thumbtack for higher‑paying jobs.
💫 Ready to start your moving side hustle?
Check our Gig Economy Tax Guide to stay compliant, and read Freelancing for Beginners for more tips.