Whether you’re saving for college or just looking for extra spending money, there are plenty of side hustles available for teens.
Traditionally, many jobs available for teenagers didn’t pay well. However, thanks to modern technology and changing work trends, there are now side hustles that can bring in a substantial income and even help you build financial stability.
Having a side hustle offers numerous benefits beyond just earning money. It helps you develop financial literacy, gain valuable experience, and enhance your resume.
Searching through endless lists online to find the right side hustle can be overwhelming. Fortunately, I’ve done the work for you.
If you’re ready to start making extra cash, here are some great money-making opportunities:
The Best Side Hustles for Teens
- Complete Online Surveys
One of the easiest ways to make money online is by taking surveys. Survey websites pay users to share opinions, and most surveys take just a few minutes to complete. Once you reach the payout threshold, you can redeem points for cash or gift cards. Some top survey sites include:- Opinion Outpost – Available for users 17 and older.
- Branded Surveys – Open to those 17+.
- Toluna – Accepts users as young as 16.
- Swagbucks – Open to teens 13+ and offers extra ways to earn through watching ads and playing games.
- InboxDollars – Requires users to be 18+.
- LifePoints – Accepts members 14+.
- Survey Junkie – Open to users 18+ in the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
Pay varies from $0.25 to $3 per survey, depending on length and type.
- Play Mobile Games
If you already love playing mobile games, why not get paid for it? Some apps reward users for testing games and providing feedback. Popular options include:- Scrambly – Earn rewards by playing games, testing apps, and taking surveys (16+).
- Mistplay – An Android app for users 18+ that rewards playing games.
- PlaytestCloud – Pays about $9 per 15-minute playtest (open to users 13+).
- Rewarded Play – Android app similar to Mistplay, but pays in gift cards only (18+).
To earn rewards, you must play games through the designated platform.
- Dog Walking or Pet Sitting
If you love animals, pet sitting is a flexible side hustle. While there’s no minimum age to pet sit for family and friends, online platforms like Rover require users to be 18+.
On average, pet sitters on Rover make $19.43 per hour, with higher rates for overnight sitting.
- Babysitting
Watching kids is a classic way for teens to earn money. Start by babysitting for friends and family or use online platforms:- Bambino – Accepts babysitters 13+.
- Care.com – Requires users to be 18+.
- UrbanSitter – Requires users to be 18+.
- Test Websites
Companies need feedback on their websites and will pay for user testing. Testers browse sites and report usability issues. Platforms like UserTesting offer tests that typically pay $10 for 20 minutes, but you must be 18 or older to participate. - Online Tutoring
If you excel in subjects like math, science, or English, consider tutoring. TutorPeers allows teens to set their rates and schedule. Start by tutoring classmates and expand from there. - Snow Shoveling & Lawn Care
Offer to shovel driveways in the winter or mow lawns in the summer. Seasonal work like this can bring in $30 to $80 per job, and platforms like Shovler connect shoveling jobs with workers. - Start a Flipping Business
Flipping involves buying items at a low price and reselling them for a profit. You can flip:- Clothes
- Shoes
- Toys
- Furniture
- Pokémon cards
Source items at thrift stores or garage sales, then sell them on Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, or eBay.
- Start a YouTube Channel or Podcast
Many teens are making money through content creation. Once you build an audience, you can monetize through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. - Make Deliveries
Delivery apps like DoorDash and Instacart hire workers 18+. If you have a car, bike, or scooter, you can earn between $15 and $30 per hour making deliveries. - Photography
Sell your photos as stock images on platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Etsy. - Blogging
Starting a blog can become a long-term income source. Popular blogging niches include:
- Finance
- Fashion
- Health & Fitness
- Travel
Make money through ads, affiliate marketing, and sponsored posts.
- Social Media Management
If you know how to create content and engage an audience, offer social media management services to small businesses. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr list job opportunities for social media managers. - Freelance Writing
Freelance writing allows you to work on your own schedule and set your rates. Look for writing gigs on sites like Upwork and FlexJobs. - House Cleaning & Odd Jobs
Help neighbors with cleaning, moving furniture, or organizing. Use platforms like TaskRabbit or Thumbtack for more opportunities. - Graphic Design
If you have an eye for design, offer services creating logos, social media graphics, and posters. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork have freelance gigs. - Virtual Assistant
Help businesses with administrative tasks such as email management and scheduling. Virtual assistants make $24.77 per hour on average. - Painting Houses
If you’re comfortable with a paintbrush, offer your services to homeowners. Painting jobs pay $17 to $30 per hour. - Become a Sports Referee or Coach
Refereeing local youth sports games can earn you between $20 and $30 per hour. Coaching positions often require training but pay well. - Caddying
Caddies at golf courses earn $9 to $30 per hour and may receive free golf privileges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 14-Year-Old Have a Side Hustle?
Yes! Options include babysitting, dog walking, blogging, and online surveys.
How Can I Make a Lot of Money at 13?
Start a YouTube channel, launch an Etsy store, or become a social media influencer.
How Can I Make Money at 17?
Teens 17+ can explore tutoring, freelancing, or starting a flipping business.
Final Thoughts
There are countless side hustle opportunities for teens. Choose one based on your interests, time availability, and earning potential.
Stay cautious when applying for online jobs—always research companies to avoid scams. With the right approach, you can turn a simple side hustle into a profitable long-term business!
