Being a teen often means needing extra cash, whether it’s for grabbing food with friends, covering your phone bill, or saving up for something big.

The great news? You don’t need to wait until you’re older to start earning. Today’s digital world offers tons of flexible ways for teens to start making money through side hustles.

Side hustles don’t just help you earn, they teach you real-life skills, money smarts, and maybe even spark a business mindset.

Best of all, the right hustle can fit around your classes, sports, and social life without a problem.

Ready to start stacking some cash? Here’s how you can make money as a teenager with smart side hustles.

1. Take Online Surveys

If you’re looking for a super easy way to earn some extra cash (or snag a few free gift cards), online surveys are a great option — especially during your downtime. Many survey platforms welcome teens, so you don’t have to be an adult to get started.

For example, Swagbucks accepts users 13 and up, making it one of the most teen-friendly platforms. If you’re 16 or older, you can also try Survey Junkie, FreeCash, or Branded Surveys — all solid choices for turning spare time into spending money.

Sites like LifePoints and InboxDollars are also popular, but you’ll need to be at least 18 to sign up for those.

Prefer earning money without leaving your bed? Good news — there are tons of online opportunities for teens to make cash without ever stepping outside.

2. Babysit or Nanny

Babysitting might seem like an obvious choice, but it’s still one of the best side hustles for teens — especially if you’re great with kids.

Start by asking family, friends, or neighbors if they need help watching their little ones. One good experience could turn into a steady weekend or after-school job.

If you’re 18 or older, you can take it a step further by signing up on sites like Care.com, Sittercity, or UrbanSitter to find more opportunities in your area and build a trusted profile.

3. Do Online Tutoring

If you’re a strong student and enjoy helping others, tutoring can be a great way to earn money while sharing what you know. Whether it’s math, science, or writing, there are always students who could use a little extra help — and you might be the perfect person to guide them.

You can start by offering your services at school or through friends and family. Or, take it online — there are plenty of tutoring platforms where teens can connect with students who need support.

Another cool option? Chat-based English tutoring. If you’re a native English speaker, you can earn money just by having casual conversations with people from other countries who want to practice their English.

Cambly is a popular choice for this. I’ve tried it myself and had fun talking with people from around the world — plus, they pay around $10 an hour, which isn’t bad at all for just chatting!

4. Deliver Newspapers

It might seem old-school, but delivering newspapers is still a solid way for teens to earn a steady monthly income — often between $350 to $500. Since most routes are early in the morning or after school, it can fit well around a typical teen’s schedule.

Before diving in, there are a few important things to prepare:

  • Talk to a parent or guardian so they’re aware of your route and safety plan
  • Get familiar with Google Maps or your local area to avoid getting lost
  • Put together a simple resume (yes, even for part-time gigs — it shows initiative)
  • Decide how far you’re willing to travel each day and if biking or walking works best for your route

Once you’re ready, you can start searching for paper delivery jobs near you. Try checking sites like Indeed, SimplyHired, or Jobs2Careers to find available positions in your neighborhood.

5. Clean Houses

Offering cleaning services can be a surprisingly profitable side hustle — especially for teens who aren’t afraid to get their hands a little dirty. Since many people don’t enjoy tackling chores themselves, there’s always a demand for reliable help.

Before you jump in, you’ll need to think about supplies. Cleaning products can cost a bit upfront, but you might be able to borrow extras from home or even ask around — someone you know might have a stash they’re not using.

Preparation is key. Knowing exactly what tools you’ll need and how to tackle different tasks will help you do the job right and impress clients.

Once you’re ready, let people know you’re open for business! Word spreads fast when you tell friends, family, and neighbors.

Social media posts, school bulletin boards, and local Facebook groups are great for getting attention.

You can also browse job boards or list your services on sites like Housekeeper.com, MerryMaids.com, and Care.com.

With some hustle and a good reputation, cleaning gigs can turn into serious cash.