15 Side Hustles for Teens to Make Extra Money

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The importance of side hustles for teenagers cannot be overstated. Having a side hustle at a young age not only helps teens earn extra money but also teaches valuable life skills such as time management, responsibility, and financial planning. Check out this excellent list of 15 online and offline side hustles that are totally legal and perfect for teens looking to make some extra money. We made sure to include a bunch of different opportunities, along with some helpful resources and tools for each. Ready to check them out? Let’s go!

Online Side Hustles for Teens

Freelance Writing

Many websites and businesses require content, from blog posts to product descriptions. Teenagers with a knack for writing can offer their services as freelance writers. Resources like Grammarly can help improve writing quality, while platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can connect writers with potential clients.

Earning potential: $15-$50 per hour, depending on experience and skill.

Graphic design

Teenagers with an eye for design can create logos, social media graphics, and other visual content for clients. Adobe Creative Cloud offers industry-standard tools for graphic design, while platforms like 99designs and Dribbble can connect designers with clients.

Earning potential: $25-$75 per hour, depending on experience and skill.

Social media management

Many businesses require assistance in managing their social media accounts. Teenagers familiar with platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter can offer their services as social media managers. Tools like Hootsuite and Buffer can help manage multiple accounts more efficiently.

Earning potential: $15-$40 per hour, depending on experience and the number of accounts managed.

Online tutoring

Teenagers who excel in certain subjects can offer online tutoring services to help others improve their skills. Platforms like Tutor.com and VIPKid connect tutors with students, while Zoom and Skype facilitate video calls for remote learning.

Earning potential: $10-$30 per hour, depending on the subject and level of expertise.

Selling handmade products

Crafty teenagers can create and sell handmade products, such as jewelry, clothing, or artwork, on platforms like Etsy or Shopify. Creating a social media presence can also help showcase products and attract customers.

Earning potential: Variable, depending on the product and demand.

Playing Online Games

For teenagers who enjoy gaming, there are platforms that allow you to play games for money, participate in online tournaments, or even streaming gameplay. Websites like Swagbucks offer points for playing games, which can be redeemed for gift cards or cash. Additionally, platforms like Twitch or YouTube Gaming enable gamers to earn money through ad revenue and viewer donations during live streams.

Earning potential: This varies greatly depending on the platform and the individual’s gaming skill. Casual gamers can earn a few dollars to $20 per hour, while professional gamers, streamers, or esports athletes can earn significantly more.

Offline Side Hustles for Teens

Babysitting

Babysitting is a classic side hustle for teenagers. Resources like Care.com or Sittercity can connect babysitters with families in need of childcare services. Taking a babysitting course, such as those offered by the American Red Cross, can help build trust with potential clients.

Earning potential: $10-$20 per hour, depending on location and experience.

Lawn care services

Teenagers can offer lawn care services, such as mowing, trimming, and raking, to neighbors and community members. Advertising through word of mouth or on social media can help attract clients.

Earning potential: $20-$50 per job, depending on the size of the lawn and services provided.

Tutoring

Similar to online tutoring, teenagers who excel in certain subjects can offer in-person tutoring services to help others improve their skills. Advertising through local schools, community centers, or social media can help connect tutors with students in need.

Earning potential: $15-$40 per hour, depending on the subject and level of expertise.

Dog walking

Dog walking is an enjoyable side hustle for teenagers who love animals. Websites like Rover and Wag connect dog walkers with pet owners in need of these services. Building a strong reputation and offering additional services, such as pet sitting, can increase earnings.

Earning potential: $15-$25 per walk, depending on location and the number of dogs walked.

Car washing and detailing

Teenagers can offer car washing and detailing services to neighbors and community members. Investing in basic supplies, such as soap, sponges, and a vacuum cleaner, can help get started. Advertising through word of mouth, flyers, or social media can attract clients.

Earning potential: $20-$50 per job, depending on the level of detailing and location.

House cleaning

House cleaning services are always in demand, and teenagers can offer their assistance to neighbors and community members. Basic cleaning supplies are necessary to get started, and advertising through word of mouth or social media can help attract clients.

Earning potential: $20-$40 per job, depending on the size of the house and services provided.

Running errands

Teenagers can offer their services to run errands for neighbors, such as grocery shopping, picking up dry cleaning, or delivering packages. Websites like TaskRabbit or Nextdoor can help connect teenagers with people in need of these services.

Earning potential: $10-$20 per hour, depending on location and the type of errands.

Selling used items

Teenagers can declutter their rooms and sell gently used items, such as clothing, electronics, or books, through platforms like eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace. Taking quality photos and providing detailed descriptions can help attract buyers.

Earning potential: Variable, depending on the items being sold and their demand.

Flipping items

Teenagers can purchase underpriced items from garage sales, thrift stores, or online marketplaces and resell them for a profit. Platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace can be used to sell these items, and understanding market trends can help identify profitable opportunities.

Earning potential: Variable, depending on the items being flipped and their demand.

Event assistance

Teenagers can offer their services to assist with events such as birthday parties, weddings, or community gatherings. Tasks may include setup, cleanup, or serving food. Advertising through local event planners or on social media can help attract clients.

Earning potential: $10-$20 per hour, depending on the event and location.

Exploring a variety of online and offline side hustles can help teenagers develop new skills and earn extra money. Whether it’s offering freelance services, selling products, or providing assistance in person, there are plenty of opportunities for teenagers to make money legally and responsibly. With determination and hard work, these side hustles can provide valuable experience and pave the way for a successful future.