Top 10 Side Hustles in the UK for Students and Young Professionals

In today’s cost-of-living climate, having a side hustle is no longer just a trend in the UK, it’s a smart financial move. From students covering rent and tuition to young professionals planning their future, side hustles help you make money on the side while building real-world skills.

The Pioneering People supports this journey by connecting driven individuals with flexible opportunities that encourage growth and independence. In this blog, we’ll discuss the top 10 side hustles available in the UK that offer a flexible routine, a stable income, and useful skills.

Top 10 side hustles to make money in the UK 

Here are the top 10 side hustles in the UK for students and young professionals that offer online side hustles from home opportunities, a steady income to cover daily expenses, and a golden chance to grow at a professional level. 

1.Content Creator

Being a content creator is all about developing your personal brand and sharing your unique voice or expertise online. It involves producing engaging content such as videos, blogs, social media posts, or live streams, with the goal of building an audience that trusts and follows your work. Beyond just creating content, it’s about establishing a long-term side hustle or career where your creativity becomes a source of income.

Content creators can monetize their work through multiple channels. This includes ad revenue from platforms like YouTube or TikTok, brand sponsorships, affiliate marketing, paid memberships, merchandise, workshops, consulting, and even speaking engagements. The choice of platform significantly affects earning potential, as each platform has different monetization rules, audience reach, and engagement patterns.

A key factor in success is building a loyal and engaged audience. Earnings are often tied directly to your audience size, engagement rates, and the niche you operate in—whether it’s gaming, education, lifestyle, fitness, tech, or other areas. Focusing on a niche allows creators to attract relevant brands and higher-paying sponsorships, as advertisers often pay more for targeted audiences.

In the UK, new content creators typically earn around £50–£200 per video or post when starting out. As they grow their audience and improve content quality, earnings can increase to £800–£1,500+ per video. Reaching higher income levels usually requires consistent posting, strategic planning, and long-term audience engagement.

In the UK, content creators earning money are considered self-employed and must handle taxes through HMRC. Keeping accurate records, understanding VAT rules (if applicable), and reporting income properly are important to avoid legal issues and ensure long-term sustainability.

2.Videographer / Photographer

Videography and photography are creative and high-paying side hustles suitable for anyone with a passion for visual storytelling. You can offer services for events, social media content, product shoots, corporate projects, weddings, or modeling portfolios, while simultaneously building a strong personal portfolio to attract more clients. Success often depends on finding the right clients and marketing yourself effectively through social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, or freelance marketplaces such as Fiverr and Upwork.

Beginners in the UK can typically earn £50–£100 per hour, while experienced professionals may charge £200–£400+ per hour, depending on the project scope, client type, and your specialization. Choosing a niche—such as wedding photography, corporate videography, product shoots, real estate, or influencer content—can help you command higher rates and attract consistent work.

To thrive in this field, it’s essential to invest in the right equipment and develop technical skills, including camera operation, lighting, composition, and post-production editing. Maintaining consistency, building a strong online presence, and gaining client referrals all contribute to long-term growth.

Additionally, working as a freelance videographer or photographer in the UK requires understanding legal and business considerations. This includes registering as self-employed with HMRC, managing taxes, using contracts to secure work, and considering insurance for equipment or liability. Over time, you can expand your income through selling stock photos/videos, running workshops, or creating online courses, making it a scalable and sustainable creative side hustle.

3.Office Assistant / Virtual Assistant

Office assistant and virtual assistant (VA) roles are flexible side hustles that allow you to support businesses with administrative tasks such as scheduling, emails, customer coordination, data entry, and project management. These roles help you build strong professional, organizational, and communication skills while earning a steady income. Many VAs work remotely, making it easier to manage multiple clients and create a schedule that fits around other commitments.

In the UK, entry-level VAs typically earn £10–£15 per hour, while experienced assistants with specialized skills—such as social media management, bookkeeping, email marketing, or executive support—can command £25–£50+ per hour. Choosing a niche can significantly increase earning potential and help you attract consistent clients.

Finding work can be done through professional networks, platforms like LinkedIn, as well as by reaching out directly to small businesses and startups. Success also depends on developing tech skills (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, project management tools) and maintaining professionalism through proper contracts, invoicing, and time management.

Over time, experienced VAs can grow their side hustle into a full-time career, expand services, manage teams, or even build their own VA agency. Working as a VA in the UK also requires understanding legal and financial responsibilities, including registering as self-employed with HMRC and managing taxes appropriately. This combination of flexibility, skill-building, and earning potential makes VA roles a highly attractive side hustle.

4.Bookkeeper (Entry-Level / Freelance)

Entry-level or freelance bookkeeping is a reliable and flexible side hustle where you help small UK businesses manage invoices, expenses, and financial records. This role is ideal for those with attention to detail, basic accounting knowledge, and proficiency in tools like QuickBooks, Xero, or Sage. Bookkeeping can often be done remotely, making it suitable for freelancers or those looking for part-time work alongside other commitments.

In the UK, beginner bookkeepers typically earn £12–£15 per hour, while experienced freelancers can charge £15–£20+ per hour, depending on the complexity of the work and client type. Specializing in areas such as payroll, VAT returns, or sector-specific bookkeeping can increase your earning potential and help attract consistent clients.

Finding clients can be done through freelance platforms like Pioneering People as well as through networking with local businesses or startups. Long-term, experienced bookkeepers can expand into accounting, financial consulting, or even start their own bookkeeping business.

As a freelance bookkeeper in the UK, it’s important to handle legal and financial responsibilities properly. This includes registering as self-employed with HMRC, issuing professional invoices, reporting taxes accurately, and securely managing client financial data in compliance with data protection regulations. With these skills and practices, bookkeeping offers both a steady income and a pathway to scalable professional growth.

5.Customer Support Representative

Customer support representative roles are flexible side hustles where you handle emails, live chats, or phone calls for companies, helping customers resolve issues and providing a strong foundation in communication and problem-solving skills. Many of these roles are remote, offering flexible shifts that make them ideal for part-time work or side hustles. Companies like Pioneering People in the UK connect skilled professionals with businesses seeking reliable customer support, making it easier to find consistent work.

In the UK, entry-level customer support workers typically earn £11–£15 per hour, while experienced representatives with specialized skills—such as technical support, multilingual assistance, or social media customer service—can earn £18–£25+ per hour. Proficiency in tools like Zendesk, Salesforce, or other CRM systems, along with strong typing, multitasking, and conflict-resolution skills, increases your value and earning potential.

Over time, customer support roles can lead to career growth, including positions such as team lead, customer success manager, training coordinator, or operations roles. Freelancers or self-employed individuals must also manage legal and financial responsibilities, including registering with HMRC, invoicing properly, and reporting taxes. Working with reputable companies like Pioneering People helps ensure professional standards, reliable clients, and a structured pathway for skill-building and long-term growth.

6. Hospitality Staff (Bar Staff, Waitstaff, Mixologist)

Hospitality roles such as bar staff, waitstaff, or mixologists are popular side hustles for students and part-time workers due to their flexible shifts and fast cash opportunities. These roles provide valuable customer service experience, social interaction, and the chance to develop teamwork, multitasking, and communication skills. In addition to base pay, earnings can be boosted through tips, service charges, or performance bonuses, making them a rewarding option for flexible income. Companies like Pioneering People in the UK help connect candidates with hospitality opportunities, ensuring access to reliable employers and structured work environments.

In the UK, entry-level hospitality staff typically earn £10–£13 per hour, while during busy shifts or with experience, pay can rise to £14–£18+ per hour. Specialized skills such as mixology, upselling, or event service experience can further increase earning potential.

Finding work can be done through local pubs, restaurants, hotels, cafes, online job boards like Pioneering People specializing in hospitality staffing. Over time, experienced staff can progress into supervisory roles, bar or restaurant management, or event coordination, turning a part-time side hustle into a more advanced career. Students and flexible workers should also consider legal and financial requirements, such as UK minimum wage laws and potential tax obligations based on total earnings.

7.Catering & Kitchen Roles (Kitchen Porter, Event Catering)

Catering and kitchen roles, including kitchen porter and event catering work, are easy-entry side hustles offering short-term or weekend shifts at hotels, events, and catering companies. These roles are ideal for students seeking steady demand and flexible hours without prior experience. Companies like Pioneering People in the UK help connect candidates with reliable catering and kitchen opportunities, making it easier to find consistent work.

In the UK, pay typically ranges from £10–£12 per hour for beginners, increasing to £13–£16+ per hour depending on experience and the type of event or catering assignment.

8. Hotel & Event Services Staff

Hotel and event services roles, including hotel operations, front desk support, event crew work, and guest assistance, are ideal for short-term contracts, seasonal work, or flexible side hustles. These positions provide valuable customer service experience, teamwork opportunities, and exposure to the hospitality and events industry. Companies like Pioneering People in the UK help connect candidates with reliable hotel and event service opportunities, making it easier to find consistent work.

In the UK, pay typically ranges from £10–£13 per hour for entry-level roles, increasing to £14–£18+ per hour depending on experience, role complexity, and the organisation’s pay structure.

9. Security & Stewarding (Including Race Marshall)

Security and stewarding roles, including race marshalling at sports and motorsport events, are well-paid, shift-based side hustles ideal for students or part-time workers. These positions often provide on-the-job training, giving beginners the skills and confidence needed to perform effectively. Companies like Pioneering People in the UK help connect candidates with reputable security and event stewarding opportunities, ensuring access to reliable employers and structured work environments.

In the UK, entry-level pay typically starts at £11–£15 per hour, increasing to £18–£25+ per hour, particularly during major events or high-demand periods. These roles require good communication, attention to detail, basic fitness, and sometimes a security license (SIA) depending on the position. Experienced staff can progress into supervisory roles, event management, or specialized security positions, making this a scalable and rewarding side hustle.

10.Delivery & Local Service Jobs

Delivery and local service jobs, including food delivery, courier work, and local jobs, are flexible side hustles offering immediate earning potential.

Earnings in the UK typically range from £10–£15 per hour for beginners to £18–£20+ per hour for experienced workers or during peak hours, with additional income possible through tips, surge pay, or bonuses. These roles require good time management, navigation skills, reliability, and in some cases, a valid vehicle license or access to a bike, car, or van.

The flexibility of these roles allows individuals to choose shifts that fit their schedule, whether evenings, weekends, or part-time hours. Long-term, workers can transition into logistics, fleet management, or supervisory positions, turning a simple side hustle into a more advanced career path. Freelance and self-employed workers must also manage taxes, insurance, and safety compliance to ensure smooth operations.

How Pioneering People Connects Talent with Flexible Work

Pioneering People connects talent with flexible work by linking students and professionals to trusted side hustle opportunities across digital, service, and event-based roles. It provides access to verified, flexible roles that fit easily around studies or full-time jobs, both online and on-site. 

By prioritising skill-building and real-world experience, Pioneering People helps individuals earn confidently while growing their careers.

Conclusion

Side hustles are no longer optional jobs; they’re essential tools for financial stability and skill‑building in the UK. Whether you choose online side hustles, side hustles from home, or flexible local work, the right side hustle can help you earn extra income, gain experience, and future‑proof your career. For students and young professionals, starting small today can lead to big opportunities tomorrow with the help of pioneering people. 

FAQs

1. What is the best side hustle for students in the UK?
Customer service representatives, freelance writing work are among the best side hustles due to flexibility and good pay.

2. Are side hustles legal in the UK?
Yes, but you must declare income to HMRC if you earn above the trading allowance (£1,000 per year).

3. Can international students do side hustles in the UK?
Yes, but only within visa work‑hour limits and permitted job types.

4. Which side hustles can be done from home?
Virtual assistant work, freelance writing, social media management, digital art, and content creation are excellent side hustles from home.

5. How can I start a side hustle with no money?
Choose skill‑based hustles like tutoring, freelancing, or virtual assistance that require only time and basic internet access.