18 Best Side Hustles for Teens to Make Extra Money in 2026

What if you could fund your own car, pay for college extras, or build your first savings account — all before you turn 18? That’s not a dream for someone else. That’s exactly what thousands of American teens are doing right now with side hustles. Whether you’ve got a few hours after school or a free summer ahead, this guide breaks down the 18 best side hustles for teens — ranked for real results, not just wishful thinking.

Why Side Hustles for Teens Are a Game-Changer in 2025

The teen economy is booming. According to a 2024 Junior Achievement USA report, over 60% of American teens say they wish they had more financial literacy — and nearly half want to start their own business someday. Side hustles aren’t just about pocket money anymore; they’re about building real-world skills like time management, customer service, and basic accounting that no classroom fully teaches.

Plus, many of today’s best side hustles for teens are flexible enough to work around your school schedule, extracurriculars, and even summer break. Let’s dive in.

Best Online Jobs for Teens: Earn Cash From Your Bedroom

The internet is the great equalizer. These work-from-home teen jobs require nothing more than a laptop, Wi-Fi, and the drive to get started.

1. Freelance Writing for Teens

If you can string a compelling sentence together, businesses will pay you for it. Platforms like Upwork connect teens (16+) with small businesses needing blog posts, product descriptions, and social media copy. Beginner writers typically earn $10–$25 per article, while experienced teen writers can charge $50+ per piece. It’s one of the top earn cash online for teens opportunities because your only startup cost is your brain.

2. Virtual Assistant Jobs for Teens

Entrepreneurs and small business owners are drowning in emails, calendar management, and social media scheduling. That’s where you come in. As a virtual assistant, you handle the tasks they don’t have time for — and earn $12–$20/hour doing it. Search for virtual assistant jobs on Indeed or Upwork, and highlight your organizational skills and tech savviness in your profile.

3. Social Media Manager — Teen Side Hustle Idea That Pays Well

Here’s a secret most adults don’t know: local businesses desperately need teens who understand TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Pinterest trends. If you’re already living on social media, you might as well get paid for it. Charge local restaurants, boutiques, or real estate agents $200–$500/month to manage their accounts. You’ll be posting, engaging, and growing their following — skills most business owners your parents’ age simply don’t have.

4. Selling Digital Products Online — Niche Opportunity

Design a study planner, a budget template, or a custom Notion dashboard — then sell it on Etsy. Digital products are a “create once, earn forever” model. Once uploaded, Etsy handles the delivery automatically. Teens with Canva skills or a flair for design consistently earn $200–$1,000/month from digital downloads alone.

5. Online Course Creation on Udemy or YouTube

Are you a straight-A student in calculus? A self-taught guitarist? An expert at Roblox game design? Package that knowledge into a video course on Udemy or build a YouTube channel around it. YouTube monetization kicks in at 1,000 subscribers — and many teen creators reach that milestone within six months. Online course creation is one of the most scalable teen side hustle ideas available today.

Best Side Hustles for Teens: Classic Local Gigs That Still Pay

Not everything has to be done online. These neighborhood-based side hustles are tried-and-true for American teens — and many pay cash on the spot.

6. Babysitting Jobs for Teens — Timeless and High-Demand

Babysitting is one of the most in-demand side hustles in suburban America. Parents in neighborhoods across the country are always searching for responsible, trustworthy teens. Set up a profile on Care.com and charge $15–$20/hour. Getting a babysitter certification through the American Red Cross adds credibility and lets you charge more. This is one of the best ways to earn money in school because you can babysit on weekends and keep weeknights free for homework.

7. Start a Dog Walking Business Using Rover

Americans own 90 million dogs. That’s 90 million potential clients. A dog walking business is one of the most enjoyable and physically active side hustles for teens. Create a profile on Rover, set your own rates ($15–$30/walk), and build a client roster in your ZIP code. With just 5 regular clients, you can earn $300–$600/month walking dogs before and after school.

8. Start a Tutoring Business for Teens in Your Community

Are you the kid your class turns to when the teacher isn’t looking? Turn that knowledge into a tutoring business for teens in your neighborhood. Subjects like SAT prep, algebra, and English composition are always in demand among K-12 families. Advertise at local schools, libraries, and on Nextdoor. Charge $20–$50/hour depending on subject and demand. If you’re 18+, expand to platforms like Wyzant or Tutor.com for even more reach.

9. Lawn Mowing and Yard Work — Classic Teen Side Hustle Idea

This is how most American teens made their first $20 — and it still works perfectly. Charge $25–$60 per yard depending on size. In winter, pivot to driveway shoveling or salting. Market your services on Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, or by dropping flyers in your neighborhood. With 10 recurring customers, you can pull in $400–$600 per month during mowing season.

10. Mobile Car Washing — Low Startup, High Return

Startup cost: under $30. Bring your own supplies — soap, rags, a handheld vacuum, and window cleaner — and use the client’s hose. Charge $20–$50 per car depending on interior detailing. Offer a monthly subscription deal (2 washes for $70) to lock in recurring income. This is one of the fastest ways to make extra money on weekends.

Creative & Niche Side Hustles for Teens Who Think Outside the Box

These opportunities reward creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to stand out.

11. Print-on-Demand T-Shirts — Low Risk, Creative Fun

You design it. They print it. You earn a commission. Platforms like Redbubble and Printful let teens upload original art or graphic designs onto t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more. There’s zero inventory risk — you only get paid when someone buys. Teens with a knack for pop culture humor, sports references, or school pride graphics tend to do especially well.

12. Stock Photography on Shutterstock — Get Paid for Your Shots

Got a good eye and a decent smartphone? Upload high-quality photos to Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Getty Images and earn royalties every time someone downloads your image. Focus on lifestyle photography, nature, food, or anything related to your local area. It’s passive income that builds over time — one of the best niche opportunities for teen entrepreneurs.

13. Retail Arbitrage — Buy Low, Sell High on Amazon or eBay

This is low-key one of the smartest business models teens can start today. Retail arbitrage means buying clearance items at Target, Walmart, or TJ Maxx and reselling them for a profit on Amazon or eBay. Use the Amazon Seller App to scan barcodes in-store and instantly see what an item sells for online. Many teen resellers earn $300–$1,000+/month once they learn what categories move fast.

14. Start a Cottage Bakery — A Delicious Side Hustle

Most US states allow teens to sell homemade baked goods under cottage food laws, usually with a parent or guardian as a co-owner. Custom birthday cakes, holiday cookies, and allergen-friendly treats command premium prices. Advertise on Instagram and at local farmers markets. Check your state’s Secretary of State website for cottage food regulations specific to your area.

15. Make and Sell Crafts on Etsy — Turn Hobbies Into Cash

Handmade jewelry, macramé, stickers, bookmarks, keychains — if you can make it, Etsy buyers will find it. The key is great product photos and keyword-rich titles. Many teen Etsy shop owners report making their first $100 within the first two weeks of launching.

How to Make Money as a Teen Without Much Experience

These side hustles are great entry points — perfect for learning how the gig economy works before you level up.

16. Take Online Surveys with Survey Junkie or Swagbucks

Let’s be real — surveys won’t make you rich. But they’re one of the easiest ways for teens 13+ to earn a few extra dollars during downtime. Platforms like Survey Junkie and Swagbucks pay out via PayPal or gift cards. Swagbucks even pays you to watch videos, play games, and shop online. Think of it as getting rewarded for screen time you’d waste anyway.

17. House Sitting and Remote Customer Service Jobs for Teens

House sitting pays $25–$75/day for simply being present in someone’s home while they travel. Advertise on Care.com or through neighborhood networks. Meanwhile, companies like U-Haul have historically hired teens for remote customer service roles — a legitimate work from home teen job that teaches professional communication skills.

18. Work as a Camp Counselor — Summer-Only, School-Friendly

Summer camp counselor jobs are perfect for teens who want structured income without touching their school-year schedule. Search SummerCamps.com or contact your local YMCA or church camps. Counselors typically earn $1,500–$3,500 for a full summer season, plus free meals and accommodations in many cases.

Ways to Earn Money in School Without Killing Your GPA

School always comes first. But that doesn’t mean earning money has to wait. The secret is choosing side hustles that work around your schedule, not against it. Here’s how to make it work:

• Set a weekly cap on work hours — most teen financial experts recommend no more than 10–15 hours/week during the school year.
• Choose async side hustles (freelance writing, digital products, surveys) for school nights — no one’s waiting on you.
• Reserve local gigs like babysitting, dog walking, and lawn care for weekends.
• Use tools like Google Calendar or a simple planner to block homework time before scheduling client work.

What Should Teens Do With Their Extra Money?

Earning money is step one. Keeping and growing it is the real game. Here’s the simple 50/30/20 rule adapted for teens:

• 50% to savings (emergency fund, car, college, or a future business)
• 30% to spending (clothes, entertainment, personal needs)
• 20% to reinvestment (tools, courses, supplies for your side hustle)

Also note: if you earn more than $400 in a year from self-employment, the IRS requires you to report it. Speak with a parent or guardian about setting up a teen savings account or Roth IRA (yes, teens can open one!) to maximize your earnings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Side Hustles for Teens

How to Make Money as a 13-Year-Old?

Great news — 13-year-olds can legally earn money in the US through babysitting, lawn care, selling items online, pet care, and completing surveys on platforms like Swagbucks (which allows users 13+). Just have a parent or guardian involved for any contracts or account setups.

What Are the Best Part-Time Jobs for Teens?

The best part-time jobs for teens balance decent hourly pay with schedule flexibility. Top picks include: retail jobs at Target or local stores, food service at restaurants or coffee shops, library assistant positions, and lifeguard jobs (if certified). Most start at $10–$15/hour depending on your state’s minimum wage laws.

Do Teens Need to Pay Taxes on Side Hustle Income?

Yes — self-employment income above $400/year is taxable in the US, regardless of age. Keep track of what you earn and spend on your hustle. Consider using a free tool like IRS Free File when filing, or ask a parent to help. Starting good tax habits early is one of the best financial skills you can build.

Quick Side Hustle Comparison: Best Teen Side Hustle Ideas at a Glance

Use this quick reference to find the right hustle for your skills and schedule:

Side Hustle	Est. Earnings	Online/Local	Min. Age
Babysitting	$15–$20/hr	Local	13+
Dog Walking (Rover)	$15–$30/walk	Local	18+ on Rover
Freelance Writing	$10–$50/article	Online	16+
Social Media Manager	$200–$500/mo	Online	13+
Virtual Assistant	$12–$20/hr	Online	16+
Lawn Mowing	$25–$60/yard	Local	13+
Tutoring	$20–$50/hr	Both	13+
Selling Digital Products	$200–$1K+/mo	Online	13+
Print-on-Demand Tees	Varies	Online	13+
Stock Photography	Passive	Online	18+ (Shutterstock)
Retail Arbitrage	$300–$1K/mo	Both	13+ (with parent)
Surveys (Swagbucks)	$1–$5/hr	Online	13+
Cottage Bakery	Varies	Local	Any (parent req.)
Camp Counselor	$1,500–$3,500/summer	Local	16+

The Bottom Line: Your Best Side Hustle Starts Today

Every successful entrepreneur you’ve ever heard of started somewhere small. The best side hustle for you isn’t the one that makes the most money on paper — it’s the one you’ll actually stick with, learn from, and grow. Whether you’re walking dogs in your neighborhood with Rover, building a digital product empire on Etsy, or tutoring younger kids after school, the point is to start now.

Pick one idea from this list. Give it 30 days. Then come back and pick another. You’ll be amazed what a motivated American teen with a side hustle can accomplish before graduation.