In the modern era, teens have endless opportunities to earn money online. Unlike the traditional after-school job, these side hustles offer flexibility, independence, and even a chance to learn entrepreneurial skills.
Here are 13 top side hustles for teens in 2025 that let you earn while learning something new!
1. Clipping for Streamers
If you love watching gaming streams, this side hustle might be perfect for you. The role of a “clipper” involves watching streaming content, identifying the most entertaining parts, and turning them into short clips for platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
How It Works
- Find Streamers: Join streamer communities on Discord or Twitch, where many look for help creating highlight reels.
- Edit and Upload: You’ll be given access to raw footage, which you then clip and share.
- Get Paid by Performance: Earnings often come from views. Some clippers make around $10 to $20 per 100K views, making it possible to earn hundreds if your clips go viral!
Pro Tip: Familiarize yourself with popular editing tools like CapCut or DaVinci Resolve to increase your value as a clipper.
Clipping is fun, flexible, and a great way to earn if you’re already a fan of streaming content.
2. Video Editing for Content Creators
With the rise in video content, video editing is a highly valuable skill. If you enjoy piecing together clips, adding music, or even basic animation, this could be a lucrative option.
How to Get Started
- Learn Editing Basics: Platforms like Skillshare and YouTube have free tutorials to get you started with tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut.
- Build a Portfolio: Offer to edit videos for friends or family to build a portfolio.
- Find Clients: Start with smaller gigs on freelancing platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.
Potential Earnings
Freelance video editors typically charge anywhere from $20 to $100 per video, depending on length and complexity. With consistent work, this hustle could easily bring in $500+ monthly.
Helpful Tip: Check out editing communities on Reddit to stay updated with editing tips and industry trends.
3. AI-Powered Dropshipping
Dropshipping is a top online business model for beginners, allowing you to sell products without needing to handle inventory. Now, AI tools have made it even easier, automating much of the process.
How It Works
- Choose a Platform: Set up a dropshipping store on Shopify or use AI-driven tools like Build Your Store AI for easier setup.
- Select Products: AI tools analyze market trends and suggest products with high demand.
- Drive Traffic: Use platforms like Instagram and TikTok to promote your store and products.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Minimal startup costs and no inventory.
- Cons: Requires some marketing skills to drive traffic and sales.
Many teens have earned $1,000+ per month with AI-powered dropshipping, and some even hit five-figure months!
Pro Tip: Study successful dropshipping stores to see what products and marketing strategies work.
4. Trash Can Movement Service
It might sound a bit unconventional, but moving trash cans for neighbors can actually be a solid, low-effort hustle. Some people simply forget or don’t want the hassle of taking out their trash bins on collection day, and they’ll gladly pay someone to handle it.
Getting Started
- Promote Locally: Start by advertising in your neighborhood or on community boards like Nextdoor.
- Set Your Price: Most people charge $1 to $5 per can per week. With 20 weekly clients, that’s around $400 per month.
Why It Works
This side hustle requires very little time each week and is perfect if you’re looking for something simple and steady. Plus, as a low-competition idea, there’s a high chance of building a loyal client base.
Pro Tip: Offer extra services like driveway sweeping or recycling organization for added income.
5. Monetizing Your Hobbies
Do you have a unique talent, like painting, playing a musical instrument, or designing? Turning hobbies into income not only lets you make money but also deepens your passion and skills.
Ways to Monetize Hobbies
- Art and Crafts: If you enjoy creating art, consider selling handmade crafts or custom paintings on platforms like Etsy.
- Music Lessons: Skilled at guitar or piano? You can offer beginner lessons to other teens or kids, charging anywhere from $15 to $50 per hour.
- Photography: If you have a good camera, try offering photoshoots for families, friends, or events. Many amateur photographers earn $100+ per session.
Potential Earnings
With dedication, you could be making $200 to $500 per month, or even more as you build your client base.
Pro Tip: Use social media to showcase your work. Instagram is ideal for artists, while Facebook groups can help you find local clients.
6. Designing Fortnite Maps
For the avid gamer, creating custom maps in Fortnite can be both a fun and profitable venture. This side hustle taps into the popularity of gaming and allows you to use creativity to earn money.
How It Works
- Get Creative: Fortnite’s Creative mode allows you to design and publish your own maps.
- Promote Your Maps: Share them with friends, social media, and gaming communities. If you have at least 1,000 players on your map, Fortnite will pay you for the traffic.
- Earn Based on Popularity: Creators with active maps report earnings of up to $30,000 to $40,000 monthly!
Steps to Success
- Familiarize yourself with the Creative mode through free tutorials on YouTube.
- Build something unique and engaging to stand out among thousands of maps.
Helpful Link: Check out Fortnite’s official Creative page to learn more about map building and monetization.
7. Selling Print-on-Demand Products
Print-on-demand (POD) allows you to design and sell products like T-shirts, hoodies, and phone cases without handling inventory. Companies like Teespring or Redbubble print and ship your designs directly to customers.
How It Works
- Create Designs: Use free design tools like Canva or GIMP to make cool graphics.
- Set Up a Store: Platforms like Teespring allow you to create an online store at no cost.
- Promote on Social Media: Post your designs on platforms popular with teens, like TikTok and Instagram, and encourage friends to share.
Potential Profits
With POD, you can earn a profit of $10 to $20 per item sold, and it scales easily if your designs become popular.
Pro Tip: Check out trending designs and niches on sites like Pinterest to see what’s popular.
8. Becoming a Referee or Coach for Youth Sports
If you’re athletic or enjoy working with kids, becoming a referee or a part-time coach is a fantastic side hustle. Many youth sports leagues need extra help, especially on weekends.
Why This Works Well for Teens
- Flexible Schedule: Games are usually on weekends or evenings.
- Easy to Learn: Most leagues provide basic training, so you don’t need years of experience.
- Good Pay: Referees earn around $20 to $50 per game, and coaching a team can bring in $500 to $1,500 per season.
Getting Started
Look into local recreational leagues, school sports programs, or community centers for opportunities. This hustle also helps you build valuable leadership and teamwork skills.
Helpful Link: Check out Youth Sports Referee for tips on becoming a youth sports referee.
9. Taking Up a Part-Time Job
While traditional, a part-time job offers stability and valuable experience for teens. Certain companies pay well and offer flexible hours that suit a student’s schedule.
High-Paying Job Options for Teens
- Walmart: Starting wages average around $20 per hour.
- Starbucks: Offers $15 per hour plus benefits like free coffee and tuition support.
- Trader Joe’s: Pays about $19 per hour and is known for its supportive work environment.
Benefits of a Part-Time Job
- Reliable Income: Consistent hours mean steady pay.
- Skill-Building: Jobs like cashiering or customer service teach communication, teamwork, and time management.
- Opportunities for Advancement: Many stores promote from within, so you could move up quickly.
Part-time jobs provide stability and real-world experience, which are helpful for teens as they prepare for adulthood.
Helpful Link: Explore more high-paying part-time roles on Indeed to find opportunities nearby.
10. Landscaping and Lawn Care Services
Lawn care remains a classic side hustle for teens, as it’s easy to start and allows for immediate payment after each job.
How It Works
- Basic Services: Offer simple tasks like mowing, trimming, or leaf-raking.
- Set Your Rate: Teens typically charge $40 to $70 per lawn, depending on the size and type of service.
- Scale It Up: Once you get clients, offer additional services, like planting or snow shoveling in winter.
Benefits
This hustle offers flexibility and an opportunity to work outdoors. With multiple clients, you can earn a significant income, especially in peak seasons.
Helpful Link: Check out tips on getting started with a lawn care business from Green Industry Pros.
11. Using Survey and Task Apps
For an easy, no-investment option, survey and task apps allow teens to earn cash or gift cards for completing quick tasks.
Popular Survey Apps
- Swagbucks: Earn points that can be redeemed for cash or gift cards by answering surveys, watching videos, or shopping online.
- InboxDollars: Similar to Swagbucks, InboxDollars pays you for simple tasks like reading emails and watching ads.
What to Expect
While survey apps won’t replace a part-time job, they can yield an extra $20 to $50 a month. This income can add up if you’re using multiple apps or completing tasks during downtime.
Pro Tip: Use survey earnings for small treats or save up for something bigger.
Helpful Link: To compare different options, check out this list of top survey apps on NerdWallet.
12. AI-Powered Dropshipping
Revisiting dropshipping with an AI twist, this side hustle is ideal for tech-savvy teens interested in e-commerce. AI-driven tools make it possible to launch and manage a store with minimal effort.
How It Works
- Automated Setup: AI platforms like Sell The Trend or Build Your Store AI can help you find trending products and design your store.
- No Inventory Needed: You list products from suppliers, and they handle shipping, so there’s no need to buy stock upfront.
- Scalable: This model allows you to grow your store by adding new products as you see success.
Potential Earnings
With effective marketing, it’s possible to earn $200 to $2,000 per month, depending on the product’s popularity.
Helpful Link: For insights into building an AI-powered dropshipping store, see Shopify’s guide.
Absolutely! Here are three more side hustle ideas tailored for teens, each with unique earning potential and flexibility. Each hustle is paired with helpful outbound links for guidance.
13. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Pet owners often need help caring for their furry friends, making pet sitting and dog walking a great side hustle for animal-loving teens. Not only does it offer flexible hours, but it also lets you spend time with pets while earning extra cash.
How It Works
- Start Locally: Spread the word to neighbors, family, and friends. You can also use platforms like Rover or Wag!, which connect pet sitters and dog walkers with pet owners looking for help.
- Set Your Rates: Dog walkers typically earn $15 to $30 per hour, while pet sitting can bring in $20 to $50 per day, depending on the pet and duration.
Why It’s Great
This side hustle offers flexible hours and is ideal for teens who enjoy being outdoors. As your client base grows, you can also offer additional services like pet bathing or basic training for more income.
Helpful Link: To learn more about dog walking and pet sitting, check out Pet Sitters International, which offers resources on getting started in the pet care industry.
14. Social Media Content Creation
With social media becoming increasingly central to marketing, companies are often looking for young, social-media-savvy content creators. If you’re skilled in video editing, photography, or have a knack for engaging captions, this could be a rewarding option.
How It Works
- Freelance for Local Businesses: Many small businesses need help creating content for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Offer to help them post engaging content that speaks to younger audiences.
- Build Your Portfolio: Show your work to potential clients by maintaining an active and polished social media portfolio.
- Earn By the Post: Content creators typically charge $50 to $200 per post depending on complexity and the client’s budget.
Skills Needed
Familiarity with popular social media platforms and basic photo or video editing skills. Tools like Canva and InShot make it easy to create polished posts even without extensive experience.
Helpful Link: Learn more about starting a social media content creation business from HubSpot, which offers resources on social media strategy and tips for engaging audiences.
15. Online Tutoring
With the rise of virtual learning, there’s a demand for online tutors in subjects ranging from math to languages. Teens who excel academically can offer tutoring services to younger students or peers in need of extra support.
How It Works
- Join Tutoring Platforms: Sites like Tutor.com and Chegg Tutors connect tutors with students needing help in various subjects.
- Set Your Schedule: Tutoring is flexible, allowing you to set hours that don’t interfere with school or extracurriculars.
- Earn by the Session: Tutors typically make $15 to $30 per hour, and rates can increase with experience or specialized subject knowledge.
Benefits
Not only does tutoring help you reinforce your own knowledge, but it also enhances your communication skills. It’s a fantastic way to earn money while making a positive impact on someone else’s education.
Helpful Link: To understand more about online tutoring, check out Khan Academy which offers free educational resources and insights on teaching strategies for different subjects.
Conclusion
Embarking on side hustles as a teen not only provides extra cash but also cultivates independence, confidence, and real-world skills. Whether you’re leveraging your creativity with print-on-demand products, building an online presence through video editing, or even mastering AI-driven dropshipping, each option presents a unique way to earn and grow.
The key is to pick something that aligns with your interests and start small. Each hustle has the potential to teach you about time management, customer service, or even basic financial planning. With these skills under your belt, you’re setting yourself up for a bright and financially independent future.
So, go ahead—take that first step and dive into the side hustle world! Your journey to financial freedom and self-discovery is just beginning. Good luck!