Can teenagers legally have a side hustle?

Yes. Self-employment (freelancing, content creation, local services) is legal for teens of any age, though some states have specific restrictions. Traditional employment has federal hour limits for 14-15 year olds. Check your state's labor laws for specific rules.

Do teens need to pay taxes on side hustle income?

If you earn more than $400/year from self-employment, yes. You'll file your own tax return (parents can help). The self-employment tax rate is 15.3%, plus income tax on earnings above the standard deduction ($14,600 in 2024). Keep records of all income and expenses.

What's the best side hustle for a 14-year-old?

Lawn care, pet sitting, and babysitting are the safest and most accessible options for 14-year-olds. If you're tech-savvy, creating YouTube or TikTok content has no age barrier (with parental consent) and can build skills and income over time.

How do I handle money as a minor?

Open a joint checking and savings account with a parent at a local bank or credit union. Many have no-fee teen accounts. Set up a simple system: 50% savings, 30% reinvest, 20% spending. Use a free app like Mint or a spreadsheet to track everything.

Guide

TeensSide HustleUSA2026

15 Side Hustles for Teenagers (Legal, Safe, and Actually Profitable)

If you're a teenager wanting to earn your own money, you're already ahead of most adults who didn't start until their 20s or 30s. These 15 side hustles are legal for minors, don't require parental investment, and can be started alongside school. Federal and state labor law notes included.

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Step-by-Step Guide

Talk to your parents

You'll need their support for banking, platform accounts (some require 18+), and transportation. Frame it as a learning opportunity, not just money.

Choose based on your current skills

Good at video games? Start a gaming YouTube channel. Good with people? Start a local service. Good at school? Tutor. Use what you already know.

Start in your neighborhood

Your first clients are neighbors, family friends, and parents' colleagues. Print simple flyers, post on Nextdoor, or just knock on doors.

Reinvest your first earnings

Put 50% in savings, reinvest 30% in your hustle (better tools, supplies), and spend 20% on whatever you want. This habit sets you up for life.

Track everything

Keep a simple spreadsheet of income, expenses, and hours. This teaches you business basics and makes tax time easier.

Legal considerations for teen side hustlers

Before starting, know the rules:

Federal law (Fair Labor Standards Act):
- Ages 14-15: Can work limited hours (3 hrs on school days, 8 hrs on non-school days, 18 hrs/week during school)
- Ages 16-17: No federal hour restrictions, but hazardous work is prohibited
- Self-employment (freelancing, content creation) has fewer restrictions than traditional employment

Key distinction: Most side hustles listed here are self-employment, not employee relationships. Self-employed teens aren't subject to the same hour restrictions as employed teens. However, state laws vary — check your state's specific rules.

Tax requirements: Teens must file a tax return if self-employment income exceeds $400/year. Parents: your teen's self-employment income is reported on their own tax return, not yours (though they may still be your dependent).

Banking: Most banks require a parent or guardian as a joint account holder for minors. Open a checking account to manage your side hustle finances properly.

Platform age requirements: YouTube requires 13+ (with parental consent under 18). Fiverr requires 13+. Etsy requires 18+ (parent must be the account holder). Check each platform's terms.

15 teen-friendly side hustles

Digital (work from your room):
1. YouTube/TikTok content creation — Gaming, education, lifestyle, reactions. $100-$2,000/month after building audience.
2. Social media management for local businesses — Most businesses don't know how to use TikTok. You do. $200-$800/client/month.
3. Video editing for YouTubers — Use CapCut or FluxNote. $15-$40/hr. Find clients in Discord communities.
4. Graphic design — Logos, social posts, thumbnails. Learn Canva (free). $15-$50/project.
5. Sell digital products — Notion templates, study guides, wallpapers. $50-$500/month on Gumroad.

Local services:
6. Lawn care and yard work — $20-$50/yard. Equipment: push mower. Neighbors are your first clients.
7. Pet sitting/dog walking — $15-$25/walk. Use Nextdoor to find clients.
8. Tutoring younger students — $15-$30/hr. Tutor in subjects you're strong in.
9. Car detailing — $50-$150/car. Basic supplies cost $30-$50.
10. Babysitting — $12-$20/hr. The classic teen side hustle still pays well.

Entrepreneurial:
11. Reselling sneakers/collectibles — Buy limited releases, sell for profit. $200-$2,000/month.
12. Custom phone cases/accessories — Print-on-demand via parent's account. $100-$500/month.
13. Baked goods — Sell to neighbors, at school events (check school policy), or at farmers markets. $100-$500/month.
14. Photography — Offer to shoot classmates' senior photos or sports. $50-$200/session.
15. Pressure washing — Driveways, decks, patios. $100-$200/job. Equipment: $200-$400 for basic setup.

Building skills that last a lifetime

The money is nice, but the skills you build now are worth far more in the long run:

Financial literacy. Managing your own income teaches budgeting, saving, and taxes better than any classroom lesson. Start a savings habit with 50% of everything you earn.

Sales and negotiation. Pitching your services to neighbors or clients builds communication skills that pay dividends for decades.

Content creation. Understanding video, social media, and digital marketing is the most in-demand skill set of the 2020s. Starting at 15 gives you a 10-year head start over someone who starts at 25.

Work ethic and reliability. Showing up when you said you would, delivering what you promised, and handling money responsibly — these traits will define your professional reputation for life.

According to a Junior Achievement survey, teens who start earning before age 16 are 2.3x more likely to start a business as adults and earn 15% more in their first post-college job than peers who didn't.

Pro Tips

Your understanding of TikTok and social media is a marketable skill that adults will pay for — don't undervalue it
Open a bank account and save at least 50% of everything you earn — compound interest starting at 15 is a huge advantage
School comes first — no side hustle is worth tanking your grades. Set a maximum of 10 hours/week during the school year
Ask adults for feedback and advice — mentorship from a business-minded adult can accelerate your learning dramatically
Document your side hustle journey on social media — this builds your personal brand and can become a side hustle itself