Can a 14 Year Old Do a Side Hustle? Practical Ideas and Legal Considerations

Yes, you can do a side hustle at 14. Some jobs might require you to be older, but there are still plenty of opportunities that fit your age and schedule.

Side hustles like tutoring, pet sitting, or lawn mowing let you earn money and pick up useful skills.

You don’t need special skills or a big investment to get started. Simple tasks—babysitting, washing cars, that sort of thing—can bring in steady cash.

The key is finding something that matches your interests and is allowed by law for your age.

If you want to make extra money and stay flexible, a side hustle can be a smart move. There are ways to get started, even if you’re just figuring things out.

Can a 14 Year Old Legally Have a Side Hustle?

You can work on a side hustle at 14, but there are rules about your hours and the jobs you can take. Your parents might need to agree or help with some legal steps to make your business official.

Knowing these details helps you avoid trouble.

Labor Laws Affecting Teens

At 14, the law limits your work hours. You can’t work during school hours.

On school days, you can work up to 3 hours, even in the evenings. On non-school days, you might work up to 8 hours.

You can’t work past 7 p.m. during the school year.

The law also limits the types of work you can do for safety. You can’t work in dangerous or manufacturing jobs.

These rules come from the U.S. Department of Labor and apply to non-agricultural jobs for 14- and 15-year-olds.

Permissible Types of Work

You can do jobs that don’t involve risk or heavy machinery. Think tutoring, babysitting, pet sitting, lawn mowing, or maybe working in retail.

These jobs need to be safe and age-appropriate.

Indoor jobs in offices or stores are usually fine if they don’t include hazardous tasks. You can’t work in construction, mining, or drive commercial vehicles.

You can start small businesses, but you’ll need to avoid anything risky.

Parental Consent and Requirements

Your parents or guardians usually have to approve your side hustle. Sometimes, they’ll need to sign papers showing they know about your work.

If you want to start a business, you might need an adult’s help to open a bank account or get a license. Your parents can walk you through these steps.

This helps make sure your business follows local laws and gets set up the right way.

For more details, check the info on Non-Agricultural Jobs – 14-15.

Top Side Hustle Ideas for 14 Year Olds

You can find side hustles that fit your skills and schedule. Some let you work from home with just an internet connection.

Others need you to be active in your community. Creative ideas can also become money-making projects.

Each type offers a different way to earn and learn.

Online Opportunities

Online jobs let you work from your computer or phone. You could sell handmade crafts or art on Etsy.

If you’re into writing or drawing, try creating content for blogs or social media.

Some teens tutor younger kids online in subjects like math or English. This can pay pretty well and helps you build teaching skills.

You can also try paid surveys or testing websites, though these usually pay less. Watch out for sites that ask for money or personal info.

Online work needs good communication and time management skills. You’ll have to balance it with school and other stuff, so it’s smart to keep a schedule.

In-Person Gigs

You can find local jobs that pay cash or small hourly rates. Dog walking and pet sitting are great if you like animals.

Many pet owners need help on weekends or after school.

You might mow lawns or rake leaves for neighbors. This work pays about $15 to $30 per hour, depending on your area.

It keeps you active, too.

Babysitting is popular and pays around $10 to $15 per hour. You’ll need to be responsible and maybe take a basic first-aid course.

Car washing or detailing can bring in $20 to $50 per hour, but it depends on your community and who needs it.

Creative and Entrepreneurial Ventures

You can turn your talents into a small business. If you’re into crafting, try making jewelry, art, or clothing to sell online or at local markets.

Some teens kick off YouTube channels or design digital art, then promote their work on social media. Sure, it takes a while to get noticed, but a successful channel can bring in money from ads and sponsors.

You might also offer services like tutoring, custom artwork, or even help people organize yard sales.

You’ll have to market yourself, juggle finances, and keep things organized. Honestly, these ventures teach skills that stick with you.

For more ideas, check out side hustles for teens on Reddit or Greenlight.