Written by Admin Alex · Fact-Checked by M.Ali · Info Verified October 2026
We review and update this article regularly as new information becomes available.
TL;DR: The best side hustles for teens are local services like babysitting, pet care, yard work, and tutoring, because they need little money and no age-restricted platform. Under federal law, most jobs for an employer start at 14, but casual babysitting, chores in private homes, newspaper delivery, acting, and work for a parent’s business are exempt. Most online platforms, including Etsy, Fiverr, Upwork, PayPal, and AdSense, require an adult to own the account. Teens owe self-employment tax once net self-employment earnings reach $400 in a year.
The best side hustles for teens are simple local services that pay cash, need almost no startup money, and stay inside the law for your age. This guide sorts 25 side hustles for teens by age band, with honest pay ranges, startup costs, and how much a parent needs to be involved. It also covers the parts most lists skip: child labor rules, platform age limits, taxes, banking, and scams. It is written for teens and their parents.
Key Terms in One Line Each
- Side hustle: Paid work you run yourself, outside a regular job, usually on your own schedule.
- FLSA: The Fair Labor Standards Act, the federal law that sets minimum ages and hour limits for working minors.
- Work permit: A state document (sometimes called working papers) that many states require before a minor takes a job.
- Self-employment tax: Social Security and Medicare tax that freelancers pay themselves, at a combined 15.3% rate.
- Custodial Roth IRA: A retirement account for a minor with earned income, managed by an adult.
- Cottage food law: A state rule that controls whether you can sell homemade food without a commercial kitchen.
Teen Work by the Numbers
Teens are working, and many prefer side gigs to traditional jobs.
| Statistic | Figure | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor force participation, ages 16 to 19 (July, not seasonally adjusted) | 41.8% | 2026 | BLS Current Population Survey, via FRED |
| Youth ages 16 to 24 employed in July | 21.3 million | 2026 | BLS, Employment and Unemployment Among Youth |
| Unemployment rate, ages 16 to 24 (July) | 9.1% | 2026 | BLS, Employment and Unemployment Among Youth |
| Teens (13+) who do side hustles like babysitting and lawn care | 35% | 2026 | Greenlight survey of 2,739 users |
| Teens with traditional jobs such as retail or food service | 18% | 2026 | Greenlight survey of 2,739 users |
| Teens (13 to 18) who would consider side hustles, entrepreneurship, or a nonprofit as part of their careers | 62% | 2025 | Citizens and Junior Achievement USA |
| National average babysitting rate, one child | $26.24 per hour | 2025 | UrbanSitter, reported by Axios |
The Greenlight figures come from its own app users, and the UrbanSitter rate includes adult sitters, so teens usually charge less.
Side Hustles for Teens at a Glance, Sorted by Age
Pay ranges are typical estimates that vary by area. “Parent involvement” means how much an adult helps with setup, accounts, or supervision.
| Idea | Age band | Typical pay | Startup cost | Parent involvement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babysitting or parent’s helper | 13 to 14 | $10 to $20/hr | $0 to $100 (CPR class) | Medium |
| Pet sitting and dog walking | 13 to 14 | $10 to $20 per walk | $0 | Low |
| Lawn mowing and yard work | 13 to 14 | $20 to $50 per yard | $0 to $300 | Medium |
| Snow shoveling | 13 to 14 | $15 to $50 per driveway | $20 to $40 | Low |
| Car washing | 13 to 14 | $10 to $30 per car | $20 to $50 | Low |
| House and plant sitting | 13 to 14 | $10 to $25 per day | $0 | Low |
| Flyer or newspaper delivery | 13 to 14 | Per route or per piece | $0 | Low |
| Tutoring younger kids | 13 to 14 | $10 to $25/hr | $0 | Low |
| Selling crafts | 13 to 14 | Varies by product | $20 to $100 | High (account owner) |
| Selling used clothes and gear | 13 to 14 | Varies by item | $0 | High (account owner) |
| Lifeguarding | 15 to 16 | Local hourly wage | $200 to $450 (certification) | Low |
| Youth sports referee or umpire | 15 to 16 | $20 to $50 per game | $50 to $100 (gear, course) | Low |
| Camp junior counselor | 15 to 16 | Stipend or hourly | $0 | Low |
| Tech help for neighbors | 15 to 16 | $15 to $30/hr | $0 | Low |
| Music or sports lessons | 15 to 16 | $15 to $30 per lesson | $0 | Low |
| YouTube or content creation | 15 to 16 | Often $0 for months | $0 to $200 | High (monetization) |
| Event photography | 15 to 16 | $25 to $100 per event | $0 to $500 | Medium |
| Freelance design or video editing | 15 to 16 | $10 to $50 per project | $0 | High (account owner) |
| Party and cleanup helper | 15 to 16 | $12 to $20/hr | $0 | Low |
| Home baking | 15 to 16 | Varies by product | $30 to $100 | High (food rules) |
| Websites for local businesses | 17+ | $100 to $500 per site | $0 to $50 | Medium |
| Social media help for small businesses | 17+ | $100 to $400 per month | $0 | Medium |
| Car detailing | 17+ | $50 to $150 per car | $100 to $300 | Low |
| Golf caddying | 17+ | Fee plus tips per round | $0 | Low |
| Moving and hauling help | 17+ | $15 to $25/hr | $0 | Low |
Best Side Hustles for 13 and 14 Year Olds
At this age, stick to work for neighbors and family. Federal law lets you do casual babysitting and chores in private homes at any age. Most online platforms are off limits without a parent’s account.
1. Babysitting or Parent’s Helper
Start as a parent’s helper, watching kids while a parent works from home. Move to solo babysitting once families trust you. An infant and child CPR course, such as one from the Red Cross, helps you charge more.
2. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Walk dogs after school or feed cats while owners travel. Start with neighbors you know.
3. Lawn Mowing and Yard Work
Mowing, raking, weeding, and mulching are classic summer side hustles for teens. Borrowing the customer’s mower keeps startup costs near zero. A parent should check that you can run equipment safely.
4. Snow Shoveling
One good shovel and a list of neighbors is all you need. Offer a season deal so customers call you first after every storm.
5. Car Washing
Buy soap, microfiber towels, and a bucket. Offer to wash cars in the customer’s driveway.
6. House and Plant Sitting
Bring in mail, water plants, and check on homes while neighbors travel. It is quiet work that rewards reliability.
7. Flyer or Newspaper Delivery
Delivering newspapers to consumers is specifically exempt from federal child labor rules. Paper routes are rarer now, but local businesses still pay teens to drop flyers.
8. Tutoring Younger Kids
If you are strong in math or reading, help elementary students with homework.
9. Selling Crafts
Jewelry, stickers, and art prints sell at school fairs and local markets. Etsy allows sellers ages 13 to 17 only with a parent’s permission and direct supervision. The parent must own the account and its payment details.
10. Selling Used Clothes and Gear
Clean out your closet first, then help family members sell theirs for a cut. Most resale apps and PayPal require account holders to be 18, so a parent manages the listing and payout side.
Best Side Hustles for 15 and 16 Year Olds
At 15 and 16, you can handle more responsibility and some certifications. Ages 14 and 15 still face federal hour limits for employer jobs, covered below.
11. Lifeguarding
Federal rules allow 15-year-olds to work as lifeguards at traditional pools and water parks with proper certification. Lifeguarding is technically a job, not a side hustle, but it fits around school breaks.
12. Youth Sports Referee or Umpire
Many local leagues train and certify teen referees for younger age groups. Pay is per game, and weekends fill up fast during the season.
13. Camp Junior Counselor
Day camps often hire teens as junior counselors or counselors in training. Some start as volunteer roles.
14. Tech Help for Neighbors
Set up phones, smart TVs, printers, and video calls for older neighbors. Never ask for or store passwords. Let the owner type them in.
15. Music or Sports Lessons
If you have years of piano, guitar, or soccer experience, teach beginners.
16. YouTube or Content Creation
YouTube allows accounts from age 13, but AdSense, the payment system, only accepts applicants 18 or older. A parent or guardian can link their own AdSense account, and payments go to that adult. Expect months of work before any income.
17. Event Photography
Shoot birthday parties, team photos, and graduation portraits. A recent phone camera is enough to start.
18. Freelance Design or Video Editing
Fiverr requires sellers to be 18. Users ages 13 to 17 may sell only through an account a parent owns and manages, and the profile must say a minor is providing the service. Upwork requires all users to be at least 18. Selling directly to local clients is often simpler.
19. Party and Cleanup Helper
Help families set up and clean up birthday parties and holiday gatherings.
20. Home Baking
Cookies and cupcakes sell well at bake sales and to neighbors. Check your state’s cottage food law first, since rules on homemade food sales vary widely.
Best Side Hustles for 17 Year Olds
At 16 and 17, federal hour limits no longer apply, though hazardous jobs stay off limits until 18. This is the age to sell skills, not just time. If you plan to work online after 18, our guide to online side hustles covers what opens up.
21. Websites for Local Businesses
Many small shops still have outdated sites. Build simple sites on beginner-friendly builders and charge per project. A parent should review contracts and invoices.
22. Social Media Help for Small Businesses
Post photos, write captions, and reply to comments for a local business. Ask for a monthly flat fee.
23. Car Detailing
Detailing pays far more than a basic wash. Invest in a vacuum, clay bar, and quality products once you have steady customers.
24. Golf Caddying
Many private clubs run caddie programs for teens. You earn a per-round fee plus tips.
25. Moving and Hauling Help
Families moving house need extra hands. Work in pairs, lift safely, and skip any job that involves driving a rented truck. If you enjoy admin work more than lifting, a virtual assistant side hustle is worth exploring once you turn 18.
Child Labor Laws: What Teens Can Legally Do
The FLSA sets federal rules for employers who hire minors. Your state may have stricter rules, and when federal and state law differ, the stricter one applies.
- Under 14: No covered non-farm jobs, except exempt work like delivering newspapers, acting, casual babysitting, and minor chores around private homes.
- 14 and 15: Allowed in many non-hazardous jobs, with hour limits.
- 16 and 17: Unlimited hours in any job not declared hazardous.
- 18: Federal youth employment rules no longer apply.
Children of any age can generally work in a business entirely owned by their parents. Under 16, that excludes mining and manufacturing. Nobody under 18 may do work declared hazardous.
Hour Limits for 14 and 15 Year Olds
| Rule | Limit |
|---|---|
| School days (including Fridays) | 3 hours per day |
| School weeks | 18 hours per week |
| Non-school days | 8 hours per day |
| Non-school weeks | 40 hours per week |
| Time of day | 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., or until 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day |
Employers may pay workers under 20 a youth minimum wage of $4.25 per hour during their first 90 consecutive days. After that, the federal minimum of $7.25 applies, and many states set it higher. Many states also require a work permit for employees under 18.
Platform Age Limits for Online Side Hustles
Online side hustles for teens almost always run through a parent. We checked each platform’s current terms in October 2026.
| Platform | Minimum age | Option for under 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Etsy | 18 to own an account | Ages 13 to 17 with parent permission, supervision, and a parent-owned account |
| Fiverr | 18 | Ages 13 to 17 through a parent-owned and managed account, with disclosure |
| Upwork | 18 | None stated |
| YouTube | 13 for an account | Monetization requires AdSense, which is 18+; a parent can link their own AdSense |
| PayPal (US) | 18 or state age of majority | Parent receives payments |
Never lie about your age to open an account. Platforms can close it and hold your funds.
Taxes for Teens with Side Hustles
Being young does not exempt you from tax. Here are the 2026 rules that matter most.
- Self-employment tax: You usually owe it once net self-employment earnings reach $400 in a year. The rate is 15.3%, covering Social Security and Medicare. Track income and expenses from day one.
- Standard deduction for dependents: For 2026, it is the greater of $1,350 or your earned income plus $450, capped at the regular $16,100 single amount.
- Filing: Even if you owe no income tax, the $400 self-employment rule can still require a return. Filing also gets back any tax withheld from a regular paycheck.
- Custodial Roth IRA: Any teen with earned income can contribute up to that income, or $7,500 for 2026, whichever is less. A parent opens and manages the account.
Log dates, customers, and amounts, and save receipts for supplies, since they reduce net earnings.
Banking Basics for Teen Earners
Most large banks and credit unions offer teen checking accounts, usually owned jointly with a parent. Look for no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and a debit card with parental controls.
A simple split works well: part to savings, part toward a goal, and the rest to spend.
Online Safety and Scam Red Flags
Scammers target young people looking for fast money. Walk away from any offer that matches these warning signs:
- You must pay upfront for a “starter kit,” training, or equipment.
- A stranger sends a check and asks you to send part of it back.
- Someone asks you to receive and reship packages or move money through your account.
- The “job” asks for your Social Security number, bank login, or photos before any interview.
- Pay seems far too high for simple tasks like liking posts or reviewing products.
- The contact pushes you to switch to a private messaging app or keep it secret from parents.
For in-person work, tell a parent where you are going and when you will be back. Meet new clients with an adult present, and never enter a stranger’s home alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best side hustle for a teenager?
For most teens, babysitting, pet care, or yard work is the best starting point. These jobs need little money, are legal at almost any age, and build trust with neighbors.
What side hustles can a 14 year old do?
A 14-year-old can babysit, walk dogs, mow lawns, shovel snow, wash cars, deliver flyers, and tutor younger kids. Employer jobs are also possible at 14, within federal hour limits. Online selling needs a parent-owned account.
What side hustles can a 15 or 16 year old do?
At 15, teens can add certified lifeguarding, refereeing, junior counselor roles, and lessons. At 16, federal hour limits end, and most non-hazardous jobs open up. Online freelancing still requires a parent to own the account.
Can a 13 year old make money online?
Yes, but only through a parent. Etsy and Fiverr allow ages 13 to 17 through parent-owned accounts. YouTube accounts start at 13, but monetization payments must go to an adult’s AdSense account.
What are easy side hustles for teens with no experience?
Pet sitting, plant sitting, car washing, and snow shoveling are the easiest. They need no training and almost no equipment.
Do teens have to pay taxes on side hustle money?
Yes, once net self-employment earnings reach $400 in a year, self-employment tax usually applies and a return is required. Income tax may also apply above the dependent standard deduction.
Do teens need a work permit for a side hustle?
Work permits usually apply to employment, not to freelance work for neighbors. Requirements differ by state, so check your state labor department before taking a job with an employer.
How much can a teenager make from a summer side hustle?
It depends on hours and local rates. A teen mowing a few lawns or babysitting several evenings a week can often earn a few hundred dollars a month.
Can a teen open a Roth IRA?
Yes, if the teen has earned income from a job or side hustle. A parent opens a custodial Roth IRA, and contributions are capped at the teen’s earned income or $7,500 for 2026, whichever is lower.
Bottom Line
Start local and start simple. Babysitting, pet care, and yard work pay real money and need almost nothing to begin. Know the rules: hour limits at 14 and 15, adult-owned accounts for online platforms, and the $400 self-employment tax line. Parents should stay involved for accounts, safety, and taxes, and let the teen run everything else.
This article is general information, not financial, tax, or legal advice. Rules change and vary by state. Check with a qualified tax professional or your state labor department for your situation.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment and Unemployment Among Youth, Summer 2026, 2026
- Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (BLS data), Labor Force Participation Rate, 16 to 19 Years, 2026
- U.S. Department of Labor, Fact Sheet #43: Child Labor Provisions for Nonagricultural Occupations, current
- U.S. Department of Labor, FLSA Child Labor Rules Advisor: Hours Limits, current
- U.S. Department of Labor, Fact Sheet #32: Youth Minimum Wage, current
- Internal Revenue Service, Topic No. 554, Self-Employment Tax, 2026
- Internal Revenue Service, 401(k) Limit Increases to $24,500 for 2026, IRA Limit Increases to $7,500, 2025
- Current Federal Tax Developments, 2026 Inflation Adjustments: Revenue Procedure 2025-32 Analysis, 2025
- Greenlight, Teen Summer Hustle Data, 2026
- Citizens, Citizens and Junior Achievement USA Teens and the Future of Work Survey, 2025
- Axios, Babysitting Rates (UrbanSitter data), 2026
- Etsy, Can Minors Sell on Etsy?, current
- Fiverr, Fiverr’s Minor Policy: What You Need to Know, 2025
- Google, AdSense Eligibility Requirements, current
- Upwork, Terms of Use, current
- PayPal, PayPal User Agreement, current
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