15 Easy Ways To Make Extra Money In Leicester
Leicester is an incredible place to live, work and study, and it's no surprise that more people than ever are looking for creative ways to make some extra cash here.
With the cost of living rising (Leicester's average monthly living costs are around £1,200 for a single person without rent), it's no wonder side hustles are becoming a hot topic.
Whether you're a student at De Montfort or the University of Leicester, a parent juggling work and childcare, or just someone looking to boost your income, there's a way to earn that fits your lifestyle. And the best part? You don’t have to leave the city (or your sofa) to do it.
Here, we list 15 super practical and local-friendly ways to earn more in Leicester. And, if you're looking for more opportunities, why not try Prograd?
Our algorithm matches you with the best online side-hustles around, so you can earn money from the comfort of your home.
Need some inspo? Look no further
Become a Self-Employed Delivery Driver
With major delivery depots dotted across Leicestershire, from Amazon in Coalville to DPD and Evri warehouses, there's no shortage of delivery driver work. If you've got access to a car or van, this can be a brilliant way to earn quickly and independently.
Many local routes are flexible, and you’ll often be working within the city or surrounding areas.
💰Earning Potential: £100–£135/day depending on volume and company
Play Online Games for Cash
Yep, this is a real thing and it’s becoming increasingly popular in Leicester thanks to sites like Prograd, where you can earn real money by playing mobile games like Monopoly Go, Solitaire, and Coin Master. You just need to hit certain milestones or tasks and the cash starts rolling in.
💰Earning Potential: Up to £180 per game campaign
Work in Leicester’s Busy Retail Scene
From Highcross to Fosse Park, Leicester’s retail hubs are buzzing, especially during weekends and sale periods.
Stores like Sports Direct, Farmfoods, and Heron Foods are regularly hiring part-timers. It’s perfect for students or anyone looking to squeeze in hours around other responsibilities.
💰Earning Potential: £10.42–£12.50/hour
Offer Housekeeping or Cleaning Services
There’s consistent demand for domestic cleaners, especially in areas like Clarendon Park, Evington, and Oadby where lots of working professionals live. You can join platforms like Housekeeper.com or advertise locally through Facebook groups or Nextdoor.
💰Earning Potential: £12–£15/hour (more if you go self-employed)
Become a Mystery Shopper
Leicester has a huge range of retail and hospitality businesses, making it a perfect spot for mystery shopping gigs.
Companies like Serve Legal or Tern will pay you to pose as a customer and give feedback on service and you might even get free food or products as a bonus.
💰Earning Potential: £5–£25 per visit, plus reimbursements
Take Part in Online Surveys and Research
You can make easy money from your phone with paid survey platforms like Swagbucks, Branded Surveys, and Prolific - the latter being especially popular with Leicester uni students. You’ll answer questions, test products, or take part in studies.
💰Earning Potential: £50–£100/month for consistent participation
Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Pet parents in Leicester love their furry friends, but they also need reliable people to walk or look after them while they're away.
If you live in suburban spots like Knighton, Braunstone, or Western Park, this can be a chilled and fun way to earn.
💰Earning Potential: £10–£15/hour or £25+ for overnight care
Online Tutoring
With two major universities and loads of schools, the demand for tutors is strong. Subjects like English, Maths, and Science are always in demand, especially at GCSE and A-level.
Sites like Tutorful and MyTutor help you get started fast.
💰Earning Potential: £20–£40/hour depending on subject and experience
Sell Your Unused Items Locally
Clutter equals cash. Leicester’s active second-hand scene (think local Facebook Marketplace, Vinted, or even the Aylestone car boot) is ideal for flipping old clothes, furniture or tech. It’s fast, easy, and eco-friendly.
💰Earning Potential: £50–£500+ depending on what you sell
Work Gigs via Local Staffing Agencies
Agencies like Blue Arrow and Brook Street in Leicester frequently recruit for event work, warehouse shifts, admin, and catering.
These gigs are often same-day or weekend-based so they’re ideal if you’re looking for flexible work.
💰Earning Potential: £10–£14/hour
Get a Part-Time Job on Campus
If you're a student, there are loads of paid opportunities at Uni of Leicester and DMU. Think library assistant, student ambassador, or helping at events.
These roles tend to pay well and work around your schedule.
💰Earning Potential: £10–£12/hour
Offer Freelance Services Online
Have a skill like writing, social media, design, or translation? Sites like Fiverr or Upwork are great, but you can also find clients locally (many Leicester small businesses need help with branding or web content).
💰Earning Potential: £20–£200+ per project
Try House Sitting
Lots of professionals in Leicester travel for work or holidays and they need someone to keep an eye on their home and sometimes pets.
House sitting is super chill and often pays well, especially if you include dog walking.
💰Earning Potential: £25–£60/day, sometimes more with overnight stays
Start a Microservice on TikTok or Instagram
This one’s growing fast in Leicester’s creative circles. Whether you're doing short reviews of local takeaways, showcasing charity shop finds, or even creating memes about life in the East Midlands, you can land brand deals or tips via your followers.
💰Earning Potential: £50–£500/month depending on audience and niche
Become a Virtual Assistant
With Leicester’s growing number of small businesses and entrepreneurs, VAs are in demand. You can help with email management, research, social media, or admin, all remotely.
A great option if you're organised and tech-savvy.
💰Earning Potential: £10–£35/hour
Making Money in Leicester
Leicester is more than just a great city to live in. It’s full of ways to make extra money if you know where to look. From mobile-based hustles to flexible part-time jobs, the key is finding what fits your lifestyle and schedule. You don’t have to work 24/7, just be smart about the hours you do have.
Whether you're chasing an extra £100 a month or saving for something bigger, there’s definitely a side hustle for you in Leicester.
