How to Make Money as a Teenager (73 Genius Ways for Teens to Make Money!)

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Last Updated on December 17, 2022 by Rebecca Lake

Being a teen is stressful enough without having to rely on your parents for money. 

Learning how to make money as a teenager can help you take the first step toward financial independence. (Or at the very least, not have to beg your parents for gas money all the time.)

Wondering how to make money as a teenager when you have no work experience? Learn the best ways to make money for teens, online or off. 

And for a quick and easy way to make money if you're 13 or older, get paid to take surveys with Survey Junkie!

But how can teens make extra money on the side

The good news is there are lots of possibilities, including:

  • Starting one or more side hustles for teenagers
  • Getting a part time job
  • Finding ways to make money as a teen without a job 
  • Doing seasonal work

And you don’t have to wait until you’re 18 to learn how to make money as a teenager. There are things you can do at 13, 14 and 15 on up to make extra money. 

Here are some of the best ways for teens to make money now.

Related post: FamZoo Prepaid Debit Card Review: Is Is It the Best Debit Card for Kids?

How to Make Money as a Teenager Online

As an adult, I love being able to make money online. And there are plenty of ways for teens to make money online too. 

Some require more time than others and some pay better than others, so be sure to read through the whole list to find something that is.

1. Get paid to watch videos

If you spend time on YouTube or TikTok, you already have all the necessary skills you need to get paid to watch videos.

InboxDollars pays real money to teens (or anyone else) just for watching videos. 

You can sign up if you’re at least 18 and start earning by watching playlists. And you can earn even more money by taking surveys through the site. 

Sign up for InboxDollars now and snag a $5 bonus!

2. Make money listening to music

Love music? 

If so, you can get paid to review music from up-and-coming artists through Slice the Pie

teenager sitting on a stool

Slice the Pie pays users for reviewing new music and the better your review, the more you can earn.

Best of all, you can create a Slice the Pie account if you’re at least 13. So it’s one of the easiest ways for younger teens to make money. 

Sign up for Slice the Pie and write your first review.

3. Get paid to play games

If you’re already spending part of your day playing games on your phone, why not get paid for it?

Swagbucks pays you to play games and you can also get paid to take surveys and watch videos. 

You only need to be 13 and have an email address to sign up with Swagbucks. 

And when you sign up for Swagbucks with this link, you’ll get a $10 bonus!

4. How to make money as a teenager testing websites

Companies can pay you real money to test out websites or apps online. 

It’s an easy way for teens to make money online and it doesn’t require any special skills. 

If you’re interested in user testing gigs to earn extra cash, try sites like UserTesting.com and TryMyIU

5. Earn money from online shopping

If you’re at least 18, you can make money from shopping online or in-stores.

All you have to do to earn cash is download the Ibotta app

This app pays you real cash when you shop at partner merchants. You can earn cash back on clothes, accessories, video games and more. 

Download Ibotta now and earn up to $20 in bonuses!

6. Become an online stylist

If you’re up to date on the latest fashion and makeup trends you might try making money as an online stylist

Online stylists get paid to share fashion and beauty advice. You can also make money selling jewelry, accessories and other products. 

That’s how Stella & Dot works. This online stylist platform hires teens 18 and up to act as ambassadors for its product line. 

It costs less than $100 to start this online side hustle for teens. But it could easily turn into a full-time career. 

Learn how to become an online stylist with Stella & Dot.

7. How to make money as a teenager with TikTok

TikTok has become a money-making platform for creators who are able to build solid followings. 

In 2020, the company announced it would be launching a $200 million fund to pay its creators for their content. And there are other ways to make money on TikTok, including accepting sponsorships and donations. 

If you’re at least 13, you can set up a TikTok account and start creating. Just be sure you’re following the community guidelines and of course, okay it with your parents. 

8. Monetize your Instagram

If you’ve got a sizable Instagram following as a teen you might be able to make a real income online as an influencer. 

Some of the ways you can monetize your Instagram account include:

  • Making sponsored posts
  • Affiliate marketing
  • Acting as a brand ambassador
  • Selling products
  • Selling licenses for your photos or videos

Here’s more on how to monetize your Instagram.

9. Manage social media

If you don’t want to monetize your own social media accounts, you could make money online as a teen by managing accounts for other people. 

Social media managers can handle things like creating posts, scheduling them and responding to comments. 

The average social media manager makes just over $51,000 a year which isn’t too bad if you’re looking for a profitable option on how to make money as a teenager. 

10. Start a blog

Blogging isn’t just for adults.

Sophia Lee is just one example of a teen who launched a blog that eventually turned into a full-time business. 

If you’re interested in how to make money as a teenager with a blog, there are different ways you can do it, including:

  • Ads
  • Affiliate marketing
  • Sponsored posts
  • Selling products
  • Selling a service

If you’re curious about how to make money blogging, here’s a step by step guide to get you started

And if you’re ready to take the plunge and launch a blog, head to Siteground now to sign up for hosting. 

11. Offer freelance services

Freelancing is how I make the majority of my income and it’s one of the best ways for teens to make money, in my opinion.

Freelancing is great because it’s flexible and you can decide what kind of services to offer. 

For example, that might include:

  • Freelance writing
  • Photo editing
  • Video editing
  • Graphic design

If you’re interested in how to sell your services, check out Fiverr

Fiverr is an online marketplace where teens aged 13 and up can offer freelance services. 

12. Make extra money as a teen taking surveys

If you need a low-stress idea for how to make money as a teenager, taking surveys is it. 

Sites like Survey Junkie pay you to complete surveys online and share your opinions if you’re at least 18. 

You can also earn extra money with Survey Junkie by reviewing products, participating in online focus groups or meeting up for an in-person focus group. Those gigs can pay $150 or more each!

Sign up for Survey Junkie now and get $5!

13. Complete short tasks with MTurk

Amazon Mechanical Turk or MTurk for short is an online workplace where teens 18 and up can get paid to complete short tasks. 

The kinds of things you can do as an MTurk worker include:

  • Answering questions
  • Taking surveys
  • Writing website content
  • Rating search results for accuracy

This could be a great way to develop some money-making skills while earning extra cash in your spare time. 

You’ll need an Amazon Prime account to sign up. You can sign up for free trials of regular Prime or Prime Student, which comes with some money-saving extras for college students.

14. Monetize your Twitch account

Got a decent following on Twitch?

If so, there are plenty of ways to make money from your channel, including:

  • Donations
  • Sponsorships
  • Selling merch
  • Affiliate sales
  • Becoming a Twitch partner

Some of the top-earning streamers are raking in $3,000 to $5,000 per month from their channels. This could be one of the best ideas for how to make money as a teenager online if you’re a dedicated gamer. 

15. Teach kids online

Regardless of whether your career plans involve becoming a teacher or not, you can still get paid to teach online. 

Websites like Outschool allow anyone who’s at least 18 to teach kids K-12, no teaching license required. 

The great thing about Outschool is you can choose what you want to each. 

So if you want to share your best Fortnite hacks or teach kids your favorite kpop dances step by step, you can totally do that. 

You’ll need to pass a background check to get certified to teach on Outschool. But once you do, you can start teaching classes in your spare time and earn an easy $500 a month or more.

This could be an awesome option for how to make money as a teenager if you’re still in high school and once you get to college.

Apply to be an Outschool teacher and create your first class!

16. Sell your designs

If you’ve got an artistic streak, you could make money selling your custom designs online. 

At Teepublic, anyone 16 or older can set up a custom design shop. You upload your designs for customers to browse. If they see one they like, they can get it printed on a t-shirt, hoodie, coffee cup or another item. 

Teepublic is great because you can make money just by selling designs. You don’t have to worry about any inventory or shipping. 

It’s a great option for how to make money as a teenager if you’re looking for a creative way to earn. 

Create a Teepublic account and upload your first design.

17. Search the web

If you’re already online, you may as well make money for it, right?

In addition to paying you to play games, Swagbucks will also pay you cash to search the web. 

It’s super simple to sign up and you just need a valid email address. 

And don’t forget the $10 bonus you can get when you join Swagbucks now. 

18. Make $100 writing lists

Like keeping lists?

If so, you could make an easy $100 writing them. 

Listverse pays writers who have a PayPal account (you’ll need to be 18 for that) to write lists on just about any topic. 

Check out the site to read recent lists and submit your writing. 

19. Promote your creations on Patreon

If you’re interested in more creative ways for teens to make money, you could earn cash selling your art online. 

Patreon allows anyone 18 and up to open a creator account. Creators can receive funding from their supporters to help further their artistic efforts. 

If you’re not 18, your parents can open an account for you if you’re at least 13. 

You’ll find all kinds of creators on Patreon, including writers, visual artists, photographers and even gamers. If art is your passion, Patreon can help you get the financial support you need to pursue it. 

20. Make $140/hr joining research studies

Want to get paid to be a virtual test subject? 

Sites like Respondent.io pay people to participate in online research studies and focus groups. It’s an easy way to earn money online by helping out with research. 

You do need to be 18 to apply but this site has great earning potential if you want to make money online. The average Respondent user tester makes $140 an hour. 

Sign up for Respondent.io now!

21. Start a YouTube channel

YouTube could be a goldmine for making money as a teenager if your channel takes off. 

It all comes down to creating content people want to see. For example, this 7 year old makes millions unboxing and reviewing toys. 

YouTube recently updated its monetization guidelines. You’ll need 1,000+ subs and 4,000+ public watch hours over a 12-month period to monetize. 

But if you’re serious about making money with YouTube, you could start a blog on the same topic and use it to drive traffic to your channel. 

22. Join SecondLife

SecondLife is an online marketplace that’s designed for gamers and creatives. 

There are a few ways you can money with SecondLife, including:

  • Creating and selling custom in-game items
  • Referring new creators to the platform

This could be a fun option for how to make money as a teenager if you like playing games.

Here’s more on how SecondLife works for making money.

How to Make Money as a Teenager Without a Job

Want to make money as a teen but don’t have time to get a part time job?

Here are some of the best side hustles for teens you can do in your spare time, no regular job required. 

23. Deliver food

Food delivery jobs can put easy money in your pocket as a teen. You can earn by the hour and get paid tips if you’re delivering food to happy customers. 

If you don’t want to commit to a regular part time job work schedule, the easiest way to make money delivering food is with DoorDash

DoorDash hires teens 18 and up to deliver food locally. You can decide when you want to work (or when not to accept a delivery) and the average Dasher makes around $43,000 a year

Learn more and apply to become Dasher here.

24. Shop for groceries

As a teen, one of your household chores might be helping out with the grocery shopping. So why not get paid to do it?

grocery cart

With Instacart, you can get paid to shop for groceries and deliver them to customers. 

The typical Instacart shopper makes around $25,000 a year, between what they earn hourly and tips. And just like delivering with DoorDash, this is a flexible side hustle for teens who also have other responsibilities. 

Learn more and apply to shop with Instacart.

25. Clean houses

Cleaning houses is a flexible side hustle for teens who have strong attention to detail. 

It’s fairly easy to start a house cleaning side hustle. You’ll need a basic cleaning kit but it might be easy to get your first clients if your parents spread the word to their friends. 

26. Babysit

Babysitting is probably one of the most popular ideas for how to make money as a teenager without a job. 

And babysitters command some pretty decent rates these days. What you can charge depends on where you live, how many kids you’re watching and what kind of services you’re providing but you could easily make $20 an hour or more. 

If you want to make money babysitting, you can put up flyers around town or ask your parents to tell their friends about your services. 

And if you’re at least 18, you can create a profile on Sittercity to advertise your services as a sitter. 

27. Tutor other kids

Tutoring could make sense for teens who get excellent grades and don’t mind helping other kids learn. 

The average tutor earns $17 and change per hour. But if you’re top of your class or you aced the SAT you could potentially charge much more for your time. 

28. Be a movie extra

If you’re looking for some fun ideas on how to make money as a teenager, being a movie or TV extra could be it. 

Sites like Backstage post legitimate casting call opportunities for teens. Some of the companies that use Backstage for casting include:

  • Netflix
  • Disney
  • Nickelodeon
  • Amazon Studios
  • HBO
  • NBC

29. Invest in stocks

Technically, this could be included on the list of ideas for how to make money as a teenager online. But I’m putting it here since this side hustle technically doesn’t require any special skills or actual work. 

Investing means putting your money into stocks and other securities. The goal is to have the investments you make grow in value over time. 

The beauty of starting to invest as a teenager is that if you do it right, you could start growing wealth in your 20s and 30s. And that’s huge if you hope to retire early someday. 

But how do you start investing as a teenager?

You could get your parents to gift stocks to you. This is something they can do with Stockpile.

But if you’re 18 and you’ve got at least $100 you can start your own investment account with M1 Finance

M1 Finance is the “finance super app” and it’s a great place for teens to start learning the basics of investing. And there are no hidden fees to drain away any of the returns you earn. 

Create an M1 Finance account and start investing!

30. Invest in real estate

Real estate is a different way to invest money and grow it over the long term. And it can be really profitable when done right. 

And you don’t have to wait until you’re in your 20s or 30s to get started. With a platform like Fundrise, you can invest in crowdfunded real estate if you’re at least 18. 

You’ll need $500 to get started investing. But if you’ve got some high school graduation cash you’re not planning to spend, you could turn it into your first real estate investment. 

31. Sell your stuff

If your room is getting cluttered, you could turn some of your stuff into quick and easy cash. 

Some of the things you could sell to make money as a teen include:

  • Clothes
  • Shoes
  • Bags
  • Accessories
  • Books
  • Electronics
  • Gaming systems and games
  • CDs
  • DVDs

You can sell your stuff on Facebook Marketplace or bargain groups, at consignment shops like Plato’s Closet or through apps like Decluttr.

Want more ideas for stuff to sell? Here are 40+ things you can sell for easy money!

32. Sell stock photos

Like taking pictures? You could start a side hustle selling stock photos without having to get a real job. 

There are plenty of sites that will pay you for your best pics. Check out Foap and Shutterstock, which let you create an account if you’re 18. 

33. Teach music lessons

If you know how to play an instrument you’ve already got a great money-making skill under your best. 

Giving lessons is another idea for how to make money as a teenager without a job. You can charge by the hour or by the lesson to teach kids how to play the piano, flute–whatever you know best. 

34. Teach art lessons

Teaching art to kids (or even adults) is another option for making money as a teen without a job. 

You’ll need a little artistic talent and lots of patience. But you could make a decent side income sharing your love of art with people in your community. 

35. Develop and sell an app

You’ve probably got your favorite go-to apps you can’t live without. But maybe you also have an idea for an app that hasn’t been created yet. 

Making and selling an app can be an insanely lucrative way for teens to make money without a job if you come up with a hot idea.

This 17 year old sold an app he created at age 15 for $30 million. So that’s a pretty great incentive to do some brainstorming of your own to see if you can come up with the next “it” concept for an app. 

36. Make money from your tech skills

Know some seniors who could use a hand figuring out the latest smartphone technology?

Or maybe a local business owner who needs help overhauling their website?

Those are just some of the ways you could make money as a teenager using your tech skills. If you’re interested in making tech a full-time side hustle, you could also consider these options:

  • Coding websites
  • Designing WordPress themes
  • Virtual IT support
  • WordPress support

37. Create and sell online courses

One of the best ways to make money as a teenager is to share what you know with other people. 

And you can do that without getting a real job (or even leaving home) when you sell an online course. 

Selling online courses is a genius idea for how to make money as a teen because you can earn income passively. 

You create the course and put it up for sale. People buy it and you make money!

If you’re interested in creating courses as a way to make money, check out these sites:

Skillshare is your best bet if you’re not 18 yet. But be sure to check out all three to see how they compare. 

Best Part Time Jobs for Teens

Aside from side jobs, part time jobs are another great option for how to make money as a teenager.

Here are some of the best part time jobs for teenagers to consider now. 

38. Barista

If you love the smell of coffee you could try working part-time as a barista. 

Starbucks hires teens at 16 to man the counter, though some locations will let you work as young as 14. It just depends on what age your state allows teens to work. 

39. Fast food worker

Working a part time job in fast food is a rite of passage for many teens. 

Again, you may need to be at least 16 to land a fast food job. But some companies, including McDonald’s, will hire you at 14 if state law allows it. 

40. Smoothie/juice shop worker

Working at a smoothie shop could be another great part time job for teens who don’t mind working around food. 

Aside from earning a steady paycheck, you might get an employee discount which is a plus if you love smoothies. 

41. Server

Waiting tables can be one of the best paying part time jobs for teens if you’re making bank on tips each night. 

You’ll typically need to be at least 16 to work as a server, unless you’re serving alcohol. In that case, you’ll need to be at least 18 to deliver alcoholic drinks to your tables. 

42. Restaurant hostess

Restaurants offer plenty of part time jobs for teens, including working as a hostess.

You can earn an hourly wage for seating people or taking reservations. And some restaurants require tips to be shared among hostesses and other staff which is a bonus. 

43. Restaurant busser

Bussing tables is an easy option for how to make money as a teenager working after school or on weekends. 

Similar to being a hostess, you can make an hourly wage as a busser. But you might also get tips at the end of your shift, depending on where you work. 

44. Dishwasher

Besides hostesses and bussers, restaurants always need dishwashers to lend a hand. 

Working as a dishwasher could be an excellent part time for teens who’d prefer to stay behind the scenes.

45. Retail clerk

Working in retail could be a good part time job to try as a teenager if you don’t want to work in food service. 

Retail stores hire teens to work the register, stock shelves and help with displays. You might try this part time job for teens if you’re comfortable talking to people or you just love the products the store sells. 

46. Grocery store clerk

My first official part time job in high school was working at a grocery store. 

Grocery stores and supermarkets hire teens to run the register, bag groceries, round-up carts and help with keeping the store clean. Consider this option if you need ideas for how to make money as a teenager that fit around your school schedule. 

47. Daycare assistant

If you’re thinking about an eventual career working with kids then working in a daycare as a teen could be a great warm-up. 

Depending on the state you live in, you might be able to get hired at a daycare as young as 14. Just be prepared to do all the regular daycare tasks, like changing diapers, helping with snacks or overseeing activities. 

48. Salon receptionist

Working as a salon receptionist part time is something you might try if you don’t mind dealing with people. 

You’ll need to be organized and attentive to detail. And you may need to be 18 to apply, depending on the salon’s policies, though some will hire at 16. 

49. Front desk clerk

Front desk clerks help people with reservations, answer questions and handle the check-in, check-out process. 

You might need to be at least 18 to get hired. But if you’re under 18, you can try the next part time job for teens on the list instead. 

50. Hotel housekeeper

Working as a hotel housekeeper is a potentially great job for teens to make extra money. 

Hotel housekeepers can make around $11 an hour, though some hotel chains pay more. And you can pick up tips from guests if you do a good job taking care of their rooms. 

You can get hired at 16 to work in housekeeping with some hotels. So it’s worth checking out if you’re having trouble finding places that hire at 16. 

51. Local tour guide

Do you live in a spot that gets a lot of tourist traffic? Then you could make money as a teen tour guide. 

Tour guides get paid to show people around and share what they know as locals with tourists. So if you like talking to people and there’s a local destination or landmark you’re especially interested, this could be a perfect way for you to make money. 

Best Seasonal Side Hustles for Teens

If you’re looking for ideas on how to make money as a teenager during the winter, spring, summer or fall, here are some of the best options. 

52. Shovel snow

If you live someplace that gets snow during the winter, you could pick up some easy money clearing sidewalks or driveways for your neighbors. 

This is an easy side hustle for teens since all you really need is a shovel and some warm clothes to get to work. 

53. Put up (or take down) holiday decorations

I love decorating for the holidays indoors but outside is a different story. 

Offering help with putting up or taking down holiday decorations is another simple way for teens to make money. 

54. Wrap holiday gifts

Wrapping other peoples’ holiday gifts is a great way for teens to make money to purchase gifts of their own. 

What’s great about this side hustle is that you can do it from home. And you just need scissors, tape and gift wrap to get started. 

55. Help with spring cleaning

Spring cleaning is a task people tend to either love or hate. 

Helping neighbors clean out their garages or attics in spring is a quick and easy way for teens to earn extra cash. 

56. Clean out flower beds

Once spring rolls around, people are usually ready to bring their flower beds back to life. 

Teens can make money helping with weeding, spreading mulch or planting fresh blooms once spring weather sets in. 

57. Clean windows

Window cleaning is a chore and it’s one that plenty of homeowners are willing to pay teens good cash to do. 

You’ll need a ladder and some window cleaning supplies. But this is a great easy way to make money on the side in the spring and summer months. 

58. Power wash houses

Pressure washing houses could be a high paying side job for teens who have access to a pressure washer. 

Where I live, pressure washing businesses can charge hundreds or even thousands to clean a single house or driveway. So if your parents have a pressure washer collecting dust in the garage, you could fire it up and start earning cash. 

59. Wash cars

Once the first pollen bloom hits where we live, everything turns yellow. While it’s annoying as heck, it’s a great opportunity for teens to make some money washing cars once pollen season ends. 

teens washing cars for money

Again, you’ll need a basic cleaning kit to start washing cars. But you could charge $20 to $30 per wash and easily make $100 a day or more.

60. Become a caddy or cart attendant

Spring brings golfers back to the courses, which means there are jobs for teens who want to work as caddies or cart attendants. 

This could be a great option for making money as a teen if you want to get paid an hourly rate and pick up tips. 

61. Offer lawn care services

Once summer comes, I lose all interest in mowing the grass. It’s just too hot. 

But that means an opportunity for teens who want to make money doing things like:

  • Cutting grass
  • Weed eating
  • Trimming bushes
  • Cleaning up walkways and driveways

62. Help with storm clean-up

I live in hurricane alley and even when a hurricane isn’t blowing through, we can get some pretty strong storms in the spring and summer. 

If you live someplace that sees a decent amount of storms, then you could make extra money helping homeowners pick up fallen limbs, branches and leaves. 

63. Become a lifeguard

Lifeguarding could be a great summer job for teenagers who want to spend their summer outdoors. 

You can check out the Red Cross or your local YMCA for more info on lifeguard training. 

64. Become a camp counselor

Camp counselor is one of the best summer jobs for teens who are interested in working with kids. 

There are no set requirements on how to become a camp counselor, though you typically need to be CPR and First Aid certified. 

You can check out the American Camp Association for ideas on where to find camp counselor jobs for teens near you. 

65. Clean and maintain pools

Everybody wants their pool to look great in the summer so they can get a break from the heat. But as a pool owner, I know for a fact not everybody wants to spend hours keeping it clean. 

Cleaning pools is another easy way for teens to make money on the side. And who knows, it’s something you might someday turn into a six-figure business like this guy did

66. Walk dogs

Walking dogs is another easy way teens can make money on the side. 

If you’re interested in how to become a dog walker as a teen, check out Rover

You can sign up to become a dog walker at age 18 and the typical walker makes $1000 a month!

67. Pet sit

Don’t want to spend the summer months walking dogs in the heat? You could make money as a teen pet-sitting indoors instead. 

teenager walking dogs for money

This is a great summer side job for teens because people are taking vacations and need someone to watch their pets. Again, you can sign up to pet sit with Rover if you’re at least 18. 

68. Rake leaves

Raking leaves is a great side hustle for teenagers you can do once fall rolls around. You can make this side job easier (and faster) if you have access to a leaf blower. 

69. Clean gutters

This is another great side hustle for teens to try in the fall. 

You’ll need a ladder for this one. But cleaning gutters can be a quick way for teens to make extra cash. 

70. House painting

House painting is a weekend side hustle teens can do in the fall or any time of year. 

People can hire you to paint the inside or outside of their homes. Or if you’re not comfortable taking on such a big project, you could hire yourself to do smaller jobs like painting house numbers or spray painting mailboxes. 

71. Bake and sell seasonal treats

If you know your way around the kitchen, then selling seasonal baked goods could be one of the best ways to make money as a teen. 

Farmer’s markets, flea markets and seasonal festivals or other events are just some of the places you might be able to sell your baked goodies. 

72. Make and sell seasonal crafts

If you’ve got a creative streak then making and selling seasonal crafts could be a no-brainer idea for how to make money as a teenager. 

Some of the places you can sell seasonal crafts to make money as a teen include:

  • Holiday markets
  • Farmer’s markets
  • Flea markets
  • Facebook Marketplace
  • Facebook bargain groups
  • Local craft fairs

If you want to make and sell crafts online you might consider setting up an Etsy shop. 

You have to be 18 to open an Etsy shop of your own. But Etsy’s terms of service allow teens as young as 13 to use their parent’s or legal guardian’s accounts. 

73. Run errands

As seasons change, there may be errands people need to be done that you could help with how to make money as a teenager. 

For example, you might do errands like:

  • Completing holiday shopping
  • Mailing holiday packages or cards
  • Picking up plants or mulch from your local home improvement store
  • Hauling off yard debris
  • Delivering firewood
  • Driving senior citizens to appointments

These are just some ways to make money as a teen you might be able to do throughout the year. 

How to Make Money as a Teenager FAQ

Still got questions about how the different ways teens can make money?

Here are answers to some of the most common FAQs on making money as a teen. 

How can a teenager make $1000?

Maybe you need $1000 to buy your first car. Or you want $1000 to put toward some other goal. 

If you want to make $1000 as a teenager fast then you could try selling things you don’t need or doing lawncare and other odd jobs to make quick cash. 

But if you have more time to put in, then you might try any of the online side hustles for teens included here 

My favorite ways for teens to make $1000 or more online include:

  • Freelance writing
  • Starting a blog
  • YouTube
  • Monetizing in TikTok

These are all ways to make $1000 or more every month and they don’t cost a lot to start. For example, you can start a blog with Siteground to make money for under $100. 

How to make money as a 13-year-old?

Some of the ideas for how to make money as a teenager included here are better suited to older teens. 

But if you want some easy ways to make money at 13, you could try:

  • Taking surveys with Survey Junkie
  • Listening to music with SlicethePie
  • Helping out neighbors with small tasks
  • Pulling weeds or cutting grass
  • Getting paid for chores your parents or siblings don’t want to do
  • Starting a paper route

How can a 14-year-old make money?

At 14, there are plenty of ways you might be able to make money. 

If you’re interested in a regular part time job for teens, then you could see which restaurants locally hire at 14. Some retail stores or grocery stores might hire at 14 as well. 

Babysitting is another good way to make money as a 14-year-old. You could score bonus points with parents (and higher pay) if you’re First Aid or CPR certified. 

You could also make money at 14 by:

If your parents run a business they might agree to pay you to help out. For example, if they’re terrible at tech you could convince them to hire you as a paid tech consultant. 

Ways for a 15-year-old to make money? 

By age 15 you should be able to get hired for certain types of part time jobs. 

For example, you might be able to make money scooping ice cream at your local ice cream shop during the summer. Or you might be able to get a job ringing people up at Chick-fil-A or McDonald’s. 

You could make more money with side hustles at 15 and you don’t have to get a real job. 

Again, some of the best ways to make money at 15 are similar to the best ways for teens to make $1000, including:

  • Blogging
  • Writing online
  • Monetizing your social media accounts or Twitch account
  • Getting paid to take surveys or play video games

Teens Money Tips: What to Do With the Money You Earn

Figuring out how to make money as a teenager is step one. Deciding what to do with the money you’re making is step two. 

Of course, you’re going to want to spend some of it. And if you don’t have a bank account, you can load it onto the Greenlight Debit Card for easy access to cash when you want to shop. 

But besides spending, there are some other ways to put the money that you’re making as a teen to use. 

Save for emergencies

As a teen, you might not have major emergencies like a job loss to deal with. But if your car breaks down or you break your phone and need to replace it, how are you going to pay for it? 

You could ask your parents for the cash. But that doesn’t always work. 

So that’s why it’s good to have an emergency fund as a teenager. An emergency fund is money you save for those just-in-case-times when you need money. 

As an adult, you might need to have thousands tucked away in emergency savings. But as a teen, you could start by aiming to save $500 at first and building from there. 

Save for college

There’s no doubt college is expensive. And if you don’t have a college fund to fall back on, you may be looking at taking out loans for school. 

Saving money as a teenager in high school could help reduce what you have to borrow later. 

At the very least, you could save money to help pay for books and supplies so you’re not borrowing more than you need to for college. 

Save for something you want

There are probably some bigger ticket items you want to buy, like a new laptop or a PS5. 

So why not stash some of the money you’re making to put toward your dream purchase?

And you could even go bigger and save money for a car or studying abroad in college or starting a business. Getting in the savings habit in your 20s can help you live a richer life in more ways than one if you stick with it. 

As you figure out how to make money as a teenager, think about what your big money goals are. And then start saving toward them!

how to make money as a teenager

Final thoughts on how to make money as a teenager

Coming up with ways to make money as a teen is easier than you might think. 

You don’t necessarily need to get a part-time job either. There are tons of options for how to make money as a teenager online or off with flexible side hustles.

And the great thing is, you don’t have to choose just one thing. You can test out different side hustles for teens to see which ones are the best fit for your skills and schedule.

For more ideas on how to make money as a teenager, be sure to sign up for the free 5 Day make Money Challenge below!

How to Make Money as a Teenager in 2021

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About Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance, freelance writer and homeschooling single mom of two. Since 2014, she's paid off nearly $100,000 in debt and grown her net worth to seven figures. Her work has appeared online at top personal finance websites, including Forbes Advisor, Bankrate, Investopedia, The Balance, CreditCards.com and U.S. News & World Report. Find out more.