Smart & Profitable Side Hustles for Teens in 2025

Allie Coutts
February 18, 2025
5 min read

Best Side Hustles for Teens: Fun and Profitable Ways to Make Money

Finding ways to make money as a teenager can be exciting and empowering. Whether you're saving for a big purchase, helping with family expenses, or just looking for extra spending cash, there are plenty of side hustles for teens that are flexible, fun, and profitable.

1. Online Reselling

One of the best ways for teens to earn money is by flipping items online. Websites like eBay, Depop, and Facebook Marketplace allow teens to buy and resell clothes, shoes, electronics, and collectibles for a profit.

How to Get Started:

  • Look for valuable items at thrift stores, garage sales, or even your own closet.
  • Take high-quality pictures and write detailed descriptions.
  • Price competitively and market effectively.

2. Freelancing

Freelancing is a great way to earn money while building valuable skills. Teens can offer services such as graphic design, writing, video editing, or social media management on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.

How to Get Started:

  • Choose a skill you're good at or willing to learn.
  • Create a profile on a freelancing website.
  • Market your services on social media or through word-of-mouth.

3. Tutoring

If you're good at a particular subject, tutoring can be a lucrative side hustle. Teens can tutor peers or younger students in subjects like math, science, or English via platforms like Wyzant or Varsity Tutors.

How to Get Started:

  • Advertise your services at school, in community groups, or online.
  • Offer competitive rates and flexible hours.
  • Provide high-quality tutoring to build a good reputation.

4. Babysitting

Babysitting is a classic side hustle for teens and remains one of the best ways to earn money. Parents are always looking for responsible, reliable babysitters, and you can find jobs through Care.com or neighborhood Facebook groups.

How to Get Started:

  • Take a babysitting certification course through Red Cross for credibility.
  • Ask friends and family for referrals.
  • Set your rates based on experience and location.

5. Pet Sitting & Dog Walking

Animal lovers can make extra money by offering pet-sitting and dog-walking services. Apps like Rover and Wag! allow teens (18+ in most cases) to connect with pet owners who need help.

How to Get Started:

  • Offer services to neighbors, friends, and family.
  • Advertise on community boards or social media.
  • Build trust by being reliable and professional.

6. Lawn Care & Gardening

Teens who enjoy working outdoors can start a lawn care or gardening business. Tasks like mowing lawns, pulling weeds, or planting flowers can earn good money, especially in warmer months.

How to Get Started:

  • Invest in basic lawn care tools or use family equipment.
  • Offer services to neighbors and family friends.
  • Charge competitive rates and expand as you gain clients.

7. Selling Handmade Products

Creative teens can make and sell handmade products like jewelry, candles, stickers, or artwork through platforms like Etsy or Shopify.

How to Get Started:

  • Choose a product that interests you.
  • Source affordable materials and create high-quality items.
  • Promote on social media and through word-of-mouth.

8. Content Creation (YouTube, TikTok, Blogging)

Many teens are making money by creating content on YouTube, TikTok, or personal blogs. By building an audience, they can earn from sponsorships, ad revenue, and affiliate marketing.

How to Get Started:

  • Pick a niche (gaming, fashion, tutorials, etc.).
  • Create engaging, high-quality content consistently.
  • Monetize through ads, sponsorships, and product promotions.

9. Playing Video Games for Money

Gaming isn’t just a hobby—it can also be a profitable side hustle. Teens can earn money through live streaming, gaming tournaments, and beta testing on platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming.

How to Get Started:

  • Stream gameplay on Twitch or YouTube.
  • Enter gaming competitions.
  • Test and review new games for companies.

10. Delivery & Errand Services

For older teens with a bike or car, running errands or making deliveries can be a simple way to earn money. Apps like DoorDash and Instacart allow 18+ teens to deliver food and groceries.

How to Get Started:

  • Sign up for delivery apps (if eligible by age and location).
  • Offer to run errands for busy neighbors or family members.
  • Charge a fair rate and be punctual.

Final Thoughts

There are countless side hustles for teens that allow flexibility, creativity, and income growth. Whether you prefer working online, outdoors, or with people, there's an opportunity for everyone. By choosing a hustle that matches your skills and interests, you can gain valuable experience, develop new abilities, and build a strong work ethic—all while earning extra cash!

Want more ideas? Check out platforms like Indeed or Glassdoor to explore job listings for teens.

Written By

Allie Coutts

Content Specialist

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