In today’s digital age, teenagers have more opportunities than ever to earn extra money. Whether saving up for a big purchase, helping with family expenses, or just wanting financial independence, teen side hustles can be a great way for young people to gain valuable experience while earning an income. The best part? Many of these options don’t require a credit card or significant startup costs.

Here are 10 teen side hustles perfect for young entrepreneurs, along with reasons why they work, their benefits, and potential drawbacks.

1. Babysitting

Babysitting is one of the most common and flexible teen side hustles. Many parents look for responsible young people to watch their kids for a few hours while they work or go out.

Pros:

• Flexible hours (usually evenings and weekends)
• High earning potential, especially in wealthier neighborhoods
• Develops responsibility and childcare skills

Cons:

• Requires patience and trustworthiness
• Can be physically and mentally demanding, especially with young kids
• Irregular income depending on demand

How to Start:

• Ask family, neighbors, and family friends for referrals
• Get CPR or first-aid certified to build credibility
• Advertise in local Facebook groups

For more insight on babysitting, check out this article here.

2. Pet Sitting & Dog Walking

Many pet owners need reliable caregivers when they’re busy or traveling. Teens who love animals can turn pet sitting and dog walking into a fun and profitable gig.

Pros:

• Great for animal lovers
• Flexible schedule
• Low startup costs (only need a leash and waste bags)

Cons:

• Some pets may be difficult to handle
• Irregular work availability
• Can be physically demanding, especially for larger dogs

How to Start:

• Offer services to neighbors and friends
• Create flyers or post on local Facebook pages

Check out the pros and cons of pet sitting here.

3. Tutoring Younger Kids

If your teenager excels in school, tutoring is an excellent teen side hustle that allows them to earn money while reinforcing their own knowledge.

Pros:

• High earning potential (can charge $15-$30 per hour depending on subject and grade level)
• Flexible schedule
• Looks great on college applications

Cons:

• Requires strong subject knowledge
• Some students may be difficult to teach
• Can take time to build a solid client base

How to Start:

• Offer services to younger students at school or in your neighborhood
• Create an ad on platforms like Nextdoor
• Use online tutoring platforms (some allow under-18 tutors with parental consent)

4. Reselling Used Items

Flipping used clothes, electronics, or furniture can be a fun and profitable teen side hustle.

Pros:

• Low to no startup cost (start with items you already own)
• Teaches marketing and business skills
• Can be done completely online

Cons:

• May require storage space for inventory
• Takes time to find buyers
• Shipping costs (if selling online)

How to Start:

• Sell on Facebook Marketplace, Depop, or eBay
• Find cheap or free items to resell at thrift stores or garage sales
• Take clear photos and write good descriptions to attract buyers

Here is my experience in flipping used clothes.

5. Lawn Mowing & Yard Work

Many homeowners prefer hiring local teenagers for yard work tasks like mowing lawns, raking leaves, or shoveling snow.

Pros:

• High demand, especially in suburban areas
• Can charge per job or by the hour
• Requires minimal equipment if using the client’s tools

Cons:

• Seasonal work (varies by location)
• Physically demanding
• Dependent on weather conditions

How to Start:

• Ask neighbors or family friends
• Print flyers or promote on local social media pages
• Offer discounts for recurring customers

6. Car Washing & Detailing

People love a clean car but often don’t have time to wash and detail it themselves. This side hustle requires little investment and can be started right away.

Pros:

• High earning potential ($20-$50 per car)
• Low startup costs (sponges, soap, towels, and a bucket)
• Can expand into full detailing services for more profit

Cons:

• Requires physical effort
• Weather-dependent
• Some cars may take longer to clean than expected

How to Start:

• Offer services to family and friends first
• Advertise locally with flyers or social media
• Provide discounts for repeat customers

7. Refereeing or Umpiring Sports Games

If your teen love sports, becoming a referee or umpire is a great side hustle.

Pros:

• Pays well ($20-$50 per game)
• Fun for sports lovers
• Builds leadership and decision-making skills

Cons:

• Requires certification or training in some cases
• Dealing with angry parents or coaches can be tough
• Games are often on weekends

How to Start:

• Contact local youth sports leagues
• Get certified if required
• Offer to assist experienced referees to gain experience

8. Baking or Selling Snacks

If they enjoy baking, they can make extra money by selling homemade treats like cookies, cupcakes, or brownies.

Pros:

• Fun and creative
• Can start small with friends and family
• Great for holidays and special events

Cons:

• Requires supplies and ingredients
• Some areas have regulations on selling food
• Time-consuming

How to Start:

• Sell at school events, community markets, or to friends
• Take custom orders for special occasions
• Advertise through word-of-mouth and social media

9. Photography

If they enjoy photography, this is a fantastic side hustle.

Pros:

• Can charge per session
• Fun and creative
• Builds a portfolio for future work

Cons:

• Requires a good camera (or a high-quality smartphone)
• Editing photos can take time
• Finding consistent clients can be challenging

How to Start:

• Offer free or discounted sessions to build a portfolio
• Advertise on Instagram or local community groups
• Sell stock photos online- although my experience so far hasn’t been too flash.

10. Offering Music Lessons

If they play an instrument, teaching beginners can be a great income earner.

Pros:

• High hourly pay ($20+ per lesson)
• Improves your own skills
• Can teach in person or virtually

Cons:

• Requires patience and teaching ability
• Need to find students
• Scheduling lessons can be tricky

How to Start:

• Offer lessons to younger kids in your community
• Advertise on school bulletin boards
• Use Zoom or Skype for virtual lessons

With the right effort and determination, these side hustles can turn into steady income streams while helping your teen develop valuable skills. Whether they’re passionate about animals, academics, creativity, or hands-on work, there’s a side hustle that fits their interests. They should start small, be consistent, and don’t be afraid to market themselves—before they know it, they’ll be earning money and gaining experience that can benefit them for years to come!