25+ Hot Side Hustles for Teens: How to Make Money as a Teenager
Making money as a teenager can be tough. You’re not old enough to work at most jobs, and you probably don’t have a lot of money saved up. That’s why it’s important to start looking for side hustles that you can do in your free time. There are a lot of great options out there, and we’ve collected some of the best ones here. We’ll talk about online side hustles, traditional side hustles, and even ways to make money with your skills and talents.
What Are Some Legal Side Hustles?
How to make money as a teenager is not difficult, but you do need to be creative with your side hustles. This can seem like an overwhelming task at first glance because there are so many options out there that promise easy cash without much effort or risk involved. If this sounds familiar then you’re in luck because this guide is going to help you weed through the nonsense and find side hustles for teens that are perfect for you.
No matter what your interests or skills may be, there’s most likely a way to monetize them and turn them into a viable source of income. The following list showcases some great side hustles.
Money Making Ideas for High Schoolers and Teens
How do you make money as a teen? This requires a little bit thinking outside the box. Teens have options when it comes to making money. There are many unique opportunities that can be taken advantage of by people in high school and younger. The best part is most of these side hustles don’t require an adult working with you, so it can be a great opportunity to start building your own business empire.
Online Side Hustles for Teens
One great way to make money as a teenager is through online side hustles. These are jobs that can be done remotely, and many of them don’t require any prior experience or skills. Here are a few of our favorite online side hustles for teens:
1. Start a blog and monetize it with ad revenue, affiliate marketing, or sponsored posts
Being a high schooler doesn’t mean you can’t pen a few great content pieces. Write about your passions and/or interests, find a way to monetize it, then keep writing.
How much money can you make with this side hustle? Start at $100 per month if you’re lucky. It will likely be less in the beginning, but once the wheels start turning and traffic starts coming in, don’t be surprised to see that number jump. For this side hustle, you’ll incur some upfront costs such as domain name and hosting.
Sponsored posts are a great way for bloggers to make money. If you have a decent-sized audience, companies will often reach out to you to write sponsored content about their product or service. These posts typically pay more than traditional ads, so it’s a great way to make some extra cash.
When it comes to social media, teens often have more experience than their adult counterparts. You can take advantage of this by managing a local business’s social media account or assisting a company with online marketing efforts. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Offer to create flyers, brochures, and other print materials for businesses in your town (check out Canva as an easy-to-use design tool)
- Help businesses develop and track marketing campaigns on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn
- Set up and manage Google AdWords or other online advertising campaigns for local businesses
Again, many of these side hustles can be done remotely, so they’re perfect for high schoolers who want to make some extra cash on the side.
How much money can you make with this side hustle? The pay for social media gigs varies widely, but it’s not uncommon to get $25-$50/hour for your time. If you’re new to online marketing and want to learn more about how it works before getting started, check out the free resources on Moz and Social Media Examiner.
3. Design and build websites for local businesses
Many small businesses still don’t have a website, so there’s an opportunity to help them create one. You can use WordPress, Wix or Squarespace to build your client a professional-looking site in just a few hours. If you’ve been spending time learning a bit of HTML and CSS, you can even customize the site to your client’s liking.
How much money can you make with this side hustle? While it depends on how creative and skilled you are, most teens should be able to charge at least $20/hour for their time. If you’re doing a lot of custom coding or other things that take more time, you can easily charge $50/hour or more.
Web design is a great side hustle for teens because there’s so much demand for it. In fact, many businesses are happy to pay recurring fees for website maintenance, so this could be a side hustle that you continue doing long after you’ve finished high school. Not sure where to start learning, there are several online courses both free and low cost that can help you grow your skills.
4. Be a personal assistant to someone in your community
Personal assistant most commonly referred to as virtual assistants can be a great side hustle for teens.
Being a personal assistant may not be the most glamorous side hustle, but it can be one of the most profitable. This side hustle requires you to help someone with their day-to-day tasks like running errands, making phone calls and scheduling appointments.
You can offer to help with tasks like:
- Answering phone calls
- Sending emails/texts on someone’s behalf
- Arranging travel plans or other appointments
- Tracking expenses and managing budgets
How much money can you make with this side hustle? This will depend on the type of tasks you’re taking on, but most teens should be able to earn $15-$20/hour for their time.
5. Create an app
You may not like the idea of offering your services as a personal assistant or virtual assistant, so consider creating an app instead. There are lots of small businesses that could benefit from having a custom app built to help them with their day-to-day operations.
How much money can you make with this side hustle? This will depend on the complexity of your app and how long it takes to create, but most developers charge anywhere from $50-$200/hour for their services. Keep in mind that you may also need to hire a designer and/or marketer to help you with the project.
If you’re still in school, see if your school offers a course that can teach you how to create an app. Or, look online for a video tutorial on how to create one yourself.
Also note that this side hustle may take longer than others because it requires more skill and expertise.
Not sure where to start? You can learn how to create an app with free online tutorials. If you want a more comprehensive education, consider enrolling in Udacity’s iOS Developer Nanodegree program or Flutter & Dart – The Complete Guide on Udemy.
If you’re not interested in creating apps yourself but still want to make money from them, consider investing in an app development company.
6. Write articles for blogs or websites
Don’t want to set up your own blog or don’t have the resources to do so? Consider offering your services as a copywriter to other bloggers.
How much money can you make with this side hustle? Most bloggers and website owners are happy to pay $50-$100 per article. Some even offer recurring payments for regular contributors. This amount will depend on your skill level and how long it takes to write the content.
If you’re not sure where to start, check out sites like Upwork and Freelancer (you need to be at least 18 years of age to sign up). You can also try reaching out to local blogs or businesses directly.
Check out our list of online courses for freelance writers.
Pro tip: You can also offer your services as a ghostwriter. This is when you write content for another person and they publish it under their name instead of yours.
7. eBook publishing
Not interested in writing for others? Consider creating an eBook, which you can sell on sites like Amazon Kindle or Udemy (you need to be at least 13 years of age to sign up).
eBooks are a great way to share your knowledge and expertise with the world. Plus, they’re a great way to make some extra money on the side.
This is also a great passive income idea that you can continue earning from even as an adult.
8. Do freelance graphic design work for local businesses or individuals
Looking for a side hustle that involves using your creative skills? Consider offering graphic design services to local businesses or individuals.
If you’re not sure what type of graphics are in demand, check out sites like Fiverr and Upwork (you need to be at least 18 years of age to sign up). See what potential clients are looking for and hone your skills.
How much money can you make with this side hustle? This will depend on your skill level and the type of work you’re doing, but most graphic designers charge anywhere from $25-$100/hour for their services.
This side hustle may also require some investment in software or tools (like Adobe Creative Suite) to get started.
If you’re not sure where to start, check out sites like Udemy or Skillshare. You can also look online for free tutorials on YouTube and other websites.
Pro tip: Set up a website with your graphic design portfolio so potential clients can see what you have done in the past and contact you directly if they are interested in hiring you.
9. Participate in paid online surveys
Want to make a little extra money without having to do much work? Consider participating in paid online surveys.
How much money can you make with this side hustle? This will depend on the type of survey you’re taking and how long it takes you to complete it, but most surveys pay out between $0.50-$20 per completed survey.
If you’re not sure where to start, check out sites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie (must be at least 13 years old). You can also try searching online for other paid survey sites.
Pro tip: Don’t waste your time on surveys that take more than a few minutes to complete and don’t pay very much.
You can also earn points for watching videos, playing games and shopping online through these websites. These sites often have offers for free items in exchange for your participation as well.
10. Sell handmade crafts or goods online on Etsy, eBay, or at local craft fairs
Do you have a knack for making handmade crafts or goods? Why not sell them online? People are always looking for unique items to buy either as personal gifts or for their home.
This perfect side hustle for teens can earn you some good amount of money in your spare time. The amount you make will depend on the type of crafts or goods you’re selling, Etsy and eBay charge a percentage of the sale price as commission.
You can also sell your crafts or goods at local craft fairs. This is a great way to get your name out there in the community and earn some extra money at the same time.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to take pictures of each item you’re selling online along with descriptions so potential customers know what they are buying.
11. Design and sell t-shirts, hats, or other clothing items online
Print on demand has been a growing trend. So, it’s no wonder that designing and selling t-shirts, hats, or other clothing items online is a popular side hustle for teens.
The amount of money you can earn from this side hustle really depends on the demand for your designs and how many items you’re able to sell each month.
You’ll need to invest in some quality software or tools to help you create your designs, but there are a number of online resources that can help you get started.
If you’re not sure where to start, check out sites like TeeSpring and Merch by Amazon. These platforms make it easy for you to upload and sell your designs directly to customers.
12. Sell your art on Redbubble, Society-Six, or through local galleries and events
Art is a great side hustle for teens who love to create! You can sell your artwork online on sites like Redbubble or Society-Six.
You can also sell your artwork at local galleries and events in the community to earn extra money while showcasing your talent!
The amount of money you’ll make from this side hustle will depend on how much time you put into creating new pieces, but it’s definitely worth trying if you’re looking to earn some extra cash while doing something you enjoy.
Pro tip: You can create a website with your portfolio so potential clients can see what type of artwork they will be purchasing before making the purchase decision.
Traditional Side Hustles for Teens
If online side hustles don’t interest you, or if you’re looking for something a little more traditional, there are plenty of other options available. Here are a few traditional side hustles that can be done by high schoolers and teens:
13. Put on a show for local kids and charge admission or sell tickets online
Performers are always in demand, especially when it comes to children’s parties and events. This side hustle for teens is perfect if you’re looking for something that can be done with a group of friends or family members who are willing to help out.
If you don’t want to put on the show yourself, there are also companies like Kidtastic that hire performers as independent contractors.
You can charge admission for the show or sell tickets online. This is a great way to make some extra money while doing something you love!
14. Baby-sit for friends, family members and in the neighborhood
Are you great with kids? Do you love spending time around children? If so, this might be the perfect side hustle for you. You can offer to watch your friend’s or neighbor’s kid(s) while they’re on vacation or during the weekend.
You can find baby-sitting jobs on Care.com or through local online parenting groups and communities, like NextDoor or Facebook Groups. The amount of money you’ll make will depend on your location and the amount of hours you’re able to work.
15. Offer pet-sitting services on weekends or after school
If you love animals and have a flexible schedule, this might be the perfect side hustle for you. You can offer pet-sitting services to your friends and neighbors on weekends or after school. This is a great way to make some extra cash while doing something that you love. The best part about this side hustle is there isn’t any upfront investment. Just advertise your services to friends and neighbors who have pets, and you’ll be in business!
Depending on how much time you put into it, most people can earn between $50-$100 per weekend. This is a great way to make some extra cash while doing something you love!.
16. Mow lawns in your neighborhood
This is a great side hustle for teens who love spending time outdoors and don’t mind getting their hands dirty. You can offer your services to friends and family members in the neighborhood, or you can post flyers in local businesses and grocery stores.
You can charge anywhere from $15-$25 per lawn, depending on the size of the yard and the amount of time it takes you to mow. You can also offer other gardening services such as weeding, mulching, planting flowers etc to increase your earnings potential.
This side hustle requires some upfront investment in a lawn mower. You can hire/borrow from your landlord (parents) or online.
17. Rake leaves in the neighborhood or shovel snow during the winter months
Leaves and snow can be a nuisance and not everyone has the time and energy to deal with it. As a teen, you’ve got the energy. Couple that with some extra time on your hands and you should start earning by helping individuals in your neighborhood.
The amount of money you can make from this side hustle will vary depending on your location and how much time/energy you put into it. If you live in a climate that gets snow, shoveling snow can be lucrative during the winter months when everyone needs help with their driveways and walkways.
18. House sit while people are on vacation
Everyone deserves a vacation every once in a while. And that means, leaving their house unattended which can pause some security risks. Teens can take this opportunity to house sit and watch the pet(s) in the home.
There are online platforms, like HouseSitter.com or MindMyHouse, which connects homeowners with people looking for house-sitting gigs. You can also reach out to friends and family members who might be going on vacation soon and need someone to watch their house.
You can typically charge $25-$50 per day, depending on the size of the home and the number of pets you’re watching. This is a great way to make some extra money as a teen.
19. Offer your services as a personal chef
Do you love cooking? Why not offer your services as a personal chef? You can prepare meals for friends and family members, or you can post flyers in your neighborhood.
You can charge anywhere from $15-$30 per meal, depending on the ingredients and complexity of the dish. This is a great side hustle for teens who love to cook and want to learn more about preparing different types of food.
20. Tutor classmates in subjects you excel in for extra money
Every student is gifted differently. Some students excel in math, others in science, and still others in English. If you’re one of those students who excels in a particular subject, why not offer your tutoring services to classmates for extra money?
You can either tutor classmates during or after school, or you can post flyers online or in local businesses. You can charge anywhere from $15-$25 per hour, depending on the subject and grade level. This is a great side hustle for high schoolers who want to earn some extra money while helping others at the same time.
21. Sell clear ornaments during Christmas time
I love Christmas decor and especially those beautiful hand-decorated ornaments (usually made by Grandma). If you’re like me, you might have a few too many ornaments. Why not sell them to your friends and family members?
You can set up a table at a local Christmas market. You can charge anywhere from $0.50-$15 per ornament, depending on the type of material you use and how much time it takes to create them.
This is a great side hustle for teens who love crafts and want to earn extra money during Christmas time.
22. Create custom mugs with designs or quotes for friends/family members
Mugs are one of those items that everyone seems to have. Why not create custom mugs for friends and family members? You can use designs, quotes, or photos.
You’ll need some basic supplies like a mug, paint, and a sealant. You can find these items at your local craft store or online. You can charge anywhere from $15-$25 per mug, depending on the design and materials used.
23. Sell handmade jewelry
Handmade jewelry is all the rage right now. If you’re skilled at making jewelry, why not sell it? You can set up a table at a local craft fair or you can sell online.
You can charge anywhere from $15-$50 per piece, depending on the type of jewelry and the materials used. A perfect side hustle for teens who love to make things with their hands.
24. Start a pet poop scooping service in your neighborhood
If you’re an animal lover, this is the perfect side hustle for you. Offer your services to pet owners in your neighborhood to scoop their pet’s poop.
You can charge anywhere from $15-$25 per visit, depending on the size of the yard. This is a great way to make some extra money as a teen and help out your neighbors at the same time!
25. Teach others how to play an instrument you know well (guitar, piano, drums)
Do you have a special talent for playing an instrument? Why not teach others to play, too? You can post flyers in local music stores or get referrals from friends and family members.
You can charge anywhere from $20-$40 per hour, depending on the type of instrument and how long it takes to learn how to play that particular instrument. This is a great way to make money as a teen while helping others at the same time.
Side Jobs For Teens
There you have it! 25+ hot side hustles for teens that can help you make some extra money on the side. Do any of these ideas appeal to you? If so, start researching and learning more about them. And remember, always start small and work your way up as you gain more experience and skills.
What side hustle ideas do you have for teens? Let me know in the comments below!
