Are you looking for different ways to make extra money in the UK in 2026? Whether you want to get rid of debt or start saving alongside your day-to-day expenses, the 11 realistic side hustles mentioned below will help you.
When I started a side hustle as a college student for extra pocket money, I had no idea it would benefit me in the long run. Whether you are in London or any city in the UK, be mindful of making some extra money today for long-term gains.
We finalised the list after thorough research and consultation.
Easy Ways to Make Extra Money in the UK
Making a side income is all about combining your skills and a side hustle. Let’s jump straight to our first easy money-earning technique.
1. Payable Online Surveys and Reviews
Let’s start with a simple money-making technique that doesn’t require advanced skills. It is ideal for students who want to meet their additional low-level expenses. Many websites and platforms run online surveys for a particular product or software. You need to either complete the survey or provide a short review of the requested item.
However, do not fall for fake ones. Only visit trusted apps and assess all the reviews already mentioned. Moreover, if any site is asking for money, it’s a scam. These questionnaires are free to sign up for. The most reliable survey maker tools are:
- Swagbucks UK
- Toluna UK
- LifePoints
- Prolific
- Survey Junkie
- InboxDollars
- Mypoints
You need to sign up for one of the platforms above and answer all required questions. Be honest with the answers; otherwise, you might be disqualified. Similarly, for the reviews, you can check:
- Usertesting
- TryMyUI,
- Testbirds
The maximum you can earn from these surveys is £800+ monthly, depending on the platform you have chosen.
2. Content Writing/Proofreading
Now let’s talk about one of the most valuable skills you can have in this digital world. You can earn extra money with this skill or turn it into a full-time job. Content writing services are widely acknowledged, so you will never be out of work. In the UK, content writing is considered a good side hustle.
However, if you can’t take it up as a full-time role, why not choose work-from-home proofreading services? Let me familiarise you with a few reliable content-writing websites that offer genuine work.
As a beginner, you can earn a reasonable amount, but if you want higher revenue, I would suggest you pursue SEO content writing services. Take courses, boost your skills, and gain a competitive edge.
A skilled content writer can earn £50+ hourly, while a proofreader can make £25,139 yearly, according to Indeed.
3. Babysitting Jobs
Do you adore kids and know how to look after them? This job doesn’t generate high revenue, but it can still cover your daily expenses. People living in the UK need a babysitter when they are away on a business trip. You need to build strong trust to get this job.
No training or costly equipment required. Moreover, you will be paid hourly. You can earn more if you are already experienced or can babysit at night as well. You can turn this job into a babysitting business if interested. It is one of the best part-time side hustles in the UK.
A few reputable babysitting websites you can contact as a beginner:
- Sitters.co.uk
- Childcare.co.uk
- Bubble
- Care.com
- Yoopies
- Nannyjob
In 2026, the average babysitter earnings are £11.38 per hour, according to sitly.co.uk.
4. Pet Sitting Jobs
You can never go wrong with a pet-sitting job, as it is one of the most profitable businesses and will never be out of style. The profitability this side hustle offers, whether you live in any city in the UK, means you’re never going to regret it later.
In the holiday season, the business grows because the owners can’t take their pets everywhere. You can earn in many ways, including daily sitting, dog-walking packages, basic pet training, and premium rates for emergencies.
You must be thinking: how much do pet sitters earn in the UK? Pet-sitting prices vary depending on the services you choose and your location. You can earn up to £90 per hour if you have signed up for a premium package.
5. Online Tutoring
The one job I would suggest to all students looking for new ways to earn a side income is online tutoring. Use your expertise, review all the popular websites offering jobs, and make your first income. It not only lets you earn additional income but also helps you gain knowledge.
Many online tutoring platforms are offering this service, especially to students. You may check out apps such as First Tutors UK, MyTutor, and Superprof UK to find work.
You can earn £35- £ 100 per hour depending on your experience, subjects, and the class you are teaching.
6. Real Estate Agent
Here comes the most profitable hustle if done well. You won’t need to be on the premises all the time, so it can be executed as a side hustle as well. Furthermore, it gives you the privilege to earn as much as possible.
An agent can also earn from various streams, including property sales, property management, mortgage deals, and referrals. Begin as a part-time dealer and, over time, build your skills to become a full-time real estate agent. You can earn up to £500, depending on the deal you have locked in.
7. Create a YouTube Channel
Do you know that every year a million YouTube channels are monetised? This unofficial estimate is only for the UK. Now, imagine how many people are earning by publicising their lifestyle on YouTube.
YouTube automation has become an income stream for everyone, and no, we are not complaining. Learn how to make captivating videos and then don’t look back. You can earn a substantial amount the more seriously you take this field.
YouTube earnings have no limit. You can earn as much as possible.
8. Be a Local Tourist
Do you have a rich understanding of local history, attractions, and culture? Become a tourist. You will be paid hourly if you extend your services, such as walking, hidden-gem, or food tours.
You can also sell local products to tourists or can also offer local transport. Shortly, there are many ways to make money as a tour guide. Besides that, why not start creating content and upload hidden gems from your country across different social media platforms?
The tourist work is mostly seasonal. The average yearly salary of a tourist might be £25,000. However, it depends on the city and the locations the guest wants to explore.
9. Resale Business
An online resale business is another great side hustle to consider if you’re interested. Firstly, choose which item you want to sell; that could be branded clothes, furniture, toys, beauty products, and whatnot. Once you have made up your mind, move on to the next step.
The next step is to gain access to the right low-cost stock so you can earn maximum profit. For clothes and home products, you can check Charity shops such as Oxfam, Sue Ryder, and the British Heart Foundation. For toys and electronics, do check the Car Boot sale. Besides that, you can find some amazing products at local markets.
Once you have your items, find the right platform to sell them. Take a look at:
- eBay
- Etsy
- Vinted
- Facebook Marketplace
- Depop
If you fully invest your time and effort in this business, you can earn roughly £ 500- £ 2,000+/month, according to ResellRadar.co.uk.
10. Sports Coaching Jobs
Coaching in sports is another advantageous niche you can evaluate as a part-time job if you are short on time. Whether you are good at swimming, cricket, or play tennis well, showcase your talent by coaching one-to-one sessions or in a group.
However, if you have an occupied schedule, you can only opt for workshops or holiday camps. On top of that, you can coach online if you’re not physically available. Your responsibilities include training students in their desired sports, ensuring their safety, developing match strategies, and motivating them.
The salary depends on your experience, the sports you will teach, and the city you live in. You might start from £18,000 to £26,000/monthly.
11. Custom Printed Products
If you have design know-how, you’ll likely love leaning into this work as a side hustle. Custom printing is common in the UK because people want customised shirts, mugs, cards, etc.
Help people make their loved ones’ special events even more memorable by launching a custom printing business. The start-up cost is low. Don’t keep stock; take orders and deliver on time.
To sell them, create a social media account and engage viewers by regularly updating them. Besides that, you can also sell on different platforms, such as Etsy, eBay, Shopify, and Amazon Merch.
The price depends on the product you are selling, be it a mug, t-shirt, or any other accessory.
Tax and Rules to Follow in the UK
Before you start to earn extra income, it’s worth knowing where the rules stand. In the UK, you can earn up to £1,000 yearly from side income tax-free under the Trading Allowance, with no registration needed.
Once you proceed, you’ll need to register as self-employed with HMRC and file a Self Assessment tax return, even if the side hustle is small. It’s a yearly form, and HMRC’s own site walks through it step by step.
If you’re claiming Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or similar benefits while doing a side hustle, you must report your extra income to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It can affect how much you receive
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much can I earn from a side hustle?
A: It depends on the side hustle you want to pick. You can earn from £50-£500+ daily depending on your skills, the platform you have chosen, and the hours you are willing to give daily.
Q: Which side hustle should I choose as a beginner?
A: You can select proofreading, paid surveys, or start selling second-hand items to start.
Q: Can I start more than 1 side hustle at a time?
A: If you can manage 2 or 3 side hustles at a time, you can go for it.
Bottom Line
I hope you are clear on how to make extra money, in case you were searching for it. From freelancing to showcasing your talent, you have a million options to take advantage of in this digital world. I have put together a few picks that might benefit you.
Once you settle down with your side hustle, you can quit your job and pursue your side gig. I would always prefer an SEO content writing hustle, as I rate it a highly skillful job. So which side hustle impressed you the most?
