Translator roles top the earnings chart for lucrative side jobs, according to research from Adzuna.

The research, based on nearly 1.1 million open roles featured on Adzuna in November 2022, analysed UK job openings ideal for jobseekers looking for a second job on top of their 9-to-5. The 25 roles analysed are advertising 479,111 job vacancies between them, equal to 44% of the 1,083,154 UK jobs currently available, with demand for part-time and temporary workers remaining high despite wider economic concerns.

Translator roles are offering average advertised salaries of £48,648 to jobseekers able to leverage their language skills to localise content. Further roles requiring written proficiency such as Content Writer (£36,635) and Proofreader (£32,624) are also lucrative options.

As companies place more emphasis on digital marketing, many are looking for creative professionals to boost their online presence. Content creation jobs such as Influencer, Graphic Designer and Photographer, can earn £36,461, £36,145 and £33,306 respectively, while strategy and planning roles such as Virtual Assistant (£35,521) and Social Media Manager (£33,729) are also on offer.

In terms of seasonal roles, Adzuna noted that seasonal temp workers can expect to earn an average of £32,058 pro rata, though it’s worth bearing in mind that these jobs often require shifts during evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.

Other popular side gig roles include drivers for companies like Uber and Evri, and Grocery Delivery Workers dropping off for the likes of Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Gorillas.

There are also opportunities on offer for Pet Sitters, Cleaners, Housesitters, Babysitters, and Gardeners, though these are all paid under £31,000. Conversely, Handyman, which requires mechanical and maintenance skills — from carpentry, plumbing, electricals to decorating — is the second highest-paying side hustle job on the list (£36,980). 

The Hospitality sector also offers numerous second job options, including Receptionist and Waiter openings, paid around £23,000. Meanwhile, the average advertised salaries of Data Entry Clerk and Mystery Shopper are £25,380 and £20,166.

Among all, with Christmas on the horizon, seasonal temp roles are most sought-after. Over 156,900 temporary job vacancies remain unfilled.

Paul Lewis, Chief Customer Officer at job search engine Adzuna, said, “Despite the tough macroeconomic environment, workers in the UK are finding new ways to increase their income and secure their living standards. Taking up a side gig on top of a 9-to-5 job has become a necessity to make ends meet for many households.”

“Jobseekers who are proficient in foreign languages, skilled at copywriting or fixing things, or who always stay on top of social media trends have a great chance of finding a side job with competitive pay. And for those simply looking for a festive role to earn some holiday cash, there are still thousands of delivery drivers and Christmas temp roles worth considering,” Lewis said.