Being a high school student doesn’t mean you can’t start earning serious cash.
Sure, balancing homework, sports, and a social life can feel like a juggling act, but trust me, there are plenty of ways to make $400 or more a week without sacrificing all your free time.
It’s all about working smarter, not harder.
In this article, we’ll walk you through seven legit side hustles that’ll not only pad your wallet but might even teach you some life skills along the way.
Ready to start stacking that money? Let’s dive in.
1. Start a Lawn Care Service
If you’ve got access to a lawnmower and some basic tools, you’ve got everything you need to start a lawn care business.
This side hustle is golden, especially in neighborhoods where homeowners are too busy to keep their yards in shape.
Depending on the size of the lawn, you can easily charge $30 to $60 per yard, and if you can tackle a handful of properties each week, you’ll hit that $400 goal in no time.
A lot of people underestimate how much homeowners are willing to pay for convenience.
Add on services like hedge trimming, leaf raking, or even snow shoveling in the winter, and you’ll have clients calling you nonstop.
Plus, the upfront costs are pretty low—just gas for the mower and maybe a rake or two.
Why did this make it to our list? Lawn care is perfect for high schoolers because it’s straightforward, pays well, and gets you outside.
Plus, it’s one of those businesses where word-of-mouth can land you more gigs than you can handle.
2. Sell Handmade Crafts Online
Got a creative streak? Whether it’s making friendship bracelets, custom phone cases, or trendy tote bags, selling handmade items on platforms like Etsy or Depop can bring in some serious cash.
The key is to focus on products that people actually want to buy.
For example, seasonal items like holiday ornaments or back-to-school accessories can be huge hits.
You can start small with materials you already have at home, then reinvest your profits into better tools or more supplies.
The beauty of this hustle is that you’re only limited by your imagination. With enough dedication, some sellers even turn this into a full-fledged business.
Why did we choose this? Selling crafts online combines creativity with entrepreneurship.
Plus, you get the satisfaction of seeing people love something you made with your own hands.
3. Become a Tutor
If you’re crushing it in math, science, or any other subject, there’s probably someone out there who needs your help.
Tutoring can pay anywhere from $20 to $50 an hour, depending on your expertise and location.
You can advertise your services on social media, school bulletin boards, or even through word-of-mouth.
This hustle works particularly well if you’re patient and enjoy teaching others.
Bonus: It’ll also keep your own skills sharp, which can come in handy for your own schoolwork or college prep.
And with the rise of online learning, you can even tutor students remotely.
Why did this make it to our list? Tutoring is flexible, pays well, and lets you share your knowledge while helping others succeed
It’s a win-win all around.
4. Flip Thrift Store Finds
Thrift stores are treasure troves of undervalued items just waiting to be flipped for a profit.
Think vintage clothing, unique home decor, or even old-school electronics. With platforms like eBay, Poshmark, and Facebook Marketplace, you can easily reach buyers who are willing to pay top dollar for what you find.
Start by scouting local thrift shops or garage sales on weekends.
The trick is to spot items that are trendy or collectible, clean them up, and list them with eye-catching photos.
You’d be surprised how quickly a $5 find can turn into a $50 sale.
Why we selected it: Flipping thrift store finds is not only fun, but it also sharpens your business instincts and helps the environment by giving items a second life.
Plus, the profit margins can be huge.
5. Offer Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Animal lovers, this one’s for you. Busy pet owners are often looking for trustworthy people to care for their furry friends.
Whether it’s feeding cats while someone’s on vacation or taking dogs for walks, pet care services can earn you $15 to $30 per visit or walk.
Over a week, those numbers add up fast.
Websites like Rover and Wag! can help you connect with clients, but you can also start by asking family and friends if they need help.
The best part? You get to spend time with adorable pets while making money.
Why did we choose this? Pet sitting and dog walking are great for high schoolers because they’re flexible, fun, and pay surprisingly well.
Plus, who doesn’t love hanging out with animals?
6. Become a Social Media Manager for Small Businesses
If you’re already glued to your phone scrolling TikTok or Instagram, why not get paid for it? Small businesses often struggle to manage their social media accounts, and that’s where you come in.
You can offer to create posts, respond to comments, or even run ad campaigns for local shops or entrepreneurs.
The best part is that this gig doesn’t require any formal training—just a good eye for trends and a knack for creativity.
Most businesses will gladly pay $200 or more a month for someone to handle their accounts, and if you land two or three clients, you’re already hitting your weekly goal.
Why we selected it: Managing social media is perfect for teens because it’s a skill you already have, and it gives you real-world marketing experience that can look great on a resume.
7. Start a Car Wash and Detailing Business
Cars get dirty. It’s a fact of life. And while some people don’t mind running through an automated car wash, others want the kind of deep clean that only a personal touch can deliver.
That’s where you come in. For $20 to $50 per car, you can offer exterior washes, vacuuming, and even waxing.
All you need to get started are some basic cleaning supplies like soap, buckets, microfiber cloths, and a vacuum.
You can set up shop in your driveway or offer mobile services where you go to the customer.
Either way, it’s a hustle with low costs and high rewards.
Why did this make it to our list? Car washing is a classic side hustle that’s reliable, scalable, and easy to start.
Plus, who doesn’t love seeing a shiny, clean car?
Conclusion
So there you have it—seven awesome side hustles that can help high school students pull in $400 or more a week.
Whether you’re mowing lawns, selling crafts, or flipping thrift finds, the key is to find something you enjoy and stick with it.
Earning money as a teen isn’t just about buying the latest sneakers or saving for a car; it’s also about gaining independence and learning skills that’ll serve you for life.
Ready to get started? Pick a hustle from this list and take the first step today.
The sooner you start, the closer you’ll be to reaching your financial goals.
So, what are you waiting for? Go out there and make it happen!