47 Best Side Hustles For Teens (Updated for 2024)
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In this post, we will explore 47 great side hustles for teens. Whether you are looking for something fun and creative or something more conventional, we have got you covered.
The best part is, that many of these side hustle ideas for teens do not require any money upfront to get started, and the potential for making a boat-load of cash is high as long as you’re willing to put in the work.
As a teenager, you shouldn’t have to depend on the money you get from family members, wait for the holidays to roll around, or slave away at a boring, part-time job in order to have some extra cash to go to a concert or movie with your friends, fill up your gas tank, or simply save for your future.
These days, there are a ton of ideas for teens to make money fast…why not start your own side hustle?
Why You Should Start Your Own Business As A Teenager
If you’re a teenager looking for ways to make some extra money, starting your own business is a great option.
There are many benefits of owning your own business, such as being in control of your own schedule, setting your own rates, and having the potential to earn a lot of money.
Of course, starting a business takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but it can be a great way to earn money as a teenager.
Because there’s nothing more frustrating as a teenager than not having money to go to an event with friends or buy the latest drop of merch from your favorite creator!
Starting a business while you’re young can be the start of a lucrative career doing something you love, instead of working for someone else.
Another reason why you should be hustling as a teen is that it allows you to create a flexible schedule for making money in your spare time which will work around your school hours, busy weekends, and hectic life.
Why Wait? Earn Extra Money Today!
How To Start Your Own Side Hustle As A Teen
Before you start your own side hustle, you should evaluate your own talents and skills.
What are you good at?
What do you enjoy doing?
Once you have a general idea of what kind of business you want to start, research the viability of your business idea and create a basic plan for getting started.
Finally, once you have your business plan in place, you can start marketing your business and finding customers.
If you simply don’t know what you are “good” at, start by asking your friends and family members what they think are your strongest traits.
Are you good with animals?
Love crafting?
Are you good with tech?
Or, maybe you enjoy being outdoors and working with your hands.
Next, start thinking about which jobs will allow you to utilize your talents for money.
For example:
- If you’re good with animals, you can start a mobile grooming business
- You can make money by selling your crafts on Etsy
- If you’re good with technology, you can start a side hustle helping seniors set up their devices
- If you love being outdoors, you can start your own lawn maintenance business
Once you start digging, you’ll discover there are tons of jobs people are willing to pay someone else (like you) to do for them!
For side hustles that require money or equipment
Don’t be scared off by jobs that require a little investment to get started.
You don’t have to wait to start your dream business!
To raise money to start a side hustle you can:
- Borrow tools and equipment from family and friends
- Start a Go Fund Me account
- Ask your parents for a small loan
- Sell stuff you no longer need
- Start making money with a side hustle that does not require an investment
If your parents end up giving you a loan, make sure you pay it off once you start making money with your business.
Online Side Hustles For Teens
Even with all of the competition online, the internet is overflowing with opportunity, and a new career can be had with the click of a mouse!
While you may not become the next MrBeast, Josh Richards, or D’Amelio, online jobs are not limited to being a famous influencer.
1. Online Surveys
Surveys are a crucial way for organizations to get valuable feedback and information from a target demographic.
Brands then use this information to streamline and better their products and services. The information they gather can also be used to test out potential product ideas or discover current gaps and needs in the market.
Online surveys can be simple questions or easy task requests which take very little time to complete.
Here are a few of my favorite legit online survey sites:
Most survey sites allow users as young as 13 years old to participate and only require a valid email address and/or Paypal account for payment.
Other companies will require the permission of a legal guardian before they allow you to participate.
Payment is either through gift cards, Paypal, cash, or points that you can redeem for rewards on the survey site.
By completing online surveys, you can earn anywhere from $1 to $50 for 5 to 30 minutes of your time.
2. Get Paid For Playing Games
Getting paid for games is hardly a hustle for a teen if you love gaming!
Sites and apps like Swagbucks don’t just have surveys you can take to make quick cash; they also have mobile games and other gamified tasks that you can take part in for instant cash.
You can watch ads and play games on apps like:
Just to name a few.
Rewards are usually point-based, which can be converted to cash for payout. Many apps only pay a couple of cents daily, but some can pay $20 or more if you’re willing to put in the time.
More prominent game testing companies will pay more for beta testing new console and computer games, between $10 to $100 per hour of testing.
It’s a bit harder to secure a spot for this awesome gig, but you can try companies like iGameLab, UserTesting, and Beta Family.
3. Freelance Writing
Well-known platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Facebook Groups allow for an ocean of work as a freelance writer.
Freelance writing is an enticing prospect because as you research topics and write articles you gain valuable experience, which can later lead to higher pay.
If you love writing, but need a little help with your skills, programs like Grammarly can help you hone your skills.
While Upwork requires freelancers ask someone at least 18 years old to open an account on your behalf, Fiverr allows people as young as 13 years old to open an account as long as it’s owned by a legal guardian who permits you to use it.
You often set your fee as a writer, which can go up as your skill and client rating increase.
Related: 35 Fun and Easy Jobs for 11-Year-Olds
4. Blogging
Blogging is similar to freelance writing, but you get to write about a topic (or topics you are actually interested in).
A few years ago, blogging was considered to be a fun way for people to share their daily lives.
These days, blogging has turned into a very lucrative side hustle (when done right) where writers can share informational articles (like this one) and post helpful product reviews that their readers are searching for.
There are (3) main ways to make money with a website:
- Through affiliate products
- By installing ads
- Sponsored posts
It can take a while to start earning money blogging, in most cases, between 6-12 months, but once you’ve built up some content and made your first dollar blogging is a great way to earn passive income from anywhere in the world!
5. Content Creator
If writing isn’t your strength, you can make money online by creating videos as well.
Youtube and recently, TikTok creators have been turning the world upside down with their mesmerizing dance and funny transition videos and, as a result, they’ve redefined how one can make a living online.
If you enjoy entertaining or informing people, then being a content creator might be another longer-term investment.
If you have your goal in mind and stick to it, you can earn ad revenue and partner with brands through your high-quality content within a year or two.
6. Live Streaming
I’m not sure why, but it’s incredibly entertaining to watch someone stream and commentate on a game that they genuinely enjoy playing.
Twitch and Gameroom Live offer ad revenue based on the number of views per stream. You can also open up donations to the audience to donate a dollar or so as you play.
Streaming doesn’t have to be about video games. You can stream things like chess, tabletop gaming, homework sessions, or even crafting.
7. Facebook Ads For Local Businesses
Many local businesses that have been run traditionally (offline) for generations aren’t seeing the same success they’ve had in the past.
Many smaller restaurants, dry cleaners, delis, bakeries, and other businesses need a more extensive audience which you can give them by offering to place ads for them on Facebook.
The only skill you need to get started with this side hustle is a decent knowledge of Facebook, so you can set up a business account for your clients, as well as your own Facebook account.
Next, seek out some clients by visiting small businesses in your area and pitching them your ideas.
8. Social Media Influencer
Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and Youtube have quickly become outlets for millions of people worldwide to experience the talents, opinions, and abilities of popular influencers who are willing to share sneak peek into their lives.
A social media influencer is different from a typical content creator in that an influencer is typically someone who has obtained a cult-like following of dedicated fans who, (because they trust that the influencer’s opinions), are willing to make purchases based on his/her recommendations.
Social media influencers make the bulk of their income from sponsored posts and ads.
Work From Home Side Hustle For Teens
If you don’t have your driver’s license yet, there are plenty of work from ideas for teens which you can do without leaving the comfort of home or changing out of your pj’s!
Running a steady hustle out of your home can be more lucrative than working the grill at your local fast food chain.
9. Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant (VA) is someone who helps online and brick-and-mortar businesses with all the little things that help that business run.
For example, the job responsibilities of a VA for a blogger might include:
- Read and respond to emails
- Create social media posts
- Design and post pins to Pinterest
- Edit posts
- Create images for posts
- Insert links into posts on WordPress
The flexible hours and varied tasks make becoming a VA one of the best ways to earn money from home.
10. Social Media Manager
If you have a decent knowledge of social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, you can become a social media manager.
If you can keep track of current trends, the best times to post, and how to engage with your audience, this hustle is perfect for you.
Because let’s face it, while every business needs a social media presence, not everyone wants to spend their time learning about what’s popular online, and that’s where your youth will come in handy.
11. Designing T-Shirts & Mugs
If you have a creative eye and a knowledge of basic graphic design, you can make and sell designs on T-shirts and mugs using platforms like Merch by Amazon, RedBubble, Teespring, Spreadshirt, CafePress, and others.
Once you’ve created and listed a few designs, you can drive people to your products through your social media accounts.
12. Babysitting
Babysitting is a tried-and-true way for teenagers as young as 13 to make a good amount of pocket money.
You can become your neighborhood’s go-to sitter; all you need is the motivation to go around advertising your services door-to-door, making flyers, or posting on Facebook community groups.
Many community centers offer safety classes to budding babysitters and most parents prefer babysitters to be trained in CPR.
13. Selling Photos
Most photos you see online have a copyright on them, meaning that someone owns them, and you need to pay or ask their permission to use them.
That’s where you and your cell phone’s camera come in. If you can take high-quality pictures on your phone or DSLR camera and edit them using Photoshop or Lightroom, you can then sell them on sites like:
You can also sell vectors, illustrations, video and audio clips, and SVG files on most of these sites.
When you turn 18, you can make pretty good money selling feet pics online.
14. Sell Collectibles Online
In case you didn’t know, collectors and enthusiasts will often pay top dollar for items they collect.
The most popular collectibles to sell include:
- Comic books
- YuGiOh cards
- Pokémon cards
- Magic the Gathering cards
- Dungeons & Dragons items
- Action figures
- Dolls
- Sports trading cards
- Star wars items
So, go rummage through your old toy box, garage, and attic for these items, set up an eBay account, and start selling.
A rare Charizard Pokémon card recently sold for $183,812 at auction!
15. Dropshipping
Dropshipping is a little-known venture that can make you thousands of dollars once you are familiar with the mechanics of the business.
In simple terms, you act as the middleman for manufacturers, retailers, and customers.
You connect goods to where they need to go and get paid for the service without ever owning or creating any products.
16. Video editing
If you know how to use iMovie, Final Cut Pro, Premier Pro, or another video editing program, you can start a side hustle as a video editor.
Many YouTubers and content creators are always on the lookout for good video editors due to the amount of content they need to produce and the sheer amount of time that goes into syncing sound, adding text effects, clipping, adding transitions, and more.
17. Create And Sell An Online Course
If you have a skill that you think people might want to learn, whether it’s baking, knitting, skating, programming, or whatever, you can create and sell a course online on places like Masterclass, Udemy, Skillshare, or even start a Patreon subscription that gives an ongoing course or content.
18. Sell Crafts On Shopify or Etsy (Or Both)
Setting a Shopify site is simple and inexpensive, and you can sell crafts and other things you create through the site just like any other business.
Etsy is also an excellent place to sell things you create.
You can sell anything from digital art, print art, crochet projects, Cricut files, personalized gifts, basically, any hand-crafted item you can think of.
Related: 80 Trending Crafts to Make and Sell
Best Side Hustles For Teens
Life as a teen can get pretty busy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make money on the side. Even better, your side gig could eventually turn into a full-time business if you’re passionate about it.
19. Website or App Tester
Website and app testing are similar to game testing as you get paid to sit and use a new website or app, either on your phone or your computer, see if you have any usage issues, bugs, and such, and provide feedback.
It’s a fun version of focus groups as you get hands-on experience with the product before informing the developers of your thoughts.
My favorite legit website testing service is UserTesting. They pay you up to $10 per job and most jobs take around 20 minutes to complete.
20. Senior Caregiver
Seniors always welcome company and starting a side-hustle as a senior caregiver can be a fantastic way not only to add joy to someone else’s life but could help you learn a few wise life lessons in the process.
21. Fitness Coach
If you are into fitness and enjoy helping other people live a fitter and healthier lifestyle, then becoming a fitness coach could be pretty lucrative.
You can start by giving classes at a local park or community center and eventually work your way up to your own space once you’ve signed on a few regular clients.
22. Lawn Care
Few people enjoy taking care of their lawn which is an excellent opportunity for you to make some quick cash.
With the help of a few gardening tools like a lawnmower, weed wacker, rake, and shovel, you could be on your way to a profitable side hustle.
23. Deliver Newspapers
Yes, physical newspapers are still a thing and require a reliable method of transport as well as a strong arm to deliver them.
Delivering newspapers around your neighborhood might not pay a lot, but it can help you get fitter and help you explore the outside more.
24. Kid’s Party Entertainer
Kids always have birthdays, and they can’t seem to entertain themselves.
If you love kids and making them laugh, you can wear an old Halloween costume and perform a couple of skits and pose for some photos for 30 minutes to an hour and earn up to $70 for your efforts.
25. Auto Detailing
Similar to lawn care, people want their cars clean but find the task of cleaning them quite bothersome.
Equip yourself with a bucket, cleaning cloths, and a vacuum, and you are in business with your neighbors.
You can even advertise online, offer in-house visits to do auto detailing, and charge a higher fee for interior detailing in addition to exterior washing and waxing.
You can also check with local car dealerships to see if any are hiring and are willing to train you to detail vehicles.
26. Sell Art and Crafts
Creating crafts and artwork to sell at local fairs, swap meets, or weekend markets can be a brilliant way to get your name out there and get a lot of eyes on your work.
This is a great way to turn a hobby into a money-making opportunity.
27. Recycling
Recycling is not only good for the planet, it’s also good for your wallet.
Once you know the best types of metal to recycle, you can seek out people who are willing to have you haul off their junk metal for free.
You can then turn around and sell that metal to local scrap yards
28. Pet Care or Dog Walking
Pets need regular grooming and caring after, but some pet parents have such busy lives that they can’t always take care of it themselves.
Grooming and caring for pets can make you money, and walking several dogs simultaneously can get you even more returns.
Related: Job Easy and Fun Job Ideas for 14-year-olds
29. Tech Setup And Repair
Setting up WIFI routers, WIFI extenders, getting cloud printing to work, and even setting up older devices like Blu-ray and DVD players is an always-needed skill that you might not even consider a skill since it comes so easily to you.
But, trust me, there are many people over the age of 50 who would be happy to pay you to save them the headache.
30. Flip Stuff
Flipping stuff isn’t only being able to trade up a paper clip for a house but can involve purchasing stuff on sale (clearance) on Amazon, eBay, and other online (and in-store) retailers and reselling it for profit.
You should also scour local yard sales, estate sales, and going-out-of-business sales to find the best stuff to flip.
31. Clothing Rental
Buying clothes can be expensive, especially if someone needs to only use something once for things like prom or special events.
This is why you can rent out some of your own clothes or purchase on-trend clothing to rent out and make a few extra bucks in the process.
32. Vending Machines
This option does require a bit more of an investment as buying a vending machine new or second-hand can cost a couple of hundreds of dollars.
However, if you can get an investment from a family member, can put your vending machine in places like stores, schools, or hotels and get near-immediate returns.
33. Teach Lessons
Can you play the guitar, piano, or any other instrument, or are you good at dancing, art, or singing?
If so, you can teach elementary, middle, and even high school kids your talents.
Teaching lessons is a fantastic way to make money doing what you love.
34. Laundry Service
This is another service that people are forever looking to pay someone else to do out of sheer convenience.
You can start a business of picking up people’s laundry and doing it for them at home, ironing and sorting it for a reasonable fee that you decide.
35. Gift Basket Business
Gift baskets are a wonderful idea for a side hustle because they are popular year-round.
People buy customized gift baskets for major holidays as well as birthdays, weddings, housewarmings, and baby showers…the list of ideas is truly endless!
Tip: You don’t have to have the baskets prepared in advance; you collect the payment first, then buy the items and prepare the baskets.
36. Sell Vintage Clothing And Accessories
This is where attending swap meets, second-hand stores, flea markets, and garage sales come in handy.
If you have an eye for vintage wear and accessories, you can buy them at these places for nearly nothing and markup the price as a vintage stock which is what vintage stores usually do.
Your older family members and friends might even have things they are willing to give to you to sell.
37. Junk Haul-Off
Do you have a license and a truck? Then you are in business because there’s always junk that people want to be taken to the junkyard.
You can advertise your services on local bulletin boards, in Facebook groups, and through word-of-mouth.
38. Become An Affiliate
Being a product affiliate is similar to being a product ambassador, as you get paid by the company of the product you are affiliated with every time people use your referral code.
Think of a product or service you use and simply could not live without. Then, go to that company’s website and scroll down to the bottom of the page to see if they offer an affiliate program.
If they do, just fill out the form to get started. You can share your affiliate link on all of your social media accounts, through email, and on your own website.
39. Buy And Sell Used Books
Used books, mainly textbooks, are a big market because of the high cost of getting them new.
You can start by collecting books from friends and family that they don’t use and selling them online or locally.
Also, scour your local secondhand stores, garage sales, and even the dumpsters of local colleges to find textbooks to sell for a profit.
40. Start A Cleaning Business
If you don’t mind getting dirty, this market is always available because there are always messes to clean.
You won’t even need any equipment to get started as most clients will allow you to use theirs.
In my area, housecleaners earn $30 an hour on average.
41. Pool Cleaning
Just like house cleaning, you can start your own pool cleaning side hustle without any equipment, as people who own pools will also own the necessary equipment.
At the most, you may have to purchase chemicals, which you can factor into the price of your services.
Related: 35 Best Jobs For 11-Year-Olds (That Pay Cash)
42. Advertise On Your Car
Again, if you have a license and access to a car, you can reach out to programs that let companies advertise on cars.
If you are a high-mileage driver or live in a major city, you are even more likely to be chosen as companies typically want as many eyes on their advertisement as possible.
43. Run Errands
Running errands is a straightforward way to ease someone’s burdens.
The customer gives you a list of the shopping that needs to be done, laundry needing to be picked up, and so on, and you simply fulfill their requests.
Usually, the people who benefit the most from this type of service are elderly people who can no longer drive.
44. Tutor (Online or In-person)
If you have a knack for math, science, language arts, or history, you can become a tutor for students in your grade level or below.
You can do this side hustle online from the comfort of your home, or meet students at the library, school, or local community center.
45. Deliver Take-out or Groceries
You don’t have to have a car to deliver groceries, as you can do the same for local businesses if you have a moped or an electric bike.
While it’s usually easier for teens 16 or over to land these jobs, some local smaller businesses may allow someone younger to deliver their goods to customers.
It can’t hurt to ask.
46. Grow and sell produce
Growing and selling produce is another medium to long-term way of making money.
Fresh, organic produce is in high demand, and people are always looking for affordable fresh fruits and veggies.
You can set up a roadside stand (check with your local municipality first), or rent a booth if your city holds regular farmer’s market days.
47. Coach Youth Sports
If you are knowledgeable in a particular sport, why not share your knowledge with others?
In my area, there is currently a shortage of youth sports coaches, which means no coach…no sports.
You can benefit your community and your wallet while staying fit. I call that a win, win, win!
Side hustles for teens: FAQ
How can a teenager make $1000?
There are many ways to make $1000, depending on your timeframe.
If you can afford to take your time in making it, then starting a blog, website, or YouTube channel could pay off over time.
However, for a quicker way to make $1000, you might want to think about flipping stuff you buy from garage sales, selling vintage clothes online, teaching music or academic lessons online, doing entertainment for kids’ parties, selling collectibles, or hauling and dumping people’s junk.
What can a teen sell to make money fast?
You can sell name-brand clothes, second-hand furniture, video game systems, unlocked cell phones, and exercise equipment in order to make money fast as a teen.
Bikes are also particularly hot right now because of a global bike shortage.
Just look through your garage; there’s probably a ton of stuff in there that hasn’t been used in a while, like sports equipment, collectibles, weights, and tools.
For a quick, no-hassle sale, take your items to a local pawn shop.
What is the best side hustle for teens to start with?
The best side hustle to start is one that capitalizes on your talents and interests, and that uses requires little-to-no start-up costs.
For example, if you love doing yard work and already own a lawnmower, you can easily start a lawn care business.
If you enjoy graphic design, you can design and sell logos on Fivver.
Starting a side hustle or business from the ground up can be challenging. As a result, most people quit before they ever have a chance to make any money. But, this doesn’t have to be the case!
If you have patience and are willing to put in some work upfront, you can absolutely succeed at anything you try!
Side hustles for teens: Final thoughts
I’m living proof that you don’t need to slave away at your local fast food restaurants in order to make money as a teen.
I’ve been working side hustles (online and off) and side gigs since I was 13, and have done very well for myself. I know, with a little bit of effort, you can too!
