Teenagers are always on the lookout for ways to earn some extra cash. Side hustles can be a great way for teens to make money while also gaining valuable skills and experience.
By side hustling, you’ll learn new skills, gain financial literacy, and maybe even make a lot of money! And if you do it right, it won’t even interfere with your school, sports teams, or social life.
Let’s explore my top 17 side hustles for teens to earn extra cash.
1. Babysitting
Earnings Potential: $10-$20 per hour, depending on the location and experience.
Babysitting is a classic side hustle for teenagers. It can be a great way to earn money while also gaining valuable experience in childcare. Babysitting rates can vary depending on the location and the number of children you are watching.
Best places to find babysitting jobs:
- Friends and Family (Best in your teens)
- SitterCity
- Urbansitter
- Care
How old do you have to be to babysit?
It depends on the location, but usually, you must be at least 14 years old to babysit. Some states have different regulations, so it’s important to check the local laws.
What qualifications do you need to babysit?
There are no formal qualifications needed to babysit, but having some experience or certification in CPR and first aid can be helpful.
2. Dog Walking
Earnings Potential: $15-$25 per hour, depending on the location and services provided.
Dog walking is another popular side hustle for teenagers. Many pet owners are busy during the day and need someone to take their dogs for a walk.
Dog walking rates can also vary depending on the location and the number of dogs you are walking.
Best Places to find Dog Walking Jobs
- Friends and Family
- Rover
- Wag
- Facebook Marketplace
Do you need to have experience with dogs to become a dog walker?
It’s not necessary to have experience, but having experience or certification in pet care can be helpful.
What qualifications do you need to become a pet sitter?
There are no formal qualifications needed but having some experience with dogs (even if it’s just your own pet) helps a ton.
3. Lawn Mowing
Earnings Potential: $15-$25 per hour, depending on the location and size of the yard.
Lawn mowing is a great way for teens to earn money during the summer months. Many homeowners are willing to pay for someone to mow their lawn on a regular basis. Rates can vary depending on the size of the lawn and the frequency of the mowing.
Best Places to find lawn mowing jobs
- Craigslist
- Facebook Marketplace
- Friends and Family
- Neighbors
What equipment do you need for lawn mowing and yard work?
You will need a lawn mower, weed trimmer, leaf blower, and some basic gardening tools such as a rake and pruning shears.
Do you need to have insurance for lawn mowing and yard work?
It’s not necessary to have insurance, but it’s recommended to have liability insurance to protect yourself in case of accidents or damages.
4. House Cleaning
Earnings Potential: $60-$200 per job, depending on the location and size of the house.
House cleaning is another side hustle that can be lucrative for teenagers. Many busy families are willing to pay for someone to clean their homes on a regular basis. Rates can vary depending on the size of the home and the frequency of the cleaning.
Best Places to Get House Cleaning Jobs
- Rental Property Owners
- Facebook Marketplace
- Realtors
- Friends and Family
What equipment and supplies do you need for house cleaning?
You will need cleaning supplies such as a vacuum cleaner, mop, cleaning solutions, and some basic tools such as a scrub brush and sponges.
Do you need to have insurance for house cleaning?
It’s not necessary to have insurance, but it’s recommended to have liability insurance to protect yourself in case of accidents or damages.
5. Tutoring
Earnings Potential: $20-$50 per hour, depending on the subject and level of expertise.
Tutoring can be a great way for teenagers to make money while also helping other students. If you excel in a particular subject, you can offer your services as a tutor. Rates can vary depending on the subject and the level of expertise required.
What qualifications do you need to become a tutor?
It depends on the subject, but having a degree or certification in the subject or teaching experience can be helpful.
Do you need to have your own materials for tutoring?
It’s recommended to have your own materials such as textbooks and worksheets, but some clients may provide their own materials.
6. Yard Work
Earnings Potential: $20-$200 per job
Yard work is another side hustle that can be profitable for teenagers. Many homeowners need help with tasks such as weeding, planting, and pruning. Rates can vary depending on the size of the yard and the complexity of the tasks.
7. Freelance Writing
Earnings Potential: $25-$100 per hour, depending on the location and type of writing.
If you have a talent for writing, freelance writing can be a great side hustle for teenagers. Many websites and publications are willing to pay for well-written articles. Rates can vary depending on the length and complexity of the article.
Where to find freelance writing gigs:
What type of writing can you do as a side hustle?
You can do various types of writing such as blog posts, articles, or copywriting.
What software do you need for freelance writing?
You will need word processing software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, as well as a computer or laptop. I also recommend using a grammar software like Grammarly to make sure your writing is up to par.
8. Online Surveys
Earnings potential: The earnings for online surveys vary widely and typically depend on the company conducting the survey and the length and complexity of the survey. Some companies may pay only a few cents per survey, while others may pay up to $50 or more for a longer survey. The earnings potential for online surveys is generally low, and it is not a reliable source of income.
This can be a simple and easy way for teenagers to make money. Many websites offer cash or gift card rewards for completing surveys. While the pay is often low, it can be a good way to earn a little extra cash in your spare time.
How do I find legitimate online survey opportunities?
You can find legitimate online survey opportunities by researching reputable survey companies such as Swagbucks, or Survey Junkie. Be wary of any survey company that requires you to pay to participate or promises unrealistic earnings.
How much time do online surveys take?
The time it takes to complete an online survey varies depending on the length and complexity of the survey. Some surveys may take only a few minutes, while others may take up to an hour or more.
Can I make a living from taking online surveys?
It is highly unlikely that you can make a living solely from taking online surveys, as the earnings are generally low and the opportunities are not consistent.
Online surveys may be a good way to earn some extra cash in your free time, but they should not be relied on as a primary source of income.
9. Social Media Management
Earnings Potential: $15-$50 per hour, depending on the location and size of the business.
If you are social media savvy, social media management can be a great side hustle for teenagers. Many businesses need help managing their social media accounts. Rates can vary depending on the level of experience required and the amount of work involved.
What type of social media platforms can you manage as a side hustle?
You can manage various social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
What type of content can you create as a social media manager?
You can create various types of content such as graphics, videos, or written posts.
10. Photography
Earnings Potential: $50-$100 per hour, depending on the location and type of photography.
If you have a talent for photography, you can offer your services as a photographer for events such as weddings and birthday parties.
Rates can vary depending on the length of the event and the number of photos required.
What equipment do you need for photography?
You will need a camera, lenses, memory cards, and editing software.
What type of photography can you do as a side hustle?
You can do various types of photography such as portraits, weddings, events, or product photography.
11. Music Lessons
Earnings Potential: $20-$100 per hour, depending on the location and skill level.
If you are proficient in a musical instrument or have a good singing voice, you can offer music lessons to others. Many parents are willing to pay for music lessons for their children. Rates can vary depending on the length and level of expertise required.
What type of music lessons can you offer as a side hustle?
You can offer various types of music lessons such as piano, guitar, or vocal lessons.
What type of space do you need for music lessons?
You will need a quiet and comfortable space such as a music studio or your own home.
12. Car Washing
Earnings Potential: $15-$100 per car, depending on the location and car size.
Car washing is a simple and easy side hustle for teenagers. Many car owners are willing to pay for someone to wash and detail their car. Rates can vary depending on the size of the car and the amount of work required.
What type of car washing services can you offer as a side hustle?
You can offer various types of car washing services such as exterior wash, interior cleaning, or detailing.
What type of equipment do you need for car washing?
You will need basic car washing equipment such as a hose, bucket, soap, and towels.
13. Pet Grooming
Earnings Potential: $20-$50 per pet, depending on the location and pet size.
If you have experience in pet grooming (even if it’s just your dog), you can offer your services to pet owners. Many pet owners are willing to pay for someone to groom their pets.
What type of pet grooming services can you offer as a side hustle?
Offer various types of pet grooming services such as bathing, brushing, or trimming.
What type of equipment do you need for pet grooming?
You will need basic pet grooming equipment such as clippers, brushes, shampoo, and towels.
14. Personal Shopping
Earnings Potential: $20-$50 per hour, depending on the location and shopping task.
If you have a good fashion sense and enjoy shopping, you can offer your services as a personal shopper. Many busy individuals are willing to pay for someone to shop for them. Rates can vary depending on the amount of time and effort required.
What type of personal shopping services can you offer as a side hustle?
You can offer various types of personal shopping services such as grocery shopping, gift shopping, or fashion shopping.
What type of transportation do you need for personal shopping?
You will need a reliable vehicle such as a car or bike, depending on the shopping task.
15. Event Planning
Earnings Potential: $25-$100 per hour, depending on the location and event size.
If you have a talent for organizing and planning events, you can offer your services as an event planner. Many people are willing to pay for someone to plan their events such as birthday parties, weddings, and baby showers.
What type of events can you plan as a side hustle?
You can plan various types of events such as weddings, parties, or corporate events.
What type of skills do you need for event planning?
You will need skills such as organization, communication, and attention to detail.
16. Handyman Services
Earnings Potential: $25-$75 per hour, depending on the location and type of handyman work.
If you have experience in fixing things around the house, you can offer your services as a handyman. Many homeowners need help with tasks such as plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry. Rates can vary depending on the complexity of the task and the level of expertise required.
What type of handyman services can you offer as a side hustle?
You can offer various types of handyman services such as plumbing, carpentry, or electrical work.
What type of tools do you need for handyman services?
You will need basic handyman tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, and a drill.
17. Virtual Assistant
Earnings potential: The earnings for virtual assistants can vary depending on the type of services they provide, their level of expertise, and their location. According to Payscale, the average hourly rate for a virtual assistant in the United States is $15.51.
However, some experienced virtual assistants charge up to $50 per hour. The potential earnings for virtual assistants also depend on the number of clients they have and the amount of work they do for each client.
If you are organized and have good computer skills, you can offer your services as a virtual assistant. Many entrepreneurs and small business owners need help with tasks such as email management, scheduling, and data entry.
What skills are required to become a virtual assistant?
To become a virtual assistant, you need to have excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as proficiency in administrative tasks such as data entry, email management, and scheduling.
Some clients may also require specific skills such as social media management or bookkeeping.
How do I find clients as a virtual assistant?
You can find clients as a virtual assistant by reaching out to potential clients through social media or networking events, joining freelance marketplaces such as Upwork or Fiverr, or creating a website to promote your services.
Do I need any special equipment to become a virtual assistant?
To become a virtual assistant, you need a computer, high-speed internet connection, and access to productivity software such as Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
These are just a few more side hustles that teenagers can consider earning extra cash. By exploring different options and finding what works best for them, teens can make money and gain valuable skills and experience.
Never too young to make Money
If you made it through this article, I want to commend your excitement for making money! If these side hustles didn’t satisfy your need to make money, I have many articles on my site on how to earn money. If you are interested in online side hustles, I have more information on those as well!
