Get Your Pocket Money: 13 Best Side Hustles for Teens in 2024
Navigating your teenage years can be tough as you often have to rely on your parents or guardians for money for your hobbies or any social activities. Luckily these days there are lots of opportunities for teens to make money, either online or offline. We’ve created a list of the best 13 side hustles that can fit around your school schedule, so you can start enjoying some financial freedom. If this interests you, keep reading to find out more.
13 Best Side Hustles for Teens
| Method | Average Earnings |
| Watching Videos Online | $2.00 to $12.87 per day |
| Babysitting and Nannying | $8.10 to $17.62 per hour |
| Dropshipping | Between 20% to 30% of the product sold |
| Dog Walking | Between $10 to $17 per hour |
| Playing Video Games Online | $2 to $12.87 per day |
| Running Errands | $8 to $23.17 per hour |
| Selling Products on Etsy | $5 to $24.02 per hour of work put into your products and store |
| Affiliate Marketing | Between 5% to 30% of your product sold |
| Selling Unused Items | $2 to $21.56 per hour for eBay sellers |
| Tutoring | $10 to $23.72 per hour |
| Delivering Food | $5 to $18.45 per hour |
| Delivering Newspapers | $10 to $15 per hour |
| Completing Online Surveys | Between $0.41 and $2.03 per hour |
Watching Videos Online
The chance to earn some extra money by watching videos online sounds almost too good to be true. Luckily, nowadays, there are lots of platforms that will pay you to watch short video clips, including Freecash. The only requirement is that you are 16 years old and above, then you can start earning by following these steps:
- Signing up to Freecash on a desktop or the iOS and Android app.
- Choosing a video to watch Offers page. Once completed, you’ll earn our virtual currency called ‘Freecash Coins’.
- You can exchange these coins on our Cashout page for Paypal or VISA money, cryptocurrency, and other exciting rewards like gaming skins or gift cards.
| Pros | Cons |
| Could be a source of steady money if you watch videos regularly | It can take some time to earn a large amount of money |
| You can watch videos and earn money on the go with the mobile app | Sometimes, you might not find the videos you can watch for money very interesting |
Babysitting and Nannying
Babysitting or nannying is a classic side hustle for teens, which can be a great way to earn some extra money. Lots of parents need help caring for their children in the evenings or on weekends, however, keep in mind that some parents might need help during the day when they are at work, which could limit your options. Get your name out there in your local area by flyering with a parent or guardian*, word-of-mouth, or posting on social media, and you might even secure a regular job. If you’re over 18, create a profile on caregiving sites like Care.com to promote yourself further and apply for jobs online.
Expert Tip
You could even take a 4-hour babysitting course with the Red Cross to learn important skills like first aid and childcare 101 and increase your chances of employment.
*Please make sure to check your local regulations on flyering
| Pros | Cons |
| Many parents or guardians need help with babysitting so there are often jobs available | Some kids might have behavioral issues and can be difficult to look after |
| Babysitting is usually paid in cash, so you won’t have to wait for your paycheck | You need some previous experience and references before you can start |
Dropshipping
Dropshipping is a very popular and flexible side hustle that teens aged 18 and above can easily take part in. Put simply, dropshipping is when you find a product from a retailer to sell online without keeping it in stock. To get started with dropshipping, you can follow the steps below:
- First, research the items you want to sell using tools like Amazon Best Sellers, AliExpress Top Ranked, and Google Trends to find out which products are the most popular.
- Next, find a dropshipping supplier who makes your product. Popular suppliers include AliExpress, Megagoods, AliBaba, and Sunrise Wholesale. You can find other suppliers by searching Dropshipping Directories like Inventory Source and Dropship.IO, or by downloading Dropship Apps like Sell the Trend or Spocket.
- Once you have found a supplier for your product, you need to promote it. *You can create an online store with platforms like Shopify and Webador or use social media, your blog, or your website if you have one.
- After a customer buys something from you, the retailer sends it directly to them, handling the shipping for you.
After the sale, you will receive a fee for your work in promoting the product.
| Pros | Cons |
| You don’t have to store any products in your space | You need to understand marketing to effectively promote the store |
| You can open an online store quickly and easily using dropshipping platforms | If your supplier is outside of the US, shipping times can be long |
| Because you're not responsible for manufacturing, shipping, or restocking products, you keep costs low | Online store platforms take a percentage of the sale |
| There is the potential for dropshipping to become a reliable source of income | There are upfront costs to create an online store, buy a domain name, advertise, and more |
*Please check whether you will need to register your dropshipping business with your local authorities
Dog Walking
For those who like to be active, dog walking can be a win-win, earning money while getting some exercise. If you have some experience in handling and caring for dogs, there are lots of busy dog owners who could use some help. To get started, simply contact your neighbors and classmates or ask your parent or guardian to help hand out some *flyers to spread the word. If you're 18, you can also create a profile on dog walking platforms like Rover so owners can reach out to you and increase your chances of finding work in your area. Dog walking can be a flexible side hustle, but keep in mind that many dog owners need help when they work during the day, which may not work around school.
*Please make sure to check your local regulations on flyering.
| Pros | Cons |
| You can get some exercise outside | Irregular job opportunities |
| No upfront costs or running costs needed for this side hustle | Hard to find clients due to high competition |
| It can be flexible | Might have to work in bad weather conditions |
Playing Video Games Online
Did you know that you can turn your gaming hobby into a side hustle and earn money by playing video games online? If you’re over 16, there are many mobile and desktop platforms online like Freecash, Mistplay, and Gamehag where you can sign up and play specific games for virtual currencies, which you can exchange for money and other cool rewards.
Alternatively, you can explore 'play-to-earn' gaming, where you can play a variety of games and complete in-game tasks, such as quests or battling other players, in exchange for cryptocurrency. Take into account that, with these games, you will need a crypto wallet to receive your rewards and cryptocurrency, which you can exchange for real money. You can start with play-to-earn games like Decentraland, Splinterlands, and Alien Worlds, but there are hundreds to choose from.
| Pros | Cons |
| Quick and easy to withdraw your earnings from rewards platforms | It can take a lot of work, skill, and time to make a good amount of money |
| Playing regularly could help you earn money consistently | The value of cryptocurrency can change dramatically, which could reduce your earnings from play-to-earn games |
| You can make money when out and about through the use of mobile apps | Play-to-earn games require you to have a crypto wallet set up before you can withdraw your earnings |
Running Errands
Running errands for friends, family, or your neighborhood can be a relatively simple way for you to earn money without spending too much time. This could include a range of jobs like gardening, grocery shopping, lawn-mowing, and more.
You can simply ask around your neighborhood and run errands for busy people, who might spread the word and get you even more gigs! For those aged 19, you could also join Taskrabbit and create a profile offering to run errands for your community. TaskRabbit members who need help running errands can contact you directly through the platform.
Although running errands isn’t going to be a full-time job, you might be able to make some good spending money doing it.
Expert Tip
If you have multiple errands to run for different clients, make a plan before you start. This should include a list of all your jobs, as well as deadlines and client information, so you stay on track and don’t muddle anything up.
| Pros | Cons |
| It can be a quick way to earn some extra money | There might not be regular jobs |
| You get to choose which jobs you want to do | Clients might need errands running during school time, which could limit your job opportunities |
| For most errands, you won’t need any previous experience or training | Some errands might require you to have a car |
Selling Products on Etsy
Etsy allows creative people to make money selling their homemade products online through an online store, showcasing their creations. If you're *13 or older and love making clothes, art, pottery, or anything else, Etsy is a great place to earn some extra pocket money. Here’s how you can begin:
- Create an account on Etsy and give your store a fun and relevant name.
- Set up your payment information to confirm where you want to be paid. You will also need to set up your billing information to pay fees to Etsy.
- Take some high-quality photos of your products and upload them onto your shop.
- Set your prices, including shipping.
If you also spend time promoting your creations on social media, your shop could blow up and bring you a good amount of money.
| Pros | Cons |
| Potential to earn a lot of money if your products become popular | You have to spend a lot of time promoting your store to gain customers |
| You can advertise your products to a huge market of 90 million buyers | Very high competition on the platform with over 7.47 million sellers |
| Very convenient with all the tools needed to sell your products quickly and easily | The platform takes a fee for listing and transaction |
*To sell on Etsy between the ages of 13 and 18 you need permission and direct supervision from a legal parent or guardian.
Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing could be an ideal side hustle for teens as they don’t need any previous experience or any money to start. If you’re unfamiliar with affiliate marketing, it works simply by allowing you to earn money promoting products or services with your special link or code, given to you by a brand or company.
To start, research brands that are involved in affiliate marketing, such as Amazon or Shopify, or smaller brands looking to promote their products. You can find them on platforms like ShareASale, Rakuten Marketing, and SlickDeals (to name a few), or on their websites.
After you sign up for the affiliate program, the brand will provide you with a unique link or code, which you share on social media, blogs, or websites. Each time a customer purchases a product through your link or code, you earn a commission on the sale!
Just keep in mind, that it might be easier for those with a bigger social media following to start making money from this side hustle because they can promote their link or code to more people right away.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to start as there are no initial costs or background needed | Getting potential customers to use your affiliate link or code can be a challenge |
| You can choose from a variety of different brands and products to promote | Very high competition from influencers who have high social media followings |
| Low running costs because you don’t have to worry about creating or shipping the product | The customer who uses your link or code to buy a product might be unhappy with the product or service provided, which could reflect badly on you |
Selling Unused Items
Whether it’s an old camera you’ve never used, or some textbooks sitting at home collecting dust, someone out there could be willing to pay for your old stuff. You can choose to sell your items on auction sites like eBay or sell them for a fixed price on Decluttr, Depop, or Vinted. You might sell your items faster with a fixed price, but listing items on auction sites, although risky, could start a bidding war, making you even more money in the long run.
| Pros | Cons |
| You can declutter your space while making some money | You will likely not receive the same amount of money back that you originally paid for the item |
| You can sell your unused items to a wide customer base using selling platforms | Payment isn’t instant as it can take a long time for people to buy your items |
| There are lots of different selling platforms to choose from, which offer different benefits | Some selling platforms might take a fee |
Tutoring
If you’re a good student who wants to help your peers and get paid in the process, tutoring could be the ideal side hustle for you. As a tutor, you will need to help your student with homework, teach them topics from class, or answer specific questions they may have, so be prepared.
To get customers, you can advertise at your school, either on bulletin boards or through word-of-mouth, or create a tutor profile through platforms like Skooli and Chegg if you’re 18 or older so parents or students can contact you directly.
| Pros | Cons |
| Can have high earning potential | Creating lessons might take a lot of time |
| Often doesn’t require any previous teaching experience | Promoting your tutoring services can take a lot of effort |
| You will be able to choose which hours you would like to tutor | Tutoring can be highly competitive making it harder to stand out |
| You can set your own prices and rates | Some students might have behavioral issues, making teaching more challenging |
Delivering Food
As the food delivery industry continues to grow, more drivers are needed, which is something 18-year-olds can take advantage of to earn some extra money. To start delivering food, first, you need to sign up with a food delivery platform and provide your information to get verified. You'll also need a vehicle like a bike or car to pick up food from restaurants and bring it to where it needs to go.
Many of the platforms listed below use handy mobile apps that allow you to sign up for work at any time and choose the available jobs yourself. Some of these platforms show you exactly how much you can earn before you even start delivering.
There are a range of platforms to get involved with, including:
Expert Tip
You are likely to earn a better hourly rate during rush hours when there is more demand, such as Friday and Saturday evenings, between 7 PM and 9 PM.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to sign up to delivery platforms by registering and passing identity verification | Unpredictable availability of delivery jobs |
| You often get to choose when you work | Some jobs might require a driver’s license |
| Can pay up to $18.45 per hour on average | High gas costs if you are using a car |
Delivering Newspapers
Nowadays, with the Internet, more and more people read the news online, but there are still a lot of people who like good old-fashioned newspapers, so delivery jobs are still in demand. Delivering newspapers can be a good side hustle for teens because working hours are usually on the weekend or early mornings, however, if you like to sleep in, this might not be the side hustle for you. While delivering newspapers won’t exactly make you rich, you could earn some good pocket money from it. Just go to your local convenience store or look for jobs online to start.
| Pros | Cons |
| No experience or training is needed | It be time-consuming as you often need to travel long distances |
| It can be a regular source of income | Can be challenging to work in bad weather conditions |
| Often the jobs are contractual, which means you could increase your hours during the holidays or decrease them during exam season | Can be physically tiring as you need will carry lots of newspapers |
Completing Online Surveys
Nowadays, there are lots of platforms looking for people over 16 years old to complete online surveys for money. Platforms like Freecash, LifePoints, and SurveyJunkie all offer opportunities to complete different surveys in exchange for virtual currency that can then be redeemed for money. The benefit of this side hustle is that you can complete paid online surveys easily, wherever you are, from your mobile. However, it will probably take some time to make decent money completing surveys, and some platforms need you to earn at least $5 to withdraw your cash.
How do these paid online survey platforms work?
Companies use online survey platforms to get people's opinions and feedback to improve their goods or services in exchange for virtual currency, that can be exchanged for real money. Often these platforms will show you exactly how much you can earn per survey before you start.
| Pros | Cons |
| Some platforms have mobile apps making it convenient to complete paid surveys on the go | Some platforms can take a long time to pay you |
| The platforms offer a variety of surveys on different topics to cater to all interests | Inconsistent income as surveys aren’t always available to complete |
| You can get different types of rewards like money, gift cards, and gaming skins | Risk of being disqualified from surveys |
FAQ
What is the highest-paid side hustle for a teenager?
Tutoring and food delivery can be the highest-paying side hustles on an hourly basis, averaging between $10 and $23.72. However, selling your handmade products online, affiliate marketing and dropshipping could end up being the highest paying over time.
At what age can you start a side hustle?
Some side hustles may require you to be 18, but jobs like walking dogs, running errands, or selling your handmade products online can be done if you're at least 13. Make sure your parent or guardian is aware before starting a side hustle if you’re a minor.
How easy is it to make money with a side hustle?
A lot of side hustles are easy for teens to start as they don’t require any upfront costs or experience. These include completing online surveys, watching videos, playing video games online, affiliate marketing, dropshipping, and delivering food.
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