Teenagers are often looking for ways to earn money.
You may be able to get the basic necessities like food and clothes from your parents, but you will need to spend your own money on extras such as entertainment, electronics and brand name items.
It’s important to earn your own money, even if you have parents who cover the majority of your expenses. This will allow you to save for bigger purchases such as your first car and college.
Even teens can start investing! Working early can also help you build your resume by giving you valuable work experience.
Before you continue reading, a reminder: Check with your parents first before you start any money-making endeavors. You may want to ask them what they think you are capable of, and make sure you get their consent.
You may need to meet certain requirements when you look at these opportunities (good grades or curfews, for example)
How to Earn Money as a Youngster
There are many ways for teens to earn money. Whether you want a part-time position or prefer to work for yourself, you would like to make money on the internet or improve your sales skills.
Here are the easiest and best options for you to start.
It’s obvious that getting a part time job as a teenager is the best way to earn money. There’s a good reason: you will be paid for your hours worked once you are hired. You’ll receive a guaranteed hourly rate.
You’ll gain a lot of knowledge by working for others. You will make friends and connections that can be used as references. You will gain valuable experience on the job that you can use later in your life. Hey, everyone has to start somewhere.
Ask your friends and family if they know anyone who can help you find a part time job. You can also check online job listings or ask for an application. Remember that most part-time positions are not open to teens under 18.
Consider these common and less-common part-time work opportunities.
1. Work in a restaurant
Food service establishments, whether they are fast food joints or sit-down restaurants, almost always need help. As a host or cashier, you could serve food to customers, or as a dishwasher or busser, clean up the restaurant afterward.
Some jobs offer free or discounted meals and tips. You may have odd hours, but child labor laws will prevent you from working too late.
2. Get a Newspaper Route
Some people still read newspapers! Early birds who want to earn some money can still take advantage of this tried-and-true job.
It’s likely that you will need to wake up early in order to deliver the newspaper and navigate around your neighborhood. Having a car would make this job much easier.
Local papers in my area may require a drivers license. However, smaller papers might not. You should definitely take a look.
3. Deliver Food or Pizza
Pizza is a popular food to deliver. The requirements for delivery vary from company to company. However, you will need a valid license and reliable transportation.
Consider when people tend to order food. Weekends and nights are the most common times. If you are a teenager, you will most likely have time to work at those times. This could be a lucrative business if you charge an hourly rate and add tips.
Mistplay is a great way to earn money on the internet today. You can play games and get paid.
4. Retail Work
Everyone should work in retail at least once during their lifetime, I have heard. Retail is flexible in terms of hours and schedule, which makes it a great option for teens that need to attend school during the week.
There are many different positions available at large retailers such as Target and Walmart.
You can work as a cashier, dealing directly with the customers. Or you can stock shelves and clean up the store.
Sign up for seasonal jobs to earn some extra money around the holidays and in the summer.
5. Working in a Grocery Store
Most grocery stores hire teens as early as 16 years old. It seems that they are constantly in need of help. You can work as a grocery bagger or cashier, and interact directly with the customers, or you can keep to yourself, by restocking shelves or cleaning.
6. Work in a movie theater
Working in a cinema is a very popular option for teens looking to earn money. You’ll also be able to make friends and work with other teens.
Depending on your job, you can enjoy air conditioning during hot summer days or even watch free films. Some of the jobs in a cinema include concession stand workers, janitors, ticket sellers, and ticket takers.
7. How to Become an Umpire/Referee
You probably played sports as a child. Maybe you still play? You probably know the rules to that sport very well.
Referees and umpires are needed by sports associations, parks and recreation programs, and other organizations.
If the association is desperate, you can do this job even when you are younger. My 9-year old son was umpired at his baseball games by teens as young 14 years of age. They’ve done an excellent job!
It can also be a good source of income for teenagers. Typically, it is a flat fee per game which can quickly add up.
8. Working as a golf caddy
Golf caddying is an excellent option for young people, since you can begin as early as 14 years old. Prepare yourself to spend the entire day outdoors, hauling around other people’s golf clubs.
It is an excellent way to improve your interpersonal skills.
Golf caddies are paid an hourly wage and can also receive tips or other benefits like a free tee-time.
Making money online for teens is an excellent option with our ever-expanding technological advances. You can make money online while waiting in line, or driving. Some online money-making options lead to passive income… you’ll make money while you sleep!
You can make money online in different ways as a teenager.
9. Take surveys
Let’s be honest, filling out surveys to earn money isn’t the most exciting way to do so. You may think that these websites are scams. There are many legitimate survey companies.
One of my favorite sites is survey Junkie, as it has a $5 minimum cashout requirement.
Also, they have a trustpilot score of 4.5/5. So other people like them too.
It’s not a lot of money, but you can do it while sitting down. Many of these sites accept panelists who are 13+.
If you want to take this route, sign up for an email address that is only for surveys. This will prevent your inbox from being clogged with emails and allow you to view all of your surveys in one place.
10. Search for Swagbucks
Swagbucks is one company that I did not mention previously. Yes, you can complete surveys with Swagbucks. But there are many other things you can accomplish using Swagbucks.
Swagbucks rewards you for activities such as playing games, viewing videos and searching the Internet. You can even shop online with Swagbucks.
It’s not a lot of money but it is a nice extra. You only have to be 13 years old to open a Swagbucks Account.
11. Create a YouTube Channel
Many teens, and some even younger, have successful YouTube channels. There are many successful YouTube channels. You’ve probably seen a lot of these and wondered how to start your own.
Try it! You’ll discover your own style as you make videos. Once you’ve got enough subscribers, you may want to add advertisements and/or affiliate programs that will give you a commission when people buy products using your links.
Need some inspiration? What about music reviews, movie reviews or how-to videos? Start by sharing your expertise in an area where you are the best.
It can take some time to earn money on your YouTube channel. But it will eventually become passive income, which means you can make money without even having to work at it!
Related: How to make money on YouTube
12. Learn a skill and freelance
There are so many skills businesses and individuals need help with. You can help even if you are a teenager! Be sure to know what you are doing and always present yourself in a professional manner.
Develop different skills:
- Writing/copywriting
- Social Media Management
- Digital Marketing
- Coding
- Bookkeeping
- Graphic Design
- Proofreading
You can contact local small businesses to ask if they require any assistance with the above. These days, social media management is a highly sought-after skill… and you’re probably already on Instagram.
It takes a bit of effort to start making money, but when you get some clients and are happy, you might find yourself with more work than ever before!
You can sign up for a Fiverr Account (you can do this as early as 13 years old) and find business opportunities. Fiverr allows you to buy and sell freelance services starting at $5.
13. Create a blog
Even teens can create a blog. Start writing if you are passionate about a particular topic! Share your knowledge and experiences with others. It’s easy to find information on how to earn money from a blog. But it all starts with good, consistent content.
It can take some time before you start earning money from a blog.
It’s therefore important to regularly add new content and blog about a topic you are passionate about. You’ll eventually be able monetize your site with sponsored posts, ads, and affiliate links.
14. Play Video Games
What teenager doesn’t like video games? Did you know you could get paid to play video games? People may want to watch videos or live streams of you playing video games if you are good.
Create an account on one of these online platforms and get started.
- Twitch : Get Paid with Donations, or Apply to Become a Partner and Get Paid for Serving Ads when You Reach 500 Regular Viewers
- Mixer:Ask donations or become a partner to make money through ads
- Video: View above!
It can take a while to build an audience, but you are having fun with video games, right?
It’s great to have a steady income by working for another person, but it can also be fun and more profitable! Working for yourself can be more lucrative and fun! You’ll also gain valuable entrepreneurial experience by starting your own small business, no matter how simple.
If you want to work for yourself, then you can do so, but you will also need to find work. You can ask your friends, family and colleagues, or advertise.
You should also ask your parents for their input when you are looking for ways to earn money. They may have good ideas for you.
You can earn money in many ways by working for yourself.
15. Do Yardwork
No matter what the season, everyone has to do yardwork. In the spring you can scoop dog poop and plant seeds. You can pull weeds and mow the lawn in summer. In the autumn, you can paint fences and rake up leaves. In the winter you can clear icicles and shovel snow.
Ask your parents and neighbors for work. You can also check apps such as NextDoor.
Many adults don’t take the time to maintain their yards. You can still make a lot of money by setting your prices below what a landscaping service charges.
For teens who are not yet able to work a full-time part-time position, starting a lawn care/yardwork company is an excellent opportunity.
You can also juggle your clients’ schedules according to both theirs and yours. You’ll have a lot of repeat and referral customers if you keep a regular schedule.
16. Tutor
Consider tutoring younger students if you are good at a certain subject, such as math, science or English. You can help parents who are looking for additional assistance for their children.
Teens who want to become teachers will find tutoring a valuable learning experience. This is a valuable skill that you can continue to use in college and beyond. You can charge a reasonable hourly rate and set your own hours.
Distribute flyers in local schools, and talk to your friends, family or neighbors.
17. Pet Sitter and Dog Walk
Do you love animals? Teens can earn money by pet-sitting and/or walking dogs. Be sure to feel comfortable around pets. Enjoy the fun of playing with animals while getting some exercise.
Many adults need help caring for their pets when they are away on vacation or at work. You can stop by to walk the dog or let it out at their home, or pet sit for them (just make sure you ask your parents before). ).
The easiest pets to care for are cats and fish. You only need to feed them, and clean the fishbowl or litter box from time to time. Dogs require more attention, as they must be walked every day.
You can also walk several dogs at the same time if you are coordinated and they get along.
You can also ask your neighbors for help with their pets, or visit a local dog park to distribute flyers.
18. How to become a babysitter or parent’s helper
Babysitting is one of the best ways for teens to earn money. It was the main way I earned money in my younger years before I had a stable part-time position. It was the perfect job for me because loves babies and children.
Start by babysitting for people you know, and encourage them tell others about their services. The best way to find babysitting work is through word of mouth!
Take CPR classes if you want to earn extra per hour. Parents want to know their children are safe and capable. Be prepared to sacrifice some of your social activities as a babysitter. Parents typically require babysitters on weekends and nights.
You might also want to become a parent’s helper.
This person is usually someone who helps the parent at home by providing an extra pair of hands. You may be asked to do childcare but also prepare meals, sort laundry or wash dishes.
You can sell your own stuff, or the stuff of others (with their permission!) Selling items can be a quick way for teens to earn money and in some cases declutter their space.
You can improve your salesmanship and save the environment at the same time. People are increasingly buying used products rather than brand new to both save money and “save trees.”
19. Sell your old stuff
Do you really need everything you own? Why not sell the things you have if your parents allow you to or you purchased them yourself?
Here’s some ideas on what you can sell:
- Bicycle
- Clothes
- Video games and gaming products
- Old electronics and technology
- Sporting goods
- Toys
- You can also find out more about the following:
- Stuffed Animals
- DVDs
- CDs
You can sell excess items in many different places. Facebook Marketplace (if you’re a Facebook user) is the easiest, but Craigslist, ebay, and the old-fashioned garage sales are also options. To get rid of your items quickly, price them to sell.
As a general rule, charge 10% of the retail value. The price of larger-ticket items may be higher, particularly if the item is in great condition.
It’s worth repeating that you should check with your parents to make sure they are okay with the sale of these items. They may want to return them or pass them onto someone else if they bought the items for you.
You can offer to sell for them and split the profits with them if they are hesitant. They may even ask you to sell items!
20. Resell Items
Reselling items is a great way to make money, even if you have little to sell. This means that you find bargains in garage sales, thrift shops, and other places, then resell the items online, such as on eBay. It’s technically called “online arbitration.”
Buy low and sell high is the name of this game. It takes some practice but, if you enjoy the thrill of finding an amazing deal or unique item, it could be a good way to earn money as a teenager.
21. Crafts and homemade items can be sold.
Selling your crafts can be a great way to make money. Many people like the look of handcrafted items, but lack the skills to make them.
You can create an Etsy store or Amazon shop (you will need help from a parent to set this up). Go crazy putting together your items and sharing them to the world!
You’ll only pay a small fee for selling items in both stores, but it’s important to make sure you price them fairly to avoid making pennies an hour.
22. Sell Stock Images
Not everyone is a great photographer. Businesses and blogs need high-quality images for their online content.
You can earn money by uploading your photos on stock photo websites.
One of the best sites to use is
- iStock
- 123RF
- Dreamstime
Don’t use only your phone to take these photos. Learn how to use a high-quality camera to create photos that stand out. You can make money from your hobby!
23. Sell Stuff in School
My husband began earning money in this manner when he was still a freshman at high school.
He would go to the shop across the street and buy candy, gums, sodas, snacks and other goodies, then take them back to his dormitory and sell them for profit to fellow students when they needed a treat.
If you don’t go to boarding schools, then you can do something similar at your school.
Imagine yourself as a mobile vending machine. Why not sell candy bars yourself? Make sure that it doesn’t violate school rules.
If your parents are members of a warehouse club, you can stock up and/or keep an eye on sales. You can expand your business by selling at local events and parks during the summer.
You can read more about it here:
This list is only a small part of what you can do to earn money as a teenager. Think about your interests and strengths to see if you can make money from them.
