Are you a high school student looking for ways to make some extra cash? Whether you’re saving up for college or just want some spending money, there are plenty of side hustles you can start as a teenager. Let’s explore the best side hustles for high school students and how to get started with them.
Benefits of Having a Side Hustle in High School
Having a side hustle while you’re in high school can provide numerous benefits. First and foremost, it allows you to earn some extra money, which can help you save up for college or other future expenses.
Additionally, having a side hustle can help you gain valuable skills and experience that will be useful in your future career. It can also help you build your network and make connections in your industry of choice.
How to Choose a Side Hustle
When choosing a side hustle, it’s important to consider your interests, skills, and availability. Think about what you enjoy doing and what you’re good at. Consider how much time you have to devote to your side hustle and what your schedule looks like. Finally, think about how much money you want to make and what kind of work you’re willing to do to earn that money.
Tips for Starting and Growing Your Side Hustle
Starting and growing a side hustle takes time and effort. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Create a business plan: Before you start your side hustle, create a plan that outlines your goals, target market, pricing, and marketing strategy.
- Network: Connect with other professionals in your industry and attend events and conferences to make new connections.
- Market yourself: Use social media and other marketing channels to promote your services and build your brand.
- Provide excellent customer service: Deliver quality work and provide excellent customer service to keep your clients happy and coming back for more.
- Learn new skills: Take courses and workshops to improve your skills and stay up to date with the latest trends in your industry.
Best Side Hustles for High School Students
1. Tutoring
If you excel in a particular subject, you can offer tutoring services to other high school students. You can charge by the hour or by the session and offer your services in person or online.
Tutoring can be a lucrative side hustle for high school students. Depending on the subject and the level of expertise required, you can charge anywhere from $15 to $50 per hour.
Startup costs for tutoring are minimal, as all you need is your knowledge and some study materials.
Places to find tutoring jobs:
2. Babysitting
Babysitting is a classic side hustle for teenagers. You can offer your services to families in your neighborhood or advertise online. Make sure you have CPR and first aid certification for added credibility.
Depending on the number of children and the length of the job, you can charge anywhere from $10 to $40 per hour. Startup costs for babysitting are minimal, as all you need is some basic supplies like toys and snacks.
Where to find babysitting jobs:
3. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
If you love animals, you can offer pet sitting and dog walking services. You can advertise your services to pet owners in your community and charge by the hour or by the day.
You can charge $15 to $25 per visit or walk, depending on the length and complexity of the job. Startup costs for pet sitting and dog walking are minimal, as you only need some basic supplies like leashes, waste bags, and treats.
I am a big fan of dog walking, and I have guides on making thousands of dollars with dog walking.
My favorite places to find dog walking jobs:
4. Lawn Care and Landscaping
If you enjoy working outdoors, you can offer lawn care and landscaping services. You can mow lawns, trim hedges, plant flowers, and more.
Advertise your services to homeowners in your neighborhood.
You can also print out fliers and go door to door dropping them off advertising your services. Even easier would be to post in places like Facebook Marketplace
5. Freelance Writing and Editing
If you have strong writing skills, you can offer freelance writing and editing services. You can write blog posts, articles, and other content for businesses and individuals.
You can expect to make between $20-$100 an hour.
6. Social Media Management
If you’re social media savvy, you can offer social media management services. You can help businesses and individuals manage their social media accounts and create engaging content.
You can reach out to local businesses and offer your services, it would help to even stop in to the physical locations to pitch yourself.
You can work for a few local businesses and get paid anywhere $100- $1000 a month running their social media accounts.
7. Graphic Design
If you’re artistic, you can offer graphic design services. You can create logos, flyers, posters, and other marketing materials for businesses and individuals.
You can charge anywhere from $25 to $100 per hour, depending on the complexity of the project. Startup costs for graphic design are higher than some other side hustles, as you may need to invest in software and equipment.
Best places to find graphic design jobs:
8. Photography
If you have a talent for photography, you can offer your services for events like proms, graduations, and family gatherings. You can also sell your photos online.
Depending on the event and the level of experience required, you can charge anywhere from $50 to $500 per job. Startup costs for photography can be higher than some other side hustles, as you may need to invest in a camera and equipment.
9. Music Lessons
Got any musical talent? You can offer music lessons to other students. You can teach guitar, piano, or any other instrument you’re proficient in.
You can charge anywhere from $20 to $50 per hour, depending on the instrument and the level of experience required. Startup costs for music lessons are minimal, as all you need is your knowledge and some study materials.
10. House Cleaning
This is one side hustle that I did in high school, and let me tell you.. you can make a ton of cash! If you enjoy cleaning and organizing, you can offer house cleaning services to busy families in your community. You can charge by the hour or by the job.
Expect to make about $15 to $30 per hour, depending on the size and complexity of the job. Startup costs for house cleaning are minimal, as all you need is some basic cleaning supplies.
11. Car Washing and Detailing
If you’re detail-oriented, you can offer car washing and detailing services. You can wash cars, wax them, and clean the interior for a fee.
You can charge anywhere from $20 to $100 per car, depending on the level of detail and the services offered. Startup costs for car washing and detailing are minimal, as all you need is some basic cleaning supplies.
Get the Side Hustles Going
There are plenty of side hustles you can start as a high school student to earn some extra cash and gain valuable skills and experience. Whether you’re tutoring, pet sitting, or freelancing, there’s a side hustle that’s right for you. With some hard work and dedication, you can turn your side hustle into a successful business.
FAQs
Do I need to register my side hustle as a business?
It depends on where you live and what type of side hustle you’re doing. Check with your local government to see what the requirements are.
How much should I charge for my services?
Research what others in your industry are charging and set your prices accordingly. Be sure to factor in your expenses and time.
How do I promote my side hustle?
Use social media, networking events, and word-of-mouth to promote your services. Create a website or social media page to showcase your work and make it easy for potential clients to find you.
How much time should I devote to my side hustle?
It depends on your schedule and how much time you have available. Be realistic about how much time you can commit and adjust your workload accordingly.
Can I do multiple side hustles at once?
Yes, but make sure you can handle the workload and still deliver quality work. Be sure to prioritize your tasks and manage your time effectively.
