Being a teenager and earning your own money is both thrilling and a bit scary. With school, friends, and clubs, finding time for a part-time job seems hard. But, there’s good news – side hustles can help you make extra cash without taking up too much time.
Today’s gig economy is perfect for teens looking to earn extra. You can try online surveys, pet sitting, or many other side hustles. This guide will show you the top 15 side hustles that can help you reach your financial goals.
Key Takeaways
- The gig economy offers a wide range of flexible side hustles for teens to earn extra cash.
- Many online platforms and local opportunities cater specifically to teenagers, making it easier to find suitable side hustles.
- Side hustles can help teens develop valuable skills, gain work experience, and build financial literacy.
- Identifying personal interests and skills is key to finding the right side hustle that aligns with your passions.
- Effective time management is crucial to balance side hustles with school, social life, and other commitments.
Take Online Surveys for Quick Cash
Teens can earn extra money by taking online surveys. Companies like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and InboxDollars pay teens for their opinions. These tasks are quick and easy.
Most online survey sites for teens are for ages 12 to 17. Swagbucks lets teens as young as 13 join in the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK. It’s a top choice for many. Branded Surveys requires teens to be 16 or older but offers a $1 sign-up bonus and a low $5 cash-out.
Other survey sites for teens include:
- FreeCash: Open to 13-year-olds and older, with a $5 cash-out minimum and options for crypto rewards and gaming prizes.
- Ipsos iSay: Teens 14 and up can join globally, with a $5 cash-out threshold, and PayPal or gift card payouts.
- Survey Junkie: For teens 13 and up in the US, Canada, Australia, and UK, with a $5 cash-out, and more ways to earn through their SJ Pulse extension.
Sign-up bonuses range from $5 to $20, and teens can get paid with gift cards, cash, or even cryptocurrency. Online surveys are a great way for teens to earn money with online surveys and earn money with paid surveys. They’re a quick and easy side hustle.
Start a YouTube Channel
Starting a YouTube channel is a great way for teens to make extra money. By making fun videos, showing ads, and getting sponsors, teens can make a good income. But remember, building a big audience takes time and hard work.
To do well on YouTube, find a topic you love and are good at. It could be about gaming, sharing your life, teaching others, or making people laugh. It’s important to be yourself and keep making great videos. Also, using social media to share your channel and work with other creators can help you get more viewers.
Starting might take a lot of time and effort at first. But, being a successful teen YouTuber can pay off big time. You can make money from ads, sponsors, and selling your own stuff. Plus, you’ll learn skills like making videos, editing, and marketing online, which can help you later on.
| Potential Earnings for Teen YouTubers | Tips for Growing a Successful YouTube Channel |
|---|---|
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It’s tough to become a top teen YouTuber, but the benefits are worth it. With hard work, creativity, and smart marketing, teens can turn their hobbies into a money-making business.
Become a Freelance Writer
As a teen, freelance writing can be a great way to make extra money. You have a strong work ethic and writing skills from school. This makes you perfect for freelance writing. Sites like Freelancer.com, Fiverr, and Medium let teens 13 and up share their writing and find jobs.
Freelance writing is one of the top side hustles for teens to earn money in 2021. Experienced writers can make $50 to $150 per article. This means you can earn well while still having time for school, hobbies, and other activities.
| Platform | Minimum Age | Payment Options |
|---|---|---|
| Freelancer.com | 13+ | PayPal, Direct Deposit |
| Fiverr | 13+ | PayPal, Direct Deposit |
| Medium | 13+ | PayPal, Direct Deposit |
If you’re a teen freelance writer wanting to make more money, use your writing skills. Check out freelance writing for teens on the right platforms. With effort, you can make your writing hobby a profitable side job.
Sell Handmade Crafts on Etsy
Etsy is a great place for crafty teens to make money. Teens between 13 and 18 can open their Etsy shops with a parent’s help. Kids under 13 can’t use Etsy, but teens 18 and up can start their own shops.
Teens can sell many things on Etsy, like jewelry, candles, and even homemade dog treats. Etsy takes a small fee for listing items and selling them. It also lets you show up to 10 photos of your product.
On Etsy, teens can make a good amount of money. Earnings can go from $500 to $5,000 a month, depending on what they sell and how much they work. Many teens make $100 to $3,000 a month selling things like printables.
Starting an Etsy shop can help teens earn more money and improve their skills. By taking great photos, building a customer base, and offering great service, teens can make their Etsy shops successful. This can turn into a big business.
“A $7 bachelorette party scavenger hunt printable led to thousands of dollars in revenue for my Etsy shop. The key is finding the right niche and providing value to your customers.”
best side hustles for teens
Teens today have many ways to make extra cash and learn new skills through side hustles. From online surveys to freelance writing, there are plenty of best side jobs for teens out there. These jobs can help you save up for something big, like a new gadget, a car, or college.
One easy and profitable teen side hustle is taking online surveys. Sites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and InboxDollars let teens 13 and older share their thoughts and get paid. It’s a simple way to make some extra cash without much effort.
For teens who love to be creative, starting a YouTube channel can be a great side hustle. By making fun videos, showing ads, and getting sponsors, you can make money. It takes time to get followers, but you can earn between $0.25 to $7 for every 1,000 views.
Freelance writing is another awesome choice for best side jobs for teens. Sites like Freelancer.com, Fiverr, and Medium let teens 13 and up show off their writing skills and get paid. You can write blog posts, articles, or web content and work on your own schedule.
If you’re crafty, selling things on Etsy can be a rewarding top side hustle for teenagers. Teens can sell things like jewelry, bath products, printables, and candles with their parents’ help and permission. It’s a great way to make money from your hobbies.
These are just a few of the many best side hustles for teens out there. You can also try pet sitting, dog walking, tutoring, or managing social media for local businesses. With creativity and hard work, teens can find side hustles that match their skills and interests.
Tutor Younger Students
For teen tutors, tutoring younger students can be a great way to make money. High school students can earn $12 to $17 an hour. They can do this in person or online through sites like PalFish and Cambly.
To tutor on PalFish, teens don’t need a specific age. They can make $12 to $17 an hour by helping foreign students with English. Sites like Fiverr and Care.com also offer tutoring jobs for teens. Teens as young as 13 or 14 can earn $10 to $25 an hour.
For online tutoring, Udemy lets teens create and sell courses. They can earn 37% from each sale. Cambly also hires 18-year-old tutors. They pay $0.17 per minute for general tutoring and $0.20 per minute for Cambly Kids sessions.
Tutoring younger students is a great way for teens to show off their knowledge. It helps them gain teaching experience and make extra money on their own time.
| Tutoring Platform | Hourly Rate | Minimum Age |
|---|---|---|
| PalFish | $12 – $17 | No official requirement |
| Fiverr | $10 – $25 | 13 years old |
| Care.com | $16 – $25 | 14 years old |
| Udemy | 37% course revenue | 18 years old |
| Cambly | $10.20 – $12 | 18 years old |
Start a Flipping Business
Flipping is a great side hustle for teens looking to make money. You can flip items like furniture, clothes, websites, domain names, or shoes. The idea is to find good deals, fix them up, and sell them for more.
Flip Furniture, Clothes, and More
Success in flipping comes from picking a niche and sticking with it. Teens can flip items such as:
- Secondhand furniture – Refinish or repaint old pieces and sell them for a higher price
- Used clothing – Thrift store finds can be spruced up and resold on platforms like Poshmark or eBay
- Websites and domain names – Flip websites by optimizing them for better search rankings, then sell them
- Sneakers and shoes – Rare or limited-edition shoes can be bought and resold for a profit
Find great deals, work on the items, and sell them for a profit. With creativity and a go-getter attitude, teens can make a successful teen flipping business. They can earn a lot of money flipping items for profit as a teen.
To start, look around your area or check online for the best things for teens to flip. With hard work and smart marketing, your side hustle could turn into a big money-maker.
Offer Babysitting Services
Babysitting is a great way for teen babysitters to make money. About 22% of teens want to try babysitting jobs for teenagers as a side job. It’s a good choice because there’s always a need for trustworthy babysitters.
Babysitting side hustles for teens can pay $10-$15 an hour. This is a good way for teens to make extra cash. About 58% of parents like hiring teen babysitters because they’re affordable and available.
To start, teen babysitters can ask family or neighbors for jobs. If you’re 18 or older, websites like Care.com, Sittercity, and UrbanSitter can help find jobs. Getting a certification, like from the American Red Cross, can also make you more credible and open up more job opportunities.
It’s important for babysitting side hustles for teens to fit with school, activities, and free time. But, it can be a great way to make money with a flexible schedule.
| Side Hustle | Potential Earnings | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Babysitting | $10-$15 per hour |
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“Babysitting is one of the best side hustles for teens, as it offers a flexible schedule and the potential to earn a significant amount of money each month.”
Help Seniors with Technology
Today’s digital world is always changing. Tech-savvy teens can help the older generation who struggle with technology. They can make money by setting up devices and teaching seniors how to use them.
Many seniors find it hard to keep up with new technology. They might feel lost and scared. That’s where teens with tech skills can help. They can teach seniors about smartphones, tablets, online banking, and video calls.
- Teens helping seniors with tech can earn between $50 and $100 per hour for their services.
- This side hustle is especially useful for older adults who want to stay connected and independent.
- Services can include setting up devices, fixing software problems, and teaching basic digital skills. They can also help seniors use online platforms and shop online.
If you’re a tech-savvy teen looking to make some extra money, consider helping seniors with their tech. It’s a great way to use your skills, help others, and make good money.
“The key to success in this side hustle is patience, empathy, and a genuine desire to help the older generation embrace technology. It’s not just about the money – it’s about making a positive impact in your community.”
Manage Social Media for Local Businesses
Teenagers can make good money by managing social media for local businesses. They know all about the latest trends and how social media works. This makes them perfect for helping small businesses in their area with their online presence.
As a teen social media manager, you can make engaging graphics and develop strategies. You’ll help local businesses grow their online audience. Teens can earn $8 to $12 an hour with social media side hustles for teenagers for small businesses.
| Skill Set | Earning Potential | Startup Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Social media expertise, content creation, graphic design, strategy development | $8 – $12 per hour | Minimal to none |
This local business social media jobs for teens chance lets you use your digital skills for a side hustle. You’ll work with small businesses close by. This way, you get to earn extra cash, gain experience, and build your portfolio while still in school.
“Teenagers’ innate understanding of social media platforms and trends makes them a valuable asset for local businesses looking to boost their online presence and engagement.”
If you’re a tech-savvy teen looking for a side hustle, consider managing social media for local businesses. It’s a flexible, low-cost way to get practical experience and earn extra money.
Provide Lawn Care and House Cleaning Services
Teenagers can make extra money by offering lawn care and house cleaning services in their neighborhoods. These jobs not only give them a steady income but also teach them important skills. Skills like responsibility and paying attention to details are valuable.
There’s a big demand for house cleaning services. Busy households and individuals really need this help. In fact, it’s one of the top side hustles for 18-year-olds. It lets them make money and learn important life skills.
- Earn decent money by offering lawn mowing, yard work, and house cleaning services in your neighborhood
- Low-cost startup with flexible scheduling, making it an attractive option for busy teenagers
- Gain experience in customer service, time management, and task-oriented work
Whether it’s cutting lawns, doing yard work, or cleaning houses, these teen lawn care businesses and teen house cleaning services are great for teens. They can earn extra cash by joining the yard work side hustles for teenagers market. With hard work and a commitment to quality, teens can succeed in this flexible and rewarding side hustle.
Referee Sports Games
For sports-loving teens, refereeing games is a great way to make money and have fun. They can work in sports like soccer, basketball, softball, or others. Teen sports referees can earn good money per hour and per game.
High school soccer games pay about $70 for a double-header. Softball umpires get $30 per game. College intramural referees earn $7.35 an hour. With these jobs, teens can make up to $5,000 a year.
To be a good referee, teens need to learn and get experience. They should take training classes and buy uniforms and gear. But, the flexible hours and good pay make it a great side job for young sports fans.
| Sport | Typical Referee Pay |
|---|---|
| Soccer (High School) | $70 for JV/Varsity Double-Header |
| Softball | $30 per Game |
| College Intramurals | $7.35 per Hour |
Refereeing sports games also teaches teens important skills. They learn to communicate well, make quick decisions, and solve problems. These skills help in many areas of life, making refereeing a rewarding job for teens.
“Refereeing is a great way for teens to earn money refereeing as a teen while staying active in the sports they love. The flexible schedule and earning potential make it a popular choice among young athletes and fans alike.”
Test Websites for Cash
For tech-savvy teens, testing websites can be a great way to make extra money. Companies pay $20-$30 for teens to give feedback on their websites. Sites like UserTesting and TryMyUI let teens earn by using their internet skills.
The pay for testing websites varies, from $5 to $120 per test. Sites like Enroll and Test IO are highly rated, with 4 out of 5 stars. But, some sites, like Trymata, have issues and only get 2.9 stars on Trustpilot.
Teens can check out other top-rated sites too. User Interviews pays between $20 and $1,500 per study. TestingTime also gets 4 stars on Trustpilot. UserTesting offers different pay, from $4 for quick tests to $30-$120 for longer interviews.
By testing websites, teens can earn money and gain skills in user experience and critical thinking. Whether they test websites or try other online jobs, it’s a flexible way to make more money.
Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
For teen pet lovers, pet sitting and dog walking are great side hustles. These services are in high demand, offering a steady income for teens who are responsible and trustworthy. They can take care of pets while earning money.
Industry reports show that pet sitting usually starts at $10 per hour and can reach up to $25 per hour. With more experience, teens can earn even more. Websites like Rover.com, Dogvacay.com, and Care.com help teen pet sitters and teen dog walkers find pet owners who need their help.
For teens wanting to improve their skills, getting certified by Pet Sitters International is an option, but it costs. The main thing needed for success in this pet care side hustle for teenagers is loving animals and being dedicated to their needs.
| Service | Average Hourly Rate | Potential Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Sitting | $10 – $25 | Up to $100 per night |
| Dog Walking | $10 – $20 | Around $32 per hour |
Pet sitting or dog walking are pet care side hustles for teenagers that let them earn extra money and do what they love – be with furry friends. With hard work and the right attitude, teen pet sitters and teen dog walkers can make their love for animals pay off.
Conclusion
This article looked at many side hustles perfect for teenagers in the U.S. It covered online jobs like taking surveys and making YouTube videos, and local jobs like babysitting and lawn care. These options fit different interests, skills, and schedules. They help teens make extra money, gain work experience, and reach their financial goals.
Teens can earn up to $8 a week with the Modak app, or freelance on sites like Fiverr and Upwork. They can also offer pet sitting and tutoring services. The article gives a full guide to the best side hustles for teens. These opportunities let teens start their own businesses, learn important life skills, and secure their financial future.
This article’s conclusion summarizes the main points for teens. It encourages young people to check out these great options and take charge of their money. With the advice and strategies given, teens can start making money, saving, and building a strong base for their future success.