I remember struggling as a teenager to find ways to make my own money. I wanted to save up for new gadgets, help with family bills, or just have some extra cash. Luckily, today’s digital world offers many chances for teens to turn their hobbies and skills into money-making side hustles.
This guide will show you the top 21 side hustles for teens to make extra cash. You can do these without giving up school, sports, or hanging out with friends. From taking online surveys to streaming on Twitch, there’s a perfect fit for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Teens aged 13 and older can earn extra cash through online surveys, video game streaming, and selling handmade crafts.
- Opportunities exist for teens to make money through odd jobs, pet sitting, and delivering newspapers in their local communities.
- Platforms like Instacart, UserTesting, and Cambly offer flexible side hustles for teens to earn $10 or more per hour.
- Developing skills in photography, writing, and video production can lead to lucrative freelance opportunities.
- Entrepreneurial teens can start their own small businesses, such as lawn care or garage sales, to build wealth.
Take Online Surveys for Extra Cash
Now, earning extra cash as a teen is super easy thanks to online survey sites. Sites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, FreeCash, and Branded Surveys let teens 13 and up sign up and earn money. They just need to share their thoughts on different topics. These paid online surveys for teens are a great way for young people to make some extra money in their free time.
Popular Survey Sites for Teens
- Swagbucks – Open to teens 13 and older, offering a $20 sign-up bonus.
- Survey Junkie – Accepts participants as young as 12, with a $5 sign-up bonus.
- FreeCash – Available for those aged 13 and above, providing a $10 sign-up bonus.
- Branded Surveys – Requires a minimum age of 16 for participation.
- InboxDollars – Open to individuals aged 12 and above, with a $5 sign-up bonus.
- LifePoints – Available for those aged 14 and over, offering a 10-point sign-up bonus.
Tips for Maximizing Survey Earnings
To get the most out of survey sites that allow 13 year olds and best survey apps for teenagers, teens should:
- Complete their profile information thoroughly to qualify for more relevant surveys.
- Stay alert for survey invitations and aim to participate consistently during their free time.
- Strive to maintain a high completion rate to ensure continued access to survey opportunities.
By using these paid online surveys for teens, young people can turn their free time into a way to earn extra cash. They’ll also learn valuable skills and become more financially independent.
Play Video Games and Get Paid
Believe it or not, teens can earn money by playing video games. Apps like Rewarded Play let teens make money by playing games in their free time. For serious gamers, starting a Twitch channel to stream gameplay can be profitable. Twitch streamers can make money through subscriptions, donations, and sharing revenue, with top teens earning thousands monthly.
Gaming Apps that Pay
Many gaming apps pay teens for playing. KashKick pays up to $150 for testing new games. Solitaire Cash lets teens earn cash by playing the classic card game, with a 4.6-star rating. Mistplay rewards users with gift cards for trying new mobile games, with over 10 million downloads.
Streaming on Twitch for Income
For teens who love gaming, starting a Twitch channel can be a great side hustle. Twitch streamers can earn through subscriptions, donations, and sharing revenue. Some top teen streamers make thousands monthly from their channels. Video game coaching is also profitable, with rates starting at $30 per hour on Gamer Sensei.
The potential for earning through video games is huge. Teens have many ways to get paid to play video games as a teen, from testing games to streaming on Twitch.
Find Odd Jobs in Your Area
Looking for odd jobs in your area is a great way for teens to make extra money. Apps like Steady make it easy to find part-time, full-time, and gig work. You can apply for these jobs right from your smartphone.
Apps and Websites to Find Gigs
Teens can check out websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Nextdoor for odd jobs. These include tasks like yard work, cleaning, and running errands. You’ll find a lot of odd jobs for teens near me and side gigs for teenagers that can help you earn.
- Steady: An app that connects users with over 2 million odd jobs for teens near me and side gigs for teenagers
- Craigslist: A popular online classifieds platform that includes a variety of odd jobs for teens near me
- Facebook Marketplace: A section on Facebook where users can find and post side gigs for teenagers
- Nextdoor: A community-based app that can be used to find odd jobs for teens near me and side gigs for teenagers in your local neighborhood
Using these apps to find local jobs for teens and how to find part-time work as a teen, you can find many ways to earn extra money. You’ll also get valuable work experience.
Babysitting and Nannying Opportunities
For babysitting jobs for teens and teen nanny jobs, responsible teenagers can find many opportunities in their local areas. They can reach out to family, neighbors, or use websites like Care.com, Sittercity, and UrbanSitter. How to get babysitting gigs as a teenager is now easier than ever.
Working as a babysitter can be a great way for teens to make extra money. Parents always need reliable childcare. By getting regular clients, teens can make good money and learn a lot about childcare.
- Babysitting courses are made for teens 11 and older. They teach important skills for teen nanny jobs.
- The American Red Cross offers classes in babysitting and child care. These include First Aid/CPR/AED certifications.
- Volunteering can also show teens are serious about childcare. It’s great experience for babysitting jobs for teens.
Using the best websites to find babysitting work for teens helps teens find jobs. They should make a professional profile and talk about their skills. This way, they can make good money with babysitting jobs for teens and teen nanny jobs.
“Effective babysitting can lead to repeat jobs and recommendations within the community, making it a valuable side hustle for responsible teenagers.”
Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Side Hustles
For teenagers who love animals, pet sitting and dog walking can be a great way to make money. Many teens over 18 use apps like Rover to find pet care jobs. They set their own prices and meet pet owners in their area who need help.
One teen made up to $32 an hour walking dogs and $100 a night pet sitting. This shows how much money you can make if you love animals.
Using Apps like Rover
The Rover app helps teen pet sitters find jobs with pet owners. Teens create profiles and set their rates. They show off their skills and experience to potential clients. Many teens have built a loyal customer base through good work and word of mouth.
| Key Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Percentage of pet-sitters who do not receive payment but stay for free | 100% |
| Most common regions for pet-sitting | North America and Europe |
| Average duration of pet-sits | Not less than a week |
| Maximum number of pets a pet-sitter takes care of at a time | Three, except for specific cases |
| Percentage discount on lodging during off-season | 70% |
Walking dogs or taking care of pets at home can be rewarding for teens who love animals. It’s a chance to make money doing something they enjoy.
Sell Unwanted Items Online
If your closet is full of clothes you don’t wear, selling them online can help teens make extra money. Apps like Depop and Poshmark make it simple to list and sell clothes. Decluttr lets teens sell old electronics, books, and other items. Teens should look into popular selling sites, take clear photos, and set fair prices to make more money.
Popular Selling Platforms
- Depop: A social shopping app that lets teens buy, sell, and find unique fashion items.
- Poshmark: A top online marketplace for teens to resell their gently used clothes and accessories.
- Decluttr: A platform for teens to sell old electronics, books, CDs, and more for cash.
Tips for Successful Online Selling
- Take clear photos of your items from different angles to show their condition.
- Look up similar items to price yours fairly.
- Write detailed descriptions of your items, including size, condition, and special features.
- Answer buyer questions quickly and ship items fast to keep a good seller rating.
- Use social media to share your listings and reach more potential buyers.
By using popular online selling sites and following these tips, teens can sell clothes online as a teen, make money selling used items, and earn cash through reselling on Poshmark and Depop. With some effort and the right plan, teens can turn their unwanted items into a profitable side job.
side hustle for teens: Sell Handmade Crafts
Teenagers with a creative flair can turn their hobbies into a side hustle by selling handmade crafts and artwork online. Etsy is a great place for teens as young as 13 to start selling. They can sell things like paintings, art prints, jewelry, accessories, and home decor. One teen made over $4,000 selling her jewelry on Instagram during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ideas for Handmade Products
There are many ways for teens to sell homemade crafts. If you’re good at making jewelry, sewing, woodworking, or any other craft, you can sell your items online. Some top items for teens to sell include:
- Handcrafted jewelry, such as earrings, necklaces, and bracelets
- Personalized home decor items, like wall hangings, coasters, and candle holders
- Customized clothing and accessories, such as t-shirts, bags, and scarves
- Unique stationery, including greeting cards, journals, and stickers
- Artisanal bath and body products, like soaps, lip balms, and bath bombs
Starting an Etsy shop for teen entrepreneurs lets you show off your creativity and earn extra money. With hard work and smart marketing, your crafting hobby can become a successful side hustle.
Make Deliveries with Apps
At 18, teens can dive into the world of delivery driver jobs for teens and teen food delivery side hustles. Apps like Instacart for grocery shopping or DoorDash for food delivery make it easy to start.
These side hustles let teens work on their own time, picking up jobs when they’re free. To get started, teens just need to sign up, pick jobs, and serve customers. It’s a simple way to make extra cash while enjoying the perks of delivery driver jobs for teens.
- Instacart: Earn money by grocery shopping and delivering for customers
- DoorDash: Provide food delivery services and get paid per delivery
- Uber Eats: Deliver meals from local restaurants to hungry customers
Teen food delivery side hustles are easy and flexible. Teens can work as much or as little as they want. It’s a great way to earn extra cash and get work experience. So, if you’re a teen wanting to make some extra money, check out delivery apps and how to become a delivery driver as a teenager.
Test Websites and Apps for Cash
Hey tech-savvy teens! Did you know companies pay you to give feedback on their websites and apps? Online user testing platforms are a great way for teens aged 18 and up to make extra cash. You just need to test digital products.
Popular User Testing Platforms
UserTesting is a top choice for getting paid to test apps and websites as a teen. You can earn $4 for 5-minute tests, $10 for 20-minute tests, and up to $120 for live interviews. Your feedback helps companies make their digital products better and improve the user experience.
Userlytics is another great platform for online user testing jobs for teenagers. It connects you with various testing opportunities, like website prototypes and mobile app reviews. You get paid every 15 days, and the number of tests you can do daily depends on your spot in the user database.
For the best websites that pay teens to test products, check out Respondent, Userfeel, and TryMyUI. These sites offer different testing gigs. You can earn cash while giving valuable feedback to help companies improve their digital products.
To get more test invites, make sure to fill out surveys and complete your profile on these platforms. With the high demand for online jobs for teens, now is a great time to start user testing and earn extra cash on your own time.
Online Tutoring Jobs for Students
Teens who do well in school can make extra money by tutoring online. Sites like TutorMe, Cambly, and Fiverr match teens with students who need help. This lets them share what they know and get paid.
Cambly is a great choice, offering $0.17 per minute ($10.20 per hour) for general tutoring. Or, you can earn $0.20 per minute ($12 per hour) with Cambly Kids. On Fiverr, teens can set their own rates, usually between $10 to $25 per hour.
For a more organized tutoring setup, try Care.com. It’s for teens 14 and up, paying $16 to $25 per hour. Facebook Marketplace is another spot for teens to promote their tutoring services to local students.
Finding the right online tutoring platform is key. Use your academic strengths to make a profit from your love of learning. This is a great online tutoring side hustle for teens.
| Tutoring Platform | Hourly Rate | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Cambly | $10.20 – $12 | Native English speaker |
| Fiverr | $10 – $25+ | Set your own rates |
| Care.com | $16 – $25 | Teens aged 14+ |
Using these best tutoring platforms for teenage tutors, you can earn extra money. You’ll get to help students and share your knowledge online.
Sell Stock Photos and Artwork
Teens who love photography can make money by selling stock photos. Sites like Shutterstock, Dreamstime, and iStockPhoto let you upload photos and earn money each time someone buys your images. This is a great way for teens to use their skills and earn extra cash.
Best Stock Photo Sites
Teens have many great places to sell their stock photos. Here are some top sites for teen photographers:
- Shutterstock – It’s fast to review photos here, taking about 5 business days. One photo made $1.88 for the owner, with a 12% share of the sale.
- Dreamstime – They have a huge library of photos, illustrations, and vectors. Teens can upload their work and earn from each sale.
- iStockPhoto – With a big customer base, iStockPhoto takes about 30 days to review photos but pays well.
To earn more, teens should focus on taking high-quality, unique photos. They should also do good keyword research to help buyers find their work. Adam, a teen photographer, made $1,000 from one photo of the St. Louis Arch, which still earns money.
In stock photography, quality matters a lot. Of the 8 photos submitted, 6 got approved by Shutterstock. To stand out, teens might want to invest in a better camera to sell stock photos as a teen or make money online by selling art.
By trying different ways to make money and using the best stock image websites for teenage photographers, teens can find new ways to make their creative hobbies pay off.
Become an Influencer on Social Media
Being a successful social media influencer can be a great way for teens to earn extra money. By using platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram, teens can make money through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and sharing revenue from the platform. But, it takes a lot of time and hard work to make engaging content and grow your audience.
Understanding the different types of influencers and how much they can earn is key to success. Nano influencers with 1 to 10,000 followers can earn about $181 per TikTok video. Macro influencers with 500,000 to 1 million followers can make $531 per video. And mega influencers with over 1 million followers can earn between $1,631 and $4,370 per video.
To be a teen influencer, you need a good content plan, post often, and talk to your followers. Working with other influencers and having a professional media kit can help you find more brand partnerships. In 2022, the influencer marketing industry made about $15 billion, but only a tiny part of influencers made over a million dollars a year.
| Influencer Tier | Followers | Earnings per TikTok Video |
|---|---|---|
| Nano Influencers | 1,000 – 10,000 | $181 |
| Macro Influencers | 500,000 – 1 million | $531 |
| Mega Influencers | 1 million+ | $1,631 – $4,370 |
While becoming a successful social media influencer takes a lot of work, it can be very rewarding. For teens with the right skills and commitment, it’s a great way to make money as a teen YouTuber or TikToker and build an online following.
“Consistency in posting content helps build follower engagement and loyalty.”
Donate Plasma for Extra Income
Donating plasma can be a great way for teens to make extra money. It might seem unusual, but it’s easy and safe. Teens over 18 can check if they can donate at their local centers.
Requirements and Process
After getting approved, teens can donate plasma a few times a month. They can earn a good amount of money for their time. Some donors make up to $1,500 a month.
Donations pay between $30 to $70 per session. With regular donations, teens can earn around $700 a month.
Donating plasma means having a bit of blood taken. This blood is split into parts, and the plasma is kept. This plasma helps make treatments that save lives. To donate, you must be 18 to 69 years old and over 110 pounds.
| Donation Type | Compensation Range | Potential Monthly Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma Donation | $30 – $70 per session | $400+ |
| Sperm Donation | $35 – $125 per donation | $500+ |
| Egg Donation | $5,000 – $10,000 per donation | Varies |
| Clinical Trials | $400 – $2,000 per trial | Varies |
Donating plasma might cause some side effects like bruising or feeling tired. But, it’s usually safe and closely watched. Places like CSL Plasma, BioLife Plasma, and Grifols Plasma make it easy for teens to get paid to donate plasma as a teen and make some extra money.
“Donating plasma has been a game-changer for me. The extra income helped me save up for a new cell phone and contribute to a car down payment. It’s a simple way for teens to earn some cash on the side.”
Start Freelance Writing Online
Freelance writing is a great way for teens to use their writing skills and earn money. Sites like Freelancer.com, Fiverr, and Medium let teens 13 and up share their work and build a portfolio. This can lead to paid writing jobs. Their hard work in school can help them succeed in freelance writing.
Finding Freelance Writing Gigs
There are many places where teens can find freelance writing jobs. Here are some top choices:
- Freelancer.com: Teens 16 and older can join this site for various writing jobs, some paying hundreds.
- Reddit For Hire: Teens 13 and up can use this subreddit to find writing jobs and meet clients.
- Fiverr: Teens 13 and older can sell their writing skills on this platform.
- Upwork: This site is for users 18 and older and offers many freelance writing jobs.
- Facebook Groups: Online communities on Facebook often have writing jobs and clients looking for writers.
Freelance writing can be a profitable side job for teens, with the chance to make hundreds per project. By building a strong portfolio and using these platforms, teens can start as freelance writers and make extra money. They also gain valuable skills.
“Freelance writing has allowed me to earn a significant income as a teenager, and it’s given me the flexibility to work around my school schedule. The key is to consistently build your portfolio and market your services effectively.”
Deliver Newspapers in Your Neighborhood
Delivering newspapers might seem old-fashioned, but it’s still a great way for teens to make money. Teens can earn $350 to $500 a month. To start, talk to your parents, learn about navigation apps, write a resume, and figure out what you want from your paper route.
- Talk to Your Parents: It’s key to discuss this job with your parents first. They can help with time management, safety, and understanding the job’s duties.
- Utilize Navigation Apps: For efficient routes, get to know apps like Google Maps or Waze. They help plan the best delivery paths.
- Craft a Strong Resume: Make a resume that shows you’re on time, reliable, and good with customers. These skills are crucial for newspaper delivery.
- Determine Your Desired Route: Look into paper routes in your area. Think about the number of homes, delivery time, and the job’s scope to find the right one for you.
- Apply for Openings: After you’ve done your research, contact your local newspaper or delivery services to ask about routes and apply.
Newspaper couriers make about $11.48 an hour, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job can be tough with early mornings and weather challenges. But, it teaches teens about business, customer service, and managing time.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Wage for Newspaper Couriers | $11.48 per hour |
| Typical Earnings for Teenagers Delivering Newspapers | $350 to $500 per month |
| Penalties for Complaints Against Paper Delivery Couriers | $2 to $3 deducted from paycheck |
Delivering newspapers is a great side job for teens. It offers a steady income, valuable skills, and a chance to be independent and responsible. With the right preparation and hard work, teens can succeed in this classic job.
“The paperboy’s route grew to over 300 customers, representing a six-fold increase in business by the time he was 18. Investing initially in buying extra newspapers each week led to a successful strategy of offering a free week of deliveries to prospective customers, resulting in a significant conversion rate to regular subscribers.”
Part-Time Retail and Food Service Jobs
Traditional part-time jobs in retail and food service are great for teenagers. They offer flexibility, skills development, and the chance to earn extra money. Teens can look for jobs on big job sites or ask local businesses directly.
Retail jobs, like being a sales associate or cashier, teach customer service skills. Food service jobs, such as being a server or barista, teach the hospitality industry. Both types of jobs let teens earn tips on top of their hourly pay.
| Part-Time Job | Average Hourly Pay | Key Skills Developed |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Sales Associate | $11 – $15 | Customer service, communication, problem-solving |
| Restaurant Server | $2.13 – $7.25 + tips | Teamwork, multitasking, time management |
| Café Barista | $9 – $13 + tips | Attention to detail, product knowledge, customer relations |
Looking for part-time jobs for teens in retail and food service is smart. These jobs offer work experience, skills, and flexible hours. They help teens earn extra money while keeping up with school.
Conclusion
Teens have many side hustle options to make extra money and learn important skills. When picking a side job, think about what you like, what you’re good at, and your schedule. It’s important to work hard, manage your time well, and handle money wisely for long-term success.
The article talked about top side hustles for teens like online surveys, playing games, pet sitting, and writing. These options help teens earn more money. Adults can help teens pick the right side job by matching it with their strengths and lifestyle. Tips for starting a side business can teach young people about entrepreneurship and money management.
Finding the right balance is key for teens in a side hustle. They need to keep up with school, hobbies, and making money. With the right attitude and support, teens can use side hustles to improve their finances and grow personally. This prepares them for the future.
FAQ
What are the top side hustles for teens to earn extra cash?
Teens can earn extra cash by taking online surveys, playing video games on Twitch, or finding odd jobs locally. They can also babysit, pet sit, sell items online, or make deliveries. Other options include testing websites, tutoring, selling photos, becoming a social media influencer, and freelance writing.
What are some popular survey sites that allow teens to earn money?
Teens aged 13 and up can earn money on sites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, FreeCash, and Branded Surveys. Teens over 16 can also try LifePoints and InboxDollars.
How can teens earn money by playing video games?
Teens can earn money by playing mobile games with apps like Rewarded Play. For serious gamers, starting a Twitch channel can be profitable. They can earn from subscriptions, donations, and platform revenue sharing.
Where can teens find odd jobs in their local community?
Teens can find odd jobs through apps like Steady or websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Nextdoor. These platforms list various part-time and gig jobs, such as yard work or running errands.
How can teens earn money through babysitting and nannying?
Teens can find babysitting and nannying jobs through family connections, neighbors, or websites like Care.com, Sittercity, and UrbanSitter. Reliable childcare services can be a lucrative side hustle, especially with a steady client base.
What are the benefits of pet sitting and dog walking as a side hustle for teens?
Teens aged 18 and older can use the Rover app to offer pet care services. This side hustle can be rewarding and profitable, with some teens earning per hour walking dogs or 0 per night pet sitting.
How can teens make money by selling unwanted items online?
Apps like Depop and Poshmark let teens sell clothing. Decluttr is great for selling electronics, books, and household items. Teens should research popular platforms, take quality photos, and price items competitively to maximize earnings.
What are some ideas for teens to sell handmade crafts and artwork online?
Etsy is a popular platform for teens to sell handmade items, including paintings, jewelry, and home decor. Teens can turn their hobbies into a profitable side hustle by selling their creations online.
How can teens earn money by making deliveries through apps?
Teens aged 18 and up can make money delivering groceries with Instacart or food with DoorDash. These gig jobs offer flexible schedules, allowing teens to work when they’re free.
What are the benefits of testing websites and apps for cash?
Sites like UserTesting pay teens aged 18 and older for testing digital products. They can earn for 5-minute tests, for 20-minute tests, or up to 0 for live interviews. This side hustle lets teens earn money while helping companies improve their products.
How can teens make money as online tutors?
Platforms like TutorMe and Cambly connect teens with students needing help in various subjects. Teens can share their knowledge and get paid. The author recommends Cambly for fun conversations and earning per hour as a native English speaker.
What are the best platforms for teens to sell stock photos and artwork?
Teens can sell photos and artwork on Shutterstock, Dreamstime, and iStockPhoto. These sites allow users to upload their work and earn a commission when someone buys the rights to use it. This side hustle is great for creative teens to earn a passive income.
How can teens become successful social media influencers?
Teens can become influencers on YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram by building a strong following. They can earn money through sponsored content, affiliate marketing, and platform revenue sharing. However, this requires a lot of time and effort to create engaging content and grow an audience.
What are the requirements and process for teens to donate plasma?
Teens must be at least 18 to donate plasma at their local center. Once approved, they can donate plasma a few times a month and earn cash for their time.
How can teens find freelance writing gigs online?
Teens aged 13 and up can find freelance writing jobs on Freelancer.com, Fiverr, and Medium. These platforms let them create and share their writing portfolios, potentially leading to paid gigs. Their strong work ethic from school can help in a freelance writing side hustle.
What are the benefits of delivering newspapers as a side hustle for teens?
Newspaper delivery jobs pay 0-500 per month and fit well with a teen’s schedule. Teens should talk to their parents, learn about navigation apps, write a resume, and plan their paper route before applying.
What are some traditional part-time jobs that can be good options for teens?
Traditional part-time jobs in retail and food service are great for teens. These jobs offer flexibility, skills development, and the chance to earn hourly wages plus tips.