Are you a teen struggling to make ends meet while needing to balance your studies, hobbies, and social life? Here is all the information you need about the best side hustles for teens.
Perhaps you constantly ask your parents for additional allowance but still need more to cover your expenses. You’re not alone. You may need more money to buy the latest sneakers, pay for a trip with friends, or save for college. There are numerous options to earn cash while still keeping up with schoolwork.
This article shares 50 side hustles for teens looking to make smart money. So buckle up, get ready to take some notes, and let’s dive into the world of side hustling!
Side Hustles for Teens – Online Jobs
1. Blogging/Vlogging
Blogging and vlogging can be significant side hustles for teens who love to write or create videos. With the rise of social media, it’s easier than ever to start a blog or YouTube channel and share your passion with the world.
Estimated pay varies greatly, but famous bloggers and vloggers can earn significantly through ad revenue, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing. The time required is flexible, depending on how often you want to post new content. Some platforms may require users to be at least 13 years old to create an account, so check their terms and conditions.
When you want to be blogging more professionally and want to increase the odds of you making money, there’s a way to do that. With Bluehost, you can start blogging for $65 per year – and get a free domain name as a temporary freebie.
2. Survey Junkie
Among the best survey sites available, Survey Junkie is one of the most popular sites where you can earn money by taking part in surveys on various topics. Choose your surveys and earn points that can be redeemed for cash or gift cards. Check our complete Survey Junkie review for more details.
3. Swagbucks
Another survey option is Swagbucks, which offers a range of options to earn money, including taking surveys, watching videos, and playing games. With Swagbucks, you can earn points redeemable for cash or other prizes. For more details, check our full Swagbucks review here.
Sign up now and get your $5 welcome bonus.
4. InboxDollars
InboxDollars pays you to read emails and take surveys. You can earn cash, discounts, and coupons for various products and services. Read more in our complete InboxDollars review.
Use our link and get a $5 signup bonus.
5. LifePoints
LifePoints offers a mobile app and a community forum where members can exchange tips and ideas. The platform offers an estimated pay range of $0.50 to $3 per survey, depending on the length and complexity.
Sign up here if you are from:
6. Branded Surveys
Branded Surveys is a platform that lets you earn while sharing your opinions on various products and services. With an estimated payment of $0.50 to $3 per survey, you can earn approximately $10 per hour.
7. Toluna
Toluna is a popular survey site that pays you for taking surveys and participating in focus groups. With a flexible schedule and an expected remuneration of $1 to $5 per survey, this side hustle is perfect for teens who want to earn extra cash in their free time.
8. Vindale Research
Vindale Research rewards you for completing surveys, watching videos, and reading emails. The estimated pay varies depending on the activity, but you can make anywhere from $0.25 to $50 per task.
Side Hustles for Teens – Delivery
9. Postmates
With Postmates, you can deliver food, groceries, and retail items straight to people’s doors. This gig gives you complete control over your schedule. As for the estimated pay, it varies but typically ranges from $8-15 per hour.
10. DoorDash
DoorDash is specifically for delivering restaurant orders to hungry patrons. You’ll need a car, a valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance to qualify. With the pay being $15-$25 per hour, you’ll see your savings go up soon enough.
Compare how DoorDash fares against PostMates in our full Postmates vs. DoorDash review.
11. Instacart
With Instacart, you can make up to $20 per hour working flexible hours that fit your schedule. As a shopper, you’ll use the app to select and pack customer orders at a local store before delivering them to their door.
12. Shipt
Shipt boasts a higher estimated pay rate of up to $22 per hour but requires you to be at least 18 years old to sign up as a Shipt Shopper. With Shipt, you’ll need to communicate directly with customers to personalize their orders and ensure their satisfaction.
13. UberEats
As an Uber Eats driver, you’ll use your car or bike to deliver food from local restaurants to hungry customers. You can earn an estimated $10-$15 per hour, depending on the time of day and demand. Plus, at 18 years old or older, you meet the age requirement to sign up.
14. Grubhub
Grubhub offers a similar opportunity to earn money as a delivery driver, with an estimated pay of around $13-$17 per hour. You need to be 19 years old or older to sign up for Grubhub, but there are no other significant requirements beyond a reliable mode of transportation and a friendly attitude.
Side Hustles for Teens – Odd Jobs
15. Pet Sitting
Among the best options for animal-loving teens is pet-sitting through platforms like Rover. This platform allows you to connect with pet owners who need someone to watch their furry friends while they’re away.
With estimated pay ranging from $30-$100+ per night, it can be a lucrative gig for responsible teens. While requirements vary by the owner, most require pet sitters to have experience working with pets and be at least 18 years old.
16. Babysitting
Babysitting is a classic job for teens seeking extra cash. It offers a flexible schedule and a great way to build connections in your community.
Hourly rates can vary depending on the client-family but reports state that the average is around $15 per hour. However, babysitters must be at least 13 years old and have some basic childcare experience.
17. Lawn Mowing
With flexible hours and being able to work outdoors in the fresh air, lawn mowing is an excellent way to earn during the warmer months. With an estimated wage of $25-$50 per job, depending on the lawn size, you can quickly add to your savings.
You can ask people to mow their laws around your neighborhood, making it an excellent option for teens.
18. Shoveling Snow
Shoveling snow may be a lucrative side hustle in the colder months. Many people dread shoveling their driveways and sidewalks, so offering your services can be a win-win situation. With an estimated payment of $15-$25 per hour, it’s an effective way to earn money.
19. House Cleaning
You don’t need any experience in house cleaning, just a willingness to learn and do a thorough job. Depending on the cleaning tasks required and the size of the house, the pay varies, but expect to make from $15 to $20 an hour. The time commitment is typically flexible and can be scheduled around your school and extracurricular activities.
20. Running Errands
If cleaning isn’t your thing, but you still want to earn extra cash, offering your services for errand running might be your perfect side hustle. Running errands can get you paid from $10-$25 per task, depending on the distance traveled and the nature of the errand.
This job is an excellent opportunity for teens with a driver’s license and reliable transportation looking for a flexible work schedule.
21. Car Washing/Detailing
Teens can offer services to busy neighbors or advertise on social media to clean and shine up cars. The estimated payment for this can be anywhere from $20-$75 per car, depending on the extent of the work.
As for time and age requirements, this job can be done evenings and weekends after school hours and typically requires a minimum age of 16.
22. Photography
Whether it’s snapping photos of events, landscapes, or people, there are endless opportunities to showcase photography skills and earn some cash.
Depending on the quality of the photographer’s work, you can make anywhere from $25-$200 per session or gig. There are also some sites where you can sell photos online and get paid when people download your images.
Side Hustles for Teens – Gaming
23. Mistplay
Mistplay is a unique app that rewards you with points for playing games, and these points can be redeemed for gift cards from popular retailers such as Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, and more. Earning range for Mistplay users can vary from $5 to $20 weekly, subject to the amount of time invested in playing games and the particular games opted for.
Read the complete Mistplay review here.
24. Gamehag
Gamehag rewards users for completing gaming-related tasks like downloading games and watching videos. While pay rates vary per task, you can expect to earn anywhere from a few cents to a few dollars.
25. Bananatic
Bananatic offers a similar platform but focuses on testing and reviewing new apps and games. The amount you can earn on Bananatic depends on the tasks you complete, the complexity of the game or app you test, and your overall performance.
Bananas are the currency used on the platform, and you can redeem them for various rewards, including Amazon gift cards, PayPal cash, and more. The number of bananas you earn can range from a few to several hundred per task.
Side Hustles for Teens – Tutoring
26. Online Tutoring
Online tutoring is an excellent option for tech-savvy teens who excel in a subject. With online tutoring, teens can work from home and set schedules to teach others. Online tutors can earn up to $20 per hour, depending on the subject and qualifications.
Check out FlexJobs, Magic Ears, and Preply, among others, for the best tutoring platforms available.
27. Face-to-Face (F2F) Tutoring
F2F tutoring is perfect for teens who enjoy working with people and prefer a more personal approach. With F2F tutoring, teens can meet with clients in person and build a strong connection. F2F tutors can earn up to $30 per hour or more, depending on the subject and level of expertise.
28. Studypool
As a Studypool tutor, you can work whenever you have free time, during breaks or evenings. Best of all, Studypool doesn’t require any prior teaching experience, making it accessible to all teens ready to take on this exciting new challenge.
You can earn $20-$50 per hour, depending on the complexity of the task, which is a great payout for a side hustle.
Side Hustles for Teens – Selling
29. Etsy
Selling on Etsy is a great way to turn your creativity into profit. From handmade crafts to vintage finds, this online marketplace offers a unique platform to showcase your skills, connect with buyers, and make some cash.
30. Facebook Marketplace
Selling on Facebook Marketplace allows you to reach a broader audience in your local community. List items you no longer need, such as clothing or electronics, and watch as interested buyers flock to your virtual storefront.
31. Craigslist
Selling on Craigslist can also be lucrative if you take the necessary safety precautions. Whether offering lawn care services or selling furniture, Craigslist is a popular platform for buying and selling in person. You can also check several alternatives to Craigslist for more options.
32. Poshmark
One option to consider is selling on Poshmark, an online marketplace for fashion and accessories. The unique feature of Poshmark is that it allows sellers to showcase their style and build a following, which can increase sales.
Estimated pay on Poshmark varies depending on the quantity and quality of items sold, but some top sellers have reported making upwards of $10,000 per month. To sign up for Poshmark, users must be at least 18 years old and have a valid US address.
33. Depop
Another option is selling on Depop, a similar platform popular among Gen Z. Depop emphasizes vintage and unique items. Teens can earn up to $2,000 monthly selling on Depop, highlighting photos or videos to showcase their items.
Side Hustles for Teens – Food ServiceÂ
34. McDonald’s
With flexible scheduling and opportunities to learn new skills, working at McDonald’s can range from minimum wage to $10 per hour. Requirements include being at least 16 years old and possessing a positive attitude and strong work ethic.
35. Popeye’s
Popeye’s may be the perfect side hustle for those who prefer a Southern twist. This chain is known for its delicious fried chicken and biscuits, and as team members, teens can learn the ins and outs of the kitchen while earning a paycheck.
Like McDonald’s, pay varies by location, but the estimated hourly rate is around $8-$10. Anyone over 16 years old is eligible.
36. Dunkin Donuts
Not only will you get to indulge in some delicious treats during your shift, but you’ll also gain valuable customer service skills and earn some extra cash. Dunkin Donuts offers flexible scheduling to work around your school schedule, and the pay typically ranges from minimum wage to $12 per hour.
You’ll need to be at least 16 years old and have a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
37. Starbucks
Similarly, working at Starbucks can be a rewarding experience for teens. With a focus on delivering exceptional customer service and crafting the perfect beverage, you’ll learn important skills like time management and communication.
Wages start at minimum wage, and like Dunkin Donuts, you must be at least 16 years old, and a positive attitude is necessary.
38. Chick-Fil-A
At Chick-Fil-A, you’ll be part of a team that values excellence, integrity, and hospitality. The company offers flexible scheduling, so you can fit work around your school and extracurricular activities.
Chick-Fil-A also provides robust training and development programs, so you’ll have all the support you need to succeed. As for pay, you can expect to earn around $9-10 per hour.
39. Burger King
Burger King offers a fast-paced, exciting work environment. You’ll take orders, cook food, and clean up as a crew member. While the job can be demanding, it’s also rewarding, and you’ll pick up valuable skills like time management and teamwork.
The pay at Burger King varies based on location and experience, but most employees make around minimum wage.
40. KFC
As a KFC team member, you’ll take orders, cook food, and maintain a clean work environment. With an estimated pay of around $8-$11 per hour, it’s an excellent option for teens looking to make extra dough.
41. Subway
As a sandwich artist, you’ll create delicious subs and salads while keeping the store clean and organized. The estimated pay for Subway employees is around $8-$11 hourly.
42. Taco Bell
At Taco Bell, you’ll get to work in a fast-paced environment and learn valuable customer service skills. The estimated payment is around minimum wage but with plenty of opportunities for advancement. To work at Taco Bell, you must be at least 16 years old and have a work permit if you are under 18.
Side Hustles for Teens – Shop AssistantÂ
43. 7-11
One potential teen option is working at a convenience store like 7-11. These jobs usually require a friendly attitude and some basic math skills and pay an average of $9-11 per hour.
44. Wawa
As Wawa associates, teens can expect to earn an estimated $9-$12 per hour, depending on their location and experience. The time commitment can also vary, with some teens working part-time or as seasonal associates.
However, it’s important to note that the minimum age requirement to work at Wawa is typically 16 years old, with some states requiring applicants to be 18 years old.
45. Barnes & Noble
Working at a bookstore can be a fun and rewarding experience for those who love books and literature. The estimated pay for Barnes & Noble employees is around $9-$11 per hour, with flexible student scheduling options. To be eligible, applicants must be at least 16 years old.
46. Spencer’s
Known for its quirky and fun products, Spencer’s is a great place for teens who love retail. Employees at Spencer’s typically earn around $8-$10 per hour and enjoy a laid-back work environment. The only requirement is that applicants must be at least 16.
47. FYE
As a retailer specializing in music, movies, and pop culture merchandise, FYE requires that you complete various tasks, including managing inventory, stocking shelves, and helping customers find the perfect item. While the pay may vary depending on location and experience, the company pays an average hourly wage of $7 to $17.
The minimum age to work at FYE is typically 16, and shifts may range from a few hours to upwards of eight.
48. GameStop
Tasks at Gamestop may include helping customers choose the latest game releases, organizing inventory, and completing transactions. The pay varies depending on location and experience. For example, in Washington State, Gamestop pays an average of $10 per hour.
GameStop typically hires employees at least 16 years old, and shifts may range from just a few hours to full-time positions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Side Hustles for Teens
How Can a 16-Year-old Make Side Money?
There exist numerous avenues through which a sixteen-year-old can generate additional income, like selling products on platforms such as Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, or other online marketplaces, utilizing gaming applications like Mistplay or Gamehag, and venturing into blogging or vlogging.
How Can I Make Money If I’m Under 15?
For those under 15, there are still plenty of options to make side money. Consider selling items on Craigslist or Poshmark, testing/reviewing new apps and games with Bananatic, or participating in surveys and focus groups to earn extra cash.
How Can a 13+ Make Money?
There are numerous ways for individuals aged 13 and above to make money, including babysitting, pet sitting or dog walking, lawn mowing or gardening, tutoring, odd jobs, online tasks, selling crafts or products, and exploring local part-time job opportunities.
What Online Side Hustles for Teens Are Available?
Teens have several online side hustles available to earn money. They can participate in paid online surveys or market research studies, online tutoring, or starting a blog. Selling handmade crafts or artwork online on platforms like Etsy and Facebook Marketplace are additional options for teens to explore.
Conclusion – Side Hustles for Teens
Whether you need extra cash to augment your weekly allowance from your parents or save for something expensive, these money-making options will help you do so.
Keep in mind that these side hustles shouldn’t distract you from your studies. Learning to balance school and work can be hard sometimes, but making your own money is so much fun.
Related Reads:
- 20 Best Platforms Where You Can Write And Get Paid Instantly
- 20+ Best Gig Apps To Start Making Money
Marjolein is a financial consultant who has built over €4,000 monthly passive income and saves over 70% of her income. Read Radicals’ inspiring story, from stuck in the 9-to-5 to loving life. Feel free to send Radical a message at the bottom of this page