15 Side Hustles for Teens to Make Extra Money
Get ready to level up your money-making game with these 15 side hustles perfect for teens! From online opportunities like freelance writing and graphic design to offline gigs like dog walking and event assistance, there’s something for everyone. Dive in and start turning your skills into extra cash today!
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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!
Teen Side Hustle Fun Fact
Did you know that 43% of teens in the United States have a side hustle to earn extra money? According to a study by Junior Achievement USA and Citizens Bank, this figure shows just how entrepreneurial today’s teenagers are when it comes to making some extra cash.
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.
Michelle Harler is the founder of Guide2Free, a website dedicated to finding and sharing freebies, product testing opportunities, and other ways to save money. With over a decade of experience in the industry, her expertise in finding quality offers makes Guide2Free an invaluable resource for anyone looking to try new products and save money.