How do you make money as a teenager? Earning money as a teenager can seem like an uphill battle. You have things to pay for, such as clothes, entertainment, going out with your friends, and let’s not forget gas or transportation.
As life gets more expensive, you are probably looking for ways to fund these expenses (Hello, 18th birthday party!).
Luckily, there are many ideas for how to earn money as a teenager other than gift cards and cash from birthdays and holidays. So keep reading!
Why you should make money as a teenager
Although you may not need to bring in a paycheck, it is still a good idea. Even if you spend most of your money on fun experiences or cute clothes, there is an opportunity to save.
Grow your savings
When you make an effort to keep part of your paychecks, it will add up over time. The years will allow compounding interest to grow your money to new heights.
It may seem like a small amount of money is not worth saving; however, every little bit counts. You can turn these earnings into the beginning of your retirement nest egg or even fund your college expenses in a few years!
By starting your savings early, you could have millions of dollars by the time you get to retirement age just from saving small amounts. Wouldn’t that be nice?
Remember that budgeting as a teenager is an essential aspect of planning your savings too!
How to make money as a teenager: 36 Ideas
Now with “why it matters” out of the way, it’s time to answer the question, “how can I earn money as a teenager?”.
Take a few minutes to check out this list of ideas. And then choose something that interests you and get started today.
Remember that as you make money, it’s essential to increase your financial literacy as a teenager too!
1. Start a blog
A blog can be a fun way to make money as a teenager. You can blog about any topic that interests you.
Blogging is not an easy way to earn an income, but it can be enjoyable. It’s a popular work-from-home job that can eventually make money online.
It may take several months before your blog posts earn money, but it can be a lucrative income once you get the ball rolling. Affiliate marketing and Google Adsense are great ways to generate revenue through your blog.
To begin, you should have an internet connection and some domain names as options for your blog. However, you only need to purchase one and be familiar with online platforms for marketing purposes.
Be prepared to create regular content for a growing audience. And utilize resources that teach you how to build a blog.
2. Tutor younger kids
If you have excelled in a particular subject, it is time to put those book smarts to the test.
Many parents search high and low for a tutor to help their kids excel. To start, check with parents in the area if they need a tutor for their children. You can also market yourself to the neighborhood if you have expertise in a particular area.
In addition, you can advertise posters around town to generate broader interest. As you start hearing from potential clients, talk to your parents before meeting up.
You can offer in-person tutoring, but online tutoring may also be an option. See what will work best for your schedule and the families you are tutoring for.
3. Work at a restaurant part-time
If you’re wondering how to get money as a teenager, fast food establishments and sit-down restaurants always need extra help. For example, many are looking for teenagers to take over the cash register or hostess table.
Other potential openings include cook, busboy, waitress, and more.
Depending on the setup, you could make minimum wage or have the opportunity to earn tips. Either way, you will build your resume while taking home a paycheck.
Plus, most restaurants have a free or discounted food policy for employees.
4. Provide lawn and landscaping services
Landscaping is an excellent idea regarding how to make money as a teenager!
Many people are too busy or don’t want to care for their lawns. It is a labor-intensive job that you can turn into a booming business.
Mowing the lawn is a straightforward service to provide in your spare time. However, you could also plant garden beds, weed flower gardens, rake leaves, clean up after their dog, or water any landscaping in their yard. Be creative based on the lawns in your local area.
Lawn work is great if you want to know how to make money as a teenager, as it allows you to start working and earning money quickly.
5. Provide snow services as one of your side gigs
Snow services can be a great way to make money as a teenager if you live in a cold area. People typically avoid cleaning the snow out of their driveway at any cost.
You can take advantage of that need and offer to shovel driveways, sidewalks, etc. Some might even want you to shovel snow from their parking space at work.
Set up a regular rotation of clients so that you always have enough snow to shovel.
6. Offer babysitting services (A simple way to make money as a teenager)
Babysitting can be easy to break into.
An excellent place to start your babysitting activities is through family and friends. If you do a good job, they can spread the word around the community.
You might be surprised how much you can earn as a reliable babysitter. A typical rate is at least $10/hour plus an extra $3 for each additional child.
Plus, most parents provide a meal to the babysitter.
7. Become a parent helper
Another opportunity similar to babysitting is a parent helper, one of the best ideas when wondering how to make money as a teenager without a job.
The parent would be home while you help out around the house. Work might include anything from entertaining the kids to folding laundry. It can be an excellent first step if you aren’t quite ready to watch a houseful of kids alone.
Some great places to start include care.com and sittercity.com.
8. Start a photography or video editing business
If you’re terrific at photography or video editing, this could be a simple way to make money as a teenager.
You can offer to take pictures of an event or edit photos taken by the client. Get started by learning through YouTube videos and reading about photography.
Video editing would be very similar. Online education is a good way to brush up on your skillset so you earn an income.
9. Become a DJ
Although buying the equipment may require some start-up capital, becoming a DJ is pretty straightforward. Think of all the parties that are in desperate need of a DJ.
Birthday, graduation, and sweet 16 parties need a DJ to set the mood.
Suppose you can keep a party flowing smoothly and want to know how to earn money as a teenager. In that case, this might be the perfect opportunity. Get the word out through flyers and friends to start your new gig.
10. Teach music
If you’re a music lover but being a DJ isn’t your thing, you can teach music.
Whether you play the drums, piano, or trombone, if you have a few years of musical experience, you can teach other teens and children to play.
You can conduct lessons at your house or offer to travel to your student’s homes.
11. Coach little league sports
Coaching little league sports can be a fun way to earn extra money.
Many leagues require experienced players to coach the next generation. You will earn some cash and become a role model to an entire team of little leaguers.
You might have more fun than you think. Plus, the schedule is usually flexible.
12. Work as a golf caddy
Do you live near a golf course or know people who golf? You can become a golf caddy.
Your primary responsibility would be toting around someone else’s bag and retrieving lost golf balls. And in between these simple tasks, you can learn more about the game.
It can also be a fun way to network with community members. Start by looking up golf clubs in your neighborhood and reach out about applying for a job.
13. Work as a grocery store cashier
You could be a grocery store cashier if you’re good with math and don’t mind scanning coupons and small talk.
In addition to the job requirements, it’s a great way to meet new people and has fun conversations while you help check people out.
14. Become a clothing store sales associate
Do you like fashion and organizing your closet by color or season? If so clothing store sale associate could be an excellent position for you.
This job entails helping customers find what they need and answering questions. You will also be responsible for keeping the store organized and clean.
15. Be an attendant at movie theatre
Working at the cinema or theater involves collecting and selling movie tickets.
It can also involve showing people to their seats, making sure no one is disrupting the movie, and working the concession stand.
16. Work as a bowling alley attendant
A bowling alley attendant is a position that focuses heavily on cleaning and working large cleaning equipment.
In this position, you’ll be required to sweep, mop, take out the trash, and perform other related activities.
17. Work at the gym
If you already spend most of your time at the gym, then you might as well work there. Most gyms will allow you to work out for free as an employee.
Not only can you save on your gym membership as one of the rewards, but you also take home a paycheck.
Don’t limit yourself to traditional gyms. Also, check out other sports centers.
In high school, I worked at the tennis center, where I had played for years. It was a fun job with people I already knew and enjoyed spending time with.
Most jobs in these centers are relatively laid back, so it can be a soft entrance into the demands of the working world.
18. Offer pet-sitting services as a fun way to make money as a teenager
Pet sitting is how to make money as a teenager; that’s fun! Many people need pet-sitting services for a variety of reasons.
Whether they need someone to watch their dog while they are out of town or feed their fish while on holiday, pet sitting can be exciting work.
It’s also short-term, so you don’t have to commit to a tremendous job that will take much time.
It’s one of the best ideas for how to make money as a teenager. You can work, even if you can’t drive yet, by pet-sitting in your neighborhood.
Pet sitting is the way to go if you want to meet new furry friends and get paid for your love of animals. You can find clients by asking your neighbors, through word of mouth, local vet clinics, or on sites like rover.com.
19. Become a house sitter
Like pet sitting, people need someone to watch their house when leaving town. Responsibilities can include picking up the mail and watering plants.
Some clients prefer you stay in their homes while they are out of town. Others want you to stop by every couple of days.
The best place to start this business is through family and friends. You can spread the word through flyers and referrals as you get more comfortable and receive good feedback.
20. Clean out garages
Many people need your services if you have a knack for organizing. With overflowing garages across America, you can help clean out their junk in exchange for cash.
So decide on a flat fee for your service. You can charge based on the garage’s square footage or the number of boxes you will need to go through.
Depending on the amount of stuff, this can be a time-consuming job. However, you can schedule a time that’s most convenient for you.
21. Wash cars in your neighborhood
Cars can be a significant investment. Many people are too busy to clean their cars. Washing cars is a good way to earn money fast.
Car washing is one of the best ideas for how to make money as a teenager. Plus, you can charge more if you go directly to the customer.
If you have a water spigot, you should be able to take your services anywhere. Make sure to bring soap, rags, and any other cleaning products with you!
22. Become a summer camp counselor
A camp counselor is a good option if you only have time to work in the summers.
You’ll need to work with a wide range of kids all summer. Being crafty, patient, and outdoorsy can help you excel at this job.
23. Become a lifeguard
Becoming a lifeguard will require specialized training. You’ll need to get certified, but it can be a lucrative income for a teenager.
Most lifeguards are paid above minimum wage because they carry a lot of responsibility. Yet it’s a great way to earn extra money over the summer.
24. Get a job at a theme park
Theme parks can be a lot of fun, even as an employee.
Although it will be work, many theme parks offer extra things for their employees, such as free tickets.
So it’s a great way to make money as a teenager, and there are many roles you can take on. Some popular positions include ticketing, custodial, and entertainment.
24. Teach kids how to code
Coding is a valuable skill. You may have learned the basics in your computer science class. However, it’s helpful to know a little more. There are many online classes you can take to improve your skills.
Once you’re good at coding, you can earn significant money teaching younger kids to code.
Many parents are willing to pay top dollar for their children to learn this skill.
26. Sell food at the farmers’ market
Are you a fantastic baker? Consider setting up a stand at the farmers’ market. You can perfect your craft and learn how to get money as a teenager while sharing your baking skills with the community.
Plus, you’ll be more in charge of your earnings. Instead of a regular income, you’ll learn how to run a business centered around your baking skills.
27. Flip items to make money as a teenager quickly
Flipping items is a great idea if you’re wondering how to earn money as a teenager. It’s very lucrative. All it entails is finding items to sell, fixing them up, and then selling them for profit.
You can start by asking your parents if there are any items they would like to sell and give you a profit.
Then take that extra cash and buy more items to flip for more money. Things such as electronics, books, game systems, and DVDs are easy to start with.
You can work on this on your schedule and sell the items on Facebook Marketplace or eBay.
28. Make stuff and sell it on Etsy
If you are creative and enjoy crafting, there are a ton of money-making crafts you can sell! For instance, printables, bath and body products, jewelry, and more.
You can have fun and make money, which is why it’s highly recommended when wondering how to make money as a teenager.
29. Create vlogs (A creative way for how to make money as a teenager)
If you’re not camera-shy, vlogging is a great way to make money as a teenager! You can set up a vlog on a site like YouTube and get paid to make videos.
Are you great at applying makeup? You can create video tutorials and teach others how to get those beautiful looks you rock every day. You can also teach people to do things like play soccer or guitar.
There are a million opportunities for vlogging with a YouTube channel, so get started earning from your talents and market them on your social media account.
30. Sell clothes on Poshmark
Selling clothes on Poshmark is how to earn money as a teenager fast! Is your closet overflowing with clothes you never wear? Then sell them for quick cash.
You can even start selling clothes as a side hustle to earn money every month.
Other online marketplaces for selling clothes online include Facebook Marketplace and Depop.
31. Become a social media manager for businesses
If you love social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok and know how to use these platforms well, why not get paid for your skills?
Many small businesses need help creating content and managing their social media accounts. Thus, social media management is a great way to make money as a teenager doing something you enjoy!
32. Start a YouTube channel (A very popular way for how to make money as a teenager!)
Start a YouTube channel and earn an income by being creative and having fun.
This strategy is something that will take time and won’t make you rich overnight. However, if you stay consistent with it, you can start earning money over time.
It’s important to note that you must be 18 or older or have someone 18 or older who can manage your payments.
Make money with ad revenues
You can earn money from advertisements that appear throughout your videos.
Channel memberships
You can also earn money through channel memberships, where subscribers pay a monthly fee for exclusive content.
Some YouTube channel ideas for teens include a channel for reviewing movies and video games, creating a channel around your favorite hobbies, or simply sharing fun and interesting facts.
33. Social media content creation
You could get paid to be a content creator.
Many content creators of all ages are making money through brand sponsorships, which is when brands pay you to promote their products on your channel.
There is also the affiliate marketing option, where you promote a product with a discount code and get a percentage of the purchase made.
Although content creation looks fun and easy, remember that it requires planning and preparation. However, it’s a great way to earn some extra cash when done well.
34. Graphic design services
Graphic design is work that expands from making websites to creating social media posts. There are an array of online courses you can take in graphic design. However, you can gain practice by working with Canva.
Canva is a great design tool where you can access most tools for free. You design social media posts, logos, flyers, presentations, and so much more on their website.
Once you figure out which digital product you’re comfortable designing, you can create a portfolio for potential clients.
35. Dog walking
If you’re not ready to deal with people in your work, you can try dog walking. Many people are too busy to take their canine friends for morning or evening strolls. That’s where you come in.
You can easily do this job early mornings before school and evenings after school.
36. Do more chores
If, for some reason, the above jobs don’t work out, you can always resort to doing more chores at home. You already have to help around the house, so why not do more and earn some money?
Make your parents an offer to do bigger chores such as cleaning the inside and outside of the car, cleaning the gutters, organizing their bathroom cabinet, or cleaning the refrigerator.
Your parents will most likely be happy to pay you for doing some much-needed work!
How to prepare for a job as a teen
So you love the idea of earning your own money. In that case, you want to ensure you’re prepared before applying for different positions. Doing so will increase your chances of getting the job. Pay close attention to these preparation tips.
Improve your time management skills
Getting a part-time job means you will be balancing school and work. To do so successfully, you’ll need to know how to manage your time. You can improve upon this skill in several ways.
First, see how much available time you have. Consider things such as how long it takes you to do homework and study.
Next, you can get an agenda or a calendar and map out days and times you could realistically dedicate to a job.
Lastly, consider the hours you may be wasting time. You may need to cut back on your video game playing or spend fewer hours scrolling on social media.
Prepare a resume
A resume is your ticket to getting a job now and in the future. Yet, you may wonder how can I earn money as a teenager with no job experience to put on a resume.
Many free templates online that you can follow will show you how to include information such as your education and previous experience. You can also add the clubs or sports you’ve participated in, academic achievements, and references.
You want to include any experience that shows you have skills such as teamwork, attention to detail, ability to follow instructions, and hardworking.
A cover letter
Writing a cover letter can increase your chances of getting a job. It’s a one-page letter explaining why you are a great candidate for the job.
In your cover letter, you can share important moments, such as how your leadership skills helped you lead your softball team to victory. Or explain a volunteer project you worked on.
Remember gaining practice and experience with writing a cover letter and a resume will better prepare you for the job market in the future.
Interview practice
With a stand-out cover letter and resume, you’ll most likely get called in for an interview. However, you don’t want to meet with a future employer without some interview practice.
Try asking a close friend, parent, or family member to practice doing a mock interview with you. With a mock interview, you can practice answering typical questions you might be asked during the interview.
Open a bank account
When you get your first paycheck, it might be tempting to cash it and spend. However, a smarter notion would be to put it in your bank account.
Having a bank account helps you to have a secure place for your money. By saving money in a financial institution, you don’t have to worry about younger siblings stealing from your cashbox under your bed.
A bank account will also make it easier for an employer to pay you, as many businesses directly deposit paychecks into their employee’s bank accounts.
Now you know how to make money as a teenager, here’s what to do with it!
So, now you know how to make money as a teenager! However, it is essential not to spend it all in one place. Yes, spending some of it on fun things while you enjoy high school is okay.
But a small amount of savings can go a long way. Your future self will thank you if you try to save a piece of every paycheck.
Save up money to pay for college
Student loans are an option to pay for college. However, student loans can negatively affect your financial future. It can take decades to pay off those loans.
Instead, save your earnings to at least partially fund your college education. If you can avoid student loans altogether, that is amazing. Even if you can only reduce your total student loans, it is still worthwhile.
Buy a car in cash
A car payment can be a big commitment, especially in your teens. You aren’t sure where life will take you, but a car payment will only hold you back. Consider saving up to purchase a car entirely in cash.
Shop around for cars to ensure you get a solid deal. You don’t need the latest model, just four wheels and a reliable engine. Once you find the perfect car, research ways to reduce your other expenses, such as insurance and repairs.
Create an emergency fund
Part of learning how to get money as a teenager is understanding how to keep some of that money. An emergency fund can get you through difficult times and make some extra space in your bank account for unexpected things.
Unfortunately, we never know when these hard times will come. The reality is that they will come at some point. Build your emergency fund now, so you always have something to fall back on if times get hard.
Invest for the long term
If you start investing in your teens, your money has decades to grow. You can increase your investment portfolio to millionaire status sooner than you think. In fact, this is the best time in your life to begin investing!
If you need help figuring out where to start investing, many free online investing courses can help prepare you. You can even start investing with little money!
Leverage these tips on how to make money as a teenager!
If you follow the above list, you’ll no longer wonder how can I earn money as a teenager. You’ll know precisely how.
Remember to start with one thing you most enjoy doing. As time goes on, you can take on more responsibilities and earn more money
It’s a great idea to start earning money as a teenager. When you take home your first paycheck, you’ll likely have a big smile. You’ll enjoy greater financial stability later in life by starting early to build a solid foundation for yourself!