I remember the excitement of making my first few dollars as a teen. It was from odd jobs like mowing lawns or babysitting. Earning my own money gave me a sense of freedom and pride.
This guide is all about side hustles and ways for teens to make money. We’ll cover everything from outdoor jobs to online ventures. These options help teens earn extra cash, learn new skills, and maybe even start their own businesses.
Key Takeaways
- Side hustles can provide teens with a flexible way to earn extra income and gain valuable work experience.
- Outdoor jobs, such as lawn care and dog walking, offer teens the opportunity to stay active and work independently.
- Service-based gigs, like house cleaning and personal shopping, teach responsibility and attention to detail.
- Creative pursuits, like selling handmade crafts or freelance design services, allow teens to monetize their talents.
- Online side hustles, such as virtual assistant work or content creation, offer flexible and potentially lucrative opportunities for tech-savvy teens.
The Best Side Hustles for Enterprising Teens
Outdoor Jobs
Outdoor jobs are a great way for teens to make money and stay fit. You can try lawn mowing, cutting grass in yards and gardens. Or, you can be a dog walker, giving pets exercise and company.
There’s also car washing, where you make dirty cars shine. Other jobs include gardening services, like planting flowers or keeping vegetable gardens. In winter, you can do snow shoveling, and in fall, leaf raking to clean up neighborhoods.
These jobs are hard work but pay well. They let teens make money, stay active, and learn about business.
| Side Hustle | Earnings Potential | Skill Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Lawn Mowing | $20-$50 per yard | Ability to operate a lawn mower, attention to detail |
| Dog Walking | $15-$30 per walk | Love for animals, patience, reliable transportation |
| Car Washing | $10-$20 per car | Attention to detail, willingness to work outdoors |
| Gardening Services | $20-$40 per hour | Gardening knowledge, physical stamina |
| Snow Shoveling | $20-$50 per driveway | Physical strength, ability to work in inclement weather |
| Leaf Raking | $15-$30 per hour | Physical stamina, attention to detail |
“Outdoor jobs not only allow teens to earn extra cash, but they also provide valuable opportunities to develop essential skills like time management, customer service, and problem-solving.”
Service-Based Side Gigs
Teens looking to make extra cash can try service-based side gigs. These gigs not only bring in money but also help build skills and a strong work ethic.
Babysitting is a great choice for teens who are responsible and love kids. It teaches them about responsibility, patience, and how to take care of children. House cleaning is another good option, needing hard work and an eye for detail to keep homes clean and organized.
- Tutoring younger students in subjects like math, science, or language arts lets teens share their knowledge and help someone learn.
- Pet sitting is perfect for teens who love animals, as it involves taking care of furry friends.
- Helping with grocery shopping and errands can be a big help for busy people, saving them time and effort.
These gigs not only pay teens but also teach them important skills like managing time, serving customers, and solving problems. By helping others, teens can build a good name for themselves. This can lead to more success in the future.
Service-based side gigs let teens try new things, improve their skills, and make extra money. By using their talents and abilities, teens can do well in the side hustle world.
Creative and Artistic Pursuits
Selling Handmade Crafts and Art
Teens can make good money with creative side jobs. Selling crafts at local fairs lets them be creative and learn about business. They can sell things like jewelry, art, candles, or unique items. Making and selling unique items teaches them about the market, talking to customers, and running a small business.
Etsy is a big place for selling crafts online. Teens can show off their handmade stuff there. Sites like Society6, Printful, and Redbubble let young artists sell their designs on things like t-shirts and mugs. With good marketing and prices, teens can make a lot of money from their art.
There are more ways for teens to make money with their art. Freelance photographers can earn about $23 an hour. They can work in areas like weddings, food, real estate, and fashion. Graphic designers, illustrators, and web designers can find good jobs on sites like 99Designs, Upwork, and Fiverr.
To do well in art, teens need to know what people want and market their skills well. By mixing their love for art with smart business moves, teens can make a good side income.
Online Side Hustles
The digital age has brought many online side hustles for tech-savvy teens. Taking online surveys and giving feedback on websites is a flexible way to make money. Teens can also share their knowledge through online tutoring and express themselves through freelance writing. Those interested in social media can build a following and make money from it. These online jobs offer teens convenience and flexibility.
Virtual Opportunities
Online side hustles for teens are growing and offer flexibility and remote work. These jobs range from standard jobs to freelance work, where teens work as independent contractors. Websites like Fiverr and Upwork let teens as young as 13 create accounts and start working.
Some top online jobs for teens are customer service reps, data entry workers, virtual assistants, social media managers, online tutors, freelance writers, and graphic designers. These jobs offer flexibility and skills development but also have risks like financial issues and tax duties.
| Role | Minimum Age Requirement | Earning Potential | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Assistant | Varies | 4 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 |
| Data Entry | 18 | 2 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 |
| Online Surveys | 13 with parental consent | N/A | 5 out of 5 |
| Online Tutoring | 18 | 3 out of 5 | N/A |
| Customer Service Representative | 16 | 4 out of 5 | N/A |
Teens can also make money through online surveys, website testing, and paid tasks. These jobs offer flexibility and help teens learn about money management.
The main perks of online jobs for teens are flexibility, learning new skills, and practicing money skills like budgeting and investing.
side hustles for teens
Teens looking to earn extra cash have many side hustles to choose from. They can try outdoor jobs like lawn mowing and car washing. Or, they can offer services like babysitting and pet sitting. Creative teens can sell their crafts or provide virtual services like website testing.
Side hustles help teens save for college, buy a first car, or just have extra spending money. They also gain experience, skills, and extra income. The key is to find a job that fits their interests, skills, and schedule.
Outdoor Jobs
- Lawn Mowing: A profitable side hustle for teens, especially during spring and summer.
- Dog Walking: Ideal for animal lovers, providing exercise and companionship to pets.
- Car Washing: Involves cleaning vehicles and can be quite satisfying when done properly.
- Gardening Services: Requires knowledge of plants and working outdoors.
- Snow Shoveling: Can be lucrative especially after heavy snowfalls.
- Leaf Raking: A simple yet physically engaging task suitable for the autumn season.
- Pool Cleaning: Involves maintaining and cleaning swimming pools, particularly in warmer climates.
Service-Based Side Gigs
- Babysitting: A popular job for responsible teens, offering care for children while parents are away.
- Pet Sitting: Taking care of pets while owners are away can also include grooming tasks.
- Grocery Shopping for Neighbors: Requires good organization skills and a sense of responsibility.
- Running Errands for People: Helps busy individuals with various tasks.
- Assisting with Moving or Packing: A physical job that teaches logistics and customer service.
- Washing Windows: Offers the satisfaction of seeing clear results of hard work.
- Organizing Garages or Basements: Helps people declutter and organize spaces.
- Plant Watering Service: Perfect for teens who enjoy gardening and offers a sense of accomplishment.
- Delivering Newspapers: A traditional job that teaches punctuality and responsibility.
- Refereeing for Youth Sports: Ideal for sports enthusiasts who want to stay involved in a different way.
- Setting up Technology for the Elderly: Requires patience and tech knowledge to bridge generational gaps.
Creative and Artistic Pursuits
Teens with a creative flair can explore opportunities such as:
- Selling Handmade Crafts at Local Fairs: Involves creating and selling crafts to understand market demand.
- Selling Baked Goods: Perfect for teens who enjoy baking and teaches valuable skills.
- Face Painting at Events: Creative and fun way to earn money, popular at children’s events.
The world of teenager side hustles, teen money-making ideas, high school side jobs, and making money as a teen offers many opportunities. Teens can explore their interests, skills, and entrepreneurial spirit. This way, they gain valuable experience and financial independence.
Seasonal Side Gigs
As the seasons change, teens have more chances to make extra cash. Summer jobs like lifeguarding and camp counseling let teens stay active. They also make money during the busy moving season. In winter, side hustles like snow shoveling and holiday retail work pay well. These seasonal work for teens are flexible and help teens earn money during breaks.
Most side hustle platforms want you to be 18, but teens can still find seasonal jobs. Etsy lets teens 13-17 use their parents’ accounts to sell things. Fiverr also lets 13-year-olds offer their skills online.
Side hustles like dog walking and lawn mowing start small but can grow. For teens who like to start their own businesses, a summer job or winter side hustle could become a full-time job later.
“Diversifying income streams by combining different side hustles or engaging in passive income opportunities can help teens maximize their earnings.”
Teens can try different seasonal work for teens, from outdoor jobs to service gigs. This way, they can earn money during breaks and learn valuable skills. It also helps them become more financially smart for the future.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Starting a Small Business
For ambitious teen entrepreneurs, starting a small business is a great way to earn extra money. You could sell baked goods, handmade crafts, or offer lawn care services. This path teaches skills like budgeting, marketing, and customer service. It also helps with project management. It might take more work than other jobs, but it’s worth it for the experience and possible earnings.
Starting a baking business is a top choice for teen entrepreneurship. Teens can sell homemade cookies, cakes, and treats to meet the growing demand for local food. Making and selling handmade crafts, like jewelry or woodworking, lets young people show off their creativity and skills.
Another good idea for teens is offering lawn care services. Jobs like cutting grass, trimming bushes, or clearing snow are great for earning money. They also help young people learn about time management and how to talk to customers.
Starting a small business as a teen is a great learning experience. It teaches you about budgeting, marketing, and dealing with customers. These skills are super useful for the future and can help you succeed in business.
Part-Time Employment
Part-time jobs are a great way for teens to make money and get work experience. Teens can find jobs at local stores, restaurants, or other businesses. These jobs teach important skills like managing time, serving customers, and being responsible. These skills are useful for future careers.
Part-time jobs for teens have set schedules, fitting well with school and other activities. Teens can work after school or during the summer. These jobs let teens earn money and gain work experience.
| Job Type | Estimated Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Babysitting | $12 – $26 |
| Lawn Mowing | $10 – $30 |
| Pet Care | $8 – $35 |
| Online Surveys | $1 – $3 per survey |
| Tutoring | $15 – $36 |
| House Cleaning | $12 – $27 |
| Blogging | $7 – $30 |
| YouTube Channel | $0.05 – $0.30 per view/listen |
| Delivery Services | $7 – $27 |
“Earning money through part-time employment is a great way for teens to develop a strong work ethic and financial responsibility.” – Jane Doe, Career Counselor
Teens can explore different fields like retail, food service, or others through part-time jobs. These jobs offer a structured way to gain work experience, develop important skills, and earn money.
Gig Economy Opportunities
The gig economy has opened up many flexible side hustle options for teens. Apps and platforms like Instacart, DoorDash, and Uber let teens make money with gig work for teens. They can choose from food delivery, rideshare driving, and other services. These flexible side jobs let them work around school and other duties, making them great for ambitious teens.
But, it’s important to think about things like transportation, safety, and legal stuff when you start gig work. Some gigs might not let teens join or have certain rules, so check the details before you begin.
| Gig Opportunity | Potential Earnings | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Online Influencing | Brand deals, creator’s fund | Build a strong social media presence and engage with followers |
| Online Tutoring | Flexible schedule, hourly rates | Expertise in academic subjects or language skills |
| Graphic Design | Custom designs, portfolios | Develop a versatile design skillset and promote your work |
| Merchandise Sales | Product sales, business skills | Creativity, marketing, and entrepreneurial mindset |
| Virtual Assistant | Hourly rates, flexible hours | Strong organizational and technical skills |
The gig economy is full of chances for young people to explore, grow, and make money. Whether it’s food delivery, rideshare driving, or other flexible side jobs, it’s a way for gig work for teens to earn extra cash and get valuable experience.
“The gig economy has changed how we view work, giving young adults a chance to turn their passions and skills into profitable side hustles.”
Monetizing Hobbies and Talents
In today’s digital world, teens have many chances to make money from their hobbies and talents. If you love photography, music, or art, you can turn it into a side job. By using your skills, you can make extra cash and feel great about making your hobbies pay.
Monetizing your skills and interestsis easier than you think. You just need to find the right way to share your talents with the world.
Turning Passions into Profits
If you’re good at photography, you can sell your photos online. Sites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock let you do this. Music lovers can teach music lessons to younger kids. And if you’re into art, you can paint faces at parties and events.
- Sell stock photos online to earn money from your photography skills
- Offer private music lessons to aspiring musicians in your community
- Provide face painting services at local events and parties
To make money from your hobbies, first figure out what you’re good at. Then, see what others are paying for similar things. Set your prices right and build a strong brand. This way, you can make your hobbies into successful side jobs that bring you both money and happiness.
“Turning your passion into profit is one of the most rewarding experiences a young entrepreneur can have. Embrace your talents and let them guide you to a successful side hustle.”
If you dream of being a photographer, a music star, or an artist, there are many ways to make money. Use your skills and interests to earn more and feel proud of what you’ve achieved.
Building Skills for the Future
Side hustles for teens offer more than just extra cash. They help develop skills that are valuable for the future. Whether you start a business, offer services, or explore creativity, each side hustle lets you learn new abilities.
Running a small business teaches you about budgeting, marketing, and managing projects. Working in customer service improves your communication and time skills. Outdoor jobs and physical tasks boost your responsibility and detail focus – skills employers love.
Side hustles let you earn more and gain real-world experience. They help you build skills for school and work. The skills you learn, like entrepreneurship, customer service, and managing time, make you stand out.
The skills you learn now can lead to success later. If you want to lead a business, work in customer service, or be a creative innovator, side hustles are key. They prepare you with the skills you need to succeed.
Finding the Right Fit
When looking into side hustle opportunities, teens should pick something that fits their interests, skills, and schedule. Think about what you love and what you’re good at. Also, think about how much time you can give to a side job. Look into the demand, how much you could make, and any legal or safety rules to make a smart choice.
Getting advice from parents, teachers, or mentors can help you find the best side hustle. The goal is to pick a job that makes money and also helps you grow personally and professionally.
Here are some things to think about when choosing the right side hustle:
- Matching interests and skills: Pick a side hustle that matches your passions and strengths for a fun and rewarding experience.
- Considering time constraints: Think about how much time you can really put into a side job without affecting your studies or personal life.
- Exploring options: Look into different side hustles, like outdoor jobs, service gigs, creative projects, online work, and starting your own business, to find what suits you best.
| Side Hustle | Age Requirement | Potential Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Mistplay | 18+ | Varies |
| Swagbucks | 13+ | Varies |
| Slicethepie | 13+ | Varies |
| Shopkick | 14+ | Varies |
| Toluna | 16+ | Varies |
| Qmee | 16+ | Varies |
| Humanatic | Unspecified | Varies |
| Survey Junkie | 18+ | Varies |
| Ibotta | 18+ | Varies |
| Decluttr | 18+ | Varies |
| Poshmark | 13+ with parental consent | Varies |
By thinking about these things, you can choose the right side hustle that fits your goals, interests, and lifestyle. This will lead to a rewarding and profitable experience.
“The key is to find a side hustle that is both profitable and fulfilling.”
Conclusion
Side hustles are great for enterprising teenagers. They offer extra income and help young adults gain experience and skills. Teens can choose from outdoor jobs, service gigs, creative projects, or online work.
These side hustles help teens earn more money and save for the future. They also prepare them for success in school and work. Skills like time management, communication, problem-solving, and customer service are very useful.
Side hustles also help teens meet industry professionals and make connections. This can open doors to more opportunities. Running a side business or project boosts their confidence and personal growth.
“Embracing side hustles as a teenager can be a life-changing experience, unlocking a world of financial independence, skill development, and personal fulfillment.”
Teens can start small, like a lawn care service or become a lifeguard. Or they can try online freelancing. The options are many. By diving into these ventures, teens earn money and gain valuable experiences for the future.
Resources for Getting Started
Starting a side hustle as a teen means you need the right tools for success. This includes knowing the legal stuff like getting a business license or picking a company name. Sites like Doola help with forming a small business, keeping books, and more, making things easier.
Teens need to find clients and market their services well. They should also learn how to manage their side hustle with school and other activities. This means using time wisely, setting limits, and automating some tasks for a balanced life.
With the right resources, young entrepreneurs can do great in their side hustles. They can use tools and strategies to grow their money and skills. This opens up new chances for making money and learning new things.
FAQ
What are some popular outdoor jobs for teenagers?
Outdoor jobs for teens include lawn mowing, dog walking, and car washing. They also include gardening services, snow shoveling, and leaf raking. These jobs help teens stay active and make money.
What are some service-based side gigs for teens?
Service-based side gigs for teens are babysitting and house cleaning. They also include tutoring, pet sitting, grocery shopping, and running errands for busy people.
How can teens earn money through creative and artistic pursuits?
Teens can earn money by selling handmade crafts and artwork at local fairs and events. This lets them be creative and learn about business.
What are some online side hustles for tech-savvy teens?
Online side hustles for teens include taking surveys and giving website feedback. They also include online tutoring, freelance writing, and managing social media.
What are some seasonal side gigs for teens?
Seasonal side gigs for teens are summer jobs like lifeguarding and camp counseling. Winter jobs include snow shoveling and holiday retail work.
How can teens get involved in entrepreneurial ventures?
Teens can start small businesses, like selling baked goods or handmade crafts. They can also offer lawn care services. This helps them learn entrepreneurial skills.
What are the benefits of teens pursuing side hustles?
Side hustles let teens earn extra money and gain work experience. They also develop important skills. Plus, they get to explore their interests and talents.
What resources are available to help teens get started with side hustles?
Teens can use platforms like Doola for legal and admin help in starting a small business. They can also find strategies for finding clients, marketing, and managing their side hustle.