There are chances you grew up making the bed and doing dishes just so your mom would give you extra cash. Maybe you even had a paper route or sold lemonade on the weekends. Whatever your first gig was, it probably wasn’t anything too complicated.
Now, twelve plus years into life, while playing ball and switching between crime seasons on Netflix, you daydream about having a little more money. It could be to purchase the latest PlayStation, to finally get those Vans you’ve been eyeing, or maybe to pay for your next tuition. Whatever the case, dreaming alone won’t take you very far.
As a teenager, you have plenty of time on your hands after school and on weekends to start a side hustle. There are plenty of opportunities for enterprising young people like yourself. So put down that remote and check out our list of great side hustles for teens.
Let’s Walk a Dog
Do you love animals? Why not put that passion for working by dog-walking or pet-sitting? It’s a win-win: you get to earn money while spending time with some seriously adorable creatures.
There are plenty of dog-walking apps and websites that can help you get started, like Rover or Wag!. Once you create a profile, start reaching out to pet owners in your area who might need some help taking care of their furry friends.
One important tip: always get the owner’s permission before taking their dog out for a walk!
Start a Babysitting Business
Do you have younger siblings or cousins? Have you ever helped take care of them? If so, babysitting might be the perfect side hustle for you.
Parents are always looking for responsible teens to watch their kids, whether for a few hours or a whole weekend. You might begin by asking parents you know if they require assistance. Once you get a few clients, word will spread, and you’ll be able to build up your business.
Make the most of this one by including some enjoyable activities for the kids in your care. Be prepared with engaging games and activities and snacks and meals. The happier the kids are, the more likely parents will be to use your services again in the future!
Play to Get Paid
Professional gamers are the new breed of athlete that has emerged from online gaming. If you’re good at video games and have the dedication to compete at a high level, you could make some serious dough like a pro gamer.
Create a profile on Twitch, an online streaming platform for gamers to get started. You may start earning money once you’ve established a following by selling items or running advertising. You can also join online tournaments and win cash prizes.
Just remember: doing it for a living is not all fun and games. To thrive in the gaming business, you must put in a significant amount of effort and dedication. It could bring in some (read, A LOT) of extra cash if you’re up for it!
Mow, Mow, Mow A Lawn
This one is for those who enjoy nature. Curb appeal is essential, especially in the summer when everyone wants their lawn to look nice and green. If you enjoy the lovely outdoors and don’t mind getting a little sweaty, covered in shrubs with tiny grasshoppers picnicking on your shoe, starting a lawn care business might be perfect.
It’s not as foursquare as it sounds, though! You’ll have to invest in a lawnmower, trimmer, and edger. You’ll also need to create flyers and business cards to promote your services.
But once you get started, you’ll be raking in the dough (literally). And who knows, you might even enjoy the smell of fresh-cut grass.
Wash Anything and Everything
The sky is the limit! No, seriously! There is always a demand for someone to wash things from cars to birdhouses to the windows on the tallest building in your neighborhood.
If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty (or wet), starting a mobile car-washing business could be a fail-proof way to get your feet wet in the entrepreneurial world. It’s a relatively simple business to set up and run, and you can start with a minimal investment.
A hose, some soap, a bucket, a little elbow grease, and there’s your business! Start by washing your neighbors’ cars in their driveway or set up a car wash in a parking lot. You may expand your services to include RVs, boats, and trucks after you’ve mastered the basics.
Start A Social Media Management Side Hustle
As digital natives, today’s teens have an innate understanding of social media platforms, making them ideal candidates for managing the online presence of small businesses and entrepreneurs.
What Is Social Media Management?
Social media management is the process of overseeing, creating, and maintaining a brand’s or individual’s presence on various social media platforms. It involves planning, implementing, and monitoring a cohesive social media strategy that aligns with the brand’s goals and values.
Some key aspects of social media management include:
- Content creation: Developing engaging and relevant posts, images, videos, and stories that resonate with the target audience.
- Scheduling: Planning and organizing content to be published at optimal times to maximize visibility and engagement.
- Engagement: Responding to comments, messages, and mentions, as well as proactively engaging with followers and potential customers to build a sense of community.
- Analytics and reporting: Monitoring and analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the success of social media efforts, and adjusting the strategy accordingly.
- Advertising: Creating and managing targeted social media ad campaigns to increase reach, brand awareness, and conversions.
- Reputation management: Monitoring the brand’s online reputation and addressing any negative feedback or issues that arise.
By taking on social media management as a side hustle, teens not only have the opportunity to earn some extra cash, but also to develop valuable skills in marketing, communication, and brand building.
Their innate understanding of the latest trends and features on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter enables them to create engaging content that resonates with the target audience.
As a result, small businesses and entrepreneurs can enjoy a more robust and dynamic online presence, while teenagers gain real-world experience and build their portfolios.
This mutually beneficial arrangement paves the way for a new generation of skilled digital marketers and successful businesses.
Stir Up a Bath Bomb or a Soap Recipe
Bath bombs and handmade soaps have been all the rage lately. If you’re a crafty person interested in beauty products, starting a small business making and selling bath bombs or soaps could be creative, fun, and clean (of course)!
Pinterest and YouTube are full of recipes and tutorials on making bath bombs and soaps. Once you’ve mastered the art of bath bomb- or soap-making, set up a shop on Etsy or your website to start selling your products. You can also sell your products at local craft fairs or farmer’s markets.
A quick tip from a lover: add cute little surprises inside your bath bombs, like a toy or piece of jewelry. It’ll be like a mini present every time someone uses your products, and they’re sure to come back for more!
Recycle, Beautify and Sell
Do you have a kooky sense of style? A knack for refinishing furniture? Love scouring garage sales and flea markets for hidden treasures? If you affirmatively answered these questions, starting a business flipping used furniture might be right up your alley.
An excellent thing about this business is that it’s relatively easy to get started, and you can make a decent profit with very little investment. All you need is a truck (or van) to haul your finds, some basic tools, and a wee bit of elbow grease.
The trick is to locate pieces that are solid and in good shape but just need a little TLC. Once you’ve given them a makeover, you can sell them online or in local shops.
So, there are some fun and fabulous ideas for side hustles for teens! But is that all? No, of course not! Let’s move forward and look at some serious and skill-based side hustles.
Take Up Freelancing
What Is Freelancing?
Freelancing is a form of self-employment where an individual, also known as a freelancer, offers their skills and expertise to clients on a project-by-project or short-term basis. Freelancers work independently, often remotely, and are not committed to a single employer or company for the long term. Instead, they typically have multiple clients and can choose which projects or assignments they wish to take on.
Where Jobs Can You Do As A Freelancer?
Freelancing spans various industries and fields, including writing, graphic design, web development, marketing, photography, video editing, and consulting, among others. Freelancers typically negotiate their rates, deadlines, and project scope with clients before starting work.
Freelancing offers several advantages, such as flexibility in work hours, the freedom to choose projects and clients, and the ability to work remotely. However, it also comes with challenges, such as the need to constantly find new clients, manage fluctuating income, and handle responsibilities such as taxes and insurance without the support of an employer.
The world is a digital place, which means there is always a need for content creators. If you’re good with words (or even pictures), you can start freelancing and do some serious business.
Where To Find Jobs As A Freelancer?
There are various profitable ways to get started with freelancing. You can create a profile on a freelancing platform like Fiverr or Upwork or start your blog and offer your services that way.
The most desired aspect of freelancing is that you can work from anywhere in the world and make your schedule. But it’s not all rainbows and butterflies; you’ll need to be able to handle rejection, manage your time well, and hustle hard to find clients.
Please note: it is not limited to writing alone! You can also offer your services as a graphic designer, web developer, social media manager, or anything else you can think of.
Create a YouTube Channel
Are you creative? Do you have something unique to share with the world? Do you enjoy being in front of the camera? If yes, the world is conspiring for you to start a YouTube channel.
Whether you want to bake some cookies or teach how to perfect that cat-eye, there’s a YouTube channel for everything. And with billions of active users, there is an audience for your content.
All you need is a laptop, a ring light, and a strong cup of coffee (or tea). And if you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry! YouTube has tons of resources to help you get started.
Start a Yoga Training Business
Are you a certified yoga instructor? At this age, probably not! But, that doesn’t mean you can’t start a business teaching yoga. If you love helping people achieve their fitness goals and have a passion for yoga, this could be it!
You can start by teaching small group classes or private sessions in your home. Once you get a few clients under your belt, you can begin expanding and teaching classes in local studios or renting out workshops space.
Be careful, though, as with any fitness business; there is a lot of competition. You’ll need to make sure you’re offering something unique and valuable to your client base. It could be anything from specialized training for athletes to classes for seniors.
Tutoring Brings Home Big Cash
It is a classic side hustle that has been around forever. And there’s a reason for that; it works! Mathematics, languages, the sciences – you name it, and somebody needs help with it.
Your clients will vary from nagging parents to stressed-out students, but as long as you’re patient and good at what you do, tutoring can be an enriching experience. You will be helping young minds achieve their potential while brushing up on your communication and leadership skills. Now that’s a win-win, isn’t it?
How will you get clients? It’s simple! Ask your next-door neighbor, post ads on local community boards, or even start your website. All it takes is a friendly personality, knowledge of your subject, and a little bit of marketing magic.
Sell Stock Photos
Never thought you could make money from your Instagram photos? Well, you’re in for a treat!
If you love taking pictures and are constantly snapping away, selling stock photos might be a dream hustle packed in silver, shiny wrapping. You don’t even need an exuberant camera to do it, isn’t that a bonus? Your smartphone will do just fine!
You can earn by selling your photos on websites like Shutterstock and iStockPhoto. Just create a free account, upload your photos, and start earning! It’s that easy.
Of course, not every photo is going to be a winner. You’ll need to sift through your collection and select only your best work. But, once you learn the tidbits of it, you’ll be leading a double life as a professional photographer in no time!
Paint Some Shoes!
Line art, logos, abstract designs – if you can dream it, you can paint it…on shoes! The fashion world sees no dull moment as new trends, such as painted shoes, pop up.
Painted shoes are a great way to show off your personality and style. And the best part is, you can make them yourself! You need a plain pair of shoes, some fabric paint, and a steady hand!
If you are a fashionista with a creative flair, there’s no side hustle better than this! You don’t even need to go big on investment. Paint a few pairs of shoes for yourself, from Van Gough’s ‘The Starry Night’ to a skull and crossbones. Be as creative as you want! Now start pairing those beauties with your outfits and strut your stuff!
We guarantee that as soon as your college mates see your one-of-a-kind shoes, they’ll ask you to do theirs too!
Creating AI (Artificial Intelligence) Art To Sell
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, tech-savvy teens are finding innovative ways to monetize their artistic talents. One such groundbreaking method involves leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to generate stunning and unique art pieces.
By utilizing AI-based platforms and tools, teenagers can create visually striking artwork that transcends traditional boundaries. Not only does this approach offer endless creative possibilities, but it also empowers young artists to develop a unique style, making their work stand out in a competitive market.
These digital masterpieces can be sold on online marketplaces like Etsy, Redbubble, or group Facebook pages.
With this cutting-edge fusion of technology and creativity, teens are harnessing the power of AI to transform their passion for art into a profitable side hustle.
Online Surveys
Some gigs only require your time and a clickable mouse. A few minutes of your day in exchange for a couple of bucks? We’re not complaining!
Online surveys are the simplest ways to make some extra pocket money, and that too from the comfort of your cozy bed. All you need is an opinion and a working computer.
With online surveys, you can make some quick and easy cash from the comfort of your own home. Brands are always on the lookout for new methods to enhance their offerings, and they want input from customers like you to make it happen!
By taking online surveys, you can help shape the future of your favorite products while earning a little extra cash on the side. And you can do it in your pajamas!
Many websites offer online surveys, such as Survey Junkie, InboxDollars, and Swagbucks. Just create a free account and start filling out surveys! It’s that easy!
Running Errands For Others
In today’s fast-paced world, time is a valuable commodity, and many people struggle to keep up with their never-ending list of errands. This presents a fantastic opportunity for resourceful teens to step in and offer a helping hand.
By providing services such as grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, or carrying out other miscellaneous tasks, teenagers can assist elderly neighbors or busy families who lack the time or mobility to complete these chores themselves.
Running errands not only allows teens to earn some extra cash, but also fosters a strong sense of community and empathy, as they connect with and support those around them.
Additionally, this side hustle teaches valuable life skills, such as time management, communication, and problem-solving.
Embracing this hands-on approach, teens can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others while gaining real-world experience and earning money along the way.
Wrapping Up The Best Side Hustles For Teens:
Teen life can be a lot of things, all at once! There’s a lot on your plate, from classes and homework to after-school activities and part-time jobs.
But that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for a little side hustle action! And, who doesn’t find happiness in a loaded bank account?
Whether you’re looking to make some quick and easy cash or want to explore your creative talents, we hope this list of side hustles for teens has inspired you to start thinking outside the box! Now, jump on that grind and make that money!
Thanks for reading, and good luck on your entrepreneurial journey!