As a teenager, you’re probably looking for ways to earn extra cash. Whether it’s to save up for a new gadget, contribute to college funds, or simply have a bit of spending money, there are plenty of opportunities available. Here are 20 best side hustles for teenagers that you can consider, both online and offline:
1. Freelance Writing: If you have a knack for writing, freelance writing can be a lucrative option. This is one of the best side hustles for teenagers and there’s no doubt why. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer connect writers with clients seeking content for blogs, websites, and more.
- Niche Down: Instead of being a generalist writer, focus on a specific niche like technology, finance, or travel. This will make you more valuable to clients and increase your earning potential.
- Build a Portfolio: Create a portfolio showcasing your best writing samples. This will help you attract clients and demonstrate your skills.
- Network with Other Writers: Connect with other freelance writers on social media and in online communities. This can help you find new opportunities and learn from others.
2. Web Development: While it may require learning basic coding skills, web development can be a highly profitable endeavor. Platforms like Wix and Weebly offer tools to create websites, while more advanced developers can use languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Start with a Free Website Builder: Platforms like Wix and Weebly offer free plans that allow you to create basic websites. This is a great way to get started and learn the basics of web development.
- Take Online Courses: There are many online courses available that can teach you how to code. Some popular options include Codecademy, Udemy, and Coursera.
- Build a Portfolio of Websites: As you learn to code, start building a portfolio of websites that you’ve created. This will help you attract clients and demonstrate your skills.
3. Graphic Design: If you have a creative eye and enjoy designing visuals, graphic design can be a great way to make money. Platforms like Canva and Adobe Illustrator can help you create designs for logos, social media graphics, and more.
- Learn Graphic Design Software: Adobe Illustrator is the industry standard for graphic design. However, there are also many other affordable options available, such as Canva and Affinity Designer.
- Create a Portfolio of Your Work: As you learn graphic design, start building a portfolio of your work. This will help you attract clients and demonstrate your skills.
- Network with Other Designers: Connect with other graphic designers on social media and in online communities. This can help you find new opportunities and learn from others.
4. Virtual Assistant: Virtual assistants provide administrative support to clients remotely. Tasks can include scheduling appointments, managing emails, and conducting research.
- Get Certified as a Virtual Assistant: There are several certifications available that can help you stand out as a virtual assistant. Some popular options include the Virtual Assistant Certification Program and the Certified Virtual Assistant Professional.
- Specialize in a Niche: Consider specializing in a particular niche, such as social media management or customer service. This will make you more valuable to clients and increase your earning potential.
- Build a Strong Online Presence: Create a website or blog to showcase your skills and attract clients. You should also be active on social media and build relationships with other professionals in the field.
5. Online Tutoring: If you excel in a particular subject, consider offering tutoring services online. Platforms like TutorMe and Skooli connect tutors with students seeking help.
- Get Certified as a Tutor: There are several certifications available that can help you stand out as a tutor. Some popular options include the Certified Tutor Credential and the National Tutoring Association Certification.
- Specialize in a Subject: Consider specializing in a particular subject, such as math, science, or English. This will make you more valuable to students and increase your earning potential.
- Create Marketing Materials: Create marketing materials, such as flyers and social media posts, to promote your tutoring services. You should also consider creating a website or blog to showcase your skills and attract students.
6. Social Media Management: Social media managers help businesses manage their online presence. Tasks can include creating content, engaging with followers, and running advertising campaigns.
- Get Certified in Social Media Marketing: There are several certifications available that can help you stand out as a social media manager. Some popular options include the Social Media Marketing Certification and the Certified Social Media Manager.
- Specialize in a Platform: Consider specializing in a particular social media platform, such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. This will make you more valuable to clients and increase your earning potential.
- Build a Portfolio of Your Work: As you learn social media management, start building a portfolio of your work. This can include case studies of clients you’ve helped and examples of your social media content.
7. Online Surveys and Microtasks: While the pay may be lower than some other options, completing online surveys and microtasks can be a quick and easy way to earn extra cash. Websites like Swagbucks and Amazon Mechanical Turk offer opportunities.
- Be Patient: It may take some time to accumulate a significant amount of money from online surveys and microtasks. However, it can be a good way to earn extra cash in your spare time.
- Use Multiple Platforms: There are many different websites and apps that offer opportunities to complete online surveys and microtasks. Using multiple platforms can help you maximize your earnings.
- Read the Instructions Carefully: Before starting any online survey or microtask, be sure to read the instructions carefully. This will help you avoid making mistakes and ensure that you get paid correctly.
Offline Opportunities
8. Babysitting: Babysitting is a classic way for teenagers to earn money. You can advertise your services locally or use apps like Care.com.
- Get Certified in CPR and First Aid: This will show parents that you are qualified and responsible.
- Create a Babysitting Kit: Put together a babysitting kit with everything you need, such as games, books, and snacks.
- Network with Parents in Your Community: Talk to parents at school, church, or community events to let them know that you are available for babysitting.
9. Pet Sitting: If you love animals, pet sitting can be a rewarding job. You can care for pets in their homes or offer dog walking services.
- Get Certified in Pet First Aid: This will show pet owners that you are qualified and responsible.
- Create a Pet Sitting Business Card: This will help you promote your services and make it easy for pet owners to contact you.
- Network with Pet Owners in Your Community: Talk to pet owners at the dog park, vet’s office, or community events to let them know that you are available for pet sitting.
10. Lawn Care: During the warmer months, lawn care can be a lucrative option. Services can include mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and raking leaves.
- Get Certified in Lawn Care: This will show customers that you are qualified and knowledgeable.
- Invest in Quality Equipment: Having good equipment will make your job easier and help you provide better service to your customers.
- Build a Customer Base: Start by offering lawn care services to friends, family, and neighbors. Once you have a few satisfied customers, you can start to expand your business.
11. Tutoring (In-Person): In-person tutoring can be more flexible than online tutoring and allows you to build relationships with your students.
- Get Certified as a Tutor: There are several certifications available that can help you stand out as a tutor. Some popular options include the Certified Tutor Credential and the National Tutoring Association Certification.
- Specialize in a Subject: Consider specializing in a particular subject, such as math, science, or English. This will make you more valuable to students and increase your earning potential.
- Network with Schools and Teachers: Reach out to schools and teachers in your area to let them know that you are available for tutoring. You can also offer your services to parents who are looking for tutors for their children.
12. Part-Time Jobs: Retail stores, restaurants, and grocery stores often hire part-time workers. While the pay may not be as high as some other options, these jobs can provide valuable experience and a steady income.
- Apply to Multiple Businesses: Don’t just apply to one or two businesses. The more applications you submit, the better your chances of getting hired.
- Be Prepared for Interviews: Practice answering common interview questions and dress appropriately for your interview.
- Be a Team Player: Retail, restaurant, and grocery store jobs often require teamwork. Be willing to help out your coworkers and be a positive influence on the team.
13. Seasonal Work: Many businesses hire seasonal workers, especially during holidays or peak seasons. Think about industries like retail, hospitality, and agriculture.
- Start Applying Early: Seasonal jobs often fill up quickly, so it’s important to start applying early.
- Be Flexible with Your Schedule: Seasonal jobs often require you to work long hours or on weekends. Be prepared to be flexible with your schedule.
- Take Advantage of Training Opportunities: Many seasonal jobs offer training opportunities. Take advantage of these opportunities to learn new skills and advance your career.
16. Content Creation: If you enjoy creating videos, podcasts, or blog posts, you can monetize your content through platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or Patreon.
- Niche Down: Instead of creating general content, focus on a specific niche like gaming, beauty, or technology. This will help you attract a dedicated audience and increase your earning potential.
- Build a Following: Promote your content on social media and other online platforms to build a following. Engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages.
- Monetize Your Content: Once you have a significant following, you can monetize your content through ads, sponsorships, or paid subscriptions.
17. App Development: If you have coding skills, you can create and sell your own apps on platforms like the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Learn to Code: There are many online courses and resources available to teach you how to code. Some popular options include Codecademy, Udemy, and Coursera.
- Create a Unique App: Your app should offer something new or different that people will want to use. Consider solving a problem or providing a service that is not already available.
- Market Your App: Once your app is ready, you need to market it to potential users. This can be done through social media, app store optimization, and paid advertising.
Offline Opportunities
18. Event Planning: If you’re organized and enjoy planning events, you can offer your services to individuals or businesses.
- Get Certified in Event Planning: There are several certifications available that can help you stand out as an event planner. Some popular options include the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and the Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP).
- Network with Venues and Vendors: Build relationships with local venues and vendors, such as caterers, florists, and DJs. This will help you find the best deals for your clients.
- Create a Portfolio of Your Work: As you plan events, create a portfolio showcasing your work. This can include photos, videos, and testimonials from satisfied clients.
19. Car Washing and Detailing: If you have a knack for cleaning, you can offer car washing and detailing services to neighbors and friends.
- Invest in Quality Equipment: Having good equipment will make your job easier and help you provide better service to your customers.
- Offer Additional Services: In addition to car washing and detailing, you can also offer other services such as waxing, polishing, and interior cleaning.
- Build a Customer Base: Start by offering your services to friends, family, and neighbors. Once you have a few satisfied customers, you can start to expand your business.
20. Reselling Items: If you’re good at finding deals, you can buy and sell items online or at flea markets.
- Find Profitable Items: Look for items that are in high demand but are relatively inexpensive to purchase. This could include clothing, electronics, or collectibles.
- Source Items: You can find items to resell at thrift stores, garage sales, online marketplaces, or even from friends and family.
- Create a Strong Online Presence: If you’re selling items online, it’s important to have a strong online presence. This includes having a well-designed website or social media page.
Conclusion
Those were the best side hustles for teenagers. While this is a comprehensive article and does include a quite a few different side hustles, it’s good to choose a couple.
If you try all of them, most likely you will get overwhelmed and end up quiting in 2 weeks. While these are the best side hustles for teenagers and each of these side hustles can make you money, it’s important to note that you still need to put time and effort into these and they will require consistency and patience along the way.