Best Side Hustles For Teens: 14 Ways To Earn $47/hr+ In 2024
Last Updated on July 17, 2024 by John Cirelly
If you’re a teen, finding a side hustle can be hard, especically since many platforms want you to be 18+.
Below are some of the best side hustles for teens based on simplicity, pay, and popularity.
1. Do Simple Tasks on Swagbucks
Swagbucks is one of the few apps where you only need to be 13 years old. This makes it accessible for younger teens that want to start earning a little extra money.
The average time investment is about an hour a day. You’ll get paid once you’ve accumulated enough points, usually on a weekly basis.
Getting Started
To get started, sign up on the Swagbucks website or download the app. Start with simple tasks like watching videos or taking surveys to build up your points quickly.
Be consistent and set aside a specific time each day for these activities. Stay focused on tasks that offer higher points to maximize your earnings.
If you want more details on how Swagbucks works and what you’ll earn, check out my Swagbucks review.
What You’ll Earn
Teens can expect to earn about $10 to $20 a week on Swagbucks. The exact amount depends on the time spent and the tasks completed.
Those who dedicate more time can see higher earnings. Keep in mind that some tasks pay more than others.
2. Getting Paid To Play Games
Cash Giraffe and Mistplay are apps that pay you to play games. Both apps reward you with points that can be converted into gift cards or cash.
The time investment varies depending on how much you play. You’ll usually get paid every week or so, once you reach the minimum payout threshold.
Getting Started
Download Cash Giraffe or Mistplay from the app store. Create an account and start playing the recommended games to earn points.
Focus on games that offer higher rewards. Regularly check for new games to keep your earnings steady.
What You’ll Earn
Playing games on these apps can earn teens around $10 to $30 a week. Earnings depend on the time and effort put into playing.
Some games offer more points than others. Be strategic about which games you choose to maximize your income.
3. Flipping Garage Sale Items
Flipping garage sale items involves buying items at low prices and selling them for a profit. It’s a great way to make money if you enjoy bargain hunting.
The average time investment includes weekends for shopping and evenings for listing items online. Payment varies based on sales, but you can often make sales weekly.
Getting Started
Start by visiting local garage sales or thrift stores. Look for items that are undervalued but in good condition.
List these items on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Take clear photos and write detailed descriptions to attract buyers.
What You’ll Earn
Teens can expect to earn around $50 to $100 a week from flipping garage sale items. The amount varies based on the items you find and sell.
High-demand items can boost your earnings significantly. Consistent effort in finding and listing items will lead to steady income.
4. Sell Etsy Printables
Selling printables on Etsy is a creative way to earn money. You can design and sell digital downloads like planners, stickers, and art prints. This is a great Etsy side hustle because you don’t have to ship physical products.
The time investment is mostly upfront in creating the designs. Payment is received every time a customer purchases your printable.
Getting Started
Create an Etsy account and set up your shop. Use design software like Canva to create your printables.
Upload your designs to Etsy with detailed descriptions and appealing images. Promote your shop on social media to attract more buyers.
What You’ll Earn
Teens can earn between $20 to $50 a week selling Etsy printables. Earnings depend on the popularity of your designs and how well you market your shop.
High-quality, unique designs tend to sell better. Regularly adding new designs can keep your shop active and profitable.
5. Walking Dogs and Pet Sitting
Using the Rover app, teens can offer dog walking and pet sitting services. It’s perfect for animal lovers and can be a flexible job.
The average time investment depends on the number of clients and the duration of each walk or pet sitting session. Payments are usually received after the service is completed.
Getting Started
Download the Rover app and create a profile. Highlight any experience you have with pets to attract clients.
Set your availability and rates based on your schedule. Respond promptly to requests to build a good reputation.
What You’ll Earn
Teens can earn around $50 to $100 a week with dog walking and pet sitting. The exact amount depends on the number of clients and services provided.
Regular clients can increase your earnings. Providing excellent care can lead to repeat business and referrals.
6. Mowing Lawns or Shoveling Snow
Offering lawn mowing or snow shoveling services is a seasonal but profitable job. It requires physical effort but pays well.
The time investment is based on the size of the job and the number of clients. You’ll usually get paid immediately after the job is done.
Getting Started
Start by offering your services to neighbors and local residents. Invest in basic equipment like a lawn mower or snow shovel.
Set competitive rates based on the average prices in your area. Deliver high-quality service to build a strong client base.
What You’ll Earn
Teens can earn around $50 to $150 a week from mowing lawns or shoveling snow. Earnings depend on the number of clients and the frequency of jobs.
Larger lawns or driveways can increase your income. It’s not unreasonable to charge between $40-$60 per cut. Reliable and efficient service will help you gain more clients and seasonal repeat business.
7. Selling 3D Prints
Printing and selling 3D models, especially popular figurines, can be a profitable hobby. Teens can use AI tools like Meshy to create unique designs, even if they’re not artistic.
The time investment includes designing and printing the models. Payments are received once the items are sold, typically through platforms like Etsy.
Getting Started
Get a 3D printer and learn the basics of 3D printing. Use Meshy to create unique 3D models from text prompts.
Set up an Etsy shop to sell your prints. Promote your designs on social media to attract buyers.
What You’ll Earn
Teens can earn between $50 to $200 a week selling 3D prints. Earnings depend on the demand for your designs and the quality of your prints.
Unique and well-made models tend to sell better. Consistent promotion and adding new designs can boost your sales.
8. Tutor Online
Online tutoring is a great way for teens to share their knowledge and make money. It’s flexible and can be done from home.
The time investment varies based on the number of students and sessions. Payments are usually received weekly or per session.
Getting Started
Sign up on tutoring platforms like Chegg or Tutor.com. Create a detailed profile highlighting your strengths and subjects you can tutor.
Set your availability and rates. Market your services to reach more students.
What You’ll Earn
Teens can earn around $15 to $30 per hour tutoring online. Weekly earnings depend on the number of sessions conducted.
Regular students can provide a steady income. High ratings and positive feedback can attract more clients.
9. Sell Your School Notes
Selling school notes on platforms like StudyPool can be an easy way to earn money. It’s perfect for students who take detailed notes.
The time investment involves uploading notes and interacting with buyers. Payments are received each time your notes are purchased.
Getting Started
Sign up on StudyPool and create an account. Upload your best school notes and study guides.
Ensure your notes are clear and well-organized. Respond to buyer questions to increase your sales.
What You’ll Earn
Teens can earn around $10 to $50 a week selling school notes. Earnings depend on the demand for your notes and the number of sales.
High-quality and comprehensive notes tend to sell better. Consistently uploading new notes can increase your earnings.
10. Detail Vehicles
Detailing vehicles involves cleaning and polishing cars inside and out. It’s a hands-on job that can be done on weekends or after school.
The time investment depends on the size and condition of the vehicle. Teens can offer this service in their neighborhood.
Getting Started
Start by offering your services to family and friends. Invest in quality cleaning supplies and tools.
Set competitive rates based on the services you offer. Provide excellent service to get repeat customers and referrals.
What You’ll Earn
Teens can earn around $50 to $100 per vehicle detailed. Weekly earnings depend on the number of cars you work on.
Larger or more detailed jobs can increase your income. Consistent, high-quality work will attract more clients.
11. Offer Baby Sitting Services
Babysitting is a popular job for teens and can be flexible. It involves taking care of children while parents are away.
The time investment varies based on the needs of each family. Payments are usually received after each babysitting session.
Getting Started
Offer your babysitting services to neighbors and family friends. Take a basic first aid course to increase your credibility.
Set your availability and rates. Build a good reputation by being reliable and caring.
What You’ll Earn
Teens can earn around $10 to $20 per hour babysitting. Weekly earnings depend on the number of hours worked.
Regular families can provide steady income. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth can help you get more clients.
12. Offer Junk Removal Services
Offering junk removal services is great if you have access to a truck or van. Many people need help getting rid of unwanted items.
It’s physical work but can pay well. It’s a service in high demand, especially during spring cleaning.
Getting Started
First, you’ll need a vehicle and a driver’s license. If your parents have a truck, you can borrow, that’s even better.
Advertise your junk removal services with flyers or social media. Offer competitive rates to attract clients.
Start with small jobs to gain experience. Provide excellent service to build a good reputation and get referrals.
What You’ll Earn
Teens can earn around $50 to $200 a week offering junk removal services. The amount depends on the number and size of the jobs.
Larger items and more clients can increase earnings. Consistent, reliable service can lead to more opportunities.
13. Offer Graphic Design Services
Graphic design is a valuable skill that can earn teens money. You can create logos, posters, and social media graphics.
Many businesses and individuals need these services. It’s flexible and can fit around your school schedule.
Getting Started
Learn basic graphic design using free tools like Canva. Create a portfolio of your work to show potential clients.
Advertise your services on social media and freelance platforms. Offer competitive rates to attract your first clients.
What You’ll Earn
Teens can expect to earn around $50 to $150 a week easily starting a graphic design side hustle. The amount depends on the number of clients and projects completed.
Higher-paying projects can boost your earnings. Building a strong portfolio can lead to more opportunities.
14. Start a Faceless YouTube Channel
Starting a faceless YouTube channel is a creative way to earn money. You don’t need to show your face; focus on content like tutorials or reviews.
It’s flexible and can fit into your schedule. With good content, you can attract many viewers.
Getting Started
Choose a niche you are passionate about. Create quality content using screen recordings or animations.
Promote your channel on social media to gain subscribers. Consistently upload videos to keep your audience engaged.
What You’ll Earn
Teens can start to earn around $20 to $100 a week from a faceless YouTube channel. Earnings come from ad revenue and sponsorships. The amount depends on the number of views and subscribers. Popular channels can earn significantly more over time.
What Side Hustles Can You Do At 17?
At 17, you can make money staight from your phone by doing simple tasks on Swagbucks, doing surveys on Cash Giraffe, and play testing games on Mistplay.
You can also offer pet sitting or dog walking services in your neighborhood, leveraging platforms like Rover or Wag! to find clients.
Freelance writing is another great option, where you can write articles or blog posts for websites through platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.
If you have a talent for design, creating logos and social media graphics can be profitable on Etsy. Additionally, you can resell thrifted or garage sale finds for a profit on eBay or Depop.
My Final Thoughts
As a teen, your options for side hustles are definitely more limited. But you have a secret weapon.
Time.
Explore different side hustles based on your goals. For instance, if you want to make a few hundred dollars monthly, consider testing games or doing simple tasks through Swagbucks.
If you want to earn more, consider starting a YouTube channel or launching a podcast.
No matter what you choose, start small, stay consistent, and watch your earnings grow. These opportunities can help teens learn responsibility and financial independence.
