16 Best Side Hustles for Teenagers in 2025

Whether you're looking to earn a few dollars for the weekend or saving up for something special, here are 16 great side hustles for teens in 2025. I’ve included the minimum age you need to get started and which platforms allow younger users. 

Test Games for Money (from 16 via Freecash)

Paid game testing, which is almost always for mobile, usually involves installing the game and then completing tasks like reach "level 15 in 60 days". A number of platforms offer this kind of work, but Freecash is one of the very few that allows teens to earn cash by gaming.

This is a great side hustle for younger people because it doesn't require any experience or qualifications, all you need to get started is a phone, and you can work when you want.  

If it sounds interesting, signing up for Freecash is completely free (you can also just login with Google or Facebook). Take a browse of their games and see if any sound fun to you. 

Run a Snack or Drinks Stand (any age)

This classic neighborhood hustle is still a winner. In fact, with the whole world seemingly getting more grim by the year, now is the time to strike, with a lot of older folks yearning for anything that makes them nostalgic.

Whether it’s lemonade in summer or cocoa in winter, you can sell drinks and snacks with absolutely minimal startup costs.

Don't ask for an absurd price, try and make your stand look cute, and you could earn a solid chunk every weekend (provided you hit different spots around the neighborhood). 

Sell Items at a Garage Sale (any age)

Clean out your room and set up a small sale. It’s a quick way to earn cash while getting rid of unused clothes, books, or toys. 

And a top tip here, ask friends and family if they want to make a deal where you sell the things they don't want and take a cut of the proceeds. 

Of course, this is a one-time side hustle, but you could use the cash to invest into other ideas, like the ingredients to make a food or drink stand. 

Take on House Sitting Jobs (any age)

This is an incredible side hustle, and was one of my personally favorites as a teen; you get paid to sit in someone's house and watch TV. Obviously, these opportunities are rare, but you can actively look for more by asking friends and family before the Summer starts. 

You may be asked to water plants, feed pets, or bring in the mail. All simple tasks, and stuff any teen can do. 

It should go without saying, but I'll say it anyway, don't treat it like a free house and invite people over. That's a sure-fire way to never be offered this kind of work again. 

Start a Car Washing Service (any age)

With just a hose, bucket, and soap, you can start washing neighbors’ cars. It’s perfect for weekends and sunny days, and if you do a good job, people will call you back regularly.

If you want to branch out, you could post on NextDoor and advertise your services to everyone in the local area. 

Offer Lawn Mowing, Leaf Raking or Snow Shovelling to Neighbors (any age)

As above, this is a great local side hustle that teens have been doing for generations. Depending on the season, you can offer to mow lawns, rake leaves, or shovel snow. And provided your rate isn't too high, you can reliably find work all year. 

Start with friends and immediate neighbors, bring your rake or shovel with you (no one expects you to bring a mower) and be clear about your rates. When you feel comfortable, post on NextDoor and reach out to the wider area. 

Complete Paid Surveys Online (from 16 via Freecash)

Besides paid gaming, Freecash also lets you earn money by sharing your opinions through surveys. These surveys usually last about ten minutes, pay around a dollar, and ask simple questions about your spending habits.

You always know how much you will be paid for completing a survey and how long it is expected to take. The pay isn't great, but this is a very low effort side hustle; you could work from bed before going to sleep each night. 

Start Babysitting Locally (any age, but at least 13 recommended)

Parents often look for teen babysitters they can trust, because frankly you'll be a lot cheaper for them than an adult doing the same work through a website like Care.

I would only recommend this to those with younger siblings, as it might be overwhelming otherwise. But if you do feel confident, even without experience, you should give it a go if you get the chance.

Start with family and friends, do the best job you can, and politely ask them to recommend you to friends if they seem satisfied. 

Walk Dogs for Busy Neighbors (any age)

Over the years, I've provided a lot of advice on side hustles with guides like this, and dog walking is something I recommend to everyone. You're getting paid to do something a lot of people consider relaxing and healthy. 

There are online sites like Rover and Wag that specialize in finding these jobs, but they are 18 only, so I suggest making a post on NextDoor to advertise locally. 

The downside? You can't expect good pay from dog walking. It won't be terrible, but the vast majority of folks simply aren't willing to spend as much on pet care as, say, childcare. 

Offer Tutoring (from 13 via Tutorpeers)

If you're good at a subject like math, science, or English, help other students online through Tutorpeers. Teens aged 13+ can create an account and earn by supporting younger students or peers.

Get Paid for Sign-Ups (from 16 via Freecash)

Freecash offers tasks like registering for apps or websites that reward users. While simple, always get permission before providing any personal details, and use a dedicated email account to avoid spam.

Edit Videos (from 13 via Fiverr, with adult account owner)

Teens can join Fiverr through an adult account and start taking small gigs, including video editing for TikTokers, YouTubers, and small businesses. 

If you find that kind of work interesting, you'll also get to enjoy this as a creative outlet. And all you need to get started is a laptop or PC and then a free video-editing program like CapCut. 

What I love about this side hustle is that you could be preparing yourself for a career later in life. 

Create Graphic Designs  (from 13 via Fiverr, with adult account owner)

Just as above, you can find dozens of paid gigs online for graphic design, and all you really need is a PC or laptop.

There are quite a few programs you can use, but if you want a free alternative (at least to get started) I cannot recommend Photopea highly enough, which is basically a free, in-browser version of Photoshop. 

Start a YouTube Channel (from 13, requires adult account owner to monetize)

Starting a YouTube channel is free and fun. And as most of the users are also young, teens can really excel on the platform. 

These days you could do the whole thing from a phone, but I do advise using a PC or laptop for the editing. 

Now, as with Etsy, this is a high-effort, long-term side hustle. I recommend treating it as a fun experiment when you start, rather than focusing on monetization (genuinely organic content always outperforms the alternative) 

If you become successful, great, but you will need a parent or legal guardian to manage the account if you want to monetize the channel. 

Sell Handmade Crafts (from 13 via Etsy, with adult account owner)

From custom bracelets to bookmarks or stickers, creative teens can make and sell on Etsy. But, there is one rule Etsy demand you follow, the account must be set up and managed by a parent or legal guardian.

There is no way around this, as they verify the ID of sellers, so do not waste your time trying to trick them. 

This is a high-effort hustle, and it will take a decent amount of time to turn a profit. I suggest you treat it as a creative outlet first and foremost (you'll be surprised how fulfilling it is). 

Try Voice Acting (from 13 via Fiverr, with adult account owner)

If you have a clear voice and love reading scripts, try voice acting. You would be surprised how many child voice actors on Fiverr.

But, as with Etsy, you will need the help of a parent or legal guardian to manage the account and payments.

To get started, I would use one of the ideas listed above that has no startup costs, then buy yourself a mid-range mic. In terms of software, Audacity is free and more than good enough to get going. 

Best Side Hustles for Teenagers Recap