Yes, you can earn cash just by queuing and some people make £20 an hour

We Brits are famous for queuing, but now it’s becoming a way to make extra cash.

A growing number of people are getting paid to stand in line for others, whether it’s waiting outside an Apple store, for a sold-out gig, or for a viral restaurant.

This quirky side hustle, known as “line sitting”, won’t make you rich overnight, but if you’re patient, reliable, and don’t mind standing around, it can be a simple way to top up your income.

Some earn around £10 to £15 an hour, and the best gigs can pay up to £20.

How it works

The idea is simple. Someone needs a spot held in a queue. You show up, take their place, and wait until it’s their turn. When they arrive, you hand it over, get paid, and head off.

It’s not full-time work, but during product launches, concert ticket sales or the January sales, you can earn a decent amount in one go.

How much can you actually earn

Most beginners charge between £10 and £15 an hour, but experienced line sitters can push their rate to £20 an hour for high-demand jobs. Some gigs pay a flat fee, such as £40 to hold a spot for a few hours.

Occasionally, someone might make £100 for a long overnight queue or a special event, but that’s rare. For most people, this is an easy way to earn a few extra quid when the right jobs pop up.

Where to find queuing jobs

You have a few ways to get started:

1. Task apps
Apps like TaskRabbit and Airtasker list “wait in line” or “odd jobs” tasks. You set your hourly rate and apply for local jobs. Payment goes through the app, so you don’t have to deal with cash.

2. Local services
Websites such as Bark have offered “professional queuer” listings in the past, especially during major product launches or events.

You can also check local Facebook groups or student job boards near stadiums or shopping centres.

3. Do it yourself
If you fancy going solo, you can promote yourself as a local “queue sitter.” Post on Facebook, Gumtree, or Nextdoor saying “I’ll queue so you don’t have to.” A simple one-page website or flyer can also help.

What you’ll need

There’s no training needed, but you do need patience, punctuality, and a few essentials:

• Warm, waterproof coat and comfy shoes
• Phone with internet access and a portable charger
• Snacks and a water bottle
• A folding chair or stool for long waits

It also helps to be confident enough to hold your spot if someone tries to skip ahead.

How to stay safe and set your price

Safety first — meet clients in public, busy areas and use trusted apps where possible. If you’re queuing late at night, share your live location with someone you trust.

Set a clear price before you start. Many line sitters charge £15 for the first hour and £7 for each half hour after that. You can increase your rate for overnight, bad weather or long-distance jobs.

If anything feels dodgy, walk away. No side hustle is worth risking your safety.

Do you need to pay tax

Yes. If your total side hustle income goes over £1,000 in a tax year, you’ll need to tell HMRC and possibly register for self-assessment.

Keep a simple record of what you earn, any travel costs, and platform fees. You can check the official rules at GOV.UK.

Is getting paid to queue right for you

It’s not for everyone. You’ll spend a lot of time standing around, sometimes in cold or wet weather, and the work comes and goes.

But if you live near a busy shopping area, like listening to podcasts, and don’t mind waiting, it can be an easy way to earn some extra cash, especially around Christmas or big events.