Take a 1-min quiz to get
a Weight Loss Plan!

Make Money 12 min read January 2026

Earn Money Walking in 2026: The Complete Guide

Can You Really Earn Money Walking?

Yes—but set realistic expectations. Step-tracking apps pay $15-45/month. Dog walking pays $15-25/hour. Delivery walking pays $12-20/hour. This guide covers all legitimate ways to earn money by walking in 2026.

$25-45

Apps (monthly)

$15-25

Dog walking (hourly)

$12-20

Delivery (hourly)

5 Ways to Earn Money Walking in 2026

Walking can actually put money in your pocket. Here are all the legitimate ways to get paid for your steps:

1. Step-Tracking Apps (Easiest)

The simplest way to earn money walking is downloading apps that pay you for steps. These apps track your walking and convert steps into rewards.

Best apps for earning money walking:

  • MoveTogether — Gift cards from Amazon, Nike, Starbucks + weight loss support ($10-15/month)
  • WeWard — PayPal cash payouts, local business bonuses ($8-12/month)
  • Evidation — Health surveys + steps = real cash ($5-8/month)
  • Sweatcoin — Marketplace items and SWEAT cryptocurrency (~$4/month value)

Pro tip: Stack multiple apps. Your phone tracks steps once—all apps read the data. Running 3-4 apps earns $25-45/month from the same walking.

2. Dog Walking ($15-25/hour)

If you love animals, dog walking pays significantly more than apps. Platforms like Rover and Wag connect you with dog owners needing walkers.

  • Rover: Set your own rates, build regular clients ($15-25/walk)
  • Wag: On-demand walks, faster start ($12-20/walk)
  • Private clients: Highest rates, requires marketing ($20-40/walk)

Active dog walkers in cities earn $500-1,500/month part-time.

3. Delivery Walking ($12-20/hour)

In dense cities, food and package delivery can be done entirely on foot:

  • DoorDash — Walking mode available in major cities
  • Uber Eats — Walker mode in NYC, Chicago, LA
  • Amazon Flex — Walking routes in urban areas
  • Postmates — Good for short-distance urban deliveries

Earnings vary by city and time. Lunch and dinner rushes pay best.

4. Fitness Betting Apps (Risk Involved)

Apps like StepBet and HealthyWage let you bet on your own walking goals:

  • StepBet: Bet $40, hit weekly step goals, split pot with winners. Average return: $52
  • HealthyWage: Bet on weight loss goals, walking often key to winning

Warning: You can lose your stake if you miss goals. Only use if you're confident in your commitment.

5. Research Studies (Occasional)

Universities and health companies sometimes pay for walking-related research:

  • Clinical trials studying walking interventions ($50-500 per study)
  • Fitness tracker testing programs ($25-100)
  • Urban planning movement studies ($20-75)

Check ClinicalTrials.gov, local universities, and apps like Evidation for opportunities.

The Best Strategy to Maximize Earnings

Want to earn the most from walking? Combine multiple methods:

Optimal Earning Strategy

  1. 1
    Stack 3-4 walking apps — Passive income from steps you'd take anyway ($25-45/month)
  2. 2
    Add dog walking — Even 5 hours/week adds $300-500/month
  3. 3
    Try occasional StepBet games — Low-risk boost of $10-15 per game

Realistic total: $400-700/month with 10-15 hours weekly dedicated to paid walking activities.

What to Avoid: Walking Money Scams

Red Flags to Watch For

  • "Earn $100/day walking!" — No legitimate app pays this
  • Upfront payment required — Real apps are free
  • Cryptocurrency-only payouts — Often volatile or worthless
  • No clear company info — Legitimate apps have real businesses behind them
  • Poor App Store reviews — Check for "never paid out" complaints

Getting Started: Your First Week Plan

Ready to start earning money walking? Here's your action plan:

Day 1: Download Apps

  • Install MoveTogether (best overall + weight loss)
  • Install WeWard (cash payouts)
  • Install Evidation (surveys + steps)

Day 2-3: Configure & Walk

  • Connect all apps to Apple Health or Google Fit
  • Walk your normal routine—apps track automatically
  • Enable notifications to remember daily bonuses

Day 4-7: Optimize

  • Check which apps offer bonus activities (surveys, ads)
  • Hit the 8,000-10,000 step range for maximum daily earnings
  • Consider adding dog walking if you want more income

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I realistically earn walking?

Apps alone: $25-45/month. Add dog walking: $300-700/month. Delivery walking: $400-800/month. The more active methods (dog walking, delivery) pay significantly more but require more time commitment.

Which walking app pays the most?

MoveTogether and WeWard typically offer the highest rewards for consistent walkers. However, stacking multiple apps (using 3-4 simultaneously) earns more than any single app alone.

Is it worth it to use walking apps?

For purely passive income (walking you'd do anyway), absolutely yes. It's free money. For active income-seeking, dog walking and delivery pay significantly more per hour of effort.

Do I need expensive equipment?

No. Your smartphone is the only equipment needed for step-tracking apps. Comfortable walking shoes help for dog walking and delivery, but aren't technically required to start.

Start Earning Money Walking Today

MoveTogether pays you in gift cards while helping you lose weight. It's the easiest way to start earning from your daily steps.

Ready to Start Walking?

MoveTogether makes walking fun with community support and real rewards. Earn gift cards for every step.

Start Your Trial