Creative Side Hustles for Teens to Make Extra Cash - School For Startups (2024)

• Discover top online & in-person side hustles for teens to make extra cash!
• Launch an Etsy shop or start a webstore, offer tutoring services, freelance writing & graphic design plus more
• Gain valuable skills with part time retail jobs, food service roles and summer camp counseling

The digital world offers numerous opportunities for teens to make money online. Some options include:

• Taking surveys
• Creating content (such as writing articles, making videos, or playing video games)
• Managing social media accounts
• Selling products or services online

Discovering the best side hustles is an excellent way to make money, save money, and boost your bank account while pursuing your interests and skills.

Here is more information on some of the best online side hustles for teens.

Ever thought you could make extra cash just by sharing your opinion? Online surveys are a simple and accessible way for teens to earn some extra spending money. Many online survey sites offer paid surveys, with rewards ranging from gift cards to cash payouts. Here are some great options for teens:

• Survey Junkie
• Branded Surveys
• LifePoints
• InboxDollars

These sites cater to different age groups, so make sure to check the age requirements before signing up.

Starting is easy, just sign up for a survey site, complete your profile, and begin completing online surveys. Keep in mind that while you can make a little extra spending money, surveys aren’t likely to replace a full-time job or cover significant expenses. Nonetheless, they’re an easy way to earn money in your free time and potentially receive free gift cards.

If you’re passionate about a topic and love to share your knowledge, content creation might be the perfect side hustle for you. Blogging, YouTube, and podcasting are just a few examples of platforms where you can share your thoughts and ideas with the world. By monetizing your content through ads, sponsorships, or product sales, you could potentially earn over $10,000 per month!

Kick off your content creation journey by selecting a niche you’re passionate about and consistently generating content. As your audience grows, you can explore monetization options like affiliate marketing, sponsored content, or selling your own products. Remember, you must be 18 years old or have an account created by a trusted adult to start monetizing your content.

Social media management is an excellent side hustle for tech-savvy teens. With the growing importance of social media for businesses, you can help companies grow their online presence and earn money in the process. As a social media manager, you’ll manage clients’ social media accounts, create engaging content, and interact with followers.

Your potential earnings can vary, but you could make anywhere from $100 to $1,000 per month. Embarking on a career in social media management is straightforward – create a professional profile that displays your skills and begin making contact with potential clients. Remember, strong communication and customer service skills are a must in this field.

Babysitting is a classic side hustle for teens that never goes out of style. By providing childcare services, you can make extra money while gaining valuable experience working with children. To find babysitting opportunities, you can create a profile on sites like Care.com, ask family and friends for referrals, or advertise your services through social media and local community boards.

As a babysitter, you can expect to earn up to $100 or more for just 5 hours of work, depending on your location and experience. Make sure to obtain any necessary certifications, such as first aid or CPR training, to increase your credibility and set yourself apart from the competition.

If you’re an animal lover, dog walking and pet sitting could be the perfect side hustle for you. These services are in high demand, and clients are often willing to pay well for reliable and trustworthy caregivers. To get started, you can create a profile on a platform like Rover, or simply spread the word among family, friends, and neighbors.

As a dog walker or pet sitter, your earnings can vary based on factors like your location, the number of clients you have, and the services you offer. However, you can potentially make anywhere from a few dollars to $1,000 per month, making it an excellent opportunity for animal-loving teens.

Lawn care and gardening services are especially popular during the warmer months, providing a great opportunity for teens to work outdoors and earn extra cash. To get started, you’ll need some basic equipment like a lawnmower, trimmer, and blower. You can then advertise your services through social media, local community boards, or by simply reaching out to neighbors and friends.

Depending on the type of lawn care services you offer, you could earn between $30 and $70 for basic mowing and trim services. As you gain experience and build a client base, you can also expand your services to include landscaping or garden maintenance, potentially increasing your income even further.

For teens with an entrepreneurial spirit, there are plenty of opportunities to start your own business and develop valuable skills. From opening an Etsy shop to launching an online store or offering tutoring services, the possibilities are endless.

Here are some of the most popular entrepreneurial ventures for teens.

Etsy is an online marketplace providing a platform to showcase handmade items, vintage goods, and craft supplies for sale. It is the perfect place for creative entrepreneurs or small businesses selling unique products to build their brand. Teens aged 13 to 18 can open an Etsy shop with permission and direct supervision from a parent or legal guardian. Creating a successful shop is not an easy task. You’ll need to do things like creating a shop profile, uploading pictures of your products, writing detailed product descriptions, setting prices and establishing payment methods.

The potential earnings from an Etsy shop can vary greatly, but you could make anywhere from $100 to $1,000 per month or more depending on your products and marketing efforts. As your shop grows, you can also explore additional income streams such as offering custom orders or collaborating with other sellers.

Another exciting entrepreneurial venture for teens is launching an online store using platforms like Shopify. With an online store, you can sell your own products or source items from suppliers to sell at a profit. Potential earnings can range from $50 to $5,000+ per month, depending on the products you sell and your marketing efforts.

Initiate your online store by selecting a niche, researching potential suppliers, and developing a visually appealing website. You can then use social media, email campaigns, and other marketing strategies to promote your store and attract customers. As your store grows, you can explore additional income streams such as affiliate marketing, sponsored content, or selling your own digital products.

If you excel in a particular subject, offering online tutoring services can be a rewarding way to share your knowledge and help others succeed academically. As a tutor, you can set your own rates and schedule, making it a flexible side hustle option. You can find clients by promoting your services on social media, relying on word of mouth, or establishing a presence on tutoring platforms like Chegg, Skooli, or Wyzant.

Tutoring can be a lucrative side hustle, with potential earnings varying based on your expertise, subject, experience, and location. As you gain experience and build a client base, you can also explore additional income streams such as creating online courses or offering workshops and seminars.

Freelance writing or graphic design can be an excellent side hustle for teens with a passion for words or visuals. As a freelance writer or designer, you can:

• Work on a per-project basis for clients
• Earn money while honing your creative skills
• Discover freelance opportunities by creating a profile on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Truelancer
• Directly contact online publishers and businesses

Developing a strong portfolio is essential for success in freelance writing or graphic design. Make sure to showcase a variety of writing samples or design projects that demonstrate your range and capabilities. As you gain experience, you can also explore additional income streams such as creating and selling digital products or offering workshops and seminars.

If you have an eye for capturing beautiful moments, photography and videography side hustles might be perfect for you. You can offer your services at events such as weddings, parties, or corporate functions, potentially earning a significant income while working on something you love. Starting out requires a high-quality camera, lenses, and other essential equipment, along with a portfolio displaying your best work.

As a photographer or videographer, your earnings can vary greatly depending on your experience, skills, and the type of work you do. However, with dedication and a little marketing know-how, you can potentially earn an impressive income from your photography or videography side hustle.

Tech-savvy teens with an interest in programming can explore coding and web development as a side hustle. Whether you’re creating websites, designing apps, or building software, there are numerous opportunities to earn money while developing valuable skills. Locate coding and web development jobs by establishing a profile on platforms like Fiverr, Freelancer, or CodaKid, or directly contacting local businesses and startups.

As a teen coder or web developer, your earnings will depend on your level of expertise, skills, and location. However, with dedication and a little marketing know-how, you can potentially earn a substantial income from your coding and web development side hustle.

Part-time jobs can be an excellent way for teens to gain work experience and earn a steady income. From retail positions to food service jobs to summer camp counseling, there are various options that can help you develop valuable skills while earning money.

Let’s examine some popular part-time job options for teens.

Working in retail is a great way for teens to develop customer service skills, work in a team environment, and earn a steady income. Retail positions can include sales associates, cashiers, or stockroom assistants, among others. Seek retail job openings by actively browsing online job search platforms like Indeed or inquiring about job openings for teens at local retail stores.

Retail jobs can offer a variety of benefits, including flexible schedules, employee discounts, and opportunities for growth within the company. However, keep in mind that retail positions may require you to work evenings, weekends, or holidays, depending on the store’s hours and your availability.

Food service jobs can provide teens with valuable experience in a fast-paced environment, often with flexible schedules and potential for tips. Positions in the food service industry can include:

• Waitstaff
• Cashiers
• Line cooks
• Baristas

Search for food service job openings by actively using online job search platforms like Indeed or by contacting local restaurants and cafes about job openings for teens.

Working in food service can help you develop important skills, such as multitasking, communication, and teamwork. Additionally, many food service jobs offer the potential for earning tips, which can help boost your income even further.

If you enjoy working with children and spending time outdoors, a summer camp counselor position might be the perfect part-time job for you. As a camp counselor, you’ll be responsible for supervising campers, leading activities, and ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone at camp. Search for summer camp counselor positions using online job boards or by making direct contact with local camps.

Working as a summer camp counselor can provide you with:

• Valuable leadership experience
• The opportunity to work with children
• A chance to enjoy outdoor activities
• The opportunity to earn money

Keep in mind that camp counselor positions are typically seasonal, so you’ll need to plan accordingly when searching for a part-time job.