Looking for ways to boost your bank account while juggling school? Side hustles can be a great way for high school students to earn extra cash and gain valuable skills.
With so many options available, you’re sure to find something that fits your schedule and interests.
Whether you’re saving for college, wanting to buy the latest gadget, or just looking to have some spending money, these side hustles can help you reach your financial goals. From online opportunities to in-person gigs, we’ve gathered some of the best options for teens to make money.
Let’s explore five side hustles that are perfect for high school students like you.
1) Dog Walking
Dog walking is a fantastic side hustle for high school students.
It’s a great way to earn money while getting some exercise and spending time with furry friends.
You can easily make $15-$20 for a 30-minute walk.
If you’re able to handle multiple dogs at once, your earnings can increase significantly.
To get started, spread the word among neighbors, friends, and family.
You can also join platforms like Rover or Wag to find clients in your area.
No special skills are required, but being responsible and having a love for animals is essential.
Make sure you’re comfortable handling different dog breeds and sizes.
Flexibility is a major perk of this side hustle.
You can schedule walks around your school and extracurricular activities, making it ideal for busy students.
Remember to bring poop bags, treats, and a leash on your walks.
Always prioritize the safety and well-being of the dogs in your care.
As you build trust with clients, you might even expand into pet sitting services.
This could include feeding, playtime, and overnight stays, increasing your earning potential.
2) Tutoring Younger Students
Tutoring younger students can be an excellent side hustle for high schoolers.
You likely have knowledge and skills that elementary or middle school students are eager to learn.
Consider the subjects you excel in.
Math, science, English, or foreign languages are often in high demand.
You can offer one-on-one tutoring sessions or even small group classes.
Start by reaching out to family friends or neighbors with younger children.
Local community centers or libraries may also allow you to advertise your services on their bulletin boards.
Set competitive rates based on your experience and the subject matter.
Typically, you can charge between $15 to $30 per hour.
As you gain more experience and positive reviews, you can increase your rates.
Online tutoring platforms are another option.
Some allow teens as young as 14 to sign up as tutors.
These platforms can connect you with students beyond your local area.
Tutoring not only earns you money but also reinforces your own knowledge.
It’s a great way to keep your skills sharp while helping others improve academically.
Remember to be patient and adapt your teaching style to each student’s needs.
Good communication skills and a friendly demeanor will help you succeed in this role.
Keep your schedule flexible, but be reliable.
Consistency is key in building a good reputation as a tutor.
With dedication, you can turn this side hustle into a steady income stream throughout your high school years.
3) Lawn Mowing Service
Starting a lawn mowing service is an excellent side hustle for high school students.
It’s a great way to earn money during summer months and weekends while developing valuable business skills.
You can begin with just a lawnmower and basic tools.
As you grow, consider investing in additional equipment like trimmers and leaf blowers to offer more comprehensive services.
Marketing your lawn care business is simple.
Start by asking neighbors if they need help with their lawns.
Create flyers to distribute in your area and use social media to spread the word about your services.
Pricing can vary based on lawn size and additional services offered.
Research local rates to ensure you’re competitive while still making a profit.
Don’t forget to factor in fuel and equipment maintenance costs.
Lawn care is physically demanding but can be quite lucrative.
With hard work and dedication, you could potentially earn a significant income during peak seasons.
This side hustle also teaches valuable lessons in time management, customer service, and financial planning.
These skills will serve you well in future endeavors, whether you continue with lawn care or pursue other career paths.
Remember to prioritize safety when operating equipment and consider getting insurance as your business grows.
With the right approach, a lawn mowing service can be a rewarding and profitable venture for high school students.
4) Creating and Selling Art on Etsy
Etsy offers a fantastic platform for high school students to showcase their artistic talents and earn money.
As a creative teen, you can tap into this thriving marketplace to sell various forms of art.
Consider offering printable art, which is currently trending on Etsy.
This allows customers to download and use your designs for wall art or greeting cards.
It’s an easy way to generate passive income once you’ve created the initial artwork.
Digital art prints are another popular option.
You can create unique designs and illustrations without worrying about inventory or shipping physical products.
A print-on-demand service can handle the printing and shipping for you.
Don’t forget about traditional handmade items too.
Paintings, sketches, or even handcrafted zines can find an appreciative audience on Etsy.
The platform’s audience loves unique, personalized creations.
Before diving in, research current trends and popular shops on Etsy.
Look for gaps in the market or ways to make your art stand out.
This will help you tailor your offerings to what buyers want.
Setting up an Etsy shop is straightforward.
You’ll need to pay a small one-time fee to open your account.
After that, you’ll only have listing and transaction fees for your sales.
Remember to price your art fairly, considering both your time and materials.
Take high-quality photos of your work to attract potential buyers.
With dedication and creativity, your Etsy art shop can become a rewarding side hustle.
5) Freelance Writing
Freelance writing can be an excellent side hustle for high school students with a knack for words.
You can start by creating profiles on platforms like Freelancer.com, where various writing opportunities are available.
As a beginner, you might charge between $50 to $150 per article, depending on the topic and word count.
This flexibility allows you to work around your school schedule and commitments.
You can write about topics that interest you or specialize in areas like travel, technology, or lifestyle.
Some websites pay between $50 to $200 for guest posts, providing a good starting point for your freelance career.
To get started, build a portfolio of your best writing samples.
This can include school essays, blog posts, or articles you’ve written for fun.
Having a strong portfolio will help you land more clients and higher-paying gigs.
Consider reaching out to local businesses or online publications that cater to your interests.
They might be looking for fresh content and could offer you regular writing work.
Remember to continuously improve your writing skills.
Read widely, practice different styles, and don’t be afraid to ask for feedback.
As you gain experience, you can increase your rates and take on more challenging projects.
Balancing School and Side Hustles
Managing your time and priorities is crucial when juggling academics and entrepreneurial pursuits.
With smart strategies, you can excel in both areas without burning out.
Time Management Tips
Start by creating a detailed schedule.
Block out time for classes, homework, extracurriculars, and your side hustle.
Use a planner or digital calendar to stay organized.
Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable chunks.
This makes them less overwhelming and easier to fit into your schedule.
Try the Pomodoro Technique: work in focused 25-minute bursts, followed by short breaks.
This can boost your productivity and help you stay on task.
Learn to say no to non-essential activities.
Your time is valuable, so be selective about how you spend it.
Setting Priorities
Identify your most important goals for school and your side hustle.
Write them down and refer to them often to stay focused.
School should generally come first.
Don’t let your grades slip while pursuing your business ventures.
Set realistic expectations for your side hustle.
Remember, you’re balancing it with school, so progress might be slower than if it were your full-time focus.
Be flexible and willing to adjust your priorities as needed.
During exam periods, you might need to scale back your side hustle temporarily.
Legal and Financial Considerations
Starting a side hustle as a high school student comes with important legal and financial responsibilities.
You’ll need to understand tax obligations and obtain parental consent to ensure you’re operating within the law.
Understanding Tax Obligations
As a young entrepreneur, you’re not exempt from taxes.
If you earn over $400 from self-employment in a year, you must report it to the IRS.
Keep detailed records of your income and expenses.
Set aside about 15% of your earnings for self-employment tax.
This covers Social Security and Medicare contributions.
You may also owe income tax, depending on how much you make.
Consider opening a separate bank account for your business to simplify tracking.
Save receipts for business-related purchases, as these can be deducted from your taxable income.
Parental Guidance and Consent
If you’re under 18, you’ll need parental consent for many business activities.
Your parents might need to co-sign contracts or help set up bank accounts.
Discuss your plans with your parents.
They can offer valuable advice and help you navigate legal requirements.
Some cities require permits for certain businesses, even for teens.
Your parents’ involvement can also protect you from potential scams or unsafe situations.
They can review job offers and help you understand your rights as a young worker.
Remember, your parents’ support is crucial.
They can help ensure your side hustle doesn’t interfere with school or violate child labor laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
High school students have many options for earning money through side hustles.
From home-based online work to in-person services, there are opportunities for teens of all ages and skill levels.
What are some good side hustles that high school students can do from home?
You can try online tutoring, freelance writing, or selling handmade crafts on Etsy.
These allow you to work on your own schedule and develop valuable skills.
Virtual assistant work or social media management for small businesses are also great options.
How can a 17-year-old student earn money online as a side job?
At 17, you have numerous online opportunities.
You can take paid surveys, start a blog, or offer graphic design services on platforms like Fiverr.
You could also explore transcription work or become a beta tester for apps and websites.
What are the highest paying side jobs for teenagers today?
Tutoring often pays well, especially for subjects like math or SAT prep.
If you have the skills, web design and coding can be lucrative too.
Pet-sitting or dog walking services in affluent areas can also bring in good money.
How can a high school student start a side hustle?
Start by identifying your skills and interests.
Then, research potential markets for your services.
After that, create a simple business plan and set up any necessary online profiles or social media accounts.
Finally, begin with a small scale and grow as you gain experience.
What side hustles are appropriate for a 13-year-old?
At 13, you can consider lawn mowing, car washing, or pet sitting for neighbors.
Online options include selling crafts or artwork, or helping with basic data entry tasks.
Always get parental permission and supervision for any work activities.
What are some easy side hustles that can be done by 14-year-olds?
You might try babysitting, dog walking, or helping with yard work in your neighborhood.
Online, you could start a YouTube channel.
You could also sell items on platforms like eBay or offer basic social media management for local businesses.