Being a teenager (someone between the ages of 13 and 19) is an exciting time filled with school, friends, and discovering your passions. It’s an age when parents still give you some pocket money for regular expenses. But let’s be real โ having your own money is a game-changer. Whether you’re saving for a new phone, a car, or just want the freedom to buy what you want without asking your parents, a side hustle is your ticket to financial independence.
This guide will walk you through the best side hustles for teens, from online ventures you can do from your bedroom to local gigs that get you out in the community.
The world of work is changing, and you don’t have to wait until you’re an adult to start earning. Many successful entrepreneurs started young, and the skills you learn from a side hustle โ like time management, customer service, and financial literacy โ will benefit you for the rest of your life. We’ve compiled a list of 19 fantastic side hustle ideas for teens that are flexible, profitable, and can even be fun.
Why Start a Side Hustle as a Teen?
Before we dive into the ideas, let’s talk about why this is such a great move. It’s not just about the cash (though that’s a huge plus).
- Financial Freedom: Earn your own money, make your own spending decisions.
- Learn Valuable Skills: You’ll gain real-world experience in marketing, sales, communication, and more. These are skills that look amazing on college applications and future job resumes.
- Build Confidence: Successfully managing your own small business or freelance gig is a massive confidence booster.
- Explore Career Paths: A side hustle can be a low-risk way to test out a potential career. Love designing graphics for social media? Maybe a career in marketing is for you.
- Flexibility: Unlike a traditional part-time job with a rigid schedule, most side hustles let you work when you want, so you can fit them around school and other commitments.
Ready to find the perfect way for you to make money as a teenager? Let’s get started.
Online Side Hustles for Teens
The digital world offers a universe of opportunities. If you have a computer and a reliable internet connection, you have what it takes to start one of these online side hustles for teens.
1. Social Media Manager
The Gig: Do you spend hours on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube? Turn that screen time into cash time. Small businesses, local restaurants, and even individual creators often don’t have the time or the know-how to manage their social media presence effectively. They need someone who understands the trends, can create engaging content, and interact with their audience. That someone could be you.
How to Start:
- Build Your Own Presence: Your personal accounts are your portfolio. Make sure they look professional and showcase your skills.
- Identify Your Niche: Are you great at video editing for TikTok? A wizard with Instagram Reels? Focus on a platform you know and love.
- Reach Out: Approach local businesses. Offer a free audit of their current social media or a one-week trial of your services.
- Create a Package: Offer different service levels. For example, a basic package might include three posts a week, while a premium package could include video content and daily stories.
Potential Earnings: $15 – $30 per hour, or monthly retainers from $200 – $500+ per client as you gain experience.
2. Freelance Writer or Editor
The Gig: If you excel at English class and enjoy writing, you can get paid for your skills. Businesses need blog posts, website copy, product descriptions, and email newsletters. You can also offer proofreading and editing services for fellow students, bloggers, or businesses. This is one of the most flexible side jobs for teens.
How to Start:
- Create a Portfolio: Write a few sample blog posts on topics you’re passionate about. You can post them on a free platform like Medium or LinkedIn.
- Sign Up for Freelance Platforms: Websites like Upwork and Fiverr have sections for freelance writers. Be prepared for competition, so a strong profile is key.
- Network: Let friends and family know you’re offering writing services. Your first client could be someone you already know.
3. Graphic Design
The Gig: Are you the artistic one in your friend group? Use your creativity to design logos, social media graphics, flyers, and more for clients. With tools like Canva, you don’t even need to be a master of complex software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator to create professional-looking designs.
How to Start:
- Master a Tool: Get really good with a design tool. Canva is incredibly user-friendly and has a free version packed with features.
- Build a Visual Portfolio: Create a portfolio on a site like Behance or even a dedicated Instagram account to showcase your best work.
- Offer Your Services: Find clients on freelance platforms, or reach out to new businesses that might need a logo or social media branding.
4. Become a YouTuber or Streamer
The Gig: This is a long-term play, but it has huge potential. If you have a passion for gaming, comedy, education, or any other niche, you can build an audience on YouTube or Twitch. Monetization comes from ads, sponsorships, merchandise, and fan donations.
How to Start:
- Find Your Niche: What are you an expert in? What do you love talking about? The more specific, the better.
- Invest in Basic Equipment: You don’t need a Hollywood studio. A good smartphone, a simple microphone, and good lighting are enough to start.
- Be Consistent: This is the key to growth. Post new content on a regular schedule to keep your audience engaged.
5. Online Surveys and Micro-Tasks
The Gig: This is one of the easiest side hustles for teens. While it won’t make you rich, taking online surveys or completing small tasks on sites like Swagbucks or Amazon Mechanical Turk can be a simple way to earn a little extra cash or gift cards in your spare time.
Note: Some of these platforms require users to be at least 18 years old, so they are not suitable for all teenagers.
How to Start:
- Sign Up: Create accounts on a few reputable survey and micro-task websites.
- Be Honest: Provide accurate demographic information to get matched with relevant surveys.
- Manage Your Time: Do this while watching TV or on the bus. Don’t let it take away from more profitable hustles.
Comparison of Online Platforms (where teens can make extra money)
| Platform | Best For | Potential Earnings | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upwork/Fiverr | Freelancing (Writing, Design, etc.) | $15 – $50+ per hour | Intermediate to Advanced |
| YouTube/Twitch | Content Creation | Varies Greatly (Ad Revenue, etc.) | Intermediate (requires consistency) |
| Etsy | Selling Crafts & Digital Products | Varies based on product | Beginner to Advanced |
| Swagbucks | Surveys & Easy Tasks | $1 – $5 per hour | Beginner |
Offline & Local Side Hustles for Teens
If you prefer to work with your hands or interact with people face-to-face, these local hustles are for you. Many of these are classic ways to make money as a teen for a reason โ they work.
6. The Ultimate Yard Work Service
The Gig: Go beyond just mowing lawns. Offer a complete yard care package: mowing, weeding, raking leaves in the fall, planting flowers in the spring, and even shoveling snow in the winter. You can be the go-to person for year-round yard maintenance in your neighborhood.
How to Start:
- Get Equipment: You may need to borrow from your parents to start, but aim to invest in your own quality equipment as you earn.
- Create Flyers: Design a professional-looking flyer listing all your services and distribute it in your neighborhood.
- Bundle Services: Offer a discount for clients who sign up for weekly or bi-weekly service.
7. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
The Gig: Do you love animals? This is one of the most fun and good side hustles for teens. People need reliable and caring individuals to look after their furry friends when they are at work or on vacation.
How to Start:
- Gain Experience: Offer to watch pets for friends and family to build references.
- Advertise: Post on local community Facebook groups, put up flyers at the local vet’s office (with permission), and tell everyone you know.
- Be Professional: Create a schedule for feeding, walking, and playtime. Send picture updates to the owners to show them how happy their pet is.
8. Babysitting
The Gig: A timeless classic. If you’re responsible, good with kids, and trustworthy, parents are always looking for great babysitters.
How to Start:
- Get Certified: Take a babysitting course and get certified in CPR and First Aid through the American Red Cross. This makes you much more hirable and allows you to charge more.
- Set Your Rate: Research the going rate for babysitters in your area. Rates are often higher for more children or for late hours.
- Ask for Referrals: After a successful babysitting gig, ask the parents if they’d be willing to recommend you to their friends.
9. Tutoring
The Gig: Are you an A+ student in math, science, or a foreign language? Help other students who are struggling. You can tutor younger kids in elementary or middle school, or even your own peers.
How to Start:
- Pick Your Subject: Focus on a subject where you have deep knowledge and can explain concepts clearly.
- Talk to Teachers and Counselors: Let your school know you’re available for tutoring. They can often connect you with students who need help.
- Set a Schedule: Decide on your hours and a quiet place to hold your tutoring sessions, like the school library or the student’s home.
10. Car Washing and Detailing
The Gig: Many adults would happily pay to have their car washed and detailed by hand, rather than going to an automatic car wash. Offer a premium service where you come to them.
How to Start:
- Gather Supplies: Get quality car soap, microfiber towels, window cleaner, a vacuum, and interior detailing sprays.
- Practice on Your Family’s Cars: Perfect your technique before you start charging clients.
- Offer Tiers: Create a basic exterior wash package and a premium package that includes interior vacuuming, window cleaning, and tire shining.
11. Flipping and Reselling
The Gig: Have an eye for a good deal? Buy items for a low price from thrift stores, garage sales, or Facebook Marketplace and sell them for a profit online (on eBay, Depop, or Poshmark). Popular items include vintage clothing, sneakers, video games, and furniture.
How to Start:
- Find a Niche: Focus on a category you know well. If you’re a sneakerhead, you’ll know which brands and models are in demand.
- Research is Key: Before you buy something, quickly check online to see what similar items are selling for.
- Take Great Photos: Your product photos are everything. Use good lighting and show the item from multiple angles.
Summer Side Hustles for Teens
Summer break offers a golden opportunity to earn serious cash. With no school, you can dedicate more time to your hustle. Here are some great summer side hustles for teens.
12. Lifeguarding
The Gig: If you’re a strong swimmer, becoming a certified lifeguard is a fantastic summer job. You get to spend your days by the pool or at the beach, and it’s a position of serious responsibility that looks great on a resume.
How to Start:
- Get Certified: You’ll need to pass a course from the American Red Cross or a similar organization. This typically includes swimming tests, CPR, and first aid.
- Apply Early: Pools and beaches start hiring for the summer in the early spring, so don’t wait until June to apply.
13. Camp Counselor
The Gig: Be a role model for younger kids at a local day camp or sleepaway camp. This job is perfect if you’re energetic, patient, and love working with children.
How to Start:
- Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasize any experience you have with kids, sports, or arts and crafts on your application.
- Be Enthusiastic: Camp directors are looking for positive and energetic people to create a fun and safe environment for campers.
14. House and Pet Sitter
The Gig: Summer is peak vacation season. Offer to watch people’s homes and pets while they’re away. This can be as simple as watering plants and bringing in the mail, or it could involve staying at the house and caring for pets.
How to Start:
- Create a “Service Menu”: Clearly list what you offer (mail pickup, plant watering, pet care, overnight stays) and your prices.
- Get Testimonials: Ask happy clients to write a short review you can show to potential new customers.
15. Event Assistant
The Gig: Summer is full of outdoor concerts, festivals, farmer’s markets, and weddings. These events often need temporary staff to help with setup, cleanup, ticket-taking, or working at a booth.
How to Start:
- Contact Event Organizers: Look up local event companies or venues and inquire about temporary summer work.
- Be Flexible and Reliable: Event work can involve long hours and varied tasks, so a positive, can-do attitude is essential.
Creative & Unique Side Hustle Ideas for Teens
Think outside the box! These hustles are for teens with specific skills or interests.
16. Custom Sneaker and Clothing Artist
The Gig: If you have artistic talent, turn plain sneakers, jackets, and t-shirts into wearable art. Custom, hand-painted items can sell for a high price.
How to Start:
- Get the Right Supplies: Invest in quality fabric paints (like Angelus for leather) and sealants to make sure your art lasts.
- Start a Social Media Showcase: Use Instagram or TikTok to post videos of your creation process and showcase your finished products. This is your best marketing tool.
17. Tech Support for Seniors
The Gig: Many older adults struggle with technology. Offer a friendly, patient service to help them set up new phones, use their computers, troubleshoot printer problems, or learn how to use social media to connect with family.
How to Start:
- Advertise in the Right Places: Put up flyers at community centers, libraries, and places of worship.
- Be Patient and Clear: Avoid jargon. Explain things in simple, easy-to-understand terms. Your customer service skills are just as important as your tech skills here.
18. Photography Services
The Gig: If you have a good eye and a decent camera (even a high-quality smartphone camera can work), offer your photography services. You can do portraits for families, graduation photos for fellow students, or even product photography for local businesses.
How to Start:
- Practice, Practice, Practice: Learn about lighting, composition, and editing.
- Build a Portfolio: Offer free or discounted shoots to friends and family to build a portfolio of your best work.
- Find Your Style: Do you prefer candid shots or formal portraits? Develop a signature style that will attract clients.
19. Podcasting Assistant
The Gig: The podcasting world is booming. Many podcasters need help with tasks like editing audio (removing “ums” and long pauses), writing show notes, or creating social media clips to promote episodes.
How to Start:
- Learn Basic Audio Editing: Use free software like Audacity to learn the basics of editing audio files.
- Reach Out to Your Favorite Podcasts: Find smaller or mid-sized podcasts that you enjoy and send them a professional email offering your services. Explain exactly how you can help them.
How to Succeed with Your Teen Side Hustle
Starting is one thing, but succeeding is another. Here are some universal tips:
- Be Professional: Treat your side hustle like a real business. Be on time, communicate clearly, and deliver high-quality work.
- Market Yourself: You can’t get customers if no one knows you exist. Use flyers, social media, word-of-mouth, and local online groups.
- Track Your Money: Use a simple spreadsheet or a notebook to track your income and expenses. This is a crucial financial habit to build.
- Price Your Services Fairly: Research what others are charging for similar services. Don’t undervalue your work, but be competitive.
- Ask for Reviews: Positive reviews and testimonials are powerful marketing tools. Don’t be shy about asking happy customers to share their feedback.
Starting a side hustle is one of the best ways to make money as a teen. It’s your chance to take control of your finances, learn skills that will last a lifetime, and build something you can be proud of. Pick an idea from this list that excites you, make a plan, and take the first step. Your future self will thank you.
