If it feels like everyone you know in Manchester is juggling a second job, selling clothes online, or driving for Uber after work, you’re not imagining it.
Manchester has quietly become one of the UK’s top cities for side hustles, with more residents than ever tapping into creative, flexible, and often digital ways to top up their income.
In fact, 39% of Brits now have a side hustle, with average earnings of £210 a week. That’s nearly £1,000 extra a month for those putting in the hours!
And in Manchester, the side-hustle spirit is thriving.
The Rise of the Mancunian Side Hustler
From the hip cafés of the Northern Quarter to the student-heavy suburbs of Fallowfield, a quiet economic shift is underway. Driven by a high cost of living, with the average one-bed flat in the city centre now £1,205 per month (Zoopla), property prices in Manchester averaging over £250,000 (Blue Square Capital) and coffee easily topping £3.50, residents are finding smart, creative ways to bridge the gap between income and outgoings.
For some, it’s a matter of survival. For others, it’s a path to building savings, launching a passion project, or gaining experience in a new field.
Whatever the motivation, Manchester’s side-hustle scene is booming.
Flexibility Meets Graft: Uber and Gig Work
Take Uber, for example. In a city with a busy nightlife, constant footfall, and major events at the Etihad and AO Arena, driving passengers is a tempting gig.
Local averages hover around £12 – £13 an hour, according to Indeed, and that can spike with surge pricing during concerts or matches.
Manchester’s Digital Hustle Scene
The city’s strong creative and tech credentials make it especially well-suited to digital and online side hustles. According to a recent guide by Prograd, some of the most popular and profitable side gigs in Manchester include:
- Freelance content writing – up to £300 per article if you’ve got the right niche.
- Social media management for local businesses – think boutiques in the Northern Quarter or cafés in Ancoats needing help on Instagram.
- Virtual assistant work – admin support you can do from your sofa, earning £15–£30/hour.
- Selling digital products on Etsy or Gumroad – from budgeting spreadsheets to CV templates, many creators are earning up to £500/month with a few well-designed resources.
- Tutoring – always in demand near universities like MMU and UoM, with rates between £20–£40/hour.
Even micro-influencers, music tutors, and drone photographers are carving out profitable niches in Manchester’s vibrant freelance economy.
From Facebook Marketplace to the Food Mile
Manchester’s love for second-hand goods, local makers, and takeaway culture also plays into side hustlers’ hands. Whether it’s flipping furniture from charity shops in Chorlton, selling clothes on Vinted, delivering food for Deliveroo, or renting out a spare room to tourists, Mancunians are getting creative.
Some of the top local earning ideas from the Prograd guide include:
- Selling on Facebook Marketplace/Vinted – £100–£500/month
- Dog walking or pet sitting – £10–£15 per walk
- Renting out driveways near stadiums or city centre – £50–£200/month
- Hosting on Airbnb – up to £1,200/month in the right location
Why Manchester?
There’s something about this city, its blend of affordability (compared to London), culture, and digital innovation, that makes it fertile ground for flexible work.
With two universities, a startup ecosystem, and a population that thrives on hustle and creativity, side gigs are not just common; they’re part of the lifestyle.
And unlike in some cities where hustling can feel isolating, in Manchester, there’s a shared energy. You’ll find Slack communities, local networking groups, and even café noticeboards full of skill swaps and freelance gigs.
The £1,000-a-Week Hustle
A recent report by the Manchester Evening News profiled a local resident earning £1,000 a week through their side hustle, far beyond the national average. It’s an outlier, sure, but it shows what’s possible when effort meets opportunity.
And opportunity is everywhere here…if you know where to look.
Side Hustles Are the New Normal
What was once considered “extra” income is now essential for many. Whether it’s renting out a spare room, freelancing between jobs, or building a personal brand on TikTok, Manchester’s side-hustlers are shaping a new kind of economy. One powered by flexibility, creativity, and a serious dose of Northern grit.
Because in this city, we don’t wait for opportunity, we build it.
