20 Ways To Make Extra Money In Birmingham
Living in Birmingham has its perks - great culture, buzzing nightlife, beautiful parks, and one of the youngest populations in Europe. But let’s be real: the cost of living here is climbing, and for many Brummies, finding ways to make some extra cash has become a necessity.
With the average rent in Birmingham now over £950 a month for a one-bedroom flat and inflation still hitting our weekly shop, side hustles aren’t just trendy anymore - they’re survival tools.
So, whether you're saving up, covering bills, or just want some spending money, here are 20 ways to make extra money right here in Birmingham.
If you need some help finding the right gig, Prograd has 100s of side-hustles ready to go. Just sign up and browse our online jobs, and you can start earning in no time!
Need some more ideas? We have you covered...
Online Surveys
Super low-effort and flexible - perfect for killing time on the 50 bus or during lunch breaks. You won’t get rich, but sites like Swagbucks, OnePoll, and Lifepoints can earn you a tenner here and there just for sharing your opinions.
💰 Earning potential: £10–£50/month
Freelance Writing
If you’ve got a way with words, businesses across Birmingham - especially in the growing tech and creative sectors - need help writing content, blogs, or emails. Jump on platforms like Upwork or PeoplePerHour or pitch local companies directly.
💰 Earning potential: £20–£150 per piece
Delivery Driver
With a massive student population and food lovers all over the city, demand for food delivery is booming. Whether it’s delivering Nando’s in Selly Oak or late-night burgers in Digbeth, working with Uber Eats or Deliveroo is a solid flexible gig.
💰 Earning potential: £10–£15/hour (+ tips)
Rent Out a Spare Room
Thanks to Birmingham’s uni crowd and steady stream of contractors and tourists, renting out a spare room on Airbnb or to a lodger can be a real money-maker. If you’re near the city centre or close to transport links - even better
💰 Earning potential: £400–£600/month
Sell Your Stuff
Birmingham’s full of secondhand gems - whether you’re into flipping vintage clothes from COW Vintage or just offloading your old iPhone, there’s money to be made on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or at Sutton Coldfield car boot sales.
💰 Earning potential: £50–£300 depending on what you sell
Tutoring
Brum’s home to thousands of students - not just at unis, but in schools across the city. If you’re confident in a subject (maths, science, English, even music), you can tutor online or in person through Superprof or word of mouth.
💰 Earning potential: £20–£40/hour
Become a Virtual Assistant
With loads of local start-ups and small businesses, many are looking for admin help they can outsource. If you’re organised and good with spreadsheets, this one’s for you.
💰 Earning potential: £15–£25/hour
Mystery Shopping
Yes, this is a real thing. Shops and restaurants - especially around Bullring, Grand Central and the Jewellery Quarter - often hire mystery shoppers to rate service and experience. It’s a fun way to earn while you shop or eat.
💰 Earning potential: £10–£30 per assignment (plus free meals/items!)
Create Online Courses
Got a skill to share? Maybe you're a guitar pro or great at Excel. Make an online course and sell it on platforms like Udemy or Skillshare. Brum's got a rich creative and educational vibe, so people are often keen to learn new things.
💰 Earning potential: £50–£500/month (passive income)
Dog Walking or Pet Sitting
Birmingham’s parks - Cannon Hill, Sutton Park, and Lickey Hills - are perfect for dog walking. If you love animals, people will pay for you to take their pooch out or house-sit their pets while they’re away.
💰 Earning potential: £10–£20/hour
Babysitting
Especially popular in family-heavy areas like Harborne or Moseley, babysitting can be a brilliant side hustle. Many parents just want a trusted local for a night out or emergency school runs.
💰 Earning potential: £8–£12/hour
Host a Foreign Student
With several language schools and exchange programmes in Birmingham, hosting a student can earn you money and bring a new culture into your home. Local schools are often looking for welcoming homes for short-term stays.
💰 Earning potential: £70–£100/week
Become a Social Media Manager
From Digbeth-based craft beer brands to indie cafes in Kings Heath, local businesses need help online. If you understand Instagram trends or can schedule posts like a pro, offer your services part-time.
💰 Earning potential: £100–£500/month per client
Participate in Paid Testing
Companies test websites, games, and apps and pay for feedback. If you’re tech-savvy and like spotting bugs, this is an easy at-home job. Some Brummies earn cash just testing apps while chilling in front of the telly.
💰 Earning potential: £10–£50 per test
Sell on Etsy
If you’re the crafty type - whether you make jewellery in the Jewellery Quarter or crochet from your couch - turn your hobby into income by selling on Etsy. Birmingham’s art scene is a great inspiration hub.
💰 Earning potential: £50–£500/month depending on demand
Join Paid Research Panels
Sites like Apex Focus Group and Research Tribe regularly post opportunities to take part in market research - online or in-person around the city centre. Easy money for your opinions.
💰 Earning potential: £25–£55/hour
Flip Furniture
Birmingham has some cracking charity shops, and places like Stirchley and Bearwood often yield secondhand gems. With a bit of paint and creativity, you can flip items for profit on eBay or in local Facebook groups.
💰 Earning potential: £50–£300 per flip
Start a YouTube Channel
Whether you’re reviewing food in Digbeth Dining Club or documenting your Brum adventures, local content is on the rise. With enough views, you can monetise through ads or sponsorships.
💰 Earning potential: £100+/month (once monetised)
Cash in Hand Gigs
Scroll through Gumtree or Facebook groups, and you’ll find local cash-in-hand jobs: data entry, helping with events, or even one-off promo work. Perfect for quick extra income.
💰 Earning potential: £20–£100 per shift
Car Boot Sales
They’re back in fashion! Places like Chasewater or Stourbridge host regular car boot events where you can sell everything from bric-a-brac to clothes. It’s a nice Sunday side hustle that also clears clutter.
💰 Earning potential: £50–£200 per sale
Earning Money in Brum
Brum’s a vibrant city full of opportunities - and whether you’re looking to earn an extra £50 or turn your side hustle into something bigger, there's plenty of space to do it here.
Ready to boost your bank balance, Brummie-style?
