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As April bills rise, many people are looking for side hustles to make some extra cash. There's good news for those doing extra work as the treasury has discussed plans to increase the Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA) reporting threshold for trading income, from £1,000 to £3,000 within this parliament, without needing to file a self-assessment return. This means Brits won’t have to file a self-assessment tax return until they earn over £3,000 – eliminating the admin headache for those making a small additional income from side gigs such as eBay, Vinted and Etsy.
It's yet to come in, but even so, searches for flexible, at-home side hustles are booming, with 2 in 5 Brits already bringing in a second source of income, according to student housing provider, Yugo , which has analysed Google search trend data to highlight which home-based earning opportunities have seen the biggest growth in demand in 2025 so far. So, if you’re looking to earn a little on the side, here are the most in-demand side hustles of 2025, and their average hourly rate..
. 1. E-commerce (selling/reselling) on platforms such as Vinted, eBay, and Etsy These sites make it easy for Brits to sell items, whether that’s old clothes or hand-made crafts.
All it requires are a few clear photos, a phone, and an internet connection to start earning. With Vinted boasting over 105 million users across more than 20 different countries, it’s a great way to support the circular economy by giving pre-loved items a second life and reducing waste. However, while the earning potential is there, factors including demand, price, and competition will all affect how much you make.
Time for a wardrobe clear out? 2. Transcription Services Even with the rise in AI, human transcribers remain essential for accuracy, context, and understanding complex language or industry-specific terms. Transcription work involves converting audio or video recordings into written text from interviews, podcasts, and webinars.
The average hourly salary is £12.71 per hour, but if you’re a quick typist, or specialise in industry niche transcriptions, you may earn even more. All those years of typing during education are about to come in very handy.
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Proofreading and Editing Similar to transcription services, copywriters are still in high demand due to their ability to grasp context, tone, and the subtle nuances of language – something which AI often struggles with. Proofreaders and editors may work across a large range of written formats - working on an academic text one day, and a creative strapline the next. Hourly rates typically sit at around £15-£20, with higher rates usually associated with specialised skills or extensive experience.
Recommended reading: Barclays compensation claim for outages - who is eligible? Check your take home pay as minimum wage rises to £12.21 an hour What happens to your State Pension after you die, can your partner claim it? 4. Virtual Assistant work Virtual assistants provide remote admin support to businesses, entrepreneurs, and busy professionals – helping them manage emails, scheduling appointments, and handling customer service queries.
With flexible working hours and the ability to take on multiple clients, virtual assistants can earn between £12 and £25 per hour, depending on their expertise and the complexity of the tasks they undertake. 5. Data Entry Data entry remains a popular side hustle due to its low barrier to entry, and straightforward nature.
It simply involves inputting, updating, and managing information in databases or spreadsheets. And, while speed and accuracy are crucial, no specialised qualifications are typically required, making it accessible to a wide range of people. On average, data entry clerks can expect to earn up to £15 per hour, with increases on offer for those who gain experience or specialise in specific industries.
6. Social Media Management With businesses increasingly reliant on social media for marketing, engagement, and brand awareness, social media managers are in high demand in 2025. This role involves creating and scheduling posts, responding to comments and messages, analysing engagement metrics, and developing content strategies.
Those with a strong grasp of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn can command hourly rates of £15 - £30, depending on experience and client needs. 7. Graphic Design For those with a creative flair, graphic design can be a highly lucrative side hustle.
From designing logos and social media graphics to producing marketing materials, the demand for high-quality visuals is ever-growing. And, platforms like Canva and Adobe Creative Suite make it easier than ever to get started, even for beginners. While entry-level designers may start at around £15 per hour, experienced professionals with a strong portfolio can earn upwards of £40 per hour - and have fun while doing it.
Side hustles away from home Making extra money via a side hustle has never been so easy – and for many Brits, will soon become the norm. But, not everyone wants to work from their bedroom. Check out some side-job alternatives that will get you out of the house: 1.
Pet sitting Is there anything better than getting paid to play with animal friends? In the UK, the average price of pet sitters goes up to £20 per hour depending on the task. Expect a lower salary for simple roles like feeding cats while the owner is away, and higher prices for more intensive activities like dog walking or puppy sitting. You may also need insurance.
2. Au pair Combining travel with childcare and housework, searches for au pair jobs are on the rise. While the pay is admittedly much lower than other jobs, the host family is always required to provide pocket money, and free accommodation and meals.
3. Amazon warehouse worker Searches for Amazon warehouse jobs are growing globally. Why, might you ask? They’re certainly not the best paid - but warehouse jobs are some of the easiest out there to get.
You’ll simply need to complete an application, attend a pre-hire appointment, and pass a few basic checks. 4. Festival steward Working at a festival is a lot of fun.
The hours are long, and you’ll be on your feet all day, but you’ll also gain valuable skills, whilst making friends and getting to enjoy your favourite live music. Festival steward jobs typically pay around £13.85 per hour and tend to be advertised through specialist events companies.
So, with the rise of flexible earning opportunities, and new tax reforms easing the admin burden, side hustles are becoming an increasingly viable way to supplement income. Whether you're working from bed or venturing outside, 2025 is shaping up to be the year of the ‘duvetpreneur’ - proving that making money has never been more accessible..
