When I started researching side hustles for teens, I expected the usual list: mow a lawn, walk a dog, maybe babysit your neighbor’s kid. But here’s the truth—today’s teens have more opportunity to earn, build skills, and create real income streams than any generation before them.
In 2025, there are dozens of side hustles teens can do to earn money—some without even leaving their bedrooms. From freelancing to flipping clothes, these hustles don’t just help you save for a car or new phone.
They build long-term skills, discipline, and even a solid portfolio by the time you hit college (or skip it altogether).
This post breaks down 27 of the most realistic, beginner-friendly side hustles for teens—including online work, creative gigs, hands-on jobs, and business ideas you can start this week.
Whether you're 14, 16, or 19, there's something here you can take action on.
The Best Side Hustles for Teens That Require No Experience
Now, it is time to dive into the best side hustles for teens. Let's rock:
1. Online Surveys for Extra Pocket Cash
If you're looking for quick, easy money—online surveys are a decent place to start. Sites like Freecash let teens 13+ sign up and earn small cash or gift cards by answering questions.
The pay isn't huge (think $0.50–$2 per survey), but it's a simple entry point that gets you thinking about how to trade time for money on your own terms.
Sign up for Freecash using this link to get a case of up to $250
2. Pet Sitting & Dog Walking
Love animals? Turn it into income. Pet owners need help when they’re out of town or at work, and they’ll happily pay a responsible teen to take care of their furry friend.
Apps like Rover usually require you to be 18+, but you can work through family, friends, or local Facebook groups. Walking dogs after school or pet-sitting on weekends is a solid, reliable gig.
3. Babysitting (Old School, Still Gold)
Babysitting is one of the classic side hustles for teens—and it’s still in high demand. Parents are always looking for trustworthy teens who can keep their kids safe and entertained for a few hours.
The best part? Once a family trusts you, they’ll call you again and again. Consider taking a basic CPR or babysitting course to boost your credibility and rate.
If you’re eager to make money fast and don’t want to overthink it, check out my Fast Start Side Hustle: Launch & Earn Quickly in 2025 to launch something simple and start earning in days—not months.
Sell, Create, and Build: Money-Making Side Hustles for Creative Teens
4. Sell Crafts or Handmade Products
If you’re into making jewelry, candles, stickers, art, or anything crafty—there’s a market for it. Set up a free shop on Etsy (with a parent’s help if needed), or sell through Instagram or local markets.
This side hustle lets you turn a creative hobby into actual sales and teaches you basic marketing, pricing, and branding skills in the process.
5. Start a YouTube Channel
Got a passion or skill? Film it. Teens are building channels around gaming, tech reviews, study tips, and daily vlogs—and earning through ad revenue, brand deals, and affiliate links.
The startup cost is low (use your phone), but consistency is key. If you stick with it, YouTube can become a long-term income stream and creative outlet.
6. Try Photography as a Paid Hobby
Whether it’s snapping portraits, pet photos, or event shots, photography can grow from hobby to hustle fast. Start with free shoots for friends to build a portfolio.
Then promote on Instagram or local community boards. You can also sell stock photos on sites like Adobe Stock or Shutterstock. A decent camera helps—but your eye and editing are what really count.
7. Content Creation (TikTok, IG Reels, etc.)
If you enjoy making short-form videos or edits, content creation is a real hustle now. Brands are working with micro-creators who have even 1,000–5,000 followers.
You can create for your own page or even help local businesses produce content they don’t have time to make. It's fun, it’s fast-paced, and it’s only growing.
For more creative and beginner-friendly ideas, don’t miss this list of Fun Side Hustles For 2025 – With No Experience Needed!
Local Services That Pay Well (and Teach Hustle)
8. House Cleaning
Teens who are detail-oriented and don’t mind getting their hands dirty can make solid money cleaning homes. Offer to help clean garages, organize closets, or do post-party cleanup.
You can charge $15–$25 per hour depending on the job, and your clients will be thrilled to hire someone reliable who actually shows up.
9. Lawn Care and Yard Work
This one’s a classic, and for good reason—it’s consistent and in demand. Mowing lawns, trimming bushes, and raking leaves are services people are always willing to pay for.
Start with your neighbors, and expand through word-of-mouth. If you’re ambitious, scale it into a mini landscaping business with friends.
10. Car Washing & Detailing
People love a clean ride—but they don’t always love doing it themselves. Offer mobile car washing services in your neighborhood.
All you need is water, soap, rags, and maybe a portable vacuum. Upsell with tire cleaning or interior wipe-downs. It’s low-cost to start and easy to grow by offering solid results.
If you’re looking for more hands-on ways to earn—especially with a masculine edge—check out my breakdown of the Best Side Hustles for Men to Make Extra Money in 2025 that combine physical work with solid pay.
Digital Hustles: Online Side Hustles for Teens That Build Real Skills
11. Become a Virtual Assistant (VA)
You’d be surprised how many small business owners and entrepreneurs need help managing the little things. That’s where virtual assistants come in.
As a teen, you can start offering services like inbox management, data entry, basic customer service, or scheduling help.
You don’t need a fancy degree or years of experience—just solid communication skills, a good attitude, and a willingness to learn.
Many VA clients look for part-time help they can trust, which makes this a great fit for teens who want to work a few hours after school or on weekends.
Platforms like Fiverr or Upwork are options, but teens can also reach out directly to local businesses or online creators who need extra hands behind the scenes.
It’s flexible, remote, and an awesome way to get paid while building job-ready skills in time management, organization, and professional communication.
12. Social Media Management
If you already know your way around TikTok, Instagram, or Pinterest, you’ve got a skill businesses want. Many local shops, online stores, and solo entrepreneurs struggle to keep up with their social media.
That’s where you come in. As a teen, you can offer to help plan posts, edit short-form videos, respond to comments, or even manage scheduling tools like Buffer or Later.
You can start small—just one client or business—and scale as you build confidence and results. If you can grow their engagement and help them connect with customers, you’re providing real value.
Bonus: this kind of experience looks amazing on college apps and resumes, especially if you're planning to work in digital media, marketing, or business down the road.
13. Graphic Design for Beginners
You don’t need to be a pro to start designing. With free tools like Canva and Photopea, teens can learn the basics of graphic design fast and start offering services to bloggers, local businesses, or even YouTubers.
Think logos, Instagram graphics, YouTube thumbnails, business cards, and flyers. The key is to practice by creating mockups and templates, then slowly build your portfolio.
Offer free work to a few people at first just to show what you can do. Once you’ve got some solid examples, list your services on Fiverr or promote through social media.
You can charge $10–$50 per project depending on complexity, and over time, scale that up as your skills improve. Graphic design is one of the best side hustles for teens because it’s remote, creative, and useful across almost every industry.
Want something you can do from home with little setup? Earn Money Online Fast & Easy With These Simple Tasks that pay surprisingly well—and don’t require much experience to get started.
Earn From What You Know: Side Hustles That Leverage Your Skills
14. Tutoring
If you’re strong in a subject like math, science, English, or even music, tutoring is one of the best-paying side hustles out there. Parents are always looking for help, especially if you can connect well with younger kids.
As a teen, you can offer tutoring for elementary or middle school students and earn $15–$40 per hour depending on your area. You don’t need a formal teaching background—just patience, solid communication, and a good understanding of the subject.
Offer your services through your school, post on neighborhood groups, or use platforms like Wyzant (with a parent’s help if needed). It’s a great way to make money doing something you already know—and it builds confidence and leadership skills in the process.
15. Freelance Writing
If you enjoy writing, this hustle is wide open. Businesses and blogs constantly need content—articles, product descriptions, email newsletters, and more.
Teens who are strong writers can start freelancing by creating writing samples and pitching to small websites or blogs. Start with platforms like Medium, or offer guest posts to build your name.
Once you have clips to show, look for paid gigs on sites like ProBlogger or even local businesses looking for someone to write web content. You don’t have to be the next Hemingway. You just need to write clearly and meet deadlines.
Freelance writing teaches you communication, research, and time management—and you can do it on your own schedule, right from home.
E-Commerce Side Hustles: Selling Stuff to Make Real Cash
16. Sell Stuff Online
One of the most accessible side hustles for teens is selling things online—whether it's stuff you own, flip, or create.
You can start by decluttering your room and listing clothes, books, gadgets, or collectibles on platforms like eBay, Mercari, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace.
Once you get the hang of it, try sourcing items from thrift stores or garage sales and flipping them for a profit. This hustle teaches you how to take good product photos, write compelling listings, understand pricing, and deal with customers.
If you're consistent, it can scale up quickly into a serious monthly income. And the best part? You're learning basic business skills while getting paid.
17. Sell Clothes Online
Got clothes you’ve outgrown or don’t wear anymore? Or maybe you’ve got an eye for thrift finds and vintage gems. Either way, reselling clothes online is a legit side hustle.
Use apps like Depop, Vinted, or Poshmark to sell pieces straight from your closet—or build a small thrifted collection to flip for profit. This is perfect for fashion-savvy teens or anyone who wants to earn by curating and styling.
The process is simple: snap good photos, write clean descriptions, and price smart. Shipping is easy, and once your listings are up, the sales can come in passively. It’s flexible, repeatable, and can become a full-on side business.
18. Organize Garage Sales
If you’re organized, good with people, and don’t mind a little sweat, organizing garage sales is a great local side hustle. Help families or neighbors clear out their clutter by setting up and running their yard sales for a cut of the profit or a flat fee.
You’ll need to be able to set up tables, price items, create signs, promote the sale on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, and manage the cash box.
It’s not glamorous work, but it teaches you hustle, people skills, and money handling—all of which transfer directly to bigger opportunities later on.
Build Something Bigger: Digital Side Hustles for Long-Term Growth
19. Start a Blog
Blogging isn’t just for adults. If you have something you enjoy talking about—sports, fashion, fitness, gaming, books, or even your own journey through high school—you can turn that into a blog and make money over time.
It takes consistency and patience, but once you get traffic, you can earn through ads, affiliate links, and even selling your own products. Many bloggers make money passively after a few months of work.
The skills you build while running a blog—writing, SEO, marketing, and design—are incredibly valuable. You can start a simple WordPress blog for $2 per month.
Write a couple of posts per week and promote them on Pinterest or social media. This is a long game, but it can pay off big if you stick with it.
Want to start a blog but not sure how? No worries! I created the perfect blogging course for beginners that covers everything you will ever need to earn money with a blog.
I'll be honest when I say you aren't going to see results overnight. But stay consistent and I guarantee in less than a year you can start to see BIG results from your blog.
20. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is one of the most popular ways for teens (and adults) to make money online. Here's how it works: You promote a product or service you like, and when someone buys it through your special link, you earn a commission.
This works best when combined with a blog, YouTube channel, or TikTok page. If you’re already creating content, you can weave affiliate links naturally into your posts or videos.
For example, recommend the tools you use for your side hustle or your favorite budget gear. Just make sure to follow the platform’s rules and disclose that you’re using affiliate links.
This isn’t a get-rich-quick method, but over time, affiliate marketing can generate passive income—even while you sleep.
21. Data Entry Clerk
If you’re detail-oriented and can type quickly, data entry can be a solid online job. Teens can often find entry-level gigs doing things like organizing spreadsheets, cleaning up contact lists, or transcribing short files.
While some of these positions require you to be 18, others don’t—especially if you’re working directly with small businesses. You can also offer your services on freelance platforms or community groups.
This hustle won’t make you rich, but it’s dependable, easy to do after school, and teaches you accuracy and consistency.
If you’ve got a knack for tech, digital tools, or online platforms, check out this curated list of the Best Online Side Hustles for Tech-Savvy Individuals that you can start today.
Active Gigs for Outgoing Teens
22. Become a Youth Sports Coach
If you’ve played soccer, basketball, baseball, or another sport for years, you can turn that experience into a paid coaching gig.
Many youth leagues and recreational programs look for assistant coaches or volunteers who understand the game and can help guide younger players. Some even pay small stipends.
It’s a great way to stay connected to the sport, build leadership skills, and get paid for something you already know. You can also offer private training for younger athletes—helping them improve their technique, conditioning, or fundamentals.
23. Grocery Delivery Helper
With services like Instacart and Shipt booming, grocery delivery has become a staple hustle. While most platforms require users to be 18+, younger teens can get in by partnering with older siblings, friends, or neighbors.
Or, offer to help busy families in your neighborhood who need groceries picked up or delivered. Even if you're just doing the bag loading or delivery part, it's money in your pocket—and it shows initiative.
As more people order online and rely on convenience, this hustle will only grow in value.
Bonus Ideas That Still Work in 2025
24. Sell Digital Products
If you’re good with design or writing, you can create and sell digital downloads like planners, printable art, templates, or even resume designs.
Teens are crushing it on platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, and Ko-fi by building products once and selling them over and over again. This is passive income at its best.
It takes some upfront work, but once your products are out there, you can make money 24/7. Plus, it teaches you about digital marketing, customer experience, and e-commerce—skills that’ll serve you for life.
25. Sell Stuff You Already Own
Sometimes the easiest way to start making money is to look around your room. Old clothes, electronics, books, shoes, and collectibles all have value. You can list them on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or apps like Mercari.
This side hustle doesn’t just clear out clutter—it gets you in the habit of flipping value and managing cash. Once you sell your own things, try finding items at garage sales or thrift stores to resell for profit. It’s simple, scalable, and a great intro to business.
26. Create an Online Course
I
t might sound wild, but yes—teens can absolutely create and sell online courses. If you're great at something, whether it's using Excel, doing skateboard tricks, editing videos, or beating a game—someone out there wants to learn it.
With platforms like Teachable, you can turn your knowledge into a digital product that people will pay for. All it takes is breaking down your process, recording a few walkthroughs, and promoting it smartly.
If you're comfortable teaching and want to scale beyond hourly work, this is a serious opportunity. Sign up for Teachable for free to start building your very own online course.
27. Combine Multiple Hustles Into One Business
Here’s a power move—combine a few of the side hustles above into a small business. Maybe you start by flipping thrift store clothes online, then start a TikTok page showing the flips, and eventually link affiliate products or digital downloads to that page.
Boom—you’ve just created an income stack. That’s how real businesses are built. The sooner you start thinking that way, the faster you’ll stand out.
Most commonly asked questions based on side hustles for teens
What are the best side hustles for teens in 2025?
The best side hustles for teens in 2025 are the ones that combine low barriers to entry with real skill-building. Think things like tutoring, selling items online, virtual assistant work, and social media management.
Teens who lean into content creation (YouTube, TikTok, blogging) or hands-on services like lawn care and babysitting can also build steady income. The key is to start with something simple, then expand once you get results.
Can a 14-year-old start a side hustle?
Absolutely. Many side hustles for teens can be started as early as 13 or 14—especially online. Younger teens can take online surveys, sell crafts, pet sit, or do yard work for neighbors.
Some platforms do have age restrictions, but working locally or with a parent’s help gives you options. What matters most is being consistent, trustworthy, and open to learning.
How much money can a teen realistically make with a side hustle?
It depends on the hustle, time invested, and effort. Some teens earn $50–$100 per month with surveys or flipping clothes, while others pull in $500+ with tutoring, reselling, or content creation.
The upside is real—especially with digital or skill-based hustles like freelance writing, design, or YouTube. Start small, track your results, and scale from there.
Are online side hustles safe for teens?
Yes, as long as you stay smart and follow platform rules. Use reputable websites, never share personal info with strangers, and talk with a parent or adult before signing up for anything.
Stick to legit platforms like Etsy, Fiverr, Freecash, and YouTube—and avoid “too good to be true” offers. Many of the best side hustles for teens happen online, but safety and awareness are non-negotiable.
What skills can teens learn from side hustles?
A side hustle doesn’t just make money—it builds real-world skills. Teens learn time management, customer service, digital marketing, sales, and how to handle money.
Whether you're tutoring, selling online, editing videos, or organizing a garage sale, you're developing habits and experience that set you apart in the long run. The earlier you start, the stronger your foundation will be.
Are there online jobs for 16 year olds?
Yes, there are plenty of online jobs for 16-year-olds—and many of them fall under the umbrella of side hustles for teens. If you’re 16, you can start to take online surveys, sell products on Etsy or eBay, or even work as a beginner virtual assistant.
You can also offer services like tutoring, graphic design, or content creation through social media or local networking. The key is finding a platform that allows minors or working directly with clients where age restrictions don’t apply.
How to make money on the side as a 17 year old?
At 17, your options for side hustles open up significantly—both online and offline. You can freelance, start a small service business, create content, or flip items for profit.
Many teens at 17 are running Instagram shops, editing TikToks for small brands, or even managing social media for local businesses. If you’re good at writing, tutoring, organizing, or designing—leverage that. Start with one idea and go all-in for 30 days.
Whether it's helping someone clean their garage or launching a YouTube channel, consistent action is how side hustles for teens become real income streams.
Final Thoughts: Pick One, Start Today, Build From There
Here’s the real secret to all of this: you don’t need the perfect hustle to win—just a place to start.
Whether you’re 13 or 19, the best side hustle is the one you’ll actually stick with. Don’t overthink it. Pick something simple, test it, and see how it feels. From there, build. You’ll gain confidence, earn cash, and learn how to bet on yourself early.
And if you’re consistent? You’ll be miles ahead of most people your age (and even some adults).
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