From saving up for new kicks to buying concert tickets or gaming gear, earning money as a teen is totally doable. Whether you’re into online hustles or want to work in your neighborhood, here are the best ways to start making cash before you hit 18.
1. Babysit for Family & Friends 👶
Love kids? Babysitting is a flexible, fun, and well-paying gig. Spread the word among family, neighbors, and friends.
Pro Tip: Get CPR certified and make a cute business card. Rates start around $15–$20/hour.
2. Lawn Care & Yard Work 🌿
Offer to mow lawns, rake leaves, trim hedges, or shovel snow. It's perfect for active teens and great year-round.
Bonus: Partner with friends to boost productivity and income.
3. Ask for Paid Chores at Home 🧽
Negotiate small jobs with your parents—think taking out trash, cleaning gutters, or organizing the garage.
Apps like Famzoo can help track chores and payments.
4. Help Elderly Neighbors 👵
Run errands, clean, or garden for seniors nearby. It’s a kind way to earn money while helping your community.
Tip: Be clear that you’re earning—not just volunteering.
5. Dog Walking & Pet Sitting 🐕
Love animals? Walk dogs or check in on pets while their owners are busy.
Apps to Try: Rover, Wag! (some require you to be 18+, so check age requirements).
6. Sell Stock Photos 📸
Got a good eye? Upload your pics to stock photo sites like Shutterstock, iStock, and Alamy.
Earnings: Usually $0.05–$0.25 per download—not a lot, but passive income adds up.
7. Try Microtask Apps 📱
Complete small online tasks using apps like GigWalk, Snagajob, or Survey Junkie. Some apps require you to be 18, but others don’t—check first!
8. Start a YouTube Channel or Go Social 📹
Create content about your passion—gaming, makeup, music, or vlogs. Monetize via ads, sponsorships, or affiliate links.
FYI: It takes time, but it’s a fun long-term income stream.
9. Join Paid Research Studies 🧪
Teens can sometimes qualify for medical or academic studies.
Find Opportunities: Check local universities or visit clinicaltrials.gov.
10. Host a Yard Sale 🛍
Sell old toys, clothes, or books from your garage. Team up with family or friends and make signs to promote it.
Pro Move: Set up a lemonade stand for extra profits!
11. Sell Clothes Online 👗
Clean out your closet and cash in with Depop, thredUP, or Poshmark.
Photos Matter: Style your clothes and snap clear pics to boost sales.
12. Flip Collectibles 📦
Own rare comics, cards, or fandom merch? Sell them on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Mercari.
Important: Do your research to price fairly and competitively.
13. Sell DIY Crafts 🎨
If you're crafty, try making bracelets, keychains, or digital art. Sell on Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, or IG.
Tip: Include materials and time cost in your pricing.
14. Offer Tutoring 📚
Ace a subject? Help friends or classmates in exchange for cash.
Rates: $20–$50/hour depending on the subject. You can also sell notes or study guides.
15. Lifeguard at Local Pools 🏊
If you're a strong swimmer, train and get certified through the Red Cross to work as a lifeguard.
Note: Certification usually includes CPR & First Aid.
16. Work at a Grocery Store 🛒
Bag groceries, stock shelves, or assist customers. A great first job to build your resume and earn consistently.
17. Be a Restaurant Busser 🍽
Not old enough to serve tables? You can still clear dishes and help staff. It’s hands-on, fast-paced, and builds teamwork skills.
18. Get a Fast-Food Job 🍔
From flipping burgers to taking drive-thru orders, fast food is a classic teen job.
Apply to: McDonald's, Wendy’s, Burger King, etc.
