50 Ways for Teens to Make Money

To help you find ideas, I’ve compiled a list of 50 ways you can make money as a teenager.

How to Make Money as a Teenager

I’ve divided the list into three categories. Online jobs let you make money from the comfort of your living room. Most neighborhood jobs involve helping people who live nearby with day-to-day tasks, such as lawn care, babysitting, or tutoring. And while more traditional part-time jobs might sound boring, they provide a steady income and often come with valuable perks.

• Online Jobs for Teens
• Make Money in Your Neighborhood
• Great Part-Time Jobs for Teens

Online Jobs for Teens

More people than ever are making good money from side hustles like DoorDash, Uber, Lyft, etc. But while you might still be too young to be a rideshare or delivery driver, there are many ways for teens to make money online.

1. Taking Online Surveys

Let’s face it. You’ll never get rich by completing paid surveys. But it is one of the easiest ways to make a few extra bucks each month. That’s money that you can use at Starbucks or cover your Netflix or Spotify subscription each month.

Here are some of the top survey apps you can sign up for. In addition to surveys, you can earn rewards by watching videos, playing games online, and surfing the web. To maximize your earnings, sign up for multiple sites for more opportunities to earn.

2. Swagbucks

Swagbucks allows you to earn cash by watching TV, taking surveys, and even searching the web. As with any get-paid-to site, you won’t make a fortune with Swagbucks, but it’s a way to earn some extra money by doing the things you normally do.

One nice feature, you only have to be 13 to sign up. You can find out more in our full Swagbucks review.

3. Shop with Rakuten

If you or your parents do online shopping, Rakuten is a good way to earn some extra money. Rakuten provides you with rebates or cash back on your shopping. They partner with thousands of popular retail stores, including Target, Lululemon, Old Navy, Kohl’s, Nike, and more.

The platform is free to use. When you purchase items from your favorite stores from Rakuten’s website, Rakuten splits its commission with you in the form of cash back.

This is easy money you can earn just from doing what you would be doing anyway – shopping!

Earn $10 free when you sign up today and earn your first rebate.

4. Making YouTube Videos

If you’ve ever made a video on YouTube, you may be able to turn this into a steady revenue stream.

There are even videos that teach you how to make videos.

You create videos, add Google AdSense, then earn income as people view your video and click on the ads displayed.

You can even create videos and earn affiliate income from various service providers by promoting their products and services.

The videos can be on any subject you can think of. It can be some sort of how-to video, or it can be about specific topics, like movie and music reviews. You can even create a portfolio of videos, each earning you a little bit of revenue every month.

5. Start a Blog

I know, you’re probably thinking, isn’t blogging for old people? Hear me out.

You can start blogging as a hobby, and it could turn into a full-time business. The best part is that you’re never too young to start.

You can set up a blog about any topic, but find something you’re passionate about: fashion, sports, personal health, your life, etc. To be successful, you will need to add content regularly, including articles, podcasts, and videos.

You can eventually make money by adding Google Adsense to your blog and by participating in affiliate programs that offer services related to your blog. You can generally find whatever services and technical assistance you need online and free of charge.

I know something about starting a blog and making money from blogging. After all, the website on right now is a blog, a very successful one. If starting a blog sounds intriguing, check out this article which explains how I’ve made over $1,097,757 from blogging!

You’ll also want to access my Make 1K Challenge, a free email course that walks through the steps to start your first blog and make your first $1,000.

Bonus: if you start a blog as a teenager, it can become a serious moneymaker by the time you’re an adult. You may be building your future career without even realizing it.

6. Make and Sell Crafts on Etsy

If you have a talent for making crafts, you can start making some extra money selling them on Etsy, a huge online marketplace dedicated to those who create and sell handmade crafts. You have to be 18 to own your own Etsy store; however, if you are younger, your parents can be the store owners, and you can still be the face of the business online.

7. Sell Your Services on Fiverr and Upwork

If you have certain computer-related skills, you can make money doing micro tasks. These are small jobs, like graphic design, voiceovers, and social media work, that pay a few dollars per gig. The idea is to do multiple jobs from the comfort of your home and earn extra money. The best platforms for these types of gigs are Fiverr and Upwork.

8. MusicXRay

If you like listening to music – all kinds of music – you can get paid for listening to and rating new music from aspiring artists. MusicXRay will pay you 10 cents per song to listen to and rate whether or not you like the music. Ten cents might not sound like much, but you only have to listen to a song for 30 seconds to get paid.

9. Write Web Content

WriterAccess.com provides an opportunity to write content for websites. You’re eligible if you’re a teenager. The pay ranges between 1.4 cents and 7 cents per word, which means you can earn anywhere from $14 – $70 for 1,000 words. Pay is twice a month. Practice your writing, and you can try your hand as a freelancer.

10. Selling Designs on CafePress

This is another of the more entrepreneurial money-making methods. CaféPress is a way that you can sell your designs and earn some money. Create designs for T-shirts, sweatshirts, coffee mugs, tote bags, and even pillows. Just create an account on the CaféPress website and then upload your designs.

CaféPress will display your designs, which customers will purchase on the site. They do advertise, but you can also promote your work on the site through social media.

11. ThredUP

ThredUp is a web platform where you can sell gently used upscale clothing. You can be paid anywhere from two dollars to $25 per item. The items must be name brands, like J.Crew, L.L. Bean, and Banana Republic. But if you have a closet full of name-brand clothes or know where to get them, this can be a steady stream of extra income. Poshmark is another online marketplace where you can sell your used clothes.

12. Video Editing

If you know how to create videos, you can probably edit them as well. If you’ve created some professional quality videos or have performed editing work on other people’s videos, you already have a portfolio of work. Offer your services on Craigslist and other sites. Depending on the job, you can charge either an hourly or a flat fee.

13. Digitalizing Photos

Digitalizing is the process of converting analog data into a digital format. You can easily make money by scanning and saving people’s photographs. If you have a good quality scanner, you can offer your services to people looking to convert their photos from paper to digital, which they can store on the cloud, hard drive, or a portable USB stick.

14. Snagajob

Snagajob is a job board for jobs you won’t fund in the local newspaper or at the mall. All kinds of employers in every industry advertise for jobs on the site. It may be a chance for you to find that unusual job you’ve been hoping to find.

Make Money In Your Neighborhood

If you limit yourself to looking for online jobs, you may be missing out on money-making opportunities right outside your door. There are so many ways for teens to make money right in their neighborhood without working as an employee at a local business. The next batch of jobs on our list will let you be your own boss and work when you want. Some of them also pay very well!

15. Babysitting

Babysitters are getting $10 an hour and up, often working in much better conditions than a typical part-time job. You have to love kids, and completing a CPR course will help.

It’s often as easy as just letting people in your neighborhood know that you’re available to sit. Once the word gets around, you may have more babysitting gigs than you can handle.

If you want to go bigger, consider signing up with Care.com. You’ll need a background check, but people who qualify can demand much higher rates than someone working without that level of verification.

16. Tutoring

If you’re a whiz at math, science, or English, you can tutor students in your community who need to improve their grades. Almost any subject qualifies, but math, science, and English are usually the most in demand.

You can charge $20 an hour and up. Market your services by providing flyers to local schools. You can even tutor online through platforms such as Enroll.com. You’ll earn between 60% and 80% of the tutoring fees charged by the website.

 

17. Product Flipping

This is the age-old practice of buy low, sell high. If you’ve got an eye for a bargain, it can be a way to make money regularly. There are different ways you can do this.

For example, buy gently used clothing at garage sales and thrift stores and sell them at consignment stores. You can buy just about anything you can think of at the same sources and then sell them on Craigslist and eBay.

18. Pet Sitting

People routinely pay adults to take care of their pets while on vacation. But you may be able to create your book of business by charging a little bit less than the going rate for adults.

You can find customers by advertising in your neighborhood and surrounding areas. You have to love pets, and the work is usually very casual.

19. Dog Walking

This is a variation on pet sitting but tends to be more consistent. That’s because dogs need to be walked daily, often several times.

While people are at work all day, they may need someone to walk their dogs. You can make a steady income by walking several dogs. Since you can do this in your neighborhood, you shouldn’t need a car.

20. Garage Sale Prepper

Practically every homeowner has a garage sale at one point or another. It’s not the garage sale itself that requires all the work. It’s the preparation.

You must pull items out of storage, clean and price them, and place them for sale. It’s a very time-consuming process that any would-be garage saler would love to have help with.

Volunteer your services in your neighborhood, particularly in the spring and fall when garage sales are most frequent.

21. Session Musician

Are you an excellent musician? Have you played in bands and enjoyed playing with other musicians? If so, you might be able to work as a session musician. Session players are usually hired to record music in the studio, but you can also get paid to perform on stage with a band or solo artist. Payment varies and is usually on a per-gig basis.

22. Camp Counselor

Camp counselor jobs are usually only available during the summer, and you generally work with younger kids. The job is similar to a traditional job, except that it’s seasonal. You might have set hours, but there’s a lot of flexibility regarding how you do the job.

23. Mother’s Helper

This can be a welcome service for either a new mother or for one who has several young children. It’s less about babysitting (though that can be one possible outcome) and more about assisting.

A mom might ask you to perform certain services, such as preparing meals, organizing laundry, or feeding her young children. The arrangement can be either temporary or permanent.

24. Personal Assistant

Do you know an unusually busy adult? They may need help with various small jobs, from running errands to helping with their business. This can be a serious moneymaking opportunity if you have good organizational and administrative skills. It may also become a full-time job in the future.

25. Teach Computer Basics to Older Folks

Despite the rapid spread of computers, some people still don’t know much about them. This is particularly true of people over 70 who grew up before everyone owned a personal computer.

Many are discovering the joys of computers, but they don’t know how to use them well. You can offer your services to teach them. Speak with local senior citizens groups or even senior living centers, and see what you can work out.

 

26. Create and Sell Art

I once ran into a teenager creating and selling artwork at a fair. He was creating dazzling artwork with spray paint. It was exciting stuff, and he was selling his paintings – for about $20 each. If you have an artistic side, selling directly at fairs and craft shows can be a serious moneymaking opportunity.

27. Become an Event Photographer

I’m not talking about becoming a wedding photographer. It’s the social media generation, and people of all ages want their pictures taken at many events, including family gatherings and birthday parties.

If you know of any upcoming events, volunteer to be the photographer. You might charge a flat fee to attend the event, like $30 or $40. But it’s light work, and you’ll probably get free food as a fringe benefit.

28. Housecleaning Assistant

Adults don’t typically hire teenagers to clean their homes, but they might hire them as housecleaning help. If you know someone who has a specific housecleaning day, they may appreciate your help in getting the job done. This is another service that you can offer to people in your neighborhood.

29. Give Music Lessons

If you play a musical instrument and are pretty good at it, offer your services as a private music teacher. Kids often respond better to other kids, especially teenagers, when it comes to learning anything.

If you have the patience to teach and the musical skill, teaching lessons can be a lucrative gig. Consider reaching out to school music teachers in your area and offering your services to work with students.

30. Washing Cars

While it’s true that you can usually go to a car wash and get the job done for a few dollars, many people still like the personal touch. This is particularly true if you make house calls and will wash cars in the customer’s driveway.

31. Putting Up or Taking Down Christmas Decorations

Almost everyone loves Christmas decorations. But putting them up can be physically challenging, and taking them down can be a downright hassle. Offer your services in your neighborhood, especially if you’re in good physical condition. The work will only be seasonal, but it will give you a chance to make extra money around the holidays.

32. Moving Stuff

Naturally, this opportunity only applies if you have a driver’s license and a vehicle that can be used for hauling. But if you do, you might be able to help people with moving a few pieces of furniture or in cleaning out junk from a basement or garage. You can charge a flat fee for the haul and an hourly fee for loading and unloading.

33. Offer Your Computer and Internet Skills

Teenagers are often more fluent with computers and the Internet than adults. If you have specific skills, you may be able to sell them to paying clients. It could be as simple as helping people to manage their computers or downloading apps. Many adults are willing to pay others to do these services for them.

34. Amateur Referee

If you’ve ever played recreational sports, you know every game or tournament needs referees. As a teenager, you may qualify. I know of at least one teen earning between $25 and $60 to referee one-hour games for kids between the ages of four and 12.

Check with the recreational leagues in your community. If you can referee multiple sports, you can work year-round.

35. Running Errands

If you have a car or a bicycle, you can easily run errands for people in your neighborhood. It can be a valuable service, especially for a senior citizen who isn’t mobile. You can charge a few dollars for each errand you run. Once again, advertise your services in your local neighborhood, and see who needs help.

36. Assisting the Elderly

Many elderly people prefer to remain in their homes as they age rather than go to a senior facility. But there are many aspects of home maintenance and basic living that they have difficulty managing.

You may be able to help elderly people in your community with basic jobs like housecleaning, shopping, or organizing personal effects. In many cases, the person may just want some companionship.

 

37. Yard Maintenance

This can be anything from cutting lawns to shoveling snow to one-off property management projects, like raking leaves or trimming hedges.

If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, you can provide these services for people in your neighborhood. Your competitive advantage is that you can work for less money than professional landscapers charge.

38. Find Odd-jobs on Craigslist

Craigslist has rapidly grown to become what local newspaper classified ads used to be. You can find just about anything on the site, including odd jobs. Some of them involve ongoing work, while others are single jobs. You can scan the offers and take only those assignments that are a good fit for you.

I know a young guy with a pickup truck who did this for several years and made good money. Metals – steel, aluminum, and especially copper – can easily be recycled. Contact companies in your area who buy scrap metal, then go around your community and collect any metal left out for garbage pickup.

40. Window Cleaning

Window cleaning is one of those jobs. It’s not particularly hard (unless you’re working on a highrise); it’s just that most people forget to do it. All you need is a squeegee and a large bottle of Windex, and you’re in business.

41. Cleaning Out Basements or Garages

Most people hate these jobs because they can be huge projects. That’s especially true if it’s been years since either space was cleaned. A person in your circle of friends or neighborhood may welcome your assistance and pay you generously. A knock at the door or a flyer from you could create the incentive for the jobs to happen at all.

42. Become a Party DJ

This is an opportunity to release your inner entertainer. If you’re into popular music, and you know how to arrange it and present it, you can be a natural for this one. You can start by acting as a DJ within your social circle. But if you’re any good at it, word will get around, and you’ll have a full-fledged business.

43. Banging on Doors

This is a true story – if you can indulge a proud papa for a moment…

My seven-year-old son, Bentley, needed to make extra money. Now when you’re seven, the options are pretty limited. But Bentley never got that memo.

Thoroughly unaware of the limits a kid his age should have, he saw one of our neighbors doing yard work and approached her with a question he had rehearsed many times over:

”Hi. My name is Bentley. I’m trying to earn some extra money to buy some books because I really like to read. Is there anything I can help you with?”

He got the job, worked for an hour and a half, and earned $20. All because he asked a question!

It’s my son, and I’m incredibly proud of him, but it’s also an excellent example of how to make money.

You can read the full story here: Bentley’s First Job.

Let’s move on.

Great Part-Time Jobs for Teens

If you’re tired of the hustle, you may decide to get a part-time job. The beauty of working as an employee is that you can usually count on getting regular hours and a predictable wage. Many jobs come with employee perks, too, like company discounts. I’ve picked some of the better part-time jobs for teens (that exist in most communities) and listed them below.

44. Work at a Movie Theater

Yes, this is a typical part-time job, but it has many perks. Not only is the pay decent, but you’ll get to watch plenty of free movies. You’ll also enjoy the benefits of air-conditioning on those hot summer days. And since movie theaters tend to draw teenagers, you’ll be around your friends.

45. Grocery Store

Working at a grocery store is an excellent job for teenagers. Not only will you gain valuable work experience and build important customer service skills, but many grocery stores offer flexible hours, making balancing school and work easier. Most grocery stores are professionally run, and you can work in various departments, such as produce, bakery, grocery, front-end, etc.

46. Restaurant

Restaurants can be busy places to work, and you really need to enjoy being around people. But you will learn valuable customer service skills. It’s also a great way to gain experience working in groups and developing your team-building skills.

Most restaurants offer flexible hours, which make it easier for you to juggle your school with work. If you can get a job as a server, you’ll have an opportunity to earn more money with tips.

47. Pool Lifeguard

Lifeguarding is often a summer job. But if you enjoy being at the pool and have the necessary lifeguard training, it’s a great way to pick up money during the summer. Lifeguards typically earn more than minimum wage.

48. Work at an Amusement Park or Six Flags

Amusement parks often prefer hiring teenagers. That’s because you’re a natural fit with the common clientele, largely teenagers. There can be some good fringe benefits as well, with some parks providing season passes.

49. Gas Jockey

Every community has at least a couple of gas stations. The work can get repetitive, but most gas stations are open long hours, so you shouldn’t have any problem picking up regular shifts outside of school. It’s also a busy environment, and you’ll have an opportunity to develop your customer service skills as you interact with many people.

50. Golf Caddy

A lot of young people get their first job on a golf course. If you’re already a golfer, this can be a natural outlet. Not only is the work fairly easy, but you have an opportunity to connect with people who may be able to help you later in life with everything from getting into a certain college to landing a job on graduation.

How to Land a Part-Time Job

If you’ve decided that a part-time job is your best option for making money, here are a few tips to help you get the job!

1. Create a professional-looking resume. While you no longer need to include a cover letter, it’s still very important to have a professional-looking resume that’s well laid out. Your resume should be no longer than one page but highlight the skills, accomplishments, and experiences you will bring to your new employer. Make sure you include examples of volunteer work and community involvement.

2. Apply to companies where you have connections. Studies are showing that managers prefer to hire people who their current employees refer. It’s why employee referral programs have become so popular. Look at the businesses in your area. Do any of your friends, or parents of your friends, work there? If so, let them know you’re interested in a job. There’s a good chance they’ll put in a good word with the hiring manager. Your odds of being hired will increase as long as their boss considers them to be a valuable employee.

3. Be prepared for the interview. When you are invited for an interview, make sure you are prepared. Be confident and ready to talk about your skills and accomplishments. This is not the time to be shy and modest. Dress appropriately, and make sure you come prepared with at least two questions for the hiring manager. It will show them that you’re serious about getting the job and that you’ve given it plenty of thought.

Final Thoughts on How to Make Money as a Teenager

So, there you have it – 50 ways to make money as a teenager. Even better, you don’t have to pick just one way. You can choose two or three, or even more.

You can even choose to do one for a while, then move on to the next. There’s always another way to make money, and you never have to get bored.

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