The Best 10 Seasonal Side Hustles for Teens in 2024

Modak
September 30, 2024

Summer and other seasonal breaks offer teens a unique opportunity to earn extra money, gain valuable work experience, and learn new skills. Whether you're looking to save for a big purchase, contribute to your family’s finances, or simply have some spending money, there are plenty of seasonal side hustles that can help you achieve your goals. In this article, we will explore the best summer side hustles for teens in 2024, including a variety of jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Also, we’ll dive into how teens can earn money using the Modak Makers app and how they can use their Visa® debit card1, designed for kids and teens, to receive payments for jobs or allowances without any monthly subscription fees4.

Why seasonal side hustles are great for teens

Seasonal side hustles have many benefits! They can be a perfect fit for teens because they offer temporary “work” that doesn’t interfere with school schedules. These activities can also provide a fun way to spend the summer while earning money.

Benefits of Seasonal Side Hustles:

  • Flexible schedule: Seasonal jobs often have flexible hours that fit around other commitments.
  • Skill development: Teens can learn new skills and gain experience that will be valuable in future careers.
  • Financial independence: Earning money empowers teens and allows them ti be more independent.
  • Social interaction: Many seasonal jobs involve working with others, which can help build social skills and networks.

Best summer side hustles for teens in 2024

1. Lifeguarding

Lifeguarding is a popular summer job for teens who enjoy being by the water. This job requires certification in CPR and first aid, but it offers competitive pay and the opportunity to work at pools, beaches, and water parks.

Lifeguarding cabin for the summer

Pros:

  • High demand during summer
  • Good pay
  • Opportunity to work outdoors

Cons:

  • Requires certification
  • Responsibility for the safety of others
  • Personal risk involved in emergency situations

How to Get Started:

  • Obtain lifeguard certification through local organizations like the Red Cross.
  • Apply to local pools, beaches, and water parks.
  • Maintain physical fitness and be prepared for emergencies.

2. Camp Counselor

Working as a camp counselor is a great way to spend the summer outdoors while mentoring younger kids. This job can be rewarding and fun, with opportunities to participate in various activities and games.

Pros:

  • Fun and rewarding
  • Opportunity to develop leadership skills
  • Often includes room and board

Cons:

  • Long hours
  • Responsibility for campers

How to Get Started:

  • Apply to local summer camps or organizations like the YMCA.
  • Highlight any previous experience working with children.
  • Be prepared for an interview and background check.

3. Lawn Care and Landscaping

Summer is the peak season for lawn care and landscaping services. Teens can offer services such as mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and planting flowers for neighbors and local businesses.

Pros:

  • High demand during summer
  • Good pay
  • Physical exercise

Cons:

  • Weather-dependent
  • Physically demanding

How to Get Started:

  • Make sure to have basic lawn care equipment.
  • Advertise your services in your neighborhood.
  • Offer competitive rates and quality service to build a client base.

4. Retail and Food Service Jobs

Many retail stores and restaurants hire extra staff during the summer to accommodate increased customer traffic. These jobs can provide valuable work experience and the chance to earn tips.

Pros:

  • High demand during summer
  • Opportunity to earn tips
  • Flexible hours

Cons:

  • Can be stressful during busy times
  • May involve long hours on your feet

How to Get Started:

  • Apply to local retail stores, restaurants, and cafes.
  • Highlight any previous customer service experience.
  • Be prepared for a fast-paced work environment.

5. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

Summer vacations mean many families need someone to take care of their pets. Teens who love animals can offer pet sitting and dog walking services, which are in high demand during vacation seasons.

Puppy sitting in the countryside

Pros:

  • Enjoyable for animal lovers
  • Flexible schedule
  • Good exercise

Cons:

  • Responsibility for pets
  • May require transportation

How to Get Started:

  • Create profiles on pet-sitting platforms like Rover if you are at least 18 or let your parents promote your services independently if you are a minor.
  • Offer services to friends and neighbors to build a reputation.
  • Provide reliable and trustworthy care to earn repeat clients.

6. Freelance and Gig Work

The gig economy offers numerous opportunities for teens to earn money by freelancing. This can include graphic design, writing, social media management, and more. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork can help you find clients if you are at least 18 years old. Otherwise, promote independently your services through social media.

Pros:

  • Flexible hours
  • Work from home
  • Diverse opportunities

Cons:

  • Competitive market
  • Requires self-discipline

How to Get Started:

  • Identify your skills and create a portfolio.
  • Sign up on freelance platforms and create a profile or creat a social media account to promote your services.
  • Bid on projects and build a client base with quality work.

7. Car washing and detailing

Car washing and detailing can be a lucrative summer job, especially in residential areas. Teens can offer to wash and detail cars in their neighborhood, providing a convenient service for car owners.

Pros:

  • High demand during summer
  • Good pay
  • Flexible hours

Cons:

  • Requires supplies and equipment
  • Can be physically demanding

How to Get Started:

  • Get access to car washing supplies.
  • Advertise your services in your neighborhood.
  • Offer packages for regular clients.

8. Selling handmade crafts

If you’re creative, consider selling handmade crafts or products online or at local markets. Items like jewelry, art, and clothing can be sold on platforms like Etsy or at community events.

Handmade earring crafts

Pros:

  • Creative outlet
  • Can turn a hobby into income
  • Online platforms make it easy to start

Cons:

  • Requires materials and time
  • May take time to build a customer base

How to Get Started:

  • Create a portfolio of your crafts.
  • Set up an online store on Etsy or similar platforms.
  • Use social media to promote your products.

9. Photography Services

Teens with a passion for photography can offer their services for events, family portraits, or social media content. Summer events like weddings and parties provide numerous opportunities.

Pros:

  • High earning potential
  • Creative work
  • Can build a portfolio

Cons:

  • Requires a good camera and skills
  • Can be time-consuming

How to Get Started:

  • Make sure to have a quality camera.
  • Create a portfolio of your best work.
  • Advertise your services online and through word of mouth.

10. Modak Makers: A Unique Way to Earn

Apart from all the conventional side hustles listed above, you can also earn money through the Modak App. On average, you can earn up to 800 MBX(2)(3) per week, equivalent to $8 (as of June 2024), by participating in activities such as walking 5,000 steps daily or completing challenges that promote good habits and financial learning. This is a great way to supplement your income from any side hustle of your choice.

Teen holding Modak Visa Debit Card

If you're ready to start learning about finances and developing healthy financial habits, ask your parents to sign you up for Modak today. With our Visa® debit card(1) designed for kids and teens, the intuitive app, and our range of educational tools and rewards, you'll equip yourself with the skills to manage money responsibly. Join Modak today and start nurturing a financially savvy future for your family!

Pros:

  • Easy to get started
  • Integrates with daily activities
  • Encourages healthy habits and financial literacy

How to Get Started:

  • Download the Modak app and set up an account with a parent's help.
  • Complete daily activities and challenges to earn MBX points.
  • Monitor your earnings and spend using the Modak Visa® Debit Card.

Conclusion

Seasonal side hustles provide teens with a fantastic opportunity to earn money, gain work experience, and develop new skills. Whether you're interested in traditional jobs like lifeguarding and retail or more entrepreneurial ventures like pet sitting and freelance work, there's something for everyone. Platforms like Modak Makers also offer innovative ways for teens to earn and learn financial literacy skills simultaneously.

FAQs

What Are the Best Summer Side Hustles for Teens in 2024?

Some of the best summer side hustles for teens in 2024 include lifeguarding, camp counseling, lawn care, retail and food service jobs, pet sitting, freelance work, car washing, selling handmade crafts, and photography services. These jobs offer flexible hours, good pay, and valuable work experience.

How Can Teens Find Seasonal Jobs?

Teens can find seasonal jobs by checking local job boards, visiting businesses in person, and applying online through job search websites. Networking with friends, family, and neighbors can also lead to job opportunities. Additionally, using platforms like Modak Makers can provide additional earning opportunities.

Are There Online Side Hustles for Teens?

Yes, there are many online side hustles for teens, including taking surveys, tutoring, freelance work, and selling digital products. These opportunities allow teens to earn money from home and often offer flexible schedules.

By exploring these seasonal side hustles, teens can make the most of their free time, earn extra money, and gain valuable skills that will benefit them in the future. Whether through traditional jobs or innovative platforms like Modak Makers, there are plenty of opportunities to start earning today.

  1. Modak is a financial technology company and not a FDIC-insured bank. Checking account and the Modak Visa® debit card issued by Lewis & Clark Bank, Member FDIC. Funds deposited into checking account may be eligible for up to $250,000 of FDIC insurance. The FDIC’s deposit insurance coverage only protects against the failure of an FDIC-insured depository institution.
  2. 100 MBX = $1(as of June 2024). This is an approximation and not a guaranteed result. Click here for more information on MBX
  3. Walking 5,000 steps a day gives users 10MBX (as of June 2024). This is subject to change at Modak’s discretion
  4. Fees for expedited or premium services may apply. Find out more in our Cardholder agreement.

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