Best Side Hustle for Teens in 2023

It’s 2023, and nowadays, everybody has a side hustle, regardless of age.

As an experienced side hustler, I understand the importance of having extra money as a teen. Additional cash flow can do wonders for your life, whether you’re saving up for your first car or just looking to earn some fun money for the weekends. 

Side hustles are a great way for teens to get creative and earn pocket money. From dog walking to content creation, there’s something for every skill level and interest.

With a bit of hard work and dedication, teens can use these side hustles to create supplemental income streams that will make life easier. Let’s hustle! 

What is a Side Hustle?

Officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2022, a Side Hustle is any type of employment or activity undertaken outside of a person’s regular job to gain extra income.

Side hustles are typically flexible and part-time and provide an opportunity to supplement a person’s main income source with additional money earned from different sources.

A side hustle can be anything as long as it earns money. 

From mowing lawns to starting a small business, side hustles are an increasingly popular way for teens to earn money and gain experience in various industries.

What are the Best Side Hustles for Teens?

As summer break quickly approaches, you’ll no doubt be looking for a way to line your pockets with extra cash.

But nobody wants to give up their hard-earned break to a full-time job, so how can you bring in the dough while still enjoying your free time? 

Luckily, there are near endless options of side hustles for teens that cater to every area of interest or skill set. Whether you love manual labor or want to earn money from the comfort of your own room, there’s a side hustle for you. 

Let’s look at 16 of the best side hustles for teens in 2023. 

1. Lawncare

Mowing your neighbor’s lawn has been a side hustle staple for teens since the lawnmower was invented, and for a good reason. 

Lawn care is relatively simple and requires minimal equipment. Plus, it’s a great way to get fresh air and sunshine!

Mowing lawns is an excellent side hustle option for teens in 2023 because: 

• It’s stable: There is yard work to do year-round from mowing and weed whacking in the greener months to raking leaves and shoveling snow at the end of the year.
• Payment is quick: No waiting around for the end of the pay period to get your first paycheck; your customers can hand you cash once your work is done.
• It’s Active: Spending all day in front of a computer screen can wear on you, but lawn care keeps you active and outdoors. 
• It’s social: There’s no better way to connect with your neighbors than by helping with their yard work. What starts as a business transaction can quickly become a meaningful connection with your local community.

How to Easily Get Started

Take a walk through your neighborhood; you’ll likely see at least one or two houses with overgrown lawns. There are your first clients! 

Strike up a conversation with your neighbors or leave a flyer with your lawncare prices in their mailbox.

Don’t be shy! Lawncare is a chore; your neighbors will most likely be thrilled to offload the burden onto someone willing to do the work. Even if you initially get a few rejections, those people will remember you when their lawn starts looking a bit more overgrown.

Word of your services will spread fast once you’ve done your first few jobs. Soon enough, you’ll be keeping the whole neighborhood beautiful. 

How Much Can You Make?

Potential for earning depends on how much work you put in and how much you charge.

If you’re starting out, we recommend starting your services at $50 for a basic mow. You can upcharge for additional work like hedge trimming or weed whacking. 

Say you mow four lawns in a day. That’s $200! Do that several days a week, and you’re looking at some serious cash.

2. Landscaping

Landscaping is a great way for teens to make money. Unlike lawn care, landscaping requires more know-how and manual labor, but the payoff can be much greater. 

Landscaping involves activities like: 

• Planting trees, shrubs, and flowers
• Laying sod or stone pathways
• Building retaining walls
• Installing fencing and decks
• Building patios and outdoor living spaces

This side hustle also requires more investment in equipment like shovels, wheelbarrows, rakes, and other tools. But hey, that’s another excuse to add to your growing toolkit!

If you have an eye for exterior design and a knack for gardening, landscaping could be your ticket to financial freedom!

How to Easily Get Started

If you already have experience with landscaping, getting started is relatively effortless. 

However, if you’re still new to the field, it’s best to start small and work your way up.

Here are a couple of ways you can get some landscaping experience:

• Work for free: Offer to help your family members the next time they begin a landscaping project or look for apprenticeship opportunities with local landscaping companies.
• Take classes: Your local library will likely offer gardening classes. Check their online calendar to see if there are any upcoming classes you can sign up for.
• Study up: You can learn how to do anything on YouTube these days, not to mention the countless books available on the subject. Pair your knowledge with practice to make the most of your learning.

Once you have some experience, start networking with people in your area who may need help with landscaping projects. Ask your friends and family if anyone needs work done or offer to do one free job to get your name out there.

Once you get a few jobs, you can move on to more complicated projects like deck building or installing fencing.

How Much Can You Make?

Landscaping jobs can earn anywhere from $150 – $300 per job, depending on the project’s complexity.

So if you do two jobs a day, that’s $600! You can easily double or even triple your pay, depending on how quickly and efficiently you work.

At the end of the day, landscaping is a great way for teens to make money and gain valuable industry experience. Just remember to start small, stay safe, and always charge what you’re worth! 

3. Freelancing

In 2023, freelancing will offer a profitable opportunity to utilize your skills and services. With the convenience of working remotely, this is an ideal scenario for teens seeking extra income while retaining the freedom to decide their schedule.

Freelancing can be a great way to build relationships, gain valuable experience, and make money while doing something you love. 

Many people have turned their side hustle into a full-time career with freelancing, making freelancing an excellent starting point for the young entrepreneur. 

How to Easily Get Started

The beauty of freelancing is that you can make money from anywhere in the world – all you need is a laptop and a good internet connection (plus whatever tools you need to do your freelance work). 

To break into the freelance world, it’s important to know what makes you unique and capitalize on those skills.

Whether your expertise lies in writing, editing, graphic design, or programming, having a concrete understanding of how best to showcase yourself is key.

Once you’ve identified your niche, all that stands between you and success is finding clients.

Luckily, with the increased demand for freelancing services, numerous platforms have sprung up to help you find suitable projects. Among them are Upwork and Freelancer, which allow you to connect with customers looking out for your expertise. 

Take advantage of these resources by registering an account and bidding on job opportunities immediately!

How Much Can You Make?

Freelancing can be a great way to supplement your income or make it your full-time job.

The amount of money you make as a freelancer depends on the number of projects you take up and the complexity of each project. On average, freelancers make anywhere from $25 to $150 per hour, depending on their skill level, experience, and work type.

4. Online Tutoring

With online education on the rise, 2023 is a great opportunity to turn your expertise into extra income. By becoming an online tutor; you can provide students with quality guidance and support while earning money at the same time.

With the increased demand for online education, teens can use their knowledge and skills to help students learn while earning money simultaneously.

Here are some of the benefits of becoming an online tutor: 

• Flexibility: You can choose when and where to tutor.
• High Demand: Students are always looking for tutors due to the increased demand for online education.
• Learning Opportunity: Gain hands-on experience teaching others.
• Earn Money: Receive money from helping students succeed in their studies.
• Satisfaction: Feel proud of helping students learn and grow.

So if you’re looking for a flexible side hustle in 2023, online tutoring is a great option! Dedication and hard work can make your side hustle a success.

How to Easily Get Started

From mathematics to music theory, successful online tutoring requires a deep understanding of the subject you wish to teach. 

Whether core academic subjects or more specialized topics like computer programming, strong knowledge is key to success in the instructional arena.

Once you’ve established your skillset, you’re ready to explore the realm of tutoring! 

Here are a couple of tips to maximize your tutoring opportunities:

• Take advantage of networking: Build an online presence through social media. Establishing yourself as a credible tutor via a personal website can be incredibly helpful in promoting skills and services to eager learners looking for quality guidance.
• Use online learning platforms: Popular websites such as Chegg and TutorMe let you showcase your qualifications to potential students. These platforms enable fruitful connections that help foster success in learning – so don’t hesitate to get involved!

Online tutoring might be the perfect side hustle for you if you’ve got a wealth of knowledge on a subject you could talk about all day. 

How Much Can You Make?

You can earn $10 – $25 per hour as an online tutor.

Of course, the exact rate will depend on your qualifications and experience, as well as the subject matter you’re teaching.

In addition to the monetary compensation, many tutors also find great satisfaction in helping others learn and grow. It’s a win-win situation! 

5. Blogging

As digital media continues to expand and become a part of our lives, blogging is becoming an increasingly popular way for individuals to connect with others. 

In 2023, it is expected that many will use their expertise on niche topics by starting blogs to generate additional income from the comfort of home.

Blogging is a great side hustle opportunity for teens in 2023, as it allows you to showcase your writing skills and share your expertise on niche topics.

By creating a blog that resonates with readers, you can easily generate additional income while also having the chance to hone your communication and creative abilities. 

Furthermore, blogging offers an outlet to express yourself and engage with others worldwide. Blogging is definitely a great way to make money and have fun at the same time! 

How to Easily Get Started

For all those aspiring bloggers out there, to make your mark online, you have to first find the passion that drives you. Whether it be for travel and exploration, trying new flavors from around the world, or fashion trends, passion is essential for success in blogging. 

With this established foundation of interest, it’s time to start creating.

Fortunately, there has never been a better time to start blogging!

With the advent of blogging platforms such as WordPress and Blogger, creating a blog has become simpler. 

From free to paid options for setting up your page – with user-friendly technical tools at hand – there is no need to worry about mastering coding jargon; anyone can get started in just minutes! 

How Much Can You Make?

When it comes to monetizing your blog, the possibilities are endless.

The amount of income you make from blogging will depend on various factors, but it can be quite lucrative if done right.

Here are just some of how you can monetize your blog:

• PPC Ads: PPC, or Pay-Per-Click, advertisements are a great way to monetize website traffic. Companies pay for each click on their ads displayed on your blog, and you can make a decent income from PPC ads.
• Affiliate Marketing: Affiliate marketing is performance-based marketing in which you, as the affiliate, earn a commission when an individual purchases something through your link or referral.
• Sponsored Posts: If your blog enjoys a broad readership, you can charge companies to post promotional content on your blog.
• Selling products and services: Many blog owners sell digital products such as eBooks, audio recordings, and video tutorials on their blogs.

Successful bloggers can expect to make anywhere between $100 – $5000+ a month depending on their skillset, time invested, and the level of traffic their blog receives.

6. Pet Sitting

In 2023, those passionate about furry friends can turn that love into lucrative opportunities. 

Pet sitting is an increasingly sought-after service as modern lifestyles leave pet owners needing qualified care providers when they’re away from home.

Becoming a pet sitter requires an affinity for animals and knowing how to care for them. 

Those confident in their ability to nurture all kinds, from cats and dogs to more unique creatures, can find great joy working with these lovable companions.

How to Easily Get Started

Getting started as a pet sitter couldn’t be easier! All you need is an understanding of pet care and the skills to provide quality service.

There are plenty of ways to find work, such as: 

• Reach out to friends, family, and neighbors for referrals.
• Advertise your services on local classifieds and online
• Pet-sitting networks, such as
• Participate in local events such as farmers’ markets or craft fairs to reach potential customers.

You can also take pet care courses and seek certifications for added credibility. 

With a bit of effort, you can be well on your way to becoming a successful pet sitter in no time.

How Much Can You Make?

As a pet sitter, you can make anywhere from $10 to $50 an hour, depending on the number of pets and services offered.

If you are willing to stay in your client’s house overnight, you can bundle pet sitting with house sitting while your clients are away for an extended time.

With experience and professional certifications, you can increase your rates. Pet sitting can be quite a lucrative side hustle, with experienced pet sitters potentially earning up to $1000 a week.

Perhaps more valuable than money, pet sitting pays in quality time spent hanging out with man’s best friend. 

7. Pet Walking

If you love pets but are looking for something less involved than pet sitting, pet walking might be your side hustle.

Pet walking is a tried and true method of making extra money. Technology will change, industry trends will fade, but pets will always need walking.

Pet walking is a great way to earn quick cash while getting some exercise and sunshine. Plus, you’re bound to meet plenty of new people who stop to talk to your precious pup.

How to Easily Get Started

Getting started as a pet walker is simple. Most pet owners will provide materials like collars, leashes, waste bags, and toys. If they don’t, that’s an opportunity to charge an extra fee! 

Pet walking also doesn’t require specialized skills, just an understanding of basic pet care and the ability to stay mobile for long periods.

Like pet-sitting, you can find pet-walking jobs through referrals, classifieds, and online networks.

You can also market your services at local events or take pet care courses to gain credibility and boost your rates.

How Much Can You Make?

Rates for pet walking vary widely depending on the area that you live in and the number of pets you walk.

Most pet-walking services charge between $10 and $20 per walk, although some experienced pet walkers may charge up to $50 or more. 

If you are willing to provide additional services, such as feeding and bathing, you can increase your rates further.

8. Online Surveys

You’ve got opinions, and companies want to hear them.

Online surveys pay you money for your insightful feedback, allowing you to make a few extra bucks while speaking your mind. 

Quick, easy, and low-commitment, this side hustle is perfect for teens looking to gain a little fun money to spend on the weekend. Moreover, since most surveys take at most ten minutes, it’s a great way to pass the time (and get paid) between classes or on your lunch break.

How to Easily Get Started

Getting started with online surveys is simple: All you need is a valid email and an account on a legitimate survey site. 

There are plenty (and I mean plenty) of survey sites on the web, but a few of the most popular ones include:

• Swagbucks
• Survey Monkey
• Point Club
• Vindale Research
• Life Points

The bigger the variety of surveys available, the more money you can make.

Make sure to read each survey’s description carefully before taking it so that you don’t waste your time on something that won’t pay well.

How Much Can You Make?

Don’t expect to get rich through online surveys. Your typical survey company pays anywhere from $0.50 – $5 per survey depending on the length and scope of the questions.

However, with a little effort, you can easily make a few extra dollars each day while you’re out and about or catching up on homework.

That money can add up quickly with enough surveys completed over the long term. 

Not all surveys pay in cash; some offer rewards, discounts, or vouchers for your answers, which can also be valuable. Keep an open mind to compensation and maximize your earning potential!

9. Playing Games

If you’re a teen looking for a side hustle, why not take advantage of all the gaming opportunities that can put cash in your pocket? 

That’s right – companies are looking to reward you for playing their games by giving away free cash prizes. 

So while you’re already taking time out of your day to play games, why not get paid for it?

How to Easily Get Started

If you’re interested in getting started, all you need to do is search your app store for dedicated games that offer financial rewards. 

Some of the most common examples are Very Dice and App Cent, which offer cash and other compensation simply for completing tasks or achieving certain in-game goals.

From there, it’s as simple as signing up. Be sure to carefully research the companies before giving them your personal information.

How Much Can You Make?

Game money is not a get-rich-quick scenario, but it’s good for a few extra dollars in your pocket.

In general, it’s possible to earn anywhere from a few cents to several dollars per hour, depending on the game and your skill level.

No matter how much you make, remember that playing games should be fun first and foremost – if it’s not, you should take a break. Side hustles are meant to help you, not stress you out! 

10. Freelance Writing

Freelance writing is a great side hustle for teens who want to make extra money while flexing their creative muscles. 

Whether you’re an aspiring journalist or novelist or have a knack for expressing yourself in words, freelance writing is the perfect way to get paid for your passion. 

Plus, since you can do it from anywhere, there’s no need to worry about transportation or time constraints.

How to Easily Get Started

You only need an internet connection and a good portfolio of writing samples.

• Look for magazines like Youth Imagination or Spaceports and Spidersilk that publish stories written by teens for teens.
• Start by pitching yourself for smaller projects, such as blog posts or content writing for websites.
• As you gain experience and build a client base, you can gradually increase your rates and take on more substantial assignments.

With the right attitude and effort, freelance writing can be a lucrative side hustle for teens. So, give it a shot if you want to make money while polishing your craft!

How Much Can You Make?

It depends on how much you’re willing to write and how good you are at it. 

Some writers make more than $50 per hour, while others make less than $25. The more experience you have and the higher your quality of work, the better your pay will be.

So, start small and practice your writing skills as you go along. With consistency and dedication, you’ll be able to make some serious money with freelance writing. 

11. Washing Cars

If you’re a teen looking for an easy side hustle, washing cars might be the perfect option.

You can make some extra money with just a few dollars to purchase supplies like soap, wash mitts, and drying towels.

Car washing requires a bit of elbow grease and some motivation to get started – but it’s a great way to make some cash while learning valuable life skills!

How to Easily Get Started

Getting started is simple! You can start washing cars in your own driveway.

Gather some friends and set up signs around your neighborhood. You’ll have a line of customers in no time. 

How Much Can You Make?

Depending on your services, the price of washing a single car ranges from $5 up to $20 – so it could really pay off quickly!

Interior detailing, vacuuming, waxing, and shining are all things that can drive up the cost per car.

12. Babysitting

Babysitting has been a side hustle for teens forever.

Babysitting is many teens’ first job because it’s a great way to earn extra cash. You don’t necessarily need experience or qualifications to jump into the driver’s seat.

Not only is babysitting a consistent way to earn money, but it also helps teens learn responsibility.

So if your teen is looking to dip their toes into side hustles, don’t discount the humble babysitting!

How to Easily Get Started

Getting started with babysitting is easy!

You probably already know someone in need of a babysitter. Consider reaching out to people you meet daily to offer your services.

You can check in with:

• family
• neighbors
• teachers
• friends of the family
• churches
• or community centers

Make sure you connect with people you know and trust when you’re first starting. 

How Much Can You Make?

The average rate for babysitting is around $15-20 per hour – making it a great way to make money while learning how to manage children safely and responsibly.

13. YouTube

YouTube is a great way for teens to make money on the side. You can create videos that attract a large following with enough dedication and creativity.

Whether you’re making comedy skits, educational tutorials, or vlogging your daily life, there’s an audience ready to consume your content with the right strategy.

How to Easily Get Started

Getting started with YouTube is as easy as setting up an account and creating your first video.

To get started:

• Set up a YouTube account
• Choose a niche and create content for that audience
• Begin connecting with other creators in the same space
• Promote your channel on all other social media accounts
• Analyze trends and adjust your strategy accordingly

How Much Can You Make?

The possibilities are endless regarding how much money teens can make with YouTube!

You could make anywhere from a few extra monthly dollars to thousands of dollars depending on your following.

Content creators who have been in the game for years and have large followings often make hundreds or even thousands of dollars per video. 

So if you’re dedicated and creative, you could start making some serious dough from your YouTube channel!

14. Designing T-Shirts

Designing t-shirts is a great side hustle for artistic teens with a passion for fashion. It’s a creative outlet that allows you to express yourself and bring in extra cash. 

You can create unique designs that people will love and even get creative with how you sell them – whether online or in person.

How to Easily Get Started

Getting started is fairly simple: you need basic design skills and an eye for what sells.

Create your own designs, find an online print-on-demand service like Printful or TeeSpring, upload your designs to the platform, and offer them for sale.

Once you have some designs on the market, get creative with promoting them in person or online!

How Much Can You Make?

Most print-on-demand websites handle the production, shipping, and customer service aspect of your t-shirt business. Because of that, they’ll take a cut of whatever money you make from shirt sales. 

This means you could make a few cents a month or a few thousand, depending on your design’s popularity. With a good design and solid marketing, selling t-shirts can be a great source of income.

15. Selling Photos

Selling photos could be a great option if your teen has an eye for photography!

With stock photo sites like Adobe Stock or iStockPhoto, they can upload their images and get paid whenever someone downloads them. 

It’s also easy to sell prints of their photos online or in person, allowing them to make a nice profit. 

How to Easily Get Started

Getting started selling photos is easy and can be done with any camera.

All you need to do is find a reputable stock photo website, like Adobe Stock or iStockPhoto, and upload your photos!

How Much Can You Make?

With stock photo websites, teens can expect to make a few cents each time someone downloads their photos.

If a teen can build up a large library of photos, they could make a few hundred dollars per month.

Additionally, if teens can sell prints of their photos in person or online, they could easily make more money than with stock photo websites! The profit potential is huge and can be a great way to earn extra cash.

16. Dropshipping

With drop shipping, teens can set up an online store and have items shipped directly from the supplier to their customers.

This eliminates the need to store inventory or handle packaging and shipping. You only need a website or marketplace, a product listing, and a few clicks.

With drop shipping, teens can sell products without touching the product itself – making it perfect for those with limited resources!

How to Easily Get Started

Write a paragraph about easily getting started with drop shipping:

Getting started with drop shipping is a breeze! You only need an e-commerce platform to set up your store, like Shopify or BigCommerce.

Then find a supplier who offers drop-shipping services and connect them to your store.

Once you’re all set up, start advertising your online store and processing orders. It’s really that simple! 

How Much Can You Make?

The amount of money you can make with drop shipping depends on how much effort you put in.

If your teen has a knack for marketing and promotion, their profits could soar. They could easily make a few hundred dollars monthly with a good website, quality products, and strong advertising skills.

17. Passive Income

In 2023, you can make extra money without having to work for it. Imagine receiving regular income from stocks and properties – all with minimal upkeep! These types of passive investments bring in returns while freeing your time up to pursue other interests or projects. It’s a great way to take control of your financial future by investing now so that the dividends will keep coming when most needed down the road.

How to Easily Get Started

Investing in rental properties is a great way to multiply your income and generate reliable passive earnings. Although it requires an initial investment of money and effort, the rent you collect each month can be quite rewarding. Investing in stocks, bonds or mutual funds that pay dividends can be a great way to make passive income as well.

If investing is not an option, you can always use passive income applications. These apps usually work in the background of your device and share your internet bandwidth with their networks. For it, you are receiving monetary compensation.

For example, Honeygain does exactly that. As the app is running on your device, it shares your internet bandwidth.

How Much Can You Make?

For each 10 MB of traffic shared, you will receive 3 credits. In this particular system, 1000 credits are the same as $1. Once you reach $20 worth of credits, you can pay out to your PayPal account or to your crypto wallet using JumpToken.

Conclusion

With these side hustles, teens can make some decent extra cash while still having enough time to focus on school or other hobbies.

All it takes is time and effort, and you can be well on your way to financial freedom! 

These side hustles are worth exploring with the potential to make hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month.

Now we’d like to hear from you! What was your first side hustle? Do you have any advice for the young entrepreneurs out there? Let us know in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions