Being a teenager often means wanting more money, whether it’s for hanging out with friends or paying off bills. Luckily, nowadays, there are plenty of ways for teens to make extra cash without needing a traditional part-time job.
Forget about settling for minimum wage gigs at local spots or waiting to meet strict job requirements. With the internet and the rise of gig work, teens can aim to make at least $500 a month with the right hustle.
From online surveys to pet sitting to starting a delivery service, we’ll cover 21 side hustles, selected from Side Hustles Database, perfect for teens looking to earn some extra money — or even save up for bigger goals.
Best Side Hustles for Teens
1. Start a Blog
Starting a blog can be a fantastic side hustle for teens!
A blog is like your own online diary where you can share your thoughts and interests. You have full control over what you write and how you present it.
It’s a platform to express your creativity and share your passions with the world. Whether you love fashion, gaming, or cooking, there’s a niche for everyone!
You don’t need to be a computer whiz to start a blog. Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress offer user-friendly interfaces, making it easy to design and customize your site.
While it may not make you rich overnight, blogging can earn you some extra pocket money. You can monetize your blog through ads, affiliate marketing, or even selling products.
Blogging helps improve your writing skills, creativity, and digital marketing know-how. Plus, it looks impressive on college applications or resumes.
You can work on your blog whenever you have free time, making it perfect for juggling school, extracurriculars, and other commitments.
2. Start a Youtube Channel
Starting a YouTube channel can be an awesome side hustle for teenagers.
You don’t need fancy equipment to begin. Just grab your phone, use its camera and microphone, and you’re ready to start filming. With internet access, you can create and upload videos to your channel anytime, anywhere.
YouTube has millions of viewers worldwide, giving you the chance to reach a large audience with your content. It also provides tools and tutorials through its Creator Studio to assist you in setting up and managing your channel.
Once you hit 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours, you can start making money through ads on your videos.
As your channel grows, so does your potential for earning more money and opportunities for sponsorships and collaborations.
Whether you’re passionate about gaming, beauty, or vlogging your daily life, YouTube is a platform where you can share your interests and creativity with others.
Just remember to interact with your viewers through comments and live streams. That way, you’re more likely to build a supportive community around your channel.
3. Sell Products on Etsy
Etsy is the perfect platform for creative teenagers to sell their handmade items, vintage treasures, and craft supplies. With the right niche and products, you can turn your Etsy shop into a profitable side hustle.
While there may be some initial expenses, setting up an Etsy store is relatively easy and affordable compared to starting a traditional business.
Creating an Etsy shop is straightforward and free. Just sign up, set up your shop details, choose a name, add your products, and you’re ready to start selling!
As you gain more experience and build your reputation on Etsy, your shop has the potential to grow, leading to increased sales and opportunities.
You can manage your Etsy shop from anywhere with an internet connection. This allows you to balance your side hustle with school and other activities.
4. Live Streaming
Whether you’re gaming, sharing your hobbies, or offering valuable insights, live streaming is a fun and dynamic way for teens to make some extra money.
Live streaming lets you showcase your personality and talents to the world, helping you carve out your own niche and attract followers. All you need is a camera, a microphone, and internet access to begin streaming on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, or Instagram.
You can earn money through various channels like subscriptions, affiliate marketing, sponsorships, donations, ads, and selling merchandise.
Tools like wave.video allow you to stream simultaneously on multiple platforms, maximizing your reach and exposure. You can engage with your audience in real-time through comments, questions, and interactive features, fostering a sense of community around your content.
If you have other content creation endeavors like blogging and YouTube, live streaming can complement your efforts, helping you expand your online presence and reach new audiences.
5. Teach Music
Teaching music can be a rewarding side hustle for teen musicians. It allows you to pass on your skills and knowledge to others who are eager to learn.
Whether you prefer in-person or virtual lessons, you can choose the format that works best for you and your students.
You can pair music teaching with online platforms like YouTube or a blog to attract students beyond your local area, increasing your potential client base.
Or you can use social media and school networks to advertise your services. Talk to music teachers at your school and let them know you’re available to teach.
6. Freelance Writing
Freelance writing can be a rewarding way for teens to earn extra money with their writing skills.
From blog posts to news articles and product descriptions, there’s a demand for written content across industries, giving you plenty of opportunities to find gigs that match your interests.
As a freelance writer, you have the freedom to set your own schedule, work from home, and choose projects that align with your availability and goals.
All you need is a computer, internet access, and basic writing tools like a word processor. Setting up a professional email account and using platforms like PayPal for payments make it easy to manage your freelance business.
Freelance writers often get paid per word or per project. You can set your rates and earn according to your skills and experience.
To attract clients, you can start by setting up a website or profiles on freelancing platforms to showcase your work and expertise. As you gain experience and build a reputation in the freelance writing community, you may attract higher-paying clients and more exciting projects.
7. Manage Social Media Profiles
If you’re passionate about platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter, being a social media manager lets you turn your hobby into a money-making venture.
As a social media manager, you’ll be responsible for creating and curating engaging content to help your clients build and maintain their online presence.
Whether you’re working with content creators, influencers, or local businesses, your role as a social media manager is crucial in attracting and connecting with their target audience.
Managing social media profiles helps you develop valuable skills in marketing, communication, and content strategy, which can be beneficial for future career opportunities.
Before reaching out to potential clients, make sure your own social media profiles are polished and engaging to demonstrate your skills as a social media manager.
Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, and freelancer.com are great places to start finding clients and building your portfolio as a social media manager.
8. Become a Tutor
As a teenager still studying in school, you might be passionate about a particular subject. If so, you might consider tutoring as a side hustle. It allows you to help others while earning money doing something you enjoy.
As a tutor, you have the freedom to set your own hours and rates, making it easy to balance with school and other activities. It’s a great way to make some quick cash, as you’ll get paid for each tutoring session.
You can have tutoring sessions in-person or online, depending on what works best for you and your students. To find potential clients, talk to your guidance counselor and teachers. They can connect you with students who need extra help in the subjects you excel in.
Tutoring not only provides a source of income but also allows you to strengthen your understanding of the subject matter and develop valuable teaching skills.
9. Design T-Shirts
Designing and selling t-shirts online is a popular and accessible side hustle for teens.
With graphic design software like Canva and dropshipping platforms such as Shopify and RedBubble, you can create and sell t-shirts without a big investment or technical know-how.
All you need is a laptop and some free time to get started. No need to buy inventory upfront or deal with shipping logistics thanks to the dropshipping model.
Designing t-shirts allows you to showcase your creativity and express yourself through unique designs and artwork. By researching niche markets and trends, you can create designs that resonate with specific audiences, increasing your chances of attracting customers.
While customers won’t automatically find your store, you can promote your products through advertising and social media to reach a wider audience.
Just make sure your designs are original and don’t infringe on copyright or trademark laws.
10. Take Online Surveys
Taking online surveys is a simple and accessible way for teens to earn extra cash in their spare time.
Taking surveys is simple and can be done anytime, anywhere, as long as you have internet access. It’s a flexible way to earn money that fits around your schedule.
Survey payouts typically range from $0.25 to $5.00, with some offering higher payouts for more detailed surveys. Depending on the time and effort you invest, you can earn anywhere from $100 to $250 per month by sharing your opinions.
While there are legitimate survey sites, be cautious and avoid any that ask for sensitive information or require payment to participate. Stick to reputable sites where you can safely share your opinions.
Look for well-known survey platforms like Swagbucks, Lifepoints, InboxDollars, and SurveyJunkie to get started. These sites offer a variety of surveys and payment options.
11. Sell Photographs as Stock Photos
Selling your photographs as stock photos allows you to monetize your hobby and potentially earn passive income while sharing your unique perspective with the world.
Stock images are essential for online businesses, making your photographs valuable assets in the digital marketplace. By licensing your photos instead of selling them outright, you can continue to earn money from your work repeatedly.
You can submit your photos to stock photo agencies like Photocase, Shutterstock, or iStock by Getty Images to reach a wide audience of potential buyers.
While you’ll need proper photography equipment to capture high-quality images, you can start with basic gear and gradually invest in more advanced tools as your skills and earnings grow.
12. Test Websites
Testing websites for money is a simple and rewarding side hustle for teens who are tech-savvy.
Companies rely on website testers to evaluate user experience, helping them improve navigation, design, and content to retain customers.
Most website tests take only 5-25 minutes to complete, with pay rates typically around $10 per test, providing you with a quick way to earn some extra cash.
You can sign up on websites like Checkealos, Enroll, and Ferpection to receive assignments and start testing websites from the comfort of your own home.
As you gain experience and build a reputation as a reliable website tester, you may receive more assignments and opportunities for higher-paying projects.
13. Babysitting
Babysitting is a reliable and rewarding side hustle for teens, offering the chance to earn cash while caring for children.
Childcare services are always in demand, providing consistent work opportunities for babysitters in every neighborhood. As a babysitter, you can earn around $20 per hour in cash, making it a lucrative source of income for teens who enjoy working with kids.
Before babysitting, it’s essential to learn basic safety and first aid skills to handle common emergencies like tantrums, minor cuts, or choking incidents.
Babysitters should be prepared to handle various situations, such as getting locked out of the house or dealing with a child who runs off.
To get started, network with family and friends with young children, volunteer to gain experience, and check with your school for potential babysitting opportunities.
You can apply jobs on platforms like SitterCity and Care.com that connect parents with babysitters, although you typically need to be at least 18 years old to join these sites.
14. Become an Influencer
Becoming an influencer offers teens the opportunity to showcase their interests and talents, engage with a community, and potentially earn income through partnerships and sponsorships.
Influencers are recognized for their expertise, experience, or success in a particular field, such as gaming, lifestyle, sports, or fitness. They come in various categories based on their follower count, from nano-influencers to mega influencers (celebrities), each with its own audience reach and impact.
To become an influencer, you need to build a significant following on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or Twitter. Keep interacting with your audience, sharing your opinions, and consistently posting high-quality content to grow your following and maintain engagement.
You can choose a specific niche to focus your efforts and establish yourself as an authority. This makes it easier to attract an audience.
15. House Cleaning
House cleaning offers teens a simple yet effective way to earn extra money while providing a valuable service to homeowners.
Starting a house cleaning business is affordable. With less than $50, you can print business cards or flyers to advertise locally. You don’t need much to start – just a vacuum, cleaning supplies, and a phone to take calls and messages.
Spread the word by distributing flyers in your neighborhood and local apartment complexes. For every 500 flyers, you might receive 2-3 phone calls, leading to potential jobs and referrals.
You can create a business page on Facebook and Google, and build a website to attract customers online. Learning some basic SEO skills can help generate leads and grow your business.
This side gig allows you to set your own hours and work around your existing commitments, making it easy to balance with school and other activities.
16. Help the Elderly with Tech
Helping the elderly with technology is not only a rewarding way to earn money but also an opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others. So, if you’re a tech-savvy and compassionate teenager, consider offering your assistance to seniors in your community.
You can teach older adults how to use smartphones, computers, apps, and online services that may be challenging for them to navigate. Many seniors need assistance with technology, making your knowledge valuable and in high demand.
To get stated, apply to platforms like Teeniors to connect with older adults and offer tech coaching via video calls. You can provide one-on-one coaching or group classes at a rate of $15 per hour.
However, if you’re under 18, you may need a parent or guardian for the orientation and interview process to assist with paperwork.
17. Offer Lawn Care Services
Providing lawn care services offers teens a straightforward and profitable way to earn money during the summer.
All you need is a vehicle, lawn mower, weed eater, and blower to get started.
Mowing lawns can earn you an average hourly rate of $50, with potential for higher rates as you gain experience and improve your service quality.
As you build your client base and reputation, you can increase your rates and expand your services.
You can start by posting your services and rates on social media, and reach out to your personal network to spread the word about your lawn care business.
For this type of business, face-to-face marketing can be more effective than online advertising. So, you might consider printing out flyers and going door-to-door to distribute them in your neighborhood.
18. Washing Cars
Washing and detailing cars is a profitable side hustle that teens can start small and grow over time.
You can easily learn how to clean and detail cars through online tutorials and how-to videos available on the internet.
Start with basic cleaning supplies like towels, car cleaning chemicals, and access to water. As your business grows, you can invest in more advanced equipment.
You can spread the word about your services by advertising to friends, family, local businesses, churches, and online platforms.
Begin with competitive pricing (around $50 for a full cleaning) to attract customers, then adjust your rates as you gain experience and clientele.
As you gain experience and a loyal customer base, you can increase your prices, expand your services, and potentially turn your car washing hustle into a full-time business.
19. Pet Care Services
Pet care services are a popular and rewarding side hustle, especially for animal lovers.
Pet sitting and dog walking services are in high demand in virtually every neighborhood, particularly during peak vacation seasons and holidays.
You can offer services like dog walking, pet photography, social media management, party planning, and grooming to cater to diverse pet care needs.
This side job allows you to determine your own rates. You can charge what you believe your services are worth.
To reach potential clients, advertise your services locally by distributing flyers and business cards, and posting them on community bulletin boards at pet stores and adoption centers.
If you want to join online platforms like Rover to find clients, you typically need to be at least 18 years old.
20. Deliver Newspapers
Delivering newspapers remains a viable side hustle in many communities, offering consistent work opportunities.
Your duties will include picking up newspapers from the distribution center, preparing them for delivery, and then distributing them along your designated route.
You’ll need access to transportation, as well as early morning availability, to complete your delivery rounds.
Your earnings will depend on factors like the size of your route, the number of days you work, and the quantity of newspapers delivered.
Some publications may require you to commit to delivering newspapers up to seven days a week, potentially limiting your flexibility in scheduling.
21. Paint Houses
House painting offers teens a straightforward and profitable way to earn money while providing a valuable service to homeowners.
Whether it’s a new construction or an older home in need of a refresh, there’s always work available in the house painting business.
All you need are some basic painting skills and equipment to get started. You can learn the basics through online courses or tutorials.
To get started, create a business page on social media to showcase your services. Apart from that, you can scout local neighborhoods for potential clients and leave business cards with them.
As you complete painting jobs, you’ll earn cash payments directly from clients.
22. Deliver Food & Groceries
Delivering food and groceries is a popular side hustle, but it may not be suitable for teenagers due to age restrictions.
Many delivery services like Walmart Spark, Postmates, and DoorDash require drivers to be at least 18 years old. Amazon Flex has a minimum age requirement of 21.
If you meet the age requirements and have a vehicle, you can sign up for delivery platforms like Walmart Spark, Postmates, InstaCart, and DoorDash.
Expect to undergo a background check and provide proof of vehicle ownership and insurance before being approved as a driver.
Once approved, you can start earning money by delivering food and groceries on your own schedule, working as many hours as you want.
23. Get Paid to Wait in Line
Waiting in line for money is a simple yet effective way to earn extra income, especially during peak times like holidays and major product releases.
Some people will pay others to wait in line for them, making it a legitimate way to earn extra cash in your spare time.
You can multitask while waiting in line, such as studying, listening to podcasts, or watching TV shows.
To find potential clients, check out apps and websites like TaskRabbit, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter to find line-sitting jobs. The busiest times are during holidays and events like Black Friday.
For popular events or product launches, you can charge $50-80 per hour. Plus, you can increase your rates if you’re waiting outside in bad weather.
24. YouTube Video Editor
Becoming a YouTube video editor is an excellent side hustle for teens who enjoy video production and editing. It allows you to apply your skills and creativity.
You can use software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro to edit videos. If you know nothing about video editing, just spend some time to learn the basics through online tutorials.
After that, reach out to your favorite YouTubers and offer your editing services. You can start by offering a discounted rate for a test video to showcase your skills.
If you impress YouTubers with your editing skills, you can secure regular work editing their videos.
25. Flipping
Flipping offers teens a flexible and profitable way to earn money by buying and selling items. With a keen eye for value and some hustle, you can turn thrifted finds into cash with this rewarding side hustle.
Just like retail arbitrage, flipping involves finding cheap products and selling them at a higher price.
You can flip a variety of items, including clothing, vintage jewelry, furniture, sneakers, appliances, baby gear, lawn equipment, and vintage electronics.
Cheap or free items can be found everywhere, from dumpsters and thrift stores to flea markets and curbside pickups. You can also source items from friends who are decluttering.
To sell your flipped products, check out online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Nextdoor, Poshmark, Craigslist, or Amazon.
These 25 side hustle ideas aren’t for you? Don’t worry. Just visit the Side Hustles Database to explore more options. To discover which side hustle suits your personality and goals, you can also take the side hustle quiz.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are side hustles for teens?
A side hustle is a job you do alongside your main commitments, like school. It’s a way for teens to earn extra cash for bills, savings, or treats like chocolate milkshakes. For example, after school, you might make and sell crafts online.
How do you balance a side hustle with school?
Plan your time carefully. Figure out how much time you can spend on your hustle without neglecting school or fun with friends. Set realistic goals and stick to them to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
What should teens look for in a side hustle?
Find something that fits your schedule and interests. You can turn hobbies like gaming, art, or fashion into cash. Flexible gigs let you be your own boss and work when you want.
How can a side hustle help teens learn about money?
It’s a hands-on way to gain financial skills. Teens can open a bank account, learn to budget, and save up for things they want. They might even start investing early.
How does a side hustle help teens develop important skills?
It gives teens real-world experience, teaching them to work with different people and manage their time effectively. Interpersonal skills and time management are just some of the valuable skills they’ll pick up.
