What are the best side hustles for teens under 16?

The best side hustles for teens under 16 include pet sitting ($15-30/day), lawn mowing ($20-40/lawn), babysitting ($12-20/hour), tutoring younger kids ($15-25/hour), and selling crafts or baked goods. These don't require work permits in most states and can be done in your neighborhood with parent approval.

How much money can teenagers realistically make from side hustles?

During the school year, teens typically earn $200-800/month working 10-15 hours per week. Summer break allows for $1,000-2,500/month with more availability. Teens with digital skills (video editing, social media) can earn $500-1,500/month year-round by working online.

Do teenagers need work permits for side hustles?

Work permits are typically only required for formal employment with established businesses. Independent side hustles like babysitting, lawn care, pet sitting, and online freelancing generally don't require permits. However, labor laws vary by state, so check your local requirements. Parents should supervise any business activities for minors.

What online platforms allow users under 18?

Most major platforms require users to be 18+. However, teens can create YouTube channels at 13+ with parent consent, sell on Etsy at 13+ with parent account, use Depop at 13+, and participate in Swagbucks surveys at 13+. For freelance work, parents can create accounts and supervise work until you turn 18.

How can teens balance side hustles with school?

Limit work to 10-15 hours per week during school, focus on weekends and after-school hours, choose flexible gigs you can pause during exams, prioritize homework first, and consider seasonal hustles that ramp up during summer and winter breaks when you have more time.

25 Best Side Hustles for Teens: Make Money Under 18 (2026 Guide)

Legit ways for teenagers to earn money - school-friendly, parent-approved opportunities that build real skills.

Updated December 2025 | 12 min read

Teen-Friendly Hustles

$200-2K+

Monthly Potential

Ages 13+

Starting Age

Flexible

School-Friendly

Being a teenager and wanting to make your own money is totally normal - and in 2026, there are more opportunities than ever for teens to earn real income. Whether you want to save for a car, build college savings, or just have spending money, this guide covers 25 legitimate side hustles that work around school and don't require you to be 18.

Here's the truth: many of the "adult" side hustles have age requirements, but that doesn't mean you're stuck. Some of the best opportunities are actually perfect for teens because you have energy, free summers, and often better tech skills than adults!

This guide is organized by age group and skill level. I've included earning potential, time requirements, and whether you need parental help to get started.

Important for Teen Side Hustlers

Tell your parents: Always discuss side hustle plans with parents/guardians
Safety first: Never meet strangers alone - bring an adult or work in public
School comes first: Don't let work hurt your grades
Track your earnings: You may owe taxes if you earn over $400/year from self-employment

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Essential Gear for Side Hustlers

Dash Cam - Document your work and protect yourself
Car Phone Charger - Stay connected on the go
Portable Power Bank - Never run out of battery
Phone Mount - Hands-free navigation

Best Side Hustles for Ages 13-15

These hustles don't require work permits and can be done with parent supervision in your neighborhood.

1. Babysitting

$12-25/hr

The classic teen side hustle. Start with family friends' kids, then expand through word of mouth. Get Red Cross babysitting certified to charge more.

Best for: Patient, responsible teens who like kids

Earning potential: $150-400/month (weekend nights)

2. Pet Sitting & Dog Walking

$15-35/visit

Feed pets, give medication, and walk dogs while neighbors are at work or traveling. Start by offering to neighbors, then expand through Nextdoor posts (with parent help).

Best for: Animal lovers who are dependable

Earning potential: $200-600/month

3. Lawn Mowing & Yard Work

$25-50/lawn

Mow lawns, rake leaves, shovel snow, pull weeds. Neighbors will pay good money to avoid yard work. Offer package deals for regular customers.

Best for: Teens who don't mind physical work

Earning potential: $300-800/month (seasonal)

4. Tutoring Younger Kids

$15-30/hr

If you're good at math, reading, or any subject, tutor elementary or middle schoolers. Parents pay well for academic help, especially for homework support.

Best for: Teens with good grades who explain things well

Earning potential: $200-500/month

5. Car Washing & Detailing

$20-75/car

Wash neighbors' cars in their driveways. Basic wash is $20-30, full interior/exterior detail can be $50-75. You just need buckets, soap, towels, and a vacuum.

Best for: Detail-oriented teens

Earning potential: $200-500/month

Best Side Hustles for Ages 16-17

At 16+, you can get work permits for traditional jobs, plus these higher-earning opportunities.

6. Lifeguarding

$12-18/hr

Get certified at 15-16 (varies by state) and work at pools, beaches, or water parks. Great summer job with consistent hours and often includes free pool access.

Requirements: Lifeguard certification, strong swimming

Earning potential: $1,500-3,000/summer

7. Sports Referee/Umpire

$25-50/game

Ref youth soccer, basketball, baseball, or flag football games. Get certified through local recreation departments. Games are usually 1-2 hours on weekends.

Best for: Teens who know sports and can handle pressure

Earning potential: $200-600/month during season

8. Golf Caddy

$50-150/round

Country clubs hire teen caddies. You carry bags, give yardage, and rake bunkers. Rounds take 4-5 hours but pay well, especially with tips from golfers.

Best for: Teens near golf courses who can walk 5+ miles

Earning potential: $300-800/month (summer)

9. Restaurant Host/Busser

$10-15/hr + tips

Many restaurants hire 16+ for hosting or bussing tables. Limited hours during school (usually 15-20/week max) but flexible scheduling around activities.

Requirements: Work permit, reliable transportation

Earning potential: $400-800/month

10. Retail Associate

$12-16/hr

Stores like Target, grocery stores, and mall shops hire at 16. Good for learning customer service and often includes employee discounts.

Requirements: Work permit, weekend availability

Earning potential: $400-700/month

Online Side Hustles for Teens (Any Age with Parent Help)

Digital skills can earn serious money. These may require a parent's account or supervision.

11. Video Editing for YouTubers

$25-100/video

If you know editing software (CapCut, Premiere, Final Cut), small YouTubers and TikTokers will pay you to edit their content. Find clients on Twitter/X or Discord.

Skills needed: Video editing software knowledge

Earning potential: $300-1,000/month

12. Social Media for Local Businesses

$100-300/month per client

Local restaurants, salons, and shops need help with Instagram and TikTok. Offer to create content and post for them. You understand these platforms better than most business owners!

Best for: Teens active on social media

Earning potential: $200-600/month with 2-3 clients

13. Graphic Design (Canva)

$15-50/project

Create social media graphics, flyers, logos, or presentations using Canva. Small businesses and students need design help. Build a portfolio on Instagram.

Tools: Canva (free), Figma, Photoshop

Earning potential: $150-500/month

14. Reselling on Depop/Poshmark

$100-500/month

Find clothes at thrift stores and resell for profit. Depop allows users 13+ and is perfect for trendy vintage and Y2K fashion. Great eye for style = money.

Startup cost: $20-50 for initial inventory

Best for: Fashion-forward teens

15. Content Creation (YouTube/TikTok)

$0-5,000+/month

Build an audience around gaming, lifestyle, tutorials, or entertainment. Monetization takes time but teen creators have built massive followings. Needs parent approval for accounts.

Timeline: 6-12+ months to monetize

Best for: Creative, consistent teens

More Teen Side Hustles (#16-25)

16. Photography

School events, senior portraits, pet photos

$50-200/session

17. Music Lessons

Teach younger kids guitar, piano, drums

$20-40/lesson

18. Camp Counselor

Summer day camps (CIT programs start at 14)

$200-400/week

19. House Sitting

Watch homes while neighbors travel

$25-50/day

20. Etsy Crafts/Art

Sell handmade jewelry, art, stickers

$100-500/month

21. Baking/Cooking

Sell cookies, cakes for local events

$50-200/order

22. Tech Support

Help neighbors with phones, computers

$20-40/hour

23. Survey Sites

Swagbucks, Survey Junkie (13+)

$20-100/month

24. Game Testing

Beta test games, report bugs

$10-20/hour

25. Pressure Washing

Driveways, decks, sidewalks

$50-150/job

Teen Side Hustle Success Tips

Getting Started

Start with one hustle, master it, then expand
Tell everyone what you do - word of mouth is huge
Create a simple flyer or Instagram page
Be reliable - show up on time, every time
Save at least 30% of everything you earn

Building Skills for the Future

Every side hustle teaches business skills
Track income/expenses (looks great on college apps!)
Get testimonials from happy customers
Learn to communicate professionally
These experiences matter more than you think

Ready to Start Earning?

Pick one hustle from this list and start this weekend. You've got this!

Explore More Guides