25+ Side Hustles For Teens | Quick Cash Ideas!

Side hustles for teens are more than just ways to make extra cash; they’re stepping stones to entrepreneurship and financial savvy. 

Teens can now explore a variety of opportunities beyond traditional part-time jobs, thanks to the digital era. Taking online surveys or engaging in local odd jobs offer not only income but also valuable life skills. 

These ventures teach responsibility, time management, and the basics of running a business, empowering teens to build their futures on their terms. 

Dive into the world of side hustles and watch your personal and financial growth soar. 🌱💸✨

10+ Side Hustles For 12-Year-Olds

Teens have more opportunities than ever to start their entrepreneurial journey early. 

With creativity and a bit of guidance, they can explore various side hustles that not only earn them money but also instill valuable life skills. 

Here’s a look at some engaging side hustles tailored for young entrepreneurs.

1. Babysitting

Babysitting is a classic side hustle that teaches responsibility, patience, and caregiving. Young teens can start by watching over their siblings or children in the neighborhood. 

Websites like Care.com, SeekingSitters, Bambino app, and Sittercity allow teens to connect with families in need of babysitters, although they might require parental supervision to create and manage their profiles.

2. Sell Stock Photos

For the budding photographer, selling stock photos is a fantastic way to earn money.

Platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Alamy, and Crestock welcome contributions from photographers of all ages, though minors will need their parents to set up accounts on their behalf. 

This hustle not only brings in some income but also encourages creativity and a keen eye for detail.

3. Wash Cars

Starting a car washing service in the neighborhood is a great way for 12-year-olds to get active and make money. 

This job requires minimal setup—just soap, water, and some sponges. It’s a hands-on way to learn about hard work and customer service.

4. Sell Old Clothes

Online platforms such as Poshmark, Depop, and eBay are perfect for selling old clothes and accessories. 

This hustle teaches kids about the value of sustainability and the basics of e-commerce. 

They’ll learn to photograph their items, set prices, and communicate with buyers, all under parental supervision.

5. Pet Sitting

Pet sitting is ideal for animal-loving preteens. It’s less demanding than babysitting and can be a fun way to earn. 

Websites like Rover.com offer pet-sitting jobs, but it’s wise to start within the community for a more manageable experience.

6. Handmade Crafts and Jewelry

Etsy is a global marketplace for handmade items, and with a parent’s help, 12-year-olds can sell their crafts and jewelry. 

This side hustle fosters creativity and entrepreneurship, teaching them about product design, customer preferences, and online marketing.

7. Homemade Baked Goods or Catering

For those who love to bake, selling homemade baked goods to neighbors, at local events, or through social media can be both rewarding and profitable. 

Through this hustle, we emphasize the importance of quality, presentation, and punctuality.

8. Lemonade Stand

A lemonade stand is more than just a childhood rite of passage; it’s a lesson in business basics. 

Young entrepreneurs learn about budgeting, marketing, and sales, all while enjoying the sunshine and meeting new people.

9. Play Video Games Online

Gaming enthusiasts can make money by streaming their gameplay on platforms like Twitch or YouTube. While this requires a supportive and vigilant approach from parents, it can teach valuable lessons in digital literacy, online safety, and community building.

10. Sell T-shirts Online

Designing and selling t-shirts online through platforms like Teespring or Redbubble allows young artists to showcase their creativity. 

They’ll learn about design trends, niche marketing, and profit margins, all while expressing their unique style.

15+ Side Hustles For 17-Year-Olds

1. Social Media Management

With businesses striving to maintain an online presence, skilled social media managers are in high demand. 

Teens with a knack for creating engaging content and growing social media followers can offer their services on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. 

This role not only pays well but also hones marketing skills.

2. Freelance Writing

Content is king in the digital world, and there’s always a need for talented writers. 

Several websites, such as Freelancer and Contently connect freelance writers with clients needing everything from blog posts to web content. It improves writing skills and offers flexibility.

3. Online Surveys

Participating in online surveys through sites like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, Zoho Survey, Google Forms, and SurveyMonkey is an easy way for teens to make some extra cash. 

While it won’t make you rich, it’s a simple way to earn by sharing your opinion.

4. Virtual Assistant

Organized and detail-oriented teens can work as virtual assistants, handling tasks like email management, scheduling, and data entry for businesses or entrepreneurs. 

Platforms like Zirtual or Belay offer gateways into the profession.

5. Graphic Design

Creative teens with a good eye for design can offer graphic design services on Canva, Adobe Spark, or directly on freelance platforms like Toptal. 

This hustle allows for artistic expression and can be quite profitable.

6. Deliver Newspapers

Though traditional, delivering newspapers is a reliable way to earn money, especially for early risers. Contact local newspapers directly to inquire about available routes.

7. Affiliate Marketing

Teens can earn commissions by promoting products or services through affiliate marketing. Starting a blog or social media channel and signing up for affiliate programs on Amazon Associates or ClickBank can be lucrative.

8. Data Entry

Data entry is a straightforward task that requires attention to detail but minimal experience. Websites like Clickworker or Amazon Mechanical Turk offer data entry jobs that can be done from home.

9. Start a YouTube Channel

For those comfortable in front of the camera, starting a YouTube channel about a passion or hobby can eventually turn into a significant income source through ad revenue and sponsorships.

10. Video Editing

With the rise of video content, video editing skills are in demand. Teens can offer their video editing services on platforms like Fiverr or Freelancer to YouTubers and businesses.

11. Tutoring

Knowledgeable in a particular subject? Offer tutoring services through platforms like Tutor.com or Wyzant. This not only earns money but also reinforces your knowledge.

12. Blogging

Starting a blog on platforms like WordPress or Blogger about a niche interest can attract a following and generate income through ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing.

13. Cleaning

Starting a cleaning service for homes and local businesses can be a straightforward way to earn money. It requires minimal startup costs and can be advertised through word of mouth or local online forums.

14. Lawn Care

Offering lawn care services in your neighborhood is another excellent way to earn. This can range from mowing lawns to landscaping work. Tools like TaskEasy can help find clients.

15. Podcasting

If you have a unique idea or perspective to share, starting a podcast can be both fulfilling and profitable. Platforms like Anchor.fm make it easy to distribute your podcast across various platforms.