Looking for a way to turn your summer into a money-making opportunity instead of just binge-watching shows or scrolling TikTok (not that there's anything wrong with that)? If you're a teen and want to earn serious cash- like $5,000 serious, then here are 8 Side Hustles Teens Can Start This Summer.

I'm skipping the same-old advice like mowing lawns and babysitting. Instead, we're diving into creative, digital-friendly, and real income-generating side hustles that teens (as young as 13!) can start today. Bonus? These hustle ideas will teach you skills that will pay off for years.

Let’s get into it

1. Get Paid to Playtest Games (Ages 3–18+) 🎮

If you’re already gaming this summer, why not get paid for it?

Sign up with PlaytestCloud to test new games and give feedback before they launch. Teens age 16+ can join directly, and younger teens (ages 3–15) can join with a parent.

You can earn around $9 per 15 minutes, and some users report making up to $36/hr.

Other game-related platforms to explore:

• Cash Giraffe

• FreeCash

• TesterUp

• Rewarded Play

🧠 Bonus: You’ll pick up early skills in UX (user experience) and product testing.

2. Sell Digital Products (Ages 13+) 💻

Turn your school knowledge or creativity into digital income!

Create and sell:

• Printable planners

• Flashcards or study guides

• Notion templates

• Canva social kits

Tools to use:

• Canva

• ChatGPT

• Etsy

• Gumroad

You already understand what your peers want so use that to design products that are helpful, aesthetic, and relevant.

3. Resell Items for Profit (Any Age with Parent) 📦

Got unused items at home? Time to flip them for cash. This is something that I've done since I was a kid and have since made over $30k dollars from it!

Sell your stuff (or thrift finds) on:

• eBay

• Mercari (code BKPFRM)

• Poshmark (code KAESNOW)

• Facebook Marketplace

🧠 Skills learned: Pricing, marketing, customer service, and sales—all useful for future jobs or businesses.

4. Start a Blog or Write for Money (13+) ✍️

Blogging can become a long-term income stream. Write about gaming, fashion, tech- anything you love. You can start a blog on WordPress, Blogger, Wix, Squarespace, or Medium.

Ways to monetize:

• Affiliate marketing

• Google AdSense

• Freelance sites like Fiverr or Medium’s Partner Program

I’ve personally made hundreds monthly just blogging twice a week and linking posts to my YouTube channel.

5. Online Tutoring (Ages 13–18) 🎓

Love helping friends study? Get paid for it!

Join TutorPeers, a tutoring platform made for teens. You set your rate (around $25–$30/hr), choose your subjects, and schedule sessions when it works for you.

🧠 You'll build leadership, teaching, and communication skills that colleges love to see.

6. Freelance Voiceover or Teen Reviews (13+) 🎤

If you’ve been told you have a great voice or personality, this is for you.

Get started on Fiverr offering:

• Voiceovers for YouTube videos, animations, or ads

• Honest product reviews from a teen’s POV (brands pay for this!)

All you need is a quiet space and basic mic. A ring light helps, but it’s optional!

7. Transcription Work (13+ or 18+) ⌨️

Transcribing audio and video files into text is a great option for fast typers.

For teens 18+, try:

• Rev

• Scribie

For 13+, offer transcription services on Fiverr. Reach out to local businesses, YouTubers, or podcasters who need captions or transcripts.

🧠 Skills learned: Typing, grammar, listening—perfect for school and future jobs.

8. Surveys + Micro Tasks (13+) 📱

Need a low-effort way to earn from your phone? Market research and survey platforms are perfect.

Top options:

• DScout: High-paying studies ($50–$300 per project)

• Swagbucks

• PrizeRebel

• Branded Surveys

• FreeCash

I personally earn up to $1,000/month just stacking these in my free time!

Pro Tips for Teen Side Hustlers 🚀

Before jumping into anything, remember:

• ✅ Know your strengths and passions

• ✅ Start small with free tools

• ✅ Always be safe online (ask a parent!)

• ✅ Promote smartly using social media

• ✅ Build a system- consistency is everything

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Wait to Make Money

You don’t need a car. You don’t need to be 18. You don’t even need experience.

You do need creativity, consistency, and a willingness to try.

Start this summer and you could walk away with $5,000 and some seriously valuable skills.

👉 Which of these 8 Side Hustles Teens Can Start This Summer are you going to try first? Let me know in the comments!

📌 Follow Side Hustle Seattle for more teen-friendly income ideas!

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only. While I strive to keep the content accurate and up to date, I cannot guarantee that all information is current, complete, or correct. Always do your own research and verify directly with the companies mentioned before signing up. Additionally links above may contain affiliate commissions.