We will receive a commission if you make a purchase through our affiliate link at no extra cost to you. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.
In retrospect, my teenage years were some of the best years of my life. Yet there was always something missing and life wasn’t always fun and easy. I had all the time in the world but not enough money to truly enjoy it.
If I had a time machine, I’d spend more time finding my true skills and passions sooner. I might have been able to earn my own money instead of constantly coming up with creative ways to convince my parents to buy me Aritzia hoodies or concert tickets.
But hustling as a teen is not only about earning a few extra dollars to buy things you’re dying for. It can also help you learn new skills to put on your resume and experiment with creative jobs that don’t require a degree. Luckily, there are many opportunities for you to look at to find something that you are truly passionate about.
These are some of the best side hustles for teens that are good for making money AND learning something new!
PIN THIS: I’ll be updating this post so make sure to pin this image here and save it to your Pinterest board. That way you’ll be able to come back to this page and learn the best ways for teenagers to make money!
Online Side Hustles
We live in the digital age, so it makes sense to start with some of the best online side jobs for teenagers!
1. Freelance Writing or Blogging
Channel your inner Shakespeare or J. K. Rowling and start making money writing! Be it creative content or technical writing, there are different ways to make money as a writer. Upwork and Fiverr are some good freelancing websites you can use to get work helping brands promote their products and services. If you’re passionate about something specific, like coffee, you can partner with your local artisanal coffee shop or even start your blog and gain sponsorships to earn money!
2. Selling Handmade Products on Etsy
Maybe you are better with art supplies? Art and craft is a popular hobby, and if you love and are known for gifting hand-painted coffee mugs or paintings, you can turn it into a part-time business! Etsy is a great place to sell handmade products as people are always looking for unique pieces that add value to their spaces. It will also help you learn how to market your business and manage timely delivery of orders.
3. Online Surveys
Taking online surveys is an easy way for teens to make money. Top survey websites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie post surveys regularly that you can answer to earn cash or gift cards. Trust me, it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme which will ultimately leave you broke. You can easily get up to $20 per survey on these highest-paying survey websites. Go for the short surveys to avoid exiting early. You won’t be compensated unless you complete the entire survey.
4. Video Editing
We’re all guilty of spending countless hours watching YouTube or TikTok videos that make us wonder how in the world this is even done. In most cases, it is simple video editing that you can learn from YouTube channels like Film Riot and Justin Odisho and create even more awe-inspiring edits. Start by editing videos for your friends & family using free tools like DaVinci Resolve to build a portfolio. Using this portfolio, you can apply for freelance video editing gigs or join a media company as an in-house editor!
5. Online Tutoring
Tutoring is one of the best side hustles for a student for obvious reasons. You can simply teach subjects like Maths and Science to the kids in your area. If your area of focus is a subject like Chemistry or Physics, you can make even more money tutoring online on platforms like Wyzant. Also, tutoring is not limited to educational subjects, and you can as easily teach painting, knitting, or any other skill in your arsenal.
6. Streaming on Twitch
Do these names – Kai Cenat, Shroud, Pokimane, or xQc ring a bell? They are some of the most popular streamers on Twitch, and if you love gaming as much as they do, you can also start making money by streaming on Twitch. You might find streaming challenging at first because building an audience is a game of patience and consistent effort. But don’t worry, you will be making money from donations and brand sponsorships if you don’t rage quit.
Local Side Hustles
If you need a break from the online world, then you can find neighborhood jobs in your area.
7. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
As a kid, I always wanted a pet but never had one! I wish someone told me sooner that not only can I spend time with adorable huskies, golden retrievers, and kittens, but I can also earn money by doing so. You can literally get paid for hanging with the furry friends. The best dog walk apps to advertise your services would be Rover and Wag, but Facebook Marketplace is also a great place to find pet care jobs without paying fees.
8. Lawn Care and Yard Work
Being handy with tools is a skill that will always help you in the future as an adult. It’s also a great way to have a solid workout and earn money. You can help your neighbors with tasks like lawn mowing, weeding, planting, and snow plowing! You might already be helping around your house, so why not help a few more houses around the block and get paid?
9. Babysitting
You may not need me to tell you this, but babysitting is one of the classic ways of making money as a teen. Parents are always in need of reliable sitters for occasional work events or date nights! Some working parents might even need full-time care. If you’re good with kids, babysitting can be a great weekend job and a reliable source of income, as parents are happy to leave a big tip when they’re satisfied with your service.
10. Car Washing
Car washing is another age-old side job for teenagers, which is both simple and profitable. All you need for car washing is a bucket, sponge, and soap to wash cars. You can persuade your neighbors to hire you to wash their cars on the weekend or work with local car washing companies to easily earn between $13 and $16 an hour.
Side Hustles Apps
Being tech-savvy opens up doors to countless opportunities in the digital age. Many online businesses begin with these side hustles.
11. Selling Unused Items Online
Thrifting is all the hype these days and for good reasons. It saves people money and fewer things are sent to the landfill. List your used smartphones, shoes, and jackets on Facebook Marketplace and eBay. Selling unused clothes on Poshmark or ThredUp is also an efficient way to declutter and make money when moving to college. Maybe this is the motivation you need to finally upgrade your wardrobe, get rid of old clothes, and make your parents happy!
12. Food Delivery
If you know every nook and cranny of your town, you can use apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats to build a steady part-time income. It’s a simple way to earn money by delivering orders, which doesn’t require any vocational skill or experience. But you will need a car or bike to deliver orders and a valid driving license. Also, you must be at least 18 to create a profile on food delivery apps and take orders.
13. Flip Items for Profit
Upscaling is a great hack to give life to old and used items. One of my favorite side hustles was flipping furniture. I fixed and upgraded cabinets and coffee tables, then sold them for a profit online on OfferUp or Poshmark. Maybe you’re skilled with a brush and can paint custom artwork on sneakers, books, vintage clothing, and sports equipment. If you’re creative and handy, flipping items can be a great work-from-home job. Did you know Nike has a co-creation service for its members to create and buy customized shoes?
Creative & Hobby-Based Side Hustles
For those with a creative spark, these hobby-based side hustles might be just what you’re looking for.
14. Photography
Photography is an art. While everyone can take a picture using a smartphone, only a few have the eye to capture emotions. If you always find yourself capturing pictures of your friends and family, because quite frankly, you’re amazing at it, you can make a career as a photographer. You can capture weddings and small celebrations, or go big and shoot for brands and products. Start by shooting photos with your phone and invest in professional gear once you have regular work.
15. Music Lessons
If music is your hidden talent, you can earn extra money teaching it to beginners. Learning a musical instrument is challenging so there is always a demand for talented instructors. You can teach in person at your school, or a local community group or give online lessons on Lessonface or Preply. It can also be a good passive income opportunity, allowing you to offer pre-recorded sessions as a package through social media platforms like Instagram.
16. Digital Artwork
Have you ever seen those creative hoardings or advertisements and thought you could do better? Now’s your chance to prove it. You can design custom illustrations using free tools like Canva and sell them online for a great price. If you have a talent for digital portraits, you can take commission work through local community groups, Facebook Marketplace, and Fiverr. This can also help you build a strong portfolio and open doors to full-time opportunities.
Easy Gigs and Part-Time Jobs
You don’t need to be creative to make money – just show up on time, maintain a good attitude, and get the job done.
17. Retail or Restaurant Jobs
Retail and restaurant jobs are some of the most common jobs for teens as you can find these opportunities regardless of where you lives. The employee turnover is high and they’re always hiring people, even if you don’t have any prior working experience. Be it working in your local Walmart or a Starbucks, there are plenty of options to earn a steady income. Depending on where you live, you can easily make up to $15.50 per hour.
18. Camp Counselor or Lifeguard
Working as a camp counselor or lifeguard allows you to earn an income while spending time outdoors. Aside from the monetary benefits, the skills you gain will make your resume stand out when applying to colleges. These roles highlight your ingenuity and critical thinking abilities. You can obtain the necessary certification in first aid and CPR and apply to local pools and summer camp groups in your area.
19. Movie Theater Attendant
Any movie buff will love the idea of working as a movie theater attendant. The working environment is pretty chill, quite literally, since you’ll be inside with A/C. Theater attendants sell tickets, drinks, and popcorn and help people find their way to the right auditoriums. Part of the benefits is free movies, and you can even bring a plus one. What’s better than getting paid to watch movies?
20. Event Staff or Usher
Ushering is a great side hustle for teens who prefer to be active and love engaging with people. You can work with local event hosts, for wedding organizers, or at sports arenas helping people find their seats. For teenagers looking to work in hotel management or the event industry, this is a great opportunity. You’ll gain industry insights, build connections, and open doors to bigger and better career prospects!
Enjoyed this post? Don’t forget to pin the image below! Also, don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest over here! 🙂
Leave a Reply