Being a teenager and earning your own money is both exciting and empowering. You might be saving up for a new gadget, planning for college, or just wanting more financial freedom. The right side hustle can really change things for you.
Today, there are many ways for teenagers to make extra cash using their skills and interests. You can explore these opportunities and earn money on the side.
This guide will cover the best side hustles for teenagers. We’ll look at many options that fit different interests and skills. You can make money by taking online surveys, selling your crafts, or tutoring others. Let’s see how you can turn your passions into profitable side hustles and gain financial freedom.
Key Takeaways
- Explore a variety of side hustles that align with your interests and skills, from online surveys to freelance writing.
- Leverage digital platforms and apps to find flexible, high-earning opportunities that fit your schedule.
- Develop valuable skills and gain work experience through side hustles, preparing you for future career success.
- Earn extra income to save for the future, invest, or simply have more financial independence as a teenager.
- Discover the power of monetizing your hobbies and passions to turn them into profitable side hustles.
Take Online Surveys to Earn Cash
In today’s digital world, teens have many ways to make extra cash. One easy way is by doing paid online surveys. Sites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, FreeCash, and Branded Surveys let teens 13 and up share their thoughts for cash or gift cards.
These sites don’t pay a lot, but they’re a simple way for teens to earn during free time. Other sites like LifePoints and InboxDollars also accept teens, but you must be 18 or older.
Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, FreeCash, and Branded Surveys
Swagbucks is open to teens 13 and up. Branded Surveys lets teens 13 and older sign up with a parent’s okay. FreeCash welcomes anyone 13 or older, and Ipsos iSay lets 14-year-olds join in many countries. These are some online survey sites for teenagers that offer paid online surveys for teens as an easy way for teens to make money online.
“Taking online surveys is a simple and convenient way for teenagers to earn extra cash. The earnings may not be substantial, but it’s a low-effort way to make a few dollars during your free time.”
Play Video Games Online for Money
For teenagers who love gaming, there are great chances to make money from their hobby. One top way to make money playing video games as a teen is by starting a Twitch channel. Here, you can stream your gameplay to earn.
As you grow your Twitch channel, you can make money through different ways. These include subscriber donations, sponsorships, and ad revenue. The more fun and engaging your streams are, the more viewers you’ll get. And the more viewers you have, the more likely they are to support you.
Earn Cash by Playing Mobile Games
Another way for teen gamers earning income is through mobile gaming apps. Apps like Rewarded Play let you earn cash or gift cards by playing games on your phone. It’s a simple way to make money from your gaming hobby.
Whether you stream on Twitch or play mobile games, it’s important to balance gaming with school and other activities. With hard work and consistency, you can turn your gaming passion into a profitable side job.
“Gaming is no longer just a hobby – it can be a lucrative side hustle for tech-savvy teenagers.” – Gaming Enthusiast Magazine
Find Odd Jobs in Your Area
Teenagers can look into local odd jobs and gig work besides online side hustles. Apps like Steady help you find part-time, freelance, or one-off jobs close to home. Jobs can include yard work, dog walking, running errands, or helping with admin tasks. These jobs let you make extra cash while fitting it into your school and other activities.
Leverage Local Gig Work Opportunities
There are many odd jobs for teenagers and local part-time jobs for teens in your area. You can use apps and platforms to find gig work opportunities for high school students. This way, you can pick jobs that match your schedule and interests, earning money your way.
| Gig Work Opportunity | Typical Earnings |
|---|---|
| Yard Work (Mowing, Leaf Cleaning) | $50-$100 per job |
| Dog Walking | $11-$15 per hour |
| Errand Running | $20-$30 per hour |
| Administrative Support | $15-$20 per hour |
| Garage Sale Organization | Varies based on negotiations |
Looking into odd jobs for teenagers and local part-time jobs for teens can boost your income. It also gives you work experience while keeping your schedule flexible.
Babysit or Nanny for Families
Babysitting and nannying are great side hustles for teenagers. You can find these jobs by contacting family members, neighbors, or using sites like Care.com or UrbanSitter. This way, you can earn money while watching over kids and learn about childcare.
Recent stats show that teenagers can make $120+ each month from babysitting jobs for teenagers or teen nanny jobs. Afternoons can cost between $30 to $45. Most babysitting is a few days a week for 2.5 to 4 hours.
To earn money as a caregiver, talk to many families in your area about their pay. Always do a background check for new families to stay safe. You can find babysitting jobs for teenagers through friends, Craigslist, Sittercity, church groups, and word of mouth.
Before starting teen nanny jobs, consider getting CPR certified. This shows you care about the kids’ safety. With dedication and a love for kids, babysitting can be a profitable and fulfilling job for teenagers.
side hustles for teenagers
If you love animals, you can make money on the side. Use Rover and Wag to offer pet-sitting or dog-walking services. It’s a fun way to earn extra cash and hang out with pets.
On Rover, pet-sitters earn about $32 an hour. Dog walkers make around $100 a night. You can choose your hours and pay, making pet-sitting jobs for teens and teen dog walkers a great option.
Leveraging Your Love for Animals
To start, sign up on Rover or Wag. Make a profile that shows your experience and when you’re free. Then, book gigs in your area. Many families need reliable teens to watch their pets while they’re out.
- Set your own schedule and rates
- Earn an average of $32 per hour for pet-sitting
- Make up to $100 per night for dog walking
- Gain valuable experience caring for animals
Use your love for pets to earn money and gain experience. It’s a great way for teens to make extra cash. So, check out pet-sitting jobs for teens and teen dog walkers.
Sell Unwanted or Outgrown Items
As a teenager, you might have clothes, books, and electronics you don’t use anymore. Instead of letting them gather dust, sell them online. Sites like Depop, Poshmark, and Decluttr let teens sell their used items for extra cash.
Decluttering and selling your items is a smart way to make money by decluttering. It also helps free up space in your room. You can sell used items as a teen and grow your side hustle by using popular platforms to sell teen stuff like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Craigslist.
- Sell old clothes, shoes, and accessories on Depop or Poshmark
- List used books, CDs, and video games on Decluttr
- Offload old phones, tablets, and other electronics on Decluttr or eBay
- Host a traditional yard sale or garage sale to get rid of unwanted items
Decluttering and selling your items can bring in extra cash and free up space. It’s a great way to make money by decluttering and sell used items as a teen.
Sell Your Crafts or Art Online
If you’re creative, think about making money by selling your crafts or artwork online. Sites like Etsy let teens as young as 13 open shops. You can sell things like paintings, jewelry, cards, clothes, and home decor. Social media is also a great way to promote and sell your work. My friend’s daughter made over $4,000 by selling jewelry on Instagram during the pandemic.
Harness Your Artistic Skills
Selling your crafts or art as a teen can be fulfilling. Here are some tips to start:
- Look into Etsy, which supports teen shops. It lets you sell your handmade items, artwork, or designs to more people.
- Use social media to show off your work and meet potential buyers. Instagram and TikTok are good for building a following and selling more.
- Think about the costs of making and shipping your items when setting prices. Make sure you make a profit. Check out what others charge to price your items right.
- If you make digital art or designs, sell prints on Etsy. Or, market your art to clients on Fiverr or Upwork.
With creativity, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit, you can make your artistic skills into a successful online business. Selling your crafts or art online lets you make extra money. It also helps you learn about marketing, customer service, and managing money.
Make Deliveries for Companies
If you’re 18 or older, you can make money by delivering for companies like Instacart, DoorDash, or UberEats. These food/grocery delivery side hustles for teens let you pick up and drop off orders on your own time. You can work around your school and personal life.
Being a teen delivery driver has many benefits:
- Flexible scheduling that fits your school and personal life
- Earning extra cash on your own terms
- Gaining valuable work experience in the gig economy
- Opportunities for tips and bonuses on top of your base pay
To start, download the app of your choice, go through the setup, and begin taking orders. Companies like these have rules for teen delivery driver jobs. You’ll need a valid driver’s license, a reliable car, and a smartphone. If you meet these, you can work whenever you want.
| Delivery App | Average Earnings per Hour | Minimum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Instacart | $12 – $20 | 18+ |
| DoorDash | $15 – $25 | 18+ |
| UberEats | $10 – $18 | 18+ |
So, if you’re a teen wanting to make extra money, check out teen delivery driver jobs and food/grocery delivery side hustles for teens near you. It’s a smart way to earn more and get work experience.
Test Websites and Apps for Cash
If you love using websites and apps, you can make money giving feedback. Companies like UserTesting and Userlytic look for testers, including teens 16 and older. You can earn $4 for every 5-minute test, $10 for a 20-minute test, and up to $120 for live interviews. This is a great way for teens to earn money as a teen tester.
Signing up is easy. You’ll get matched with tests that fit your interests and age. During the test, you’ll check out the website or app, do some tasks, and share what you think. App testing jobs for high school students are a cool way to earn extra cash and learn about user experience and product feedback.
Earn Money Through Paid Website Testing
Platforms like UserTesting and Userlytic offer paid website testing for teenagers as young as 16. By joining and doing tests, you can get cash, gift cards, or other rewards. The tests are usually quick and fun, letting you earn money while having fun exploring new digital products.
“As a teenager, I was able to earn extra spending money by testing websites and apps through UserTesting. It was a great way to provide valuable feedback and get paid for my input.”
If you’re a teen wanting to earn money as a teen tester, check out UserTesting, Userlytic, or similar sites. It’s an easy and fun way to earn cash and gain skills for your future.
Offer Online Tutoring Services
If you’re good at certain subjects, you can make money by tutoring online. As a teen, you can help other students at your school or teach English to people around the world through sites like Cambly. This job lets you earn cash and improve your teaching and communication skills, which can help you later on.
Online tutoring is a great way for high school students to make extra money. On Cambly, tutors get $0.17 per minute, which is $10.20 an hour. For Cambly Kids, it’s $0.20 per minute, or $12 an hour. Sites like Fiverr and Care.com also offer tutoring jobs, paying between $10 to $25 an hour or more.
But it’s not just about the money. Online tutoring looks good on your resume too. A study from Union College showed that 91% of employers like to hire people with work experience. Tutoring gives you skills in teaching and communication that employers want.
To start tutoring online, think about what subjects you’re best at. Make a profile on sites like Cambly, Tutor.com, or Wyzant to offer your services. By using your knowledge and providing great tutoring, you can make money and gain skills for the future.
“46% of teenagers struggle with financial literacy, making online tutoring a valuable side hustle to supplement their income and develop essential skills.”
Sell Stock Photography
If you love taking pictures, you can make money by selling your photos as stock photography. Sites like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock let you upload your photos. You earn money every time someone buys the right to use your photos.
As a teen photographer, you can make money by taking pictures that many people like. Learn about what’s popular and make your photos easy to find. This way, you can make money from your photos without much work.
Leveraging Your Photography Skills
First, pick your best photos for a portfolio. Think about taking pictures that fit popular topics like travel or nature. Keep up with what’s in demand in stock photography to make photos that people want to buy.
| Platform | Earning Potential |
|---|---|
| Shutterstock | $0.02 per image sold |
| Adobe Stock | $0.02 per image sold |
The more great photos you add to these sites, the more money you can make. So, grab your camera, be creative, and start making money from photography as a teenager!
“Selling my photos online has been a game-changer for me. It’s a low-effort way to monetize my creativity and earn extra cash as a high school student.” – Emily, Teenage Stock Photographer
Build a Social Media Presence
In today’s digital world, having a strong social media presence can be a great way for teenage social media influencers to make money. By sharing interesting content on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram, you can earn through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, or by becoming a social media influencer. This side hustle needs a lot of time and creativity but can be fun for teens who love tech. It lets them show off their skills and make money online.
To start a social media side hustle, follow these steps:
- Pick a topic you’re good at and enjoy, like gaming, fashion, or comedy.
- Keep making great content that your audience will like.
- Talk to your followers, answer their comments, and connect with them.
- Look into making money through brand deals, affiliate marketing, and fan subscriptions.
- Keep an eye on how you’re doing and change your plan to grow your followers.
Building a strong social media presence takes hard work and time, but it can pay off big for teenage social media influencers. With the right strategy and a focus on giving value to your followers, you can turn your hobby into a profitable side job. This way, you can make money online as a teen.
“The key to success on social media is to treat it like a cocktail party, not a sledgehammer.” – Jay Baer, Marketing Consultant
| Platform | Potential Earnings | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube | $1,000 – $5,000+ per month | 1,000 subscribers, 4,000 watch hours |
| TikTok | $500 – $2,000+ per month | 10,000 followers, 100,000 video views |
| $500 – $2,500+ per month | 10,000 followers, high engagement |
Donate Plasma for Cash
For teenagers looking for side hustles, donating plasma is a great choice. Plasma is a key part of blood that helps make life-saving treatments. Many centers pay people for their plasma donations. It’s a way for teens aged 16 and up to make money while helping others.
Earn Money by Donating Plasma as a High School Student
Donating plasma can pay well, making it an easy way for teens to increase their income. You can earn up to $700 in the first month. Donors get paid between $20 and $60 per session. Heavy individuals can donate more and make more money.
Donating is simple. Centers welcome walk-ins, fitting into busy high school schedules. You need to be 18 to 69 years old, over 110 pounds, and pass a basic check-up. Some may be deferred for health reasons, but side effects are mild, like a “very mild bee sting.”
| Plasma Donation Center | Payment Structure |
|---|---|
| CSL Plasma | $100 for the first 5 donations, then $50 per donation |
| BioLife Plasma | $100 for the first 7 donations, with payment adjusted based on donor weight |
| Trusting Heart Blood Centers | $75 to $175 per platelet donation, depending on frequency |
Donating plasma is a great side hustle for teens. It lets them earn money and help others. It’s a chance for both financial and personal growth.
Start Freelance Writing
For teen freelance writers, freelance writing is a great way to make money. Sites like Freelancer.com, Fiverr, and Medium let young writers show off their skills. They can bid on projects like blog posts, articles, and website content. This way, high school students can work on their own time and earn extra cash.
Recent stats show that 40% of teenagers work on side hustles to make extra money. And 50% of those side hustlers save a quarter of their earnings. Also, 30% of teens who start an online business see steady income in the first three months.
Freelance copywriting is especially good for teen freelance writers. A TikToker says you can earn up to $2,280 at it. You just need a computer, phone, and internet to start. Companies need good copy to reach people, so there’s a lot of demand for skilled writers.
To begin, high school students should make profiles on freelance sites and show off their writing. Watching for job posts on social media can also lead to work. Following people like Wanda Njimi on Instagram can give teen freelance writers tips and job leads.
Freelance writing side hustles for high school students are a great way to make money. They also help build skills and a portfolio for the future.
| Side Hustle | Potential Earnings |
|---|---|
| Freelance Copywriting | $860 to $2,280 |
| Beach Chair Rentals | Up to $1,200 per day |
| Flipping Goods for Profit | $1,000 in a week |
“Freelance copywriting is accessible and profitable for a wide range of individuals, including high school students, university graduates, and those seeking employment.”
Conclusion
There are many best side hustles for teenagers and income-generating ideas for high school students out there. If you want to make money from your skills or hobbies, this article has lots of options for you.
You can earn by taking surveys online, playing games, tutoring, or selling your crafts. The main thing is to pick a side hustle that fits your strengths, interests, and time. These side hustles not only help you make extra cash but also teach you valuable skills for the future.
Teenagers have lots of ways to make money with side hustles. By using your talents and interests, you can find a side hustle that lets you earn and be independent financially. So, why not start looking for the best side hustles that match you today?