How to Make Money as a Teenager

Being a teenager is pretty hard work. But whether the allowance your parents give you just isn’t cutting it anymore, or you’re just looking for a way to help out around the house, a job is a next step in your financial security. While the process can seem daunting at first, especially since people are sometimes hesitant to hire teenagers, there are still plenty of ways to make cold hard cash and even leave room for fun. As long as your parents permit you, here are a couple of ways to make bank as a teen.

Have you noticed that you’re really good at a specific thing? Whether that’s playing the guitar or making fun bracelets, your next job might be closer than you think. Not only is turning your hobbies into a paying gig extremely easy but if it’s something that already brings you joy, then you’re sure to have a great time.

Regardless of where you live, there are so many kinds of jobs that need to be done. The smartest thing to do is take the initiative. See a yard that needs to be raked? Why not ask your neighbor if you can do it for a small fee. Do your parents have a friend who needs help with chores? While these are all short term gigs, they can lead to some great money and, best of all, a new friendship!

If your schedule looks anything like mine did in high school, you’re probably overloaded with essay after essay. Have one you feel incredibly proud of writing? If it’s about a current event, chances are you can get it published in a local or even national newspaper. Just google an opinion editor, and send it over. One caveat: make sure to give editors time to respond. Only send one article to one editor at a time, to make sure that you don’t end up promising original work to two separate papers.

Really love crafting? Even if you just have a printer, starting an Etsy account is an excellent way to turn your niche interest into cash. If you’re really good at capitalizing on popular trends like celebs or funny memes, you can add that to the products in your incredible shop. If you advertise on TikTok, you can also get a ton of young shoppers.

Have a green thumb? Starting a garden could be a fun way to hone your craft and make money off it. Choosing high yield fruits and vegetables that can handle wear and tear are perfect for first-time gardeners and provide so much produce that they’ll be selling off you in droves. No one can resist a freshly grown treat.

TikTok famous or not, your YouTube channel might make you more money than you think. Even if you’re not an influencer, YouTube’s algorithm rewards creators with dedicated views and consistent posting. Whether you’re reviewing albums or streaming your video games, you never know what might make your channel bigger than ever. Even better, many YouTube stars credit their success to the channels they started as teenagers.

If you’re known for taking frequent trips to the mall, selling your old clothes is a great way to keep the cash in your wallet and clear out more room in your closet for amazing finds. Rather than throwing all of your clothes straight to the thrift shop, do a little research to find yourself the best price. Finding the best consignment shops in the wealthiest areas will give the most significant yield, especially for clothes that cost you big in the first place. Most resale shops will provide you with cash for your old threads, especially if they’re great name brands or have very little wear.

Have a pretty good handle on a specific subject. Parents will pay big money for you to tutor their children, especially in difficult subjects like Chemistry or math. With most schools having some or all remote options, you can charge for zoom sessions for your best subject. Not only do you get to help a kid or fellow student, but every session means a helpful refresher for you as well.

If you have a bike and are an early riser, a paper route could be the best way for you to make cash. Finding the number for your local newspaper’s circulation department will get the inside info on the open routes available. Once you outfit your bike with the necessary safety equipment and basket, you’ll be on your way. Just make sure that a route is something you can make time for, since days off are hard to come by.

If you’re great at dog walking, pet sitting could be the natural next step in saving more money. Most pet sitting gigs require a trustworthy teen capable of keeping a steady schedule. Some owners pay hundreds of dollars to pet sit. You have to stop in at least twice a day, but your visits don’t have to be very long and can be fun stress relievers for both you and the dog.

Hard work aside, mowing lawns is a great way to get paid for a sweaty job. If you’re fine with mowing out in the heat, homeowners will pay big bucks to avoid the annoying job. You can either use your parents' lawnmower or use the owners, just make sure you budget in gas money and you should be ready to mow!

While making money online doesn’t always seem legit, there are plenty of safe ways to make cash while you surf the web. Taking Online surveys might not make you as much money as a full retail job, but persistence can slowly grow your bank. Websites like SurveyJunkie, InboxDollars, and Swagbucks all pay users to fill out online surveys; just make sure to check the age requirements.

Do you or your parents own a pretty great camera? Selling amateur photos could make you extra funds and help you add a line to your college resume. Even without editing, offering portrait sessions could make you hundreds of dollars for an hour of work. If you work during the school year as a yearbook photographer, your yearbook photos could act as incredible ads for your business.

Whether you’re great at social media, or just pretty good, small local organizations like shelters or churches are always looking for social media assistants. If you know how to schedule posts, make ads, and keep a pretty good profile, selling your social media smarts might be the best way to keep it up. Even if you just sell lessons to your friends and family not on social media, the job can land you a pretty heavy payday.

Yes, it’s not the most glamorous job. But working in a retail position is an excellent way to hone your skills, learn patience, and make some serious dough. If you’re not concerned about getting too busy for homework, a retail job will most likely take anyone over the age of 15, and give you more experience in case you want to work your way up to a higher position later in life.

If you’re over 16, working as a server or hostess could be your way into the restaurant business. While most hosts work for tips, working in the position for a year gives you a chance to move up in the industry. The hours are more in-depth than other jobs, but being on your feet allows you to learn about all the positions in a restaurant without doing too much work.

Really love iPhones? If you have a ton of old devices, selling the ones laying around your house could get you the funds you need. If your old phones work, posting them on eBay could net you some cold hard cash. Just make sure to turn off all tracking on the phones, so buyers don’t get any of your personal information.

Loved your experience as a camper? Plenty of summer camps hire young teenagers as either assistant or full-time counselors. You can spend your days splashing in the pool, creating in the arts and crafts cabin, owning the zip line, and leading your own set of youngsters around the block. Most camps have short and long sessions, so you’re guaranteed to have at least part of your summer all to yourself. Best of all, camps are some of the greatest ways to make friends.

School isn’t the only time bake sales bring in the cash. If you’re a pretty good home baker, selling your goods around is like a fundraiser. Just for, you know, yourself. Make brownies, cookies, cupcakes, anything you’re good at and sell it in your neighborhood. If your parents have good connections at work, or clubs, ask them to share your business around. You can also use social media to promote your work, which could help you get more clients and raise your follower count.

Garage sales aren’t just for culdesac moms looking to downsize. If your parents are fine with it, setting up a garage sale with donated items could yield super high results. Go through your house with your parents or ask your friends for tips, and you could have a master garage sale instantly. Make sure to advertise way in advance, and to know the worth of the items you have. Then set up, and get ready to let the good cash roll.

If it’s during the summer months, there’s no better teen gig than a lifeguard position. As long as you’re over 15 and have excellent swimming skills, becoming a lifeguard is the perfect way to work on your skills and still have a pretty fun summer. The best way to snag a gig is to visit your local pool or waterpark early. Just make sure to give the owner or manager your resume and call back close to opening.

Think lawn mowing might be a little too involved for you? That’s what small landscaping is for. If you offer services like gardening and weed pulling, you can get paid the same amount of money for half the work. If you buy a small pressure washer, you can add pressure washing to your resume, and charge double. Best of all, good work means you’ll keep getting referrals.

If your car gets gross, just imagine what people would pay to get rid of their year-old fries and crumb filled interiors. That’s where you come in. Even if you’re just armed with a ton of baby wipes and a portable vacuum cleaner, you can do some real damage to a car at its worst. Add car washing, and you’ve got yourself a viable business plan.

Live near a golf course? Becoming a golf caddy is hard work, but a really good payday. Caddies are paid just like servers, but make most of their extra funds through tips. Most golfers are great tippers and are super willing to tip well for extremely good caddies. Best of all, you might learn some tips of the trade.

Whether you’re resigning yourself to a summer home alone or exhausted of doing chores for no cash, there are plenty of ways to make money before you turn 18. While it’s definitely advised that you check in with your parents before starting your own business, these jobs are foolproof ways to bring the cash in without breaking your back.