College and career advisor for teens

Parents of high school and college students, plus community groups, homeschool co-ops or private schools that bring in outside advisors.

Per-session fees or semester packages for families, and flat fees for workshops run for schools or youth groups.

• Patient and approachable with teens and parents
• Knowledge of college, trade school and apprenticeship routes
• Organizing plans and deadlines

• Rules on working with minors: check background check expectations and always get parent consent
• Check your city or county for a home occupation permit or business license
• Consider professional liability and general liability insurance
• Avoid guaranteeing admissions or scholarships
• Schools and districts may have their own vendor approval steps, so check before pitching

Startup costs are typically around $300 to $2,000, depending on your workspace, planning tools, insurance and marketing. These are estimates, so your own costs will depend on whether you meet in person, online or both.

Monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $3,000, depending on how many families you work with and whether you add school or community group work. The estimates start from about 5 hours a week.

Check background check expectations and always get parent consent when working with minors. Also check your city or county for a home occupation permit or business license, consider liability insurance, avoid guaranteeing admissions, and ask schools about vendor approval.