Airtasker is a Sydney marketplace founded in 2012 where people post tasks, from cleaning, removals and furniture assembly to admin and design, and Taskers make offers to do them. The poster chooses a Tasker, pays through Airtasker, and the money is released when the task is done. Its key markets are Australia, the UK and the U.S., and it says it has over 4.7 million users.
At a glance
| What it is | Marketplace for local and online tasks |
| Founded | 2012, Sydney |
| Markets | Australia, the UK, the U.S. |
| Tasker fee | 12.5% to 20% of task price, by tier |
| Customer fee | Separate connection fee paid by the poster |
| Payment | Held by Airtasker, released on completion |
How it works
You create a Tasker profile, browse tasks near you or online, and make offers with your price and a short message. If the poster accepts, the task is assigned and the payment is held securely. Once you complete the work and the poster releases the payment, the money goes to your account minus the service fee.
The service fee
Airtasker charges Taskers a tiered service fee, only once a task is assigned. Its Australian support documentation describes four levels from 20% down to 12.5%, excluding GST, with lower fees for Taskers who earn more on the platform. Posters pay a separate connection fee, for example 15.95% in Australia and 17.4% in the UK, with minimums and caps. Airtasker has changed its fees several times, so check the current pages.
Winning tasks
Reply quickly with a clear, specific offer, ask questions when a task is vague, and build reviews with smaller jobs first. Factor the service fee into your price, since a $200 task at 20% leaves you $160.
Insurance
Airtasker’s UK pages describe insurance through QBE covering Tasker injuries and property damage on tasks. Check what’s covered in your country and for your type of work.
Taxes
Airtasker income is taxable. In Australia, the tax office receives data from Airtasker, so declare everything you earn.
Getting started
Verify your identity, add a profile photo and a clear description of your skills, and list any licences or insurance you hold. Start with smaller tasks in categories you know well to collect reviews, then move to bigger jobs.
Your safety
Keep communication and payment on the platform, agree the scope in writing in the task chat, and don’t accept work outside your skills or licence.
Owen’s take
Airtasker is one of the best places in Australia, and a solid one in the UK, to find local paid tasks. Price the fee in from the start and focus on task types where you win repeat work.
Who it suits
It suits handy people, cleaners, movers and freelancers in Australia, the UK and the U.S. It suits less well anyone uncomfortable competing on price.
Similar options
- TaskRabbit lets you set hourly rates for local tasks.
- Thumbtack charges pros per lead.
- Angi Services sends pre-priced home jobs.
- Fiverr is a marketplace for online services.
More options are in Gig Work.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large audience in Australia
- Fee falls as you earn more
- Local and online tasks
Cons
- Up to 20% service fee
- Price competition on offers
- Fees change over time
FAQ
How much does Airtasker take from Taskers?
A tiered service fee from 20% down to 12.5% of the task price.
Do posters pay a fee too?
Yes, a separate connection fee, with minimums and caps by country.
Where does Airtasker operate?
Mainly Australia, the UK and the U.S.
When do Taskers get paid?
When the task is complete and the payment is released.
Is Airtasker income taxable?
Yes; in Australia the tax office receives data from Airtasker.
