Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege
United States

Teen entrepreneurs’ profitable side hustle combos

Image Credits: UnsplashImage Credits: Unsplash
  • Teens are pairing digital content creation, tutoring, pet sitting, and print-on-demand businesses to earn more and develop diverse, future-ready skills.
  • Side hustle combos allow teens to work around school schedules, scale their ventures, and explore entrepreneurial opportunities without committing to a single gig.
  • 70% of Gen Z participates in side hustles, with many using digital platforms and local services to meet financial needs and gain real-world experience.

[UNITED STATES] For Gen Z teens, earning extra cash is only the beginning-side hustles are now a launchpad for creativity, independence, and future-ready skills.

Teens Turn to Side Hustle Combos for Income and Experience

As the gig economy booms, American teens are seizing new opportunities to earn, learn, and grow. In 2025, nearly 70% of Gen Z teens report having a side hustle, with many combining multiple ventures to maximize earnings and skill-building. From digital content creation to neighborhood services, these combos offer flexibility, scalability, and real-world experience.

Below, we break down four of the most profitable side hustle combinations for today’s teen entrepreneurs-each tailored for a tech-savvy, ambitious generation.

1. Social Media Content Creation + Local Business Marketing

Why it works:

Teens are digital natives, fluent in TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Local businesses, meanwhile, often lack the time or expertise to manage their online presence. By offering social media content creation-think short-form videos, graphics, and caption writing-teens can help small businesses grow while earning $300–$700 per client each month.

How to start:

Build a mini portfolio with sample posts or videos.

Approach local shops, cafes, or gyms with a starter package (e.g., “8 videos for $300”).

Use free tools like Canva for design and CapCut for video editing.

Combo tip:

Pair content creation with basic account management or trend research for added value and higher rates.

2. Tutoring + Digital Product Sales

Why it works:

Academic tutoring remains one of the most reliable ways for teens to earn, especially in subjects like math, science, or SAT prep. By combining tutoring with selling digital products-such as study guides, eBooks, or video lessons-teens can generate both active and passive income.

How to start:

Offer online or in-person tutoring to peers or younger students.

Create digital resources based on your lesson plans and sell them on platforms like Etsy or your own website.

Combo tip:

Use your tutoring sessions to identify common student struggles, then develop digital products that address those needs for a wider audience.

3. Pet Sitting + Neighborhood Services

Why it works:

Pet sitting and dog walking are classic side hustles that offer flexibility and steady demand, especially during school holidays. By adding neighborhood services-like lawn care, car washing, or seasonal yard work-teens can keep their schedules full year-round and boost their earnings.

How to start:

Advertise pet care and yard services in your neighborhood or on community boards.

Offer bundled packages (e.g., “Dog walk + lawn mowing” at a discount).

Build trust with testimonials and word-of-mouth referrals.

Combo tip:

Rotate services seasonally: pet sitting and gardening in spring/summer, leaf raking and snow shoveling in fall/winter.

4. Print-on-Demand Merch + Content Creation

Why it works:

Creative teens can monetize their art, memes, or slogans by designing print-on-demand products-like T-shirts, stickers, or water bottles-sold through online stores. Pair this with content creation (YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram) to promote your brand and drive sales.

How to start:

Set up a Shopify store or use print-on-demand platforms.

Create digital content showcasing your products, sharing behind-the-scenes design processes, or running giveaways.

Use social media to engage with your audience and build a loyal following.

Combo tip:

Collaborate with other young creators for cross-promotion and fresh design ideas.

Why Side Hustle Combos Work for Teens

Flexibility: Teens can work around school and extracurriculars, choosing gigs that fit their schedules.

Skill-building: From digital marketing to customer service, side hustles teach valuable, resume-ready skills.

Scalability: Many combos allow for growth-what starts as a solo gig can expand into a small business or online brand.

Financial independence: Side hustlers who dedicate 12 hours per week earn a median of $1,122 per month, with some top earners making much more.

“The best time to start a business is when you’re young. Your fearlessness and fresh perspective can lead to groundbreaking ideas and innovation."

The Bottom Line

For today’s teens, side hustles are more than just a way to make money-they’re a path to independence, confidence, and entrepreneurial success. By combining complementary gigs, young entrepreneurs can maximize their income, diversify their skills, and prepare for a rapidly changing workforce.


Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege
Side Hustles United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
Side HustlesApril 28, 2025 at 7:30:00 AM

Freelancing surges to $1.5 trillion as workers embrace flexibility

[UNITED STATES] Freelancing is becoming a dominant force in the global economy. With millions of workers abandoning traditional 9-to-5 jobs, the freelance economy...

Side Hustles
Image Credits: Unsplash
Side HustlesApril 18, 2025 at 9:30:00 PM

5 common mistakes to avoid when turning your hobby into a full-time business

[WORLD] For many passionate hobbyists, the idea of turning a personal passion into a full-time business is a dream come true. However, the...

Side Hustles Malaysia
Image Credits: Unsplash
Side HustlesApril 15, 2025 at 6:30:00 AM

Malaysians embrace side gigs for flexibility and extra income

[WORLD] In Malaysia, the traditional 9-to-5 work model is increasingly being supplemented—or replaced—by side gigs that offer flexibility and additional income. From online...

Side Hustles
Image Credits: Unsplash
Side HustlesMarch 25, 2025 at 6:30:00 PM

Digital side hustles you can start today without tech skills

[WORLD] In today’s ever-evolving digital world, side hustles have become an essential part of how people earn extra income. The great news is...

Side Hustles
Image Credits: Unsplash
Side HustlesMarch 21, 2025 at 8:30:00 PM

Here's what you can do to monetize your LinkedIn

[WORLD] LinkedIn has evolved from a simple professional networking platform into a powerful tool for personal branding and business development. With over 900...

Tax United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
TaxMarch 14, 2025 at 6:30:00 PM

Here's what you need to know about side hustles and taxes

[UNITED STATES] Side hustles have become an integral part of many people's financial strategies. Whether it's freelancing, creating an online business, driving for...

Side Hustles
Image Credits: Unsplash
Side HustlesMarch 9, 2025 at 6:30:00 PM

These lucrative side hustles will help you turn your skills into money

[WORLD] In today’s ever-evolving economy, finding a way to turn your skills into cash is more accessible than ever before. Whether you’re looking...

Financial Planning
Image Credits: Unsplash
Financial PlanningMarch 2, 2025 at 6:30:00 PM

Why financial freedom requires passive income

[WORLD] In today's fast-paced world, achieving financial freedom is a goal that many aspire to, yet few realize how crucial passive income is...

Financial Planning
Image Credits: Unsplash
Financial PlanningFebruary 26, 2025 at 7:30:00 PM

Is a side hustle the key to increasing your income?

[WORLD] In today’s fast-paced world, many people are seeking ways to improve their financial situation. With the rising cost of living, student loans,...

Side Hustles
Image Credits: Unsplash
Side HustlesFebruary 21, 2025 at 10:30:00 PM

How to bootstrap your side hustle with free tools

[WORLD] In the age of digital entrepreneurship, starting a side hustle no longer requires a huge investment of time or money. With the...

Side Hustles
Image Credits: Unsplash
Side HustlesFebruary 21, 2025 at 3:00:00 AM

How AI makes side hustles easier and more profitable

[WORLD] Side hustles have become an increasingly popular way to supplement income, pursue passions, or test out new business ideas. As technology continues...

Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege
Load More
Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege