20 Best Job Ideas for Teens (Age 15) to Earn Extra Money

Alright, let’s cut to the chase: being a teen is tough.

Between school, extracurriculars, and trying to have a social life, the last thing you probably want to do is add a job into the mix.

But let’s face it, having a little extra cash in your pocket can be a game-changer.

Whether you’re saving up for something big, looking to help out at home, or just want to be able to treat yourself once in a while, finding the right job can totally change the game.

But what kind of jobs are actually available for a 15-year-old?

You’re probably wondering what’s realistic, what’s legal (because yes, there are rules), and let’s be real, what’s going to be the least miserable.

Top 20 Side Jobs for 15-Year-Olds to Earn Extra Cash

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here’s a list of 20 of the best job ideas for teens aged 15, all hand-picked with you in mind.

So, let’s get you started on your path to earning extra money, without losing your sanity in the process.

I have recently published another post for teens: 28 Easy Side Hustle Ideas At Home For Teens To Make $100 Daily

1. Babysitting

Let’s start with the OG teen job: babysitting.

If you have younger siblings or a neighbor with kids, you’ve probably already been asked to watch them at some point.

Babysitting is an excellent option because it can be flexible, and the pay is usually decent, especially if you babysit for multiple hours or on weekends.

Why Babysitting Rocks:

• Flexible hours (you can work evenings or weekends)
• Decent pay (around $10–$15 per hour, depending on where you live)
• You get to hang out with kids who are often fun (and sometimes a little crazy, but that’s part of the charm).

Pro Tip:

Get certified in CPR and First Aid. It’s a solid way to make yourself stand out as a babysitter and gives parents peace of mind.

2. Pet Sitting/Dog Walking

If you’re not into watching kids, how about watching pets?

Whether it’s walking a dog or taking care of someone’s cat while they’re out of town, pet sitting can be a surprisingly lucrative gig for a teen.

Why Pet Sitting Rocks:

• It’s perfect for animal lovers (I mean, who doesn’t love pet snuggles?)
• Flexible schedule (you can do it before or after school)
• Pay is often around $10–$20 per hour, depending on the job.

Pro Tip:

If you’re walking dogs, make sure you’re prepared for all the weather conditions (rain, snow, or the dreaded heat).

Dogs don’t care about the weather; they just want their walk!

3. Tutor Younger Kids

Got a knack for math, English, or science? Consider tutoring younger kids who might need some extra help.

It’s a rewarding job where you get to help someone and make some good cash in the process.

I still remember teaching my neighbor’s kid how to count numbers and what 2+2 is. That was fun and helped me earn a couple of bucks per hour.

Why Tutoring Rocks:

• You can charge $15–$25 per hour, depending on your subject
• It helps you reinforce your own learning while helping others
• It’s a meaningful way to spend your time (and you might just make a few new friends in the process).

Pro Tip:

Start by helping a classmate or younger sibling, then branch out. You can even advertise through your school’s bulletin board.

4. Freelance Writing

If you love writing and want to test your skills, why not get paid for it? Freelance writing is a fantastic way to make money from home.

You can write blog posts, articles, or even product reviews.

Why Freelance Writing Rocks:

• You can work from home (hello, no commute)
• The pay can range from $10–$50 per hour, depending on the type of work
• It’s excellent for building a portfolio for future opportunities (think internships or even college applications).

Pro Tip:

Check out platforms like Fiverr or Upwork to find gigs. You’ll need a strong writing sample, but once you land your first gig, it’s smooth sailing!

Learn More: 21 Legit High-Paying Online Jobs for Teens to Make $3000 Monthly

5. Online Surveys and Market Research

Okay, I know what you’re thinking: “Surveys? Really?”

But hear me out. While online surveys won’t make you a millionaire, they are an easy way to make a little extra money when you have some downtime.

Some platforms pay teens for participating in market research.

Why Surveys Rock:

• No skills required (just your opinion)
• It’s easy and can be done in your free time
• Some platforms pay up to $5–$10 per survey.

Pro Tip:

Sign up for a few different platforms (like Swagbucks or Survey Junkie) to maximize your chances of getting surveys.

6. Lawn Care and Yard Work

Mowing lawns, raking leaves, and doing other yard work can be a great job, especially in the warmer months. Additionally, it gets you outside and active.

Why Lawn Care Rocks:

• You can charge $15–$30 per lawn, depending on the size
• It’s a great workout (who needs the gym when you’ve got a lawnmower?)
• You can even team up with a friend to cover more yards.

Pro Tip:

Offer a package deal (e.g., mowing + leaf raking) to make the work more attractive to clients.

7. Retail Jobs

If you’re willing to work in person and can juggle school hours, retail can be a decent option.

Many stores are willing to hire 15-year-olds for part-time positions like cashier or stock associate.

Why Retail Rocks:

• Steady hours
• You’ll gain valuable work experience (and hey, it looks good on a resume)
• You can work with a team and interact with customers.

Pro Tip:

Start with smaller shops or local businesses, which may be more likely to hire a 15-year-old than big-box stores.

8. Car Wash

If you don’t mind getting a little dirty, washing cars can be a fun and profitable job.

You could set up a mobile car wash service and offer it to neighbors or local businesses.

Why Car Washing Rocks:

• You get to be outside
• It’s a simple service people need regularly
• You can charge around $15–$30 per car, depending on how detailed the wash is.

Pro Tip:

Invest in a good car cleaning kit, and always make sure to use eco-friendly products. It’s a win-win for the environment and your reputation.

9. Social Media Assistant

Are you a social media pro? Why not put your skills to work by becoming a social media assistant for small businesses or influencers?

You’ll help with scheduling posts, creating content, or responding to messages.

Why Social Media Assistance Rocks:

• You can work from home
• It’s a fun job if you’re already on social media all the time
• Pay can range from $10–$25 per hour.

Pro Tip:

Reach out to local businesses and see if they need help with their social media.

Many small businesses are looking for affordable ways to manage their online presence.

10. Virtual Assistant

A virtual assistant is similar to being a social media assistant, but you need to do a broader range of tasks.

Being a virtual assistant means helping people with scheduling, answering emails, and other administrative work.

Why Virtual Assistant Rocks:

• You can work from anywhere
• It helps you develop organizational skills
• Pay can range from $12–$20 per hour.

Pro Tip:

Build your skills with free courses on websites like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning. That way, you can offer more valuable services to clients.

Check More: How To Make Money as a Kid: 25 Fun and Easy Ways

11. Sell Handmade Crafts

Do you have a talent for making jewelry, candles, or other handmade items? Why not sell them online?

Platforms like Etsy make it easy to set up a shop and start selling your creations.

Why Selling Crafts Rocks:

• It’s a great way to express your creativity
• You can set your own prices
• You get to turn a hobby into a business.

Pro Tip:

If you’re just starting, focus on one or two items to keep your shop manageable. Once you get the hang of it, expand your offerings!

12. Photography

If you’ve got a camera and an eye for detail, you could start offering photography services.

You can shoot events like birthdays, school dances, or even do family portraits.

Why Photography Rocks:

• It’s creative and rewarding
• You can set your own hours and rates
• You can charge $50–$150 for a session.

Pro Tip:

Offer mini photo shoots (like quick 30-minute sessions) to make your services more affordable for clients.

13. Food Delivery

If you’re 15, food delivery might be tricky since some services require you to be older.

But, depending on where you live, there might be local delivery jobs that allow teens to work, like delivering food for a local restaurant.

Why Food Delivery Rocks:

• You can earn tips (which add up fast)
• It’s flexible, and you can choose your hours
• It’s a good way to get familiar with your area.

Pro Tip:

Use a bike or scooter to deliver. No need to worry about driving yet!

14. Bake or Cook for Neighbors

If you love baking or cooking, why not share your skills with your neighborhood?

You can sell baked goods like cookies, cupcakes, or even offer meal prep services.

Why Cooking/Baking Rocks:

• It’s a fun way to use your creative skills
• You can charge a premium for custom orders
• You get to spread some sweetness around!

Pro Tip:

Start small, maybe offer a few treats to your neighbors, and build from there.

Read More: 17 Easy Small Business Ideas for Kids to Make Money

15. Event Assistant

Have you ever helped out at a birthday party, wedding, or school event?

If you’re good at organizing, being an event assistant might be the perfect gig.

You’ll help with everything from setting up decorations to handing out programs at weddings.

Why Event Assistant Jobs Rock:

• You’ll learn event planning skills (hello, future wedding planner?)
• It’s a great way to network for future opportunities
• Pay can range from $12–$25 per hour, depending on the event.

Pro Tip:

Offer your services for small community events or local birthday parties to get started. Build a portfolio to show future clients.

16. House Cleaning

While house cleaning might sound like a bit of a chore (pun intended), it’s a steady job that can be highly profitable.

Many people prefer hiring someone to clean their house, and if you’re detail-oriented, you could be the one they turn to.

I also did some house cleaning gigs for my neighbor when they moved in. It was not all about earning money; it’s about learning a lesson about how people earn with physical work.

Why House Cleaning Rocks:

• It’s a straightforward, no-frills job
• You can charge $15–$30 per hour
• It’s a great workout (seriously, your arms will thank you).

Pro Tip:

If you’re new to cleaning, start by offering your services to family or close friends to build up your confidence and routine.

17. Tech Support for Older Adults

Got a knack for technology? Offer tech support to older adults who may need help with their smartphones, computers, or tablets.

Many older people want to stay connected but find technology a bit tricky.

If you know some computer stuff, you can do the job very well.

Why Tech Support Rocks:

• It’s a skill you likely already have (thank you, tech-savvy generation)
• You can charge $10–$20 per hour for your expertise
• It’s rewarding to help someone become more confident with their tech.

Pro Tip:

Start by offering to help neighbors, family members, or local community groups with their devices.

You could even create simple instructional guides to make things easier!

18. Cleaning Cars

If you love to clean and take pride in making things shine, offering car detailing services could be an excellent job for you.

It’s similar to washing cars, but it’s a lot more in-depth. Think vacuuming, wiping down interiors, and giving the exterior a good scrub.

Why Car Detailing Rocks:

• You get to work outdoors (hello, fresh air!)
• You can charge $30–$50 per car, depending on the service
• It’s a super satisfying job—who doesn’t love seeing a car look brand new?

Pro Tip:

Invest in some quality cleaning supplies (a vacuum, microfiber towels, and a good cleaner) and advertise your services on social media or local classifieds.

19. Tech-Related Jobs

If you’re into tech and have some skills in web design, graphic design, or coding, you’re in luck.

There’s always a need for young, tech-savvy minds to help with website creation, graphic work, and app design.

Also, it’s one of those jobs that could even turn into a career in the future!

Why Tech Jobs Rock:

• They pay well (starting at $15–$40 per hour, depending on the work)
• You can work from home, which is a huge perk
• It’s a highly valuable skill that will always be in demand.

Pro Tip:

If you’re not already skilled, there are tons of free resources online (like YouTube tutorials). Also, coding platforms like Codecademy help you get started.

It’s a great way to set yourself up for long-term success.

20. Errand Running

Sometimes people are just too busy to do basic tasks like grocery shopping, picking up dry cleaning, or delivering items.

If you’ve got a car (or a bike, or even a good pair of shoes), offering to run errands could be a solid money-making opportunity.

Why Errand Running Rocks:

• Flexible hours (you can do it whenever you’re free)
• You can charge a flat fee or by the hour ($10–$20)
• It’s a job that can be pretty easy to do when you’re just hanging out or have some free time.

Pro Tip:

Check with local businesses or elderly neighbors to see if they need help running errands. Building a rapport with repeat customers can really help you maintain your steady work.

Final Thoughts

We’ve gone through a solid list of 20 job ideas for teens aged 15, covering everything from creative gigs to tech jobs, outdoor activities, and even those cozy at-home tasks.

But here’s the most important thing to remember that you don’t need to pick just one!

Many teens juggle multiple jobs to maximize their income (and their experience), so don’t be afraid to try a few different things until you find what works best for you.

Here’s the bottom line: earning extra money at 15 isn’t just about paying for lunch or saving for something big (though that’s definitely a plus!).

It’s about building skills, gaining responsibility, and learning how to manage your time and money that’ll pay off for the rest of your life.

So, which job will you try first? No matter what, I’m sure you’ll crush it. Good luck, and happy earnings!