As a teenager, it can be difficult to find ways to make extra money. However, with a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, there are plenty of side hustles that can help you earn some extra cash. In this article, we’ll explore 15 of the best side hustles for teens that are easy to start and can be done from the comfort of your own home.
Before we dive into the list, let’s get one thing straight – you’re not going to get rich quick with these side hustles. But, they can help you save up for that new phone, the latest gaming console, or even a down payment on a car. Plus, you’ll be learning valuable skills and gaining experience that will come in handy in the future.
So, whether you’re a master of online surveys, a pet-sitting pro, or just looking for a way to make some extra cash, there’s something on this list for everyone. Let’s get started!
1. Online Surveys
One of the easiest side hustles for teens is taking online surveys. Many companies are willing to pay for consumer opinions and there are a variety of survey websites that you can sign up for. Some popular options include Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, and InboxDollars. It’s important to note that you won’t make a full-time income taking online surveys, but it can be a great way to earn a little extra cash in your spare time.
The best part about taking online surveys is that you can do them whenever you have some spare time – whether it’s during a boring class, while you’re watching TV, or even while you’re in bed (just make sure to set an alarm so you don’t oversleep). And, some surveys can even be done on your phone, so you can earn cash while you’re on the go.
Pros
- Allows you to monetize your passion and hobbies by creating and selling products online.
- Gives you the opportunity to gain experience in e-commerce and online marketing.
Cons
- Requires a certain level of effort and dedication to create and manage a website or online store, and market your products effectively.
- May not be suitable for those who are not comfortable with self-promotion and online marketing.
2. Virtual Assistant
Another option for teens looking to make extra money is becoming a virtual assistant. As a virtual assistant, you would be responsible for helping businesses with tasks such as scheduling appointments, responding to emails, and managing social media accounts. This can be done from anywhere with an internet connection and can be a great way to earn money while gaining valuable experience.
One of the great things about being a virtual assistant is that you can work with clients from all over the world. And, since you’re working remotely, you can set your own hours and work as much or as little as you want. Plus, there’s a wide range of tasks you can offer your services for, from scheduling appointments and responding to emails, to social media management and data entry.
But, keep in mind that being a virtual assistant requires a certain level of responsibility and time management. You’ll be working for someone else, so you’ll need to make sure you’re meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality work.
Pros
- Can be done from anywhere and can be flexible in terms of hours.
- Can be a great way to gain experience in administration and customer service.
Cons
- May require a certain level of skill and experience to perform the tasks required by clients.
- May not be as stable as a traditional job and clients may come and go.
3. Play Video Games
If you’re a gamer, you can turn your passion into a side hustle by participating in video game tournaments. Many online platforms host tournaments for popular games such as Fortnite, League of Legends, and Call of Duty. By competing in these tournaments, you can earn cash prizes and even sponsorships. It’s a great way to make money while doing something you love.
Video game tournaments are a great way to turn your gaming skills into cash. Plus, it’s a great way to gain experience in the competitive gaming scene and potentially even turn it into a career. And, with the rise of streaming platforms like Twitch, it’s easier than ever to connect with other gamers and compete against them.
Pros
- Allows you to monetize your gaming skills and passion by participating in video game tournaments and earning cash prizes and sponsorships.
- Gives you the opportunity to gain experience in the competitive gaming scene and potentially turn it into a career.
Cons
- Requires a certain level of skill and dedication to practice and improve your skills.
- May not be suitable for those who are not interested in competitive gaming or not comfortable with the game they want to compete in.
4. Pet-Sitting
f you love animals, pet-sitting and dog-walking can be a great side hustle for you. Many pet owners are willing to pay for someone to take care of their furry friends while they’re away. This can include feeding, walking, and providing companionship. It’s a great way to make money while getting some exercise and spending time with animals.
The best part about pet-sitting and dog-walking is that you get to hang out with some pretty adorable creatures, who will undoubtedly make you smile and laugh with their silly antics. Plus, it’s a great way to get some fresh air and exercise, especially if you’re stuck sitting in front of a computer all day.
When it comes to dog-walking, you can offer your services to busy pet owners in your neighborhood. This can include walking their dog during their lunch break or while they’re at work. For pet-sitting, you can offer to take care of the pet in the owner’s home, or even take them in for the duration of the owner’s vacation.
Pros
- Allows you to make money while getting some exercise and fresh air.
- Gives you the opportunity to gain experience in the field of landscaping and lawn care.
Cons
- Requires a certain level of skill and dedication to provide high-quality services that meet the customer’s needs.
- May not be suitable for those who are not interested in lawn care or not comfortable with manual labor.
5. Babysitting
Babysitting is a classic side hustle for teens and can be a great way to earn extra money. Many parents are in need of a reliable and responsible babysitter and are willing to pay for one. As a babysitter, you would be responsible for taking care of children, keeping them safe, and providing them with activities and entertainment.
Babysitting can be a lot of fun, especially if you love kids. You’ll get to play games, read stories, and maybe even teach them a thing or two. Plus, it’s a great way to gain some experience if you’re considering a career in teaching or childcare.
Pros
- Allows you to make money while spending time with children and gaining experience in child care.
- Gives you the opportunity to gain experience in customer service and communication.
Cons
- Requires a certain level of responsibility and reliability as you’ll be caring for someone else’s children.
- Some parents might have different parenting style or expectations that can be hard to keep up with.
6. Tutoring
If you’re good at a particular subject, tutoring can be a great way to make extra money. Many students need help with their homework and are willing to pay for someone to assist them. You can offer your services online or in person and can charge by the hour. It’s a great way to earn money while helping others succeed.
Tutoring is a great way to use your knowledge and skills to help others. Plus, it’s a great way to gain experience if you’re considering a career in teaching or education. And, if you’re good at a particular subject, you can even specialize in that area and charge more for your services.
Pros
- Allows you to earn money while helping others succeed.
- Gives you the opportunity to gain experience if you’re considering a career in teaching or education.
Cons
- Requires a certain level of responsibility as you’ll be helping someone with their education.
- May not be suitable for those who are not comfortable teaching others
7. Online Selling
Online selling can be a great side hustle for teens. Whether it’s through an online store like Etsy or through social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, there are plenty of opportunities to sell products online. You can sell anything from handmade crafts to clothing to digital products. It’s a great way to make money while being creative and using your skills. Additionally, you can also look into dropshipping, which involves selling products without ever having to handle inventory.
Online selling is a great way to turn your passions and hobbies into a business. Plus, it’s a great way to gain experience in e-commerce and online marketing. And, with the rise of social media and online marketplaces, it’s easier than ever to reach customers from all over the world.
Pros
- Allows you to monetize your passion and hobbies by creating and selling products online.
- Gives you the opportunity to gain experience in e-commerce and online marketing.
Cons
- Requires a certain level of effort and dedication to create and manage a website or online store, and market your products effectively.
- May not be suitable for those who are not comfortable with self-promotion and online marketing.
8. Graphic Design
Graphic design is a great side hustle for teens with an interest in art and design. Many businesses and individuals are in need of graphic design services and are willing to pay for them. You can offer your services on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, or even start your own design business. It’s a great way to make money while using your creativity and skills. Additionally, you can also expand your services to include logo design, branding, and web design.
Graphic design is a great way to turn your artistic talents into a business. Plus, it’s a great way to gain experience in the design industry and to build a portfolio of work. And, with the rise of social media and online marketing, there’s a growing need for high-quality graphic design services.
Pros
- Allows you to monetize your artistic talents by creating designs for businesses and individuals.
- Gives you the opportunity to gain experience in the design industry and build a portfolio of work.
Cons
- Requires a certain level of skill and knowledge in graphic design software and design principles.
- May not be suitable for those who are not interested in design or not comfortable with design software.
9. Content Creation
If you have a passion for writing, photography, or videography, content creation can be a great side hustle for you. Many businesses and individuals are in need of high-quality content for their websites and social media platforms. You can offer your services on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr or even start your own blog. It’s a great way to make money while doing something you love. Additionally, you can also expand your services to include copywriting, podcasting, and video editing.
Content creation is a great way to turn your creative talents into a business. Plus, it’s a great way to gain experience in the field of digital marketing and content creation. And, with the rise of social media and online platforms, there’s a growing need for high-quality content that can help businesses and individuals connect with their target audience.
Pros
- Allows you to monetize your writing, photography, or videography skills by creating content for businesses and individuals.
- Gives you the opportunity to gain experience in the field of digital marketing and content creation.
Cons
- Requires a certain level of skill and dedication to create high-quality content that is engaging and informative.
- May not be suitable for those who are not interested in writing, photography, or videography.
10. Translation
If you are fluent in multiple languages, translation can be a great side hustle for you. Many businesses and individuals are in need of translation services for their websites, documents, and videos. You can offer your services on freelancing platforms or even start your own translation business. It’s a great way to make money while using your language skills. Additionally, you can also expand your services to include interpretation and transcription.
Translation is a great way to turn your language skills into a business. Plus, it’s a great way to gain experience in the field of translation and interpretation. And, with the rise of global business and international communication, there’s a growing need for high-quality translation services.
Pros
- Allows you to monetize your language skills by translating for businesses and individuals.
- Gives you the opportunity to gain experience in the field of translation and interpretation.
Cons
- Requires a certain level of fluency in multiple languages and knowledge of the culture and customs of the languages you’re translating.
- May not be suitable for those who are not fluent in multiple languages or not interested in the field of translation.
11. Social Media Manager
Social media has become a vital tool for businesses and individuals to connect with their target audience. As a teenager, you can take advantage of this by offering social media management services. You can help businesses and individuals with tasks such as creating content, scheduling posts, and engaging with their followers. This can be a great way to make money while gaining valuable experience in the digital marketing field.
Social media management is a great way to turn your interests and skills into a business. Plus, it’s a great way to gain experience in the field of digital marketing and social media. And, with the rise of social media platforms, there’s a growing need for high-quality social media management services that can help businesses and individuals connect with their target audience.
Pros
- Allows you to monetize your skills in social media by managing accounts for businesses and individuals.
- Gives you the opportunity to gain experience in the field of digital marketing and social media.
Cons
- Requires a certain level of skill and knowledge in social media platforms and best practices.
- May not be suitable for those who are not interested in digital marketing or not comfortable with social media platforms.
12. Event Planning
If you’re a natural organizer and have an interest in planning events, event planning can be a great side hustle for you. Many businesses and individuals need help with organizing and planning events such as parties, conferences, and weddings. You can offer your services on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr or even start your own event planning business. It’s a great way to make money while using your organizational and creativity skills.
Event planning is a great way to turn your organizational skills and creativity into a business. Plus, it’s a great way to gain experience in the field of event planning and coordination. And, with the rise of social media, there’s a growing need for high-quality events that can help businesses and individuals connect with their target audience.
Pros
- Allows you to monetize your organizational and creativity skills by planning events for businesses and individuals.
- Gives you the opportunity to gain experience in the field of event planning and coordination.
Cons
- Requires a certain level of skill and knowledge in event planning and coordination.
- May not be suitable for those who are not interested in event planning or not comfortable with coordinating large events.
13. Voice-over
Voice-over is a great side hustle for teens with an interest in acting and public speaking. Many businesses and individuals are in need of voice-over services for their videos, commercials, and audio recordings. It’s a great way to make money while using your acting and public speaking skills.
Voice-over is a great way to turn your acting and public speaking talents into a business. Plus, it’s a great way to gain experience in the field of voice-over and audio production. And, with the rise of digital media and video marketing, there’s a growing need for high-quality voice-over services.
Pros
- Allows you to monetize your acting and public speaking skills by recording voice-overs for businesses and individuals.
- Gives you the opportunity to gain experience in the field of voice-over and audio production.
Cons
- Requires a certain level of skill and dedication to create high-quality voice-over recordings that are engaging and informative.
- May not be suitable for those who are not interested in acting or not comfortable with public speaking.
14. YouTube Channel
If you enjoy creating content and have a unique perspective or talent, starting a YouTube channel can be a great side hustle for you. You can create videos on a variety of topics such as
reviews, vlogs, comedy skits, and more. With a large following, you can monetize your channel through advertising, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. It’s a great way to make money while doing something you love and sharing your talents with the world.
Starting a YouTube channel is a great way to turn your interests and talents into a business. Plus, it’s a great way to gain experience in the field of content creation and digital marketing. And, with the rise of video content and the accessibility of YouTube, it’s easier than ever to reach a global audience.
Pros
- Allows you to monetize your unique perspective and talents by creating videos and growing a following on YouTube.
- Gives you the opportunity to gain experience in the field of content creation and digital marketing.
Cons
- Requires a certain level of skill and dedication in video production and editing to create high-quality content.
- May not be suitable for those who are not interested in creating content or not comfortable with video production and editing.
15. Lawn Care Service
If you enjoy being outdoors and have an interest in landscaping and lawn care, starting a lawn care service can be a great side hustle for you. You can offer services such as mowing, trimming, and fertilizing to homeowners in your neighborhood. It’s a great way to make money while getting some exercise and fresh air.
Starting a lawn care service is a great way to turn your interests and skills into a business. Plus, it’s a great way to gain experience in the field of landscaping and lawn care. And, with the rise of online platforms like TaskRabbit and Thumbtack, it’s easier than ever to connect with potential customers.
Pros
- Allows you to make money while getting some exercise and fresh air.
- Gives you the opportunity to gain experience in the field of landscaping and lawn care.
Cons
- Requires a certain level of skill and dedication to provide high-quality services that meet the customer’s needs.
- May not be suitable for those who are not interested in lawn care or not comfortable with manual labor.
Which is the best one for you?
There are many side hustles available as a teen that can help you earn extra money and gain valuable skills and experience. From online surveys, to virtual assistant work, to pet-sitting and dog-walking, to graphic design or voice-over, there’s something on this list for everyone.
If I was a teen and had to choose one to start, I’d go with Online surveys like Swagbucks, these have a very low barrier to entry and can be started immediately from the comfort of your home.
So, don’t be afraid to try something new and start hustling today! Whether you’re interested in making money while gaming, creating content, or working with your hands, there’s a side hustle out there for you. With a little effort and dedication, you can turn your passion into a profitable business.