Are you a teenager looking to earn some extra cash? You’re definitely not alone. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that over 55% of young people aged 16-24 are employed in some way. With that many teens out there working, you might need a few tips to stand out and find great ways to make money.
I’ve put together a list of 50 ideas to help you get started. You’ll find options for online jobs, neighborhood gigs, and traditional part-time work. Let’s dive in!
How to Make Money as a Teenager
I’ve split the list into three sections: online jobs, neighborhood jobs, and part-time jobs. Online jobs let you earn money right from your living room. Neighborhood jobs often involve helping locals with tasks like lawn care, babysitting, or tutoring. And while traditional part-time jobs might seem less exciting, they offer steady income and sometimes come with perks.
Online Jobs for Teens
Even though you might be too young to drive for DoorDash or Uber, there are still plenty of ways to earn money online.
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Taking Online Surveys – You won’t get rich, but you can earn a bit of extra cash each month. Use it for Starbucks, Netflix, or Spotify! Sign up for Survey Junkie, Inbox Dollars, Isurveyworld, Lifepoints, or Mypoints to start earning.
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Swagbucks – Earn money by watching TV, taking surveys, and even searching the web. You can join as young as 13.
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Shop with Rakuten – Get cashback on online shopping from stores like Target and Nike. Sign up and earn easy money.
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Making YouTube Videos – Turn your creative videos into a revenue stream with Google AdSense and affiliate links.
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Start a Blog – Share your interests and passions. Over time, you can make money through ads and affiliate programs.
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Make and Sell Crafts on Etsy – If you’re crafty, sell your creations on Etsy. Have your parents help with the account if you’re under 18.
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Sell Services on Fiverr and Upwork – Use your skills for graphic design, voiceovers, or social media tasks.
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MusicXRay – Get paid to listen and rate music. Earn 10 cents per song!
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Write Web Content – Write articles for websites and get paid. Try WriterAccess.com.
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Sell Designs on CafePress – Put your designs on T-shirts and other items. Create an account and start uploading.
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ThredUP – Sell gently used, high-end clothing.
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Video Editing – Offer your video editing services locally or online.
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Digitalizing Photos – Help people scan and save their old photos.
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Snagajob – Find unique job listings you won’t see in the paper.
Make Money in Your Neighborhood
Don’t miss out on opportunities close to home. Here are some ideas for making money in your own neighborhood:
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Babysitting – Earn $10+ an hour. Consider taking a CPR course and sign up with Care.com for higher-paying gigs.
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Tutoring – Help students with subjects you’re good at. Charge $20+ per hour.
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Product Flipping – Buy low, sell high. Thrift stores and garage sales are great sources.
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Pet Sitting – Take care of pets while owners are away. Advertise locally.
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Dog Walking – Regularly walk dogs in your neighborhood.
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Garage Sale Prepper – Help people prepare for garage sales.
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Session Musician – Use your musical talents for gigs or recording sessions.
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Camp Counselor – Seasonal, flexible work with kids.
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Mother’s Helper – Assist new or busy moms with daily tasks.
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Personal Assistant – Help a busy adult with errands and organizational tasks.
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Teach Computer Basics to Older Folks – Offer to teach seniors how to use computers.
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Create and Sell Art – Sell your artwork at fairs and craft shows.
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Event Photographer – Take photos at parties and gatherings.
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Housecleaning Assistant – Help someone in your neighborhood with regular cleaning chores.
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Give Music Lessons – Teach kids how to play a musical instrument.
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Washing Cars – Offer personalized car washing services.
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Putting Up or Taking Down Christmas Decorations – Help people decorate or clean up for the holidays.
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Moving Stuff – Assist with moving furniture or hauling items.
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Offer Your Computer and Internet Skills – Help adults with tech-related tasks.
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Amateur Referee – Ref games for younger kids. Check with local leagues.
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Running Errands – Run local errands for neighbors.
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Assisting the Elderly – Help older adults with daily tasks or provide companionship.
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Yard Maintenance – Lawn care, snow shoveling, and other outdoor chores.
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Find Odd-jobs on Craigslist – Look for gigs and one-time jobs.
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Collect and Recycle Metals – Earn money by collecting and recycling scrap metal.
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Window Cleaning – Offer window cleaning services to neighbors.
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Cleaning Out Basements or Garages – Tackle big cleaning projects for others.
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Become a Party DJ – Use your love for music to entertain at parties.
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Banging on Doors – Approach neighbors to offer help with any tasks they need.
Great Part-Time Jobs for Teens
If you’re looking for a steady job, consider these part-time opportunities:
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Work at a Movie Theater – Free movies and air conditioning!
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Grocery Store – Flexible hours and valuable customer service experience.
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Restaurant – Develop teamwork skills and possibly earn tips as a server.
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Pool Lifeguard – A summer job with good pay if you’re certified.
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Work at an Amusement Park or Six Flags – Fun job with possible season passes.
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Gas Jockey – Regular hours at a local gas station.
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Golf Caddy – Easy work for golfers with lots of potential networking opportunities.
How to Land a Part-Time Job
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Create a Professional Resume – Keep it to one page, highlighting your skills and experiences, including volunteer work.
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Apply Where You Have Connections – Use referrals from friends and family to increase your chances.
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Be Prepared for the Interview – Highlight your skills and accomplishments confidently. Dress appropriately and come with questions for the employer.
There you go—50 ways to make money as a teenager. You don’t have to stick to just one. Try a few, switch them up, and keep finding fun and profitable ways to earn cash.