The world of gigs in the UK has exploded with options that cater to a wide range of skills. From flexible hours to remote work, these opportunities offer freedom, independence, and a path to growth. In this article, we’ll highlight the most popular gigs in the UK for 2025, salary insights, and how you can get started in each one. Here are the top 20 gigs that are creating waves in the UK market.
Top 20 Popular Gigs and Salary Insights in the UK for 2025
- Freelance Web Developer: £30,000 – £60,000 per year
- Graphic Designer: £25,000 – £45,000 per year
- Digital Marketing Specialist: £30,000 – £55,000 per year
- Virtual Assistant: £20,000 – £40,000 per year
- Delivery Driver/Rideshare Driver: £18,000 – £30,000 per year
- Copywriter: £25,000 – £45,000 per year
- Video Editor: £25,000 – £45,000 per year
- Photographer: £20,000 – £40,000 per year
- Consultant: £40,000 – £80,000 per year
- Content Creator/Influencer: £20,000 – £100,000+ per year (varies significantly depending on following and brand partnerships)
- Pet Sitter/Dog Walker: £15,000 – £30,000 per year
- Social Media Manager: £28,000 – £50,000 per year
- Software Developer: £40,000 – £75,000 per year
- Event Planner: £25,000 – £50,000 per year
- Voiceover Artist: £25,000 – £50,000 per year
- Personal Trainer: £20,000 – £40,000 per year (can be higher with a strong client base and specialization)
- Tutor: £20,000 – £50,000 per year (depending on subject area and number of students)
- Translator: £25,000 – £50,000 per year
- SEO Specialist: £30,000 – £55,000 per year
- Customer Service Representative: £18,000 – £30,000 per year
These figures are estimates and can vary based on factors like location, experience, industry, and level of demand for each gig.
1. Freelance Web Developer
With businesses constantly updating their digital presence, freelance web developers are in high demand. Developers can take on projects from small websites to large-scale web applications, giving them the chance to work with various technologies and industries.
Why it’s popular: The demand for web development skills continues to rise, with businesses seeking to stay competitive in the digital age. Salary: £30,000 – £60,000 per year
ALSO READ: How to find clients as a website designer in the UK
2. Graphic Designer
Graphic design is a staple of the gig economy, with companies needing fresh visual content regularly. Freelance graphic designers can create logos, branding, packaging, and other visual assets that enhance a brand’s identity.
Why it’s popular: As businesses move to online platforms, the need for eye-catching, engaging visual content continues to grow. Salary: £25,000 – £45,000 per year
READ MORE: How much do graphic designers make in the Uk
3. Digital Marketing Specialist
From SEO to social media management, digital marketing specialists are essential for businesses looking to expand their online presence. Freelancers can specialize in a range of services, including content marketing, paid ads, and analytics.
Why it’s popular: The rise of e-commerce and online businesses has led to an increased demand for experts who can navigate the digital landscape.Salary: £30,000 – £55,000 per year
4. Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants (VAs) offer administrative support to businesses and entrepreneurs remotely. This role can include managing emails, scheduling appointments, handling customer service, and other organizational tasks.
Why it’s popular: With more business owners focusing on growth, virtual assistants help handle day-to-day tasks efficiently and cost-effectively. Salary: £20,000 – £40,000 per year
5. Delivery Driver/Rideshare Driver
With the rise of platforms like Uber, Deliveroo, and Uber Eats, becoming a delivery or rideshare driver has become a popular gig economy role. Drivers can set their schedules and choose when and where they want to work.
Why it’s popular: The flexibility to work around personal schedules, combined with the growth of food delivery and ride services, makes this role appealing. Salary: £18,000 – £30,000 per year
6. Copywriter
Businesses need engaging content to promote their services and products. Freelance copywriters can create everything from blog posts and articles to product descriptions and email campaigns.
Why it’s popular: Content remains king in marketing strategies, and businesses are always on the lookout for strong writers to help articulate their brand message. Salary: £25,000 – £45,000 per year
7. Video Editor
As video content continues to dominate online platforms, freelance video editors are increasingly in demand. From editing YouTube videos to corporate presentations, editors play a crucial role in creating polished content.
Why it’s popular: The popularity of video marketing and online video platforms like YouTube ensures the need for skilled editors. Salary: £25,000 – £50,000 per year
8. Photographer
Whether it’s for events, stock photos, or marketing materials, photographers are crucial for capturing visual content. Freelancers can choose to specialize in areas like portrait, commercial, or event photography.
Why it’s popular: As businesses continuously update their websites and social media profiles, the demand for high-quality, professional photography continues to rise. Salary: £20,000 – £50,000 per year
9. Consultant
Freelance consultants provide expertise to businesses in various sectors, from management to IT to HR. The role offers great flexibility, as consultants can work on projects with multiple clients at once.
Why it’s popular: Businesses increasingly seek experienced consultants who can offer industry-specific insights and advice without the need for long-term contracts. Salary: £40,000 – £100,000 per year
10. Content Creator/Influencer
Content creation, especially on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, offers a way for individuals to build a following and monetize their passions. Influencers work with brands to promote products in an organic and engaging way.
Why it’s popular: The growth of social media and influencer marketing has transformed this gig economy role into a highly profitable venture. Salary: £25,000 – £80,000 per year
11. Pet Sitter/Dog Walker
For those who love animals, becoming a pet sitter or dog walker is a fantastic gig economy opportunity. With more pet owners working from home or traveling, the demand for pet care services has increased significantly.
Why it’s popular: Pet owners seek reliable professionals to take care of their pets while they are away, making this a great side gig. Salary: £15,000 – £25,000 per year
12. Social Media Manager
Social media managers help businesses maintain their online presence and engagement by managing accounts, creating content, and running advertising campaigns.
Why it’s popular: The growth of digital marketing and the importance of social media in business success has led to a surge in demand for this role. Salary: £28,000 – £50,000 per year
13. Software Developer
With businesses increasingly relying on technology, freelance software developers are in high demand for building applications, websites, and systems.
Why it’s popular: The need for innovative software solutions is a constant, and many businesses turn to freelancers for expert help. Salary: £35,000 – £65,000 per year
14. Event Planner
Freelance event planners manage and organize events, from corporate functions to weddings. The gig economy has enabled individuals to offer specialized services without the need for full-time employment.
Why it’s popular: As the events industry bounces back post-pandemic, more businesses and individuals are turning to freelance planners to organize their events. Salary: £22,000 – £45,000 per year
15. Voiceover Artist
With the rise of podcasts, audiobooks, and explainer videos, freelance voiceover artists are more in demand than ever. They provide narration for a range of media projects.
Why it’s popular: The growth of multimedia content creation has driven the demand for voice talent in various industries. Salary: £20,000 – £45,000 per year
16. Personal Trainer
Freelance personal trainers offer one-on-one or group fitness sessions, often working with clients in their own homes or through virtual sessions.
Why it’s popular: The rise in health-consciousness and the flexibility of online or home-based training options make this role appealing. Salary: £20,000 – £50,000 per year
17. Tutor
With a growing demand for personalized education, freelance tutors are essential in providing one-on-one lessons in subjects like math, science, languages, and test preparation.
Why it’s popular: The need for academic support has surged, with parents and students seeking specialized assistance outside traditional school hours. Salary: £25,000 – £50,000 per year
18. Translator
Freelance translators bridge language gaps for businesses and individuals. With globalization, translation services are more crucial than ever for legal, marketing, and communication needs.
Why it’s popular: The increasing need for international communication across industries is driving demand for multilingual freelancers. Salary: £20,000 – £40,000 per year
19. SEO Specialist
Freelance SEO specialists help businesses optimize their websites to rank higher on search engines. With search visibility critical to business success, skilled SEO professionals are in high demand.
Why it’s popular: The need to stay ahead in search rankings and the growth of digital marketing fuels this demand. Salary: £30,000 – £60,000 per year
20. Customer Service Representative
Freelance customer service representatives provide support for companies remotely. This role can involve answering queries, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining customer satisfaction.
Why it’s popular: As businesses increasingly outsource customer support functions, there is growing demand for flexible, remote workers in this field. Salary: £20,000 – £30,000 per year
RECOMMENDED: Top 10 Remote Work Platforms in the UK for 2025: Find Your Next Job or Freelance Gig Today!
The Best Gigs to Pursue in the UK: Start Your Freelance Journey
The gig economy in the UK is thriving, offering various roles where you can leverage your skills and work on your own terms. Whether you are looking for a tech-related job, a creative role, or something flexible that fits your lifestyle, these top gigs provide ample opportunities to thrive in 2025.
