Enthralled by earning as a teen without an allowance, I mastered the art of generating my own income.
If you share this drive, you’re likely exploring how to make money as a teen too.
You might not know that there are plenty of opportunities for teenagers to earn money.
I used to make money online, have part-time jobs, and even make a little cash by “flipping” things at school when I was a teenager.
While I was growing up, the money I made enabled me to purchase many of the items I desired (including a car).
It also offered me a sense of self-reliance and liberation.
Having money from a young age taught me many critical personal finance skills, such as the value of saving.
Anyway, I could write a whole book about the advantages of working part-time as a teenager, but I’m sure you get the picture.
I’ll show you how to make money as a teen both with and without a job in this post. You are free to choose which path is best for you. You can even do both at the same time.
I’ll show you how to make money as a kid through side hustles, online money-making chances, small company ideas, part-time work, and other less-recommended options.
So, no matter what stage of adolescence you’re in, you can make money using the ways listed below.
How To Make Money as a Teenager
1. Answer online surveys.
Survey sites have a terrible reputation, but they aren’t all scammers. But there are plenty of legitimate survey sites out there. You simply need to know where to look.
You shouldn’t expect to make a lot of money through surveys, but it’s quick cash and a way to make money as a teen.
Filling out surveys may be done while watching Netflix, lying in bed, or even on the toilet (hey, time management!). As a result, it is one of the most effective ways for teenagers to earn money online.
Here are eight of the top survey sites for teenagers (the age limit is indicated next to the site name):
Treasure Trooper (13+)
This site has a cartoony and colorful appearance, and you may earn money by answering questions, playing games, and doing other activities.
Swagbucks (13+)
Swagbucks is one of the most reputable and reliable survey sites on the internet. Since their inception, they’ve given out over $330 million to their users.
Toluna (16+)
Earn money by completing a variety of surveys and a refer-a-friend program.
VIP Voice (13+ in the US and 18+ in Canada)
You to earn points to exchange for sweepstakes entries.
Survey Junkie (13+)
Short, uncomplicated surveys with good rewards
MyPoints (13+)
Take surveys, view movies, read emails, and more to earn money! (get a $10 Amazon gift card with your first purchase)
E-Poll (13+)
E-Poll, which was founded in 1997, conducts surveys about celebrities, sports, and entertainment.
Here’s how you can optimize your technique for making money through surveys:
Don’t use your personal email to sign up for survey sites.
I suggest creating a separate Gmail account. This way, you won’t get bombarded with survey offers in your primary email account, and you’ll be able to see all of your surveys in one spot. This is an advanced tip for how to make money as a teen.
Sign up for more than one survey site.
You’ll have more surveys to pick from, resulting in higher revenue and less wasted time.
Allocate time to take surveys.
You will not miss any good opportunities and will be more efficient if you schedule a specific time to do surveys (for example, in the morning while you eat breakfast).
Get your friends in on it too.
I’m sure you have a couple of buddies who would like to earn some money as well. Some of the survey sites mentioned above feature referral programs through which you can make money.
Related Reading: How to Make 3000 A Month – Check Them out Here
2. Sell stuff to your classmates.
This is one of the best ways for a teenager to make money. This is actually how my story started. I was the kid selling you candy out of my backpack. It’s simply the act of purchasing something at a specific price and then selling it for a higher price.
Here are a couple of ideas as you’re thinking about what to sell:
- Soda and energy drinks
- Candy (skittles were hot!) and chips
- Gum
- School supplies like pens, paper, and folders
Before investing in a project, test it out to see if others are interested. Reinvest any revenues back into your inventory once you’ve found a winning product.
3. How to Make Money as a Teen? Start a YouTube channel.
Teen YouTubers make thousands of dollars each month from ad revenue. The average Youtube channel earns between $1 and $20 per thousand views, so the money may add up quickly. The best part is that even a 13-year-old can start a YouTube channel. It’s a solid way to learn how to make money as a teen.
So, get going if you enjoy generating films on a regular basis! Beginning when you’re young gives you a significant edge because you’ll have more time to establish your channel and discover what types of videos you prefer making.
4. Earn money by browsing the web and playing games.
Swagbucks has been around for a long time, and it pays you to perform things you presumably already do on a daily basis. You get paid by doing the following:
- Watching videos
- Reading articles
- Playing games
- Searching the web
Swagbucks has already handed out over $300 million in PayPal cash, gift cards, and other incentive choices to its subscribers. Take a bite out of the cake! To sign up, you must be at least 13 years old.
5. Install a few money-making apps.
Installing a simple piece of software on one or more of your devices could make you some passive income if you have a smartphone, tablet, or PC. After that, you simply use your gadget as usual to earn money.
The way it works is that the software you install will capture some of your data anonymously in the background. They’ll be able to see what apps you’re using, what websites you visit, how much time you spend on various apps, and so on.
Your personal information is kept entirely private throughout this procedure. The software can also be uninstalled at any time. Here are a few apps to help you start:
SurveySavvy
Pays $5 per month for each device (PC, tablet, or smartphone), with a maximum of three devices
As a result, you might earn up to $190 every year.
Smart Panel
Connecting a PC, tablet, or smartphone costs $5 per month. Every three months your devices are connected, you will receive a loyalty incentive. You can make up to $60 each year if you keep it installed.
6. Sell the stuff you no longer use.
Do you have an old BMX bike that you no longer use? Maybe you have an old iPhone that you don’t use? Sell them!
We’re all so linked these days on social media that you can quickly post anything and see whether one of your friends is interested in purchasing it. One of the simplest methods to make a quick buck is to do this.
Here are some more items you might be able to sell:
- Books
- Clothes
- Electronics
- Video games
- Toys
- Sports stuff
- Stuffed animals
- Jewelry
Take a good hard look around your room or house to see if there’s anything you don’t use that someone else might find helpful. If you wanted to sell these items online, you could put them on sites like eBay.
7. Acquire a profitable skill.
I wish I had learned a money-making skill when I was younger. Start as soon as possible.
You can start earning money from your chosen skill once you’ve gotten very excellent at it. You can make a lot of money if you have a strong aptitude for a particular skill. Here are some lucrative skills to consider:
- Social media management (use tools like Social Pilot and Crowdfire)
- Freelance writing or copywriting
- Coding
- Digital marketing
- Bookkeeping
You can learn these skills online. I know you’re already a love of YouTube. Hop on!
8. Offer tutoring services.
You can profit from your skills if you excel at them. Find people who want to learn something you know how to do and charge them for lessons. Here are some topics on which you could instruct others:
- Sports
- School subjects
- Instruments
- Drawing and art & crafts
- Comedy and acting
The list is truly unlimited; all you need to do is discover someone eager to learn something new.
If you enjoy tutoring, you might explore higher-paying online tutoring positions once you start college.
9. Look after people’s pets.
Similar to dog walking, you’ll have a better chance of succeeding with this job if you’ve previously cared for your own or other people’s pets. You can use a site like Rover to find gigs.
You’ll simply go to people’s residences and look after their pets while they’re gone as a pet sitter (e.g., at work, on vacation, etc.).
10. How to Make Money as a Teen Walking other people’s dogs.
Dog walking is a great way to supplement your income while also getting some exercise. Try to get your first client from someone you already know who owns a dog.
You might put up posters throughout your neighborhood advertising your dog walking services once you gain more experience.
If that sounds a little scary at first, try the “Crate Escape” dog walking gear. It will help you in preparing for success in this venture.
11. Take up a part-time job.
Getting part-time work ensures that you will have money once you are hired. Working for someone else may not be pleasurable, but it will teach you a lot.
You’ll also most likely meet some interesting people. Here are some potential part-time jobs that you could take up:
Golf Caddy
If you enjoy golfing, this is the place to be. You could even be able to receive some complimentary tee time.
Referee
If you play a sport, you’re probably already familiar with the majority of the rules, so becoming a referee shouldn’t be difficult.
Amusement Park
Since the majority of amusement park employees are teens, this should be a great place to work.
Landscaping
Landscaping companies want personnel who are youthful, robust, and eager. This is an excellent alternative if you enjoy being outside.
Bowling Alley
If you enjoy bowling, working in a bowling alley may provide you with several free games.
How to Make Money as a Teen Delivering Pizza
Delivering pizza is a quintessential adolescent job. You’ll almost certainly need your driver’s license for this one.
Get a paper route
Ok, not exciting. But get paid to listen to music and get some exercise.
Grocery Store
Grocery businesses are always hiring, so you’ll have a decent chance of getting hired if you apply.
Work at a restaurant
In high school, I had a friend who worked as a dishwasher at two different restaurants, which was excellent because he was paid an hourly wage plus tips. However, the shifts were somewhat late, which was a disadvantage.
Work in retail
If you frequent a particular business, why not apply for a job there?
Movie Theater
Another classic is working in a movie theater, which is enjoyable because you’ll usually be working with people your age.
That’s only a sample of what’s possible. I propose going out to local neighborhoods and handing out your CV or looking for jobs in your region on websites like Indeed.
12. Look after people’s kids.
Because it pays well and is very uncomplicated, babysitting is one of the most common ways for teenagers to earn money.
Babysitting for family friends or people you already know is the most fantastic way to begin as a babysitter. Those individuals can then offer you a glowing recommendation and refer you to other parents.
Sign up for some of these babysitting employment apps and websites once you’ve gained some experience and references. These services make finding new parents to babysit for a lot easier.
If you don’t want to start babysitting right away, you could hunt for a job as a “mother’s assistant.” This will entail assisting a mother with household activities while she is at home. These types of jobs are found using the apps I mentioned earlier.
13. Wash people’s cars.
Few individuals enjoy washing their cars and would gladly pay someone else to do it for them. You might start a small business by offering full exterior and interior cleaning services.
To begin, inquire if your parents or family friends require a wash. Once you’ve gained enough confidence, start knocking on your neighbors’ doors to offer your services.
14. Do some yard work.
Try earning money performing yardwork for your neighbors if you enjoy being outside, and working alone doesn’t worry you. Here are some kinds of yard chores you might be able to do:
- Rake leaves
- Mow lawns
- Shovel snow
- Weed grounds
- Water plants
- Clean up dog poop
- Paint fences
If you do a good job, you should be able to get repeat clients and referrals from word-of-mouth.
15. Open up an Etsy store.
Etsy is a fantastic online marketplace where people sell primarily handmade items. In their Vintage Goods and Craft Supplies category, you may also resell items.
If you’re under the age of 18, you’ll need the assistance of a parent or guardian to set up your Etsy shop.
16. Get paid to do odd jobs for your parents.
If your parents have odd duties around the house that they don’t want to perform themselves, take advantage of the situation.
I remember cleaning a spider-infested crawl space under my house for $5 when I was younger. It was a harrowing experience, but it was well worth the money.
17. Rent out your stuff.
Robert Kiyosaki discusses how he and a friend started a comic book library in his home in his book Rich Dad Poor Dad. After school, kids could pay to read an infinite number of comic books for two hours.
Without putting in any work, they were able to earn roughly $9.50 per week from this small business.
I’m not suggesting you have to do precisely the same thing, but renting out items you already own can be a lucrative business.
Here are examples of stuff you can rent out:
- Sports goods like skateboards, bikes, scooters, and rackets
- Exercise equipment
- Books
- Video games and consoles
18. Set up a Fiverr account.
You’ve probably heard of Fiverr if you’ve ever been online. Simply put, Fiverr is a bustling online marketplace where anybody over the age of 13 may purchase and sell freelance services starting at $5.
Because of its flexibility, Fiverr is one of the most acceptable ways for kids to generate money online. You are free to provide any service you like. You could design logos if you’re a talented designer. Do voice-overs if you have a nice set of pipes.
On Fiverr, the possibilities are virtually unlimited, so start thinking about what you can provide. What do you think someone would be willing to give you $5 for?
19. Get paid to help the technologically challenged.
Many folks have a difficult time relating to technology. You’re undoubtedly very familiar with using computers and smartphones on a daily basis as a teenager, so you could quickly assist others with their technological issues.
Installing new software, troubleshooting minor issues, assisting with the setup of a new computer/phone, and so on are all essential tasks. If you ever have a problem that you don’t know how to address, Google is a great resource.
20. Collect bottles and cans to sell.
Every year, a group of my classmates would gather together for a picnic. It’s a lot of fun, and at the end of it all, there are a lot of empty cans and bottles lying around.
I used to go about collecting everyone’s bottles and cans in a huge garbage bag when I was a youngster. Later in the week, I’d politely request that my mother bring me to the bottle depot, where I’d cash in on my haul.
Each can cost at least $0.05, which isn’t much, but it mounted up quickly. If this seems interesting to you, you could wait for big family gatherings as I did, or you could ask your neighbors if they had any extra bottles or cans you could take.
21. Try your luck in a skill-based contest.
You could make money if you’re exceptionally good at something and there are competitions or tournaments for it! All you have to do is be good enough to beat the other competitors.
I’ve seen tournaments/competitions for skating, scootering, biking, video games, music, and a variety of other activities. Some contests (such as those for video games) are even held online, so you won’t have to leave your home.
This is obviously not a reliable source of income, but it is a chance to quickly make a lot of money if you’re skilled at what you do.
22. Create art and sell it.
You have a skill that can bring you a lot of money if you excel at drawing, painting, doing graphic design, or any other type of art.
Thanks to social media and the internet, you may now sell your paintings online while also building a fanbase.
There are numerous online markets where you may sell your artwork or have your designs printed on t-shirts, mugs, and other items.
23. Enter the local sweepstakes.
This one isn’t going to provide you with a steady stream of revenue, but if you’re lucky, you could win physical prizes or cash.
For example, I know someone who won two One Direction concert tickets after calling into a radio show years ago. Those tickets were worth a lot of money!
Other “sweepers,” as they’re known, enter sweepstakes for hours on end every day. They approach it as if it were a full-time job. Some of these folks have received rewards worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
24. Sell stock photos.
Many businesses and blogs require photographs to accompany their web material. They go to stock websites like Adobe, iStock, and Getty Images to find those photos.
You might try uploading your own images to those sites if you have a good eye for photography. You’ll be compensated for each download if you publish good photos and people download them.
25. Wash residential and commercial windows.
If you can discover businesses with dirty windows, this is a terrific summer job that pays well. In addition, all you’ll need to get started is some window cleaning solution and some microfiber cloths.
Once you’ve gathered your tools, team up with a friend or two who are also hoping to make some money and head out looking for establishments with dirty windows. When you identify a company that could benefit from your help, go inside and provide a quick cleaning.
Don’t be disheartened if a company turns you down. Now it’s time to move on to the next one.
26. Be a streamer on Twitch.tv
Twitch.tv is a website where users broadcast themselves playing video games in real-time (and doing other things). You may make money as a streamer by selling commercials, getting subscribers, accepting donations, and more.
Some of the more well-known streamers earn tens of thousands of dollars (or more) per month! For example, Ninja (one of the most notable Twitch streams) makes millions of dollars each year on the network.
Although growing a Twitch audience takes time, the rewards can be enormous if you stay with it and appreciate what you’re doing. Plus, who doesn’t want to be paid to spend their days playing video games?
27. Clean houses.
If you can’t stand making messes and are adept at cleaning and organizing things, you could enjoy cleaning other people’s homes.
You can also join another person in cleaning houses or work as a house cleaning helper if you don’t want to go into company for yourself straight away. As an assistant, all you’d have to do is go to someone’s house and assist them with cleaning.
28. Run errands for people.
If you have your driver’s license, you can earn money by running other people’s errands. Simply look for folks in your region who require assistance with tasks such as grocery shopping, dry cleaning, and other similar jobs.
29. Sell in-game items.
I recently saw the film Ralph Breaks the Internet, in which a man named JP Spamley instructs Ralph on how to get money by playing video games. Collecting video game things and selling them to individuals who want them is one of the chores he assigns.
Surprisingly, you could do the same in real life. Many people would prefer to buy video game goodies than go through the effort of obtaining them.
However, some games’ terms and conditions prohibit this, so double-check before getting started. You don’t want your account to be suspended!
Also, you’re not going to make a lot of money doing this. However, if you’re currently playing a game and are exceptionally skilled at it, you might be able to earn some extra pocket money from it.
30. Start a blog.
Start a blog on a topic you’re interested in or want to learn more about. You can start to establish yourself as an authority on a subject by creating a blog and writing about it every day/week.
Then you can earn money by teaching others what you know. Because there are so many options to monetize a blog, some bloggers make millions of dollars each year.
Moreover, because blogs are accessible via the internet, they can generate revenue at any time, even while you are sleeping. I certainly wish I had begun blogging years ago!
31. Retrieve golf balls.
If you enjoy golf and live near a course, you might earn some additional cash by collecting and reselling balls.
Set up a stand near the course and start selling once you have a good collection. You might also ask your parents to assist you in setting up an internet store to sell them (e.g., on eBay).
32. Earn scholarships.
Scholarships are your greatest chance if you want to go to college but don’t want to be enslaved by student loans. You may rack up thou with a clever plan. Work hard to improve your grades if you want to increase your chances of earning scholarships.
33. Work for DoorDash
DoorDash is a food delivery business that needs drivers to assist in delivering food to customers. You may establish your own hours as a DoorDash delivery person and earn extra money for each delivery you complete.
To become a DoorDash driver, you must meet the following requirements. You…
- Must be over 18.
- Need a vehicle with valid insurance, or you can also use your bike in some areas.
- Must have a smartphone.
If you meet all of these requirements, then go for it!
34. Get paid for every step.
Since you’re a teenager, your primary mode of transportation is likely to be your legs. Did you realize that every action you perform has the potential to earn you money?
You can earn cash and physical goodies just by walking with Sweatcoin (and these other apps that pay you to exercise). All you need is a smartphone to get started!
35. Use the Perksy app.
Perksy is an iOS software that rewards you for answering brief, 1-2 minute lifestyle questions. It’s, without a doubt, the most fun money-making program I’ve ever used.
I got enough points to cash out a $25 gift card after using Perksy for approximately six months (that seems like a long time, but I probably spent less than an hour on the app), so it’s really legit!
How To Make Money as a Teen Without Getting a Job
These are the more, shall we say, unusual ways for a teen to generate money. These are included for entertainment purposes only; I do not encourage these techniques.
36. Never spend your lunch money.
Skip lunch and pocket the money if your parents offer you cash for lunch at school. However, if you don’t want to go hungry, ask your buddies to split some food with you.
37. Do your classmates’ homework.
If you’re already doing your own homework for a class, you may quickly assist others who don’t want to complete their own (for a cost). Just make sure it’s done in a discreet way because you could get in trouble!
38. Try your luck with cards.
First and foremost, consult your parents before proceeding. Although some parents may disapprove of you playing poker, this game may teach you a lot about strategy and numbers.
In high school, my friends and I used to have poker evenings every now and then, and it was always a lot of fun. Plus, I almost always ended up with more money than I started with.
You could host a poker night at your house if you’re a good poker player and don’t mind taking your friends’ money. However, I recommend that you practice a little before engaging in a real-money game.
What You Need To Know as a Teen Hustler
Produce your best work.
If you want your venture to succeed, you can’t afford to do shoddy work. People notice when you perform a good job and your business expands as a result.
Add your own creativity and spin to my suggestions above.
The more distinctive you are and the more you stand out from the crowd, the better your chances of success.
Start as soon as possible.
There were a lot of things I believed I couldn’t accomplish because I was too young when I was younger. I was mistaken, and I wish I had just started.
Learn from your mistakes.
You’re going to make mistakes when you start something new. Rather than becoming discouraged, try to figure out what went wrong and what you can learn from it.
Have fun!
Your first side venture doesn’t have to make you rich. Have a good time with it and figure out what you want to do. You’ll gain a lot of knowledge.
What You Could Do With The Money You Earn
You can do whatever you want with your money once you’ve earned some. However, before you run out and squander it all, consider the following alternatives:
Reinvest in your business.
If you’ve started one of the aforementioned side hustles, such as reselling items at school or creating a blog, you’ll need money to keep it going. Make sure to put as much of your profit back into your company as possible to help it develop.
Treat yourself.
The fact that you’ve decided to start studying how to make money on your own is a huge step forward. There aren’t many teens who do what you’re doing right now.
As a result, as soon as you start earning money, be sure to reward yourself. Go out and purchase something you’ve been eyeing for a long time. Just don’t go overboard!
Start investing.
If you’re just 13, it may seem crazy to begin investing so young, but you’ll get a significant edge by doing so. Here’s how to do it:
Assume you invest $1,000 at the age of 15 with no added contributions. With an annual return of 8%, you’ll have $10,062.66 simply from interest by the age of 45. That is your money creating money for you without you having to do anything.
Let’s pretend you didn’t invest the $1,000 until you were 20 years old. With the same 8% return rate, you’ll have $6,848.48 by the time you’re 45. Simply because you waited five years to start saving, you will miss out on $3,214.18!
Open a savings account.
It’s critical that you don’t blow all of your money once you start earning it. Saving money is an essential financial guideline, and understanding how to save money at a young age will help you considerably later in life.
Furthermore, if you ever want to make a large purchase (e.g., a car or a computer), you’ll need some money in the bank.
The Benefits of Learning The Value of Work and Money as a Teen
Every family has its own set of ideals that it instills in its kids. Some people regard empathy, others respect, and yet others value compassion.
After these fundamental building blocks, practically all parents and primary caregivers seek to teach their children some type of work ethic, regardless of the family’s moral and ethical code.
After all, almost everyone on the planet needs to work for a job, and no one wants their children to be surprised. When it’s time for the birds to leave the nest, their parents want them to be prepared for whatever life has in store for them.
That’s why I admire you for taking this initiative. You’re preparing yourself for your future!
Working a job has been shown to have good developmental implications on a teenager’s life in general. However, there is a catch: too much work is bad, and too little work yields adverse effects.
For kids who do work, moderate, consistent work has proven to be the most promising path. However, parents must be actively involved in the process: they must visit the place of work to ensure that it has a positive vibe, and they must keep track of the number of hours worked to ensure that their youngster is not working too many nights or weekends.
So as much as I admire your drive, I suggest you discuss all your plans with your parents first. If you have no one to talk to, make sure you don’t overexert yourself with work because you might get burned out.
Related Reading: Best side hustles for men – Check Them out Here
Final Thoughts
You’ve already completed the easiest part of learning how to make money as a teenager. What’s the tricky part? As a teenager, it’s taking immediate action.
You have your entire life ahead of you, so you have plenty of opportunities to try new things. This will help you figure out what you want to do for the remainder of your life.
Plus, you might find something on this list that you previously believed you would despise. Or you could be fantastic at something you thought you’d be terrible at. Good luck!
