5 Side Hustles Teens Can Start This Summer To Make $5,000
5 Side Hustles Teens Can Start This Summer To Make $5,000
With rising hourly wages and access to digital tools, teens can skip traditional jobs and start profitable summer side hustles. Learn how to earn $5,000 with five proven business ideas any teenager can start today.
5 Side Hustles Teens Can Start This Summer To Make $5,000
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Introduction: Why Teens Should Consider Side Hustles in 2025
In 2025, summer jobs for teens are more diverse than ever—but competition is fierce. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 6 million teens compete for seasonal roles each year. And while retail and food service jobs remain the norm, an increasing number of young people are choosing a different path: entrepreneurship.
With wages averaging $15.68/hour, teens working full-time for three months might earn around $7,500. But a traditional 9-to-5 isn’t the only route. For teens who want flexibility, real-world experience, and a more impressive college resume, side hustles offer the perfect solution.
This guide will break down five teen-friendly summer business ideas with realistic strategies to earn $5,000 or more—all with low startup costs and high upside.
1. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Service
Why It Works
Summer is prime travel season, and families leaving town often need reliable pet care. Teens with a love for animals can turn this need into a steady income stream. Unlike babysitting, pet sitting offers more flexibility and fewer liability concerns.
Getting Started
- Create a one-page flyer or business plan outlining services, rates, and availability.
- Use local apps like Nextdoor, Pawshake, or Rover (with parental approval) to find your first clients.
- Ask friends, family, and neighbors for referrals.
Service Ideas
- Dog walking (once or twice per day)
- Overnight pet sitting
- Pet check-ins (feeding, playing, etc.)
- Extra services: mail pickup, watering plants, basic house care
Pricing Guide
- Dog walking: $25–$30/day
- Overnight sitting: $50–$75/night
- Add-ons: $5–$15 (photos, plant watering, extra pets)
Path to $5,000
- Walk 4 dogs per week ($150/week)
- Offer 2 overnight pet-sitting gigs per weekend ($300/weekend)
- Summer earnings potential: ~$5,400 in 10 weeks
Tips for Success
- Always do a meet-and-greet with new clients.
- Keep a pet journal or send daily updates for added value.
- Use a calendar app for scheduling and reminders.
2. Social Media Content Creation for Small Businesses
Why It Works
Businesses know social media is essential but don’t always have time to create quality content. Gen Z teens are digital natives with a natural edge—especially on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
Getting Started
- Build a mini portfolio with 3–5 sample videos or graphics.
- Choose a niche: restaurants, coffee shops, salons, fitness studios, etc.
- Offer a starter package: e.g., “8 videos for $300”
What to Offer
- Short-form video content (Reels, TikToks)
- Caption writing
- Trend monitoring and hashtag research
- Optional: account management or growth consulting
Tools You Can Use
- Canva (graphic design)
- CapCut or InShot (video editing)
- ChatGPT (caption ideas, content calendars)
Pricing Strategy
- Starter Package: $300/month per client
- Advanced: $500–$700 with full-service social media
Path to $5,000
- 2 clients in June ($600)
- 3 clients in July + August ($1,800/month)
- Total over summer: ~$5,200 in 3 months
Success Story
Sophia, a 16-year-old in Arizona, made $6,800 last summer creating videos for local juice bars and a yoga studio. She used CapCut to edit clips and offered a “social media takeover” day each month.
3. Personalized Tutoring Service
Why It Works
Parents are willing to pay for academic support—especially heading into a new school year. Teens who excel in certain subjects can turn knowledge into profit with tutoring services.
Subjects in High Demand
- SAT/ACT Prep
- Middle school math or science
- Essay writing or English
- Foreign languages (Spanish, French, Mandarin)
Getting Started
- List your best subjects and test scores.
- Design a flyer or post in local Facebook parenting groups.
- Offer a free 15-minute consultation or first session.
Pricing Guide
- Base hourly rate: $30–$40/hour
- SAT/ACT or AP prep: $50–$75/hour
Tools You’ll Need
- Google Meet or Zoom (for online sessions)
- Shared Google Docs or Notion
- Simple scheduling apps like Calendly
Path to $5,000
- 5 students/week at $40/hour = $200/week
- Scale to 10–15 hours/week by July
- Summer potential: $5,000–$6,000+
Pro Tip
Bundle sessions into packages (e.g., “10 sessions for $350”) to ensure client commitment and manage your time more easily.
4. Lawn Care and Yard Services
Why It Works
Homeowners want nice lawns but don’t always want to do the work—especially in summer heat. For teens willing to work outdoors, yard work is a consistent money-maker.
Services to Offer
- Mowing and edging
- Leaf raking and yard waste removal
- Hedge trimming and mulch spreading
- Watering and basic landscaping
Equipment Options
- Use your own mower—or borrow a family member’s
- Ask clients if you can use their equipment
- Reinvest early profits into better tools
Pricing Guide
- Small yards: $30–$40
- Medium to large yards: $45–$60
- Add-ons: $15–$25 for hedge trimming or flower bed care
Path to $5,000
- 10 yards/week at $40 = $400/week
- Add-ons and Saturday extras = $600–$700/week
- Potential: $5,000+ in just 2 months
Tips for Growth
- Offer weekly or biweekly packages.
- Be reliable—showing up on time builds trust fast.
- Use Venmo or Cash App for easy payments.
5. Custom Product Creation
Why It Works
E-commerce platforms make it easy to sell personalized products—and Gen Z loves expressing creativity. Teens with an artistic streak can turn a hobby into a hustle.
Product Ideas
- Custom tumblers or water bottles
- Digital illustrations and cartoon portraits
- Handmade jewelry
- Embroidered apparel (caps, tote bags)
Startup Supplies
- For tumblers: blank cups, vinyl, Cricut
- For digital art: iPad + Procreate
- For jewelry: beads, wires, clasps
- For apparel: blank shirts + embroidery machine or heat press
Where to Sell
- Instagram or TikTok Shops
- Etsy, Depop, Shopify
- Local craft fairs, flea markets, or school events
Pricing Strategy
- Average item: $25
- Costs: $8–$12 per unit
- Profit margin: ~60%
Path to $5,000
- Profit $15 per item = need ~334 sales
- Sell 30–40 items/week = ~$1,800/month
- Total over 3 months: $5,400
Tips for Success
- Focus on one niche product until you perfect it.
- Use video content to show behind-the-scenes.
- Offer discounts for referrals or bundle deals.
Implementation Tips: Turning Hustles Into Profits
1. Build Systems Early
- Use spreadsheets to track income/expenses
- Set up client email templates
- Use Google Calendar for scheduling
2. Start with a Minimal Viable Product (MVP)
Don’t try to be perfect from day one. Launch fast, test your idea, and adjust based on feedback.
3. Be Consistent with Marketing
- Spend 30–60 minutes a day on promotion
- DM local businesses or post in neighborhood groups
- Use hashtags and short-form content to attract interest
4. Ask for Testimonials
Social proof builds credibility. After each successful job, ask for a short review or quote.
Real-Life Example: How Maya Made $6,200 in 10 Weeks
Maya, a 17-year-old student, launched a business creating personalized study guides for AP students. She created editable templates in Canva, personalized them for each client, and charged $75 per guide. By working just 20 hours/week, she earned over $6,000 during the summer—proving that thoughtful, specialized services can out-earn many full-time jobs.
Conclusion: Make This Summer Count
Making $5,000 over the summer as a teen isn’t just a dream—it’s completely doable with planning, hustle, and consistency. Whether you love animals, content creation, academics, outdoor work, or arts and crafts, there’s a path for you to earn real money and develop valuable life skills.
By starting now and treating your side hustle like a real business, you’ll not only build your bank account—you’ll set yourself up for long-term success in college and beyond.
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