Photography can be a fun side hustle for teens, allowing them to explore their creativity while capturing moments at events, creating content for social media, or offering portraits to friends and family. If you enjoy editing and creating lasting memories in photos, this would be a great hustle to look into.
Many teens have been seeking creative and unique ways to make money other than traditional retail and food service jobs. This has led to many new side hustles being pursued that are not only great ways to make money, but are also a great way to provide a deeper understanding of hard work and responsibility.
Many know the common side hustles like babysitting and dog walking. These are timeless choices that will always be sought by families in the neighborhood. Dog walking and pet sitting has an estimated starting point of $16 an hour, which is far above minimum wage in traditional jobs.

All that is needed to have a great pet care career is strong communication skills, basic animal knowledge, and the availability and mobility to spend time and walk with the animal. Babysitting starts at an estimated rate of $16-25 an hour, and can be done by anyone as long as they have basic childcare skills and a good sense of responsibility. CPR classes are always encouraged and can give you a competitive edge when becoming a babysitter.
If the traditional routes of side hustles do not seem to be for you, there are many other options! Below is a list with short descriptions about many different side hustles for teens in high school.
-
lawn mowing/landscaping

A mower and some safety equipment can be the start of a lucrative small teen business.
-
car detailing/washing

If you love cleaning, then car washing is an excellent choice! Just be sure to have quality equipment, and a hard work ethic.
-
tutoring
Many kids need help understanding their school subjects, and concerned parents will be willing to pay for help. Tutoring can also create meaningful relationships within your community, and can give a sense of accomplishment to your day.
-
social media management
With many brands, influencers, and small businesses relying on social media for growth, teens are often in tune with the latest trends and platforms, making them ideal candidates to manage online presences.
-
photography
-
sell baked goods/crafts

If you love to bake, then selling baked goods is a great idea. if you take an online food handlers course, it can boost your popularity for your baked goods.
-
house cleaning/watching
House cleaning and watching is another valuable choice. Many families desire clean homes, but may not have the time to clean.
