13 Best Ways a Teenager Can Make Money

You’re brainstorming ways as a teenager to make more money.

Maybe you’re aiming for that new phone or wardrobe, or just to be out of the constraints of your limited allowance. 

Maybe you want to reach out further than your peers and start your own business (it’s so easy nowadays). Or just have something simple that’s flexible in between your school schedule. 

There are a lot of things a teenager would want to finance at their new stage in life – but you’re here because you want answers.

You want other solutions than the traditional part-time at your local supermarket or fast food joint.  

You’re shedding more of that dependency and starting to stand on your own two feet. 

But where to start?

In this day and age, is that it’s never been easier for a teenager to make money on the side. 

Even better is that there are more opportunities for a teenager to earn money that best suits their interests while learning life skills. So long as you’re willing to put in some elbow grease, nothing is impossible.

Here are several great options as a starting point outside the traditional part-time work.

Best Online Opportunities for Teens to Make Money 

Making money online has always been a popular option – especially for a cash-strapped teenager. 

We want the best opportunities, but we want to filter out the scams. There’s no such thing as making thousands overnight. 

In this section, we will explore some popular – and legit – online opportunities 

1. Get Paid by Doing Everyday Things 

You can actually make money by the small things you do every day like watching videos. 

Swagbucks pays teens cash via PayPal or gift cards or points in exchange for doing simple activities:

• Watching videos/movies
• Playing games
• Shopping online

The simple tasks will not make substantial money to live off of. But for a bit of extra spending money on your own time, it is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to earn cash. 

You can start as a 13-year-old, it’s free to join, and you can start immediately. Check out Swagbucks!

2. Freelancing 

Platforms like Fiverr and Etsy provide teenagers with an opportunity to showcase and monetize their talent through a wide range of services, from graphic design to handmade products. 

Don’t think you’re talented enough? Nonsense! There is a demand for anything and everything. 

And let me tell you something important that I learned. Everyone starts somewhere. And this is a perfect place to start – even with the simplest idea.

And nothing has to be so serious. You can adjust and pivot along the way. 

Don’t let websites like “Fiverr” fool you, either. Though the common price tag is $5 for services and gigs, sellers can price their services however they deem fair in the marketplace. 

Some fun novelty examples that’s fun to do:

• A caricature of yourself in the style of the Simspons.
• Write a personalized poem for someone to give for their Valentine.
• A video telegram singing Happy Birthday
• Dance tutorials
• Wacky voiceovers
• Paint custom shoes
• Graphic Design services
• Custom gift boxes

Post your creations on free social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok and you’ll have free marketing. There are next to no financial barriers in setting up your Etsy store or Fiverr account. 

Set aside one weekend. Put on some of your favourite music. Grab some coffee. By Monday morning, you’d have your own business ready. 

3. Content Creation on Youtube

Starting a YouTube channel has become a popular choice for teenagers looking to make money online. Sometimes you don’t even have to show your face!

Content creation allows them to explore their interests, showcase their talents, and earn revenue through ad placements and sponsorship deals. Consistent and engaging content can lead to a substantial following and potential income.

It also beats the traditional time-for-money part-time work. Each video is considered virtual real estate where people can return to watch the video, and every view generates a better income. 

The best example is 10-year-old, Ryan Kaji, who earns 8 million a year by reviewing toys on his YouTube channel. He’s doing what he enjoys and films it to share. 

You don’t even have to do it full-time. It can always fit around your schedule and not the other way around. ‘Studywithme’ channels are a perfect example!

If there’s something you like, chances are someone else likes it too and is looking for the stuff you do. 

4. Starting a Blog 🍒

Starting a blog is my favourite choice since it’s one of the easiest and cheapest online businesses to start. 

On average it’s about $100 in the first year in costs. Pair that with a passion and a solution to aid in people’s problems and you’ll have a sturdy foundation to succeed. 

The best thing about blogging is that anyone can start from anywhere. You don’t need a lot of technical skills, a certificate in creative writing, or a fancy degree in the subject you’re talking about. You can just create a blog and go. 

A lot of people believe blogs are nothing more than a public diary. That’s falling short of a blog’s full potential. Look how many creatives are starting blogs around their passion:

• Lifestyle – mommy, travel, student, etc. 
• Fashion – best shoes, seasonal, athletic, accessories, etc.
• Gaming – let’s plays, mobile, console, etc.
• Food (yum!) – recipes, veganism, baking goods, etc. 

And I can attest to this with my own experience. To say I enjoy talking about personal finance is a bit of an understatement. You can start your own in a weekend here:

How to Create A Blog (and Start Making Money) in 2024

5. Affiliate Marketing

Imagine yourself coming across an awesome find while browsing Amazon. Excited, you show off on social media to your friends and followers. (“My friends will love this too!”)

You like this product because it solves a problem, and you genuinely believe it will solve your friends’ problems. 

And it turns out, most of them do.

Your friends and followers ask where they can also purchase that product. You happily provide a link to the Amazon store. 

But for every person who clicks on that link, Amazon will thank you with a commission! Whenever people purchase that item through that link, you earn a bit of money(at no extra cost to you or your friends who bought through you). 

And Amazon is not the only one to provide these ‘affiliate/referral programs’. A lot of companies are happy to pay a commission as a thank-you for helping them get known – and ultimately helping them make a sale.

Teens can incorporate affiliate links into their blog, YouTube channel, or even social media, earning a percentage of sales generated through these links.

6. Get Paid by sharing your Opinion

Large corporations spend a lot of money on learning about consumer behaviour and their feedback. It helps them shape their products, services, and marketing strategies, so much that they’re willing to pay you for it. 

Why do reputable survey platforms and market research panels want a teenager’s opinion? Because they are the emerging trend companies want to empower and bank on. 

Sites like SurveyJunkie offer compensation for a variety of topics teens are interested in. Everything from fashion, food, and technology. 

So unleash that inner critic and make your voices heard! It matters enough to be paid for it! 

Out of the many survey sites and market panels, Survey Junkie is the most preferred. With several stars on Trustpilot, you can get started for free here. 

7. User Generated Content

The concept of UGC is relatively new but not too different from the social media influencer. The best part is that you don’t need a following!

Whereas influencers grow their personal brand around a niche and promote products, UGC is generated by everyday users. 

UGC generate content based on their own personal interests, reviews, and experiences. It’s often authentic, and more spontaneous than the professional influencer. They are equally more valuable to the brands UGC creators are “promoting”. 

While UGC usually is not monetized directly, it can be leveraged by brands and platforms like social proof and promotional activities. 

8. Starting a podcast

A teenager with a passion for a specific topic, excellent storytelling skills, and a knack for engaging with an audience can consider starting a podcast. Podcasting allows teens to share their knowledge or experiences while honing their voice and presentation style. They may also earn money through sponsorships or advertising once their podcast gains traction.

9. Teaching Online Courses

For those with expertise in a specific subject, teaching online courses can be a profitable option. Teenagers can offer lessons in areas such as language, coding, music, or art through online platforms like Care.com or by creating their own courses on websites like Teachable or Udemy.

There are so many online opportunities that enable teenagers to make money through their skills, creativity, and dedication. 

By experimenting with these options and finding the best fit, they can establish a solid income stream.

Best Side Hustles and Gigs

10. pet sitting and dog walking

Don’t like sitting in a cubicle? Not a lot of people do. More people like spending time with animals though. =) And there are quite a bit of busy people who need help with looking after their pets.

One popular way for energetic teenagers and pet lovers to make money is by pet sitting and dog walking. 

Websites such as Rover provide an easy way to find pet-sitting and dog-walking jobs. 

And if you don’t mind getting a bit dirty, there’s also ‘Pet Waste Removal’ services. It’s straightforward, and potentially lucrative since not a lot of people are willing to do it. 13-year-old, Kyle Graham, however, was willing to provide that service and founded Call of Doodie Pet Waste Removal in Jacksonville, FL. 

He’s roughly earning $250 a week as a recurring income. 

11. tutoring

Many parents are looking for tutors to help their children with homework or to prepare for exams. 

By promoting their services through word of mouth or on social media, teenagers can create an effective part-time tutoring business. 

And it doesn’t have to be your school or neighbourhood kids, you can help students online. Sites like tutor.com, chegg tutors, or Wyzant are online tutoring companies known for competitive rates. 

12. Lawn Care and Landscaping

If you’re a teen who enjoys working outdoors and has an able body, lawn care and landscaping are always looking. 

Homeowners are often too busy or unknowledgeable to take care of lawns themselves. They hire services. Teens can work under such services and learn the trade. Or they can perform the tasks on their own. 

Tasks such as mowing lawns, raking leaves, and trimming hedges can be profitable ways to spend their weekends. It does, however, require teens to have their own equipment. Some home hardware stores can rent out such equipment. But if teens are buying their own equipment, expect to spend about $1000. 

Teenagers with an entrepreneurial mindset can scale this into a full-fledged lawn care business by acquiring clients through advertising or referrals. Since it’s common to charge $30-$70/hour, it won’t be long to make back the equipment costs within the summer.

13. photography and stock photos

A creative teenager with a good eye can try photography.

By offering their services for events such as wedding receptions, family gatherings, or school functions, they can build a portfolio and grow their client base. Freelance photography is a flexible side hustle that allows teens to turn their passion into profit.

But if you don’t have a fancy camera, most smartphones have built-in cameras that are high-quality enough for stock photos. Create a portfolio on your website to sell them or have them available for purchase on marketplaces like Shutterstock.

Traditional Part-Time Jobs

They say you learn the most from the first job outside of school. I have to agree!

Many teenagers start their working life by taking on part-time jobs at retail stores. What teenagers learn there is immeasurable, and it carries throughout their working careers in the future. 

A lot of traditional jobs offer part-time hours since they understand teens’ primary commitment is school. 

• Sales Associate at Retail Stores
• Cashiers
• Movie Theatres
• Amusement Parks 
• Summer Camp Counsellors (the training and certifications can be an added bonus)

Final Thoughts on How to Make Money as a Teenager

Times have truly changed and there are so many options for a teen to make money.

Before, teens would be employed traditionally at brick-and-mortar stores or close by services. Nowadays it’s easier than ever to be their own boss. Teens get to explore different industries and interests, eventually picking the most suitable option that aids their future money goals. 

Yet, a teen’s “first job” is invaluable regardless of what it is.

Whether they started for the sake of extra cash for buying that new iPhone, the skillset they pick up will set them ahead of the curve. 

Skills such as time management, communication, and perseverance are best learned early. And each opportunity offers a unique experience and the chance to grow both personally and professionally.

Is there anything on the list you’d like to add?