13 Side Hustles for Teens That Actually Make Money (No Cap)
13 Side Hustles for Teens That Actually Make Money (No Cap)
Why Every Teen Should Have a Side Hustle
Let’s be real: minimum wage isn’t the vibe. Whether you’re saving for your first car, trying to build a college fund, or just want to stop asking your parents for Starbucks money—a side hustle is your cheat code to cash flow.
The best part? You don’t need a driver’s license, a full-time job, or even a business plan to start stacking money. Just some WiFi, a little creativity, and a “bet, let’s do it” attitude.
And once you start stacking? Here’s how to invest your first $100 so you can keep that bag growing.
1. Resell Thrifted Clothes Online
Channel your inner Emma Chamberlain and hit up local thrift stores. Grab name brands or unique pieces, snap pics, and flip them on:
- Depop – Vintage/quirky clothes
- Poshmark – Brand-name fashion
- Mercari – Random cool stuff
2. Design and Sell Stickers or Digital Downloads
Got Canva skills? Sell aesthetic planner templates, digital vision boards, or custom stickers on Etsy.
- A free Canva account
- Some cute design inspo
- An Etsy store (ask a parent to help if you're under 18)
3. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
People love their pets—and they’ll pay to have someone walk, feed, or play with them.
Where to Start:
- Nextdoor app
- Flyers in your neighborhood
- Word-of-mouth (your neighbors are your first clients)
4. Sell Baked Goods or Snacks
Bake cookies, brownies, or cupcakes and sell them at school (if allowed), local events, or through friends and fam. TikTok-friendly ideas like:
- Custom sugar cookies
- Cake pops
- Hot cocoa bombs in winter
5. Become a Content Editor
If you know how to make TikToks, Reels, or cut a YouTube video, you already have a money-making skill.
Edit content for:
- Small businesses
- Local influencers
- Coaches or creators who don’t know how CapCut works
6. Offer Tech Help to Boomers
Yes, this is real—and yes, it pays. Boomers and even Millennials will pay for help with:
- Setting up new phones
- Fixing Wi-Fi issues
- Organizing digital files or passwords
7. Start a Print-on-Demand Merch Store
Design merch (hoodies, tees, phone cases) and sell through sites like:
- Redbubble
- Printful + Etsy
- Teespring
8. Run a Car Wash Pop-Up
Grab your friends, hit up a church or school parking lot, and host a one-day car wash.
- Charge $10–$20 per car
- Bring speakers for the vibes
- Donate a portion to charity = more customers
9. Tutor Kids or Peers
If you're good at math, reading, or even Minecraft (yes, educational versions exist), you can tutor.
- Post in local Facebook groups
- Offer $15–$25/hr tutoring younger kids
- Use Zoom if in-person doesn’t work
10. Sell Your Notes
If you’re the kid with the aesthetic, color-coded notes, you could be sitting on a goldmine.
- Use platforms like StudySoup or Nexus Notes
- Sell PDF note packs through Gumroad
- Use Canva to make them look extra
11. Flip Free Stuff
Go on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp and find free items, clean them up, and flip them for cash.
- Mini fridges
- Old gaming chairs
- Dorm room furniture
12. Become a Notion or Canva Template Creator
Build out Notion dashboards or cute resume templates and sell them on:
- Etsy
- Gumroad
- Ko-fi
13. Freelance on Fiverr or Upwork
Use AI (like ChatGPT) to speed up simple services and offer:
- Caption writing
- Transcription
- Basic social media management
How to Accept Payments as a Teen
If you’re under 18:
- Use Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal with a parent/guardian account
- Set up a teen banking app like Step or Greenlight (see our next blog on best debit cards for kids under 14)
Leveling Up Your Hustle: Tools You’ll Need
- YNAB – Budget what you earn
- Canva – Design EVERYTHING
- Google Forms – For custom orders
- Instagram or TikTok – For promo
How Much Can You Make?
| Side Hustle | Earnings/Week |
|---|---|
| Reselling Clothes | $50–$200 |
| Canva/Notion Templates | $20–$150 |
| Tutoring | $60–$300 |
| Dog Walking | $50–$100 |
| Digital Products | Unlimited (passive income!) |
Don’t Sleep on Your Hustle Era
Starting small isn’t a weakness—it’s the blueprint. You’ll learn:
- How to pitch yourself
- How to budget your cash
- What your time is worth
Next Steps:
- Choose one hustle from this list and try it this weekend
- Track your earnings using YNAB
- Use your earnings to start investing (here’s your investing starter kit or figure out your investor vibe)
Remember:
You’re not too young to be a boss.
