What are good ways to make money as a teen

Teens 13–17 · Explainer · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What does it mean to make money as a teen?

Making money as a teen means earning income by doing work, selling something, or providing a service, usually outside of school hours. It’s about exchanging your time, skills, or things you create for money. For example, if you mow your neighbor’s lawn every week and they pay you $15 each time, you’re making money as a teen. This earned money can help you buy things you want, save for future goals, or contribute to family expenses. It also teaches you responsibility, work ethic, and how to manage money, which are important skills as you grow.

Many teens start by turning hobbies or chores into small money-making opportunities. Whether it’s walking dogs, tutoring classmates, or running errands, these activities count as earning money. It’s different from receiving allowances or gifts, which are usually given without work. Making money means you’re actively involved in earning it, which builds independence and confidence.

How do teens typically make money, and how does it work?

Teens make money by offering their time and effort in exchange for payment. This can happen through part-time jobs, odd jobs, or online gigs. For example, a teen working at a local grocery store might earn $10 per hour. If they work 10 hours a week, they make $100 before taxes. Another teen might babysit or tutor, charging $15 or $20 per hour. If they tutor for 3 hours a week at $20 per hour, they earn $60 weekly.

Making money often involves setting a schedule that fits around school and other activities. Many teens start with 5 to 15 hours a week to balance work and studies. Payment can be hourly, per job, or based on sales. For instance, if you sell handmade bracelets online and price them at $8 each, selling 10 bracelets in a month means you make $80.

Understanding how much you want to earn and how much time you can commit helps you choose the right money-making activity. Tracking your income and expenses also helps you see where your money comes from and where it goes.

Why should teens think about earning money?

Earning money as a teen is more than just having cash—it’s a chance to learn skills that matter for life. When you earn your own money, you practice budgeting, saving, and making spending choices. For example, if you earn $50 a month, you might decide to save half and spend the rest on hobbies or outings. This kind of money management builds habits that will serve you as an adult.

Working also teaches responsibility. Showing up on time, completing tasks, and communicating clearly are skills that employers and schools value. Earning money can give you a sense of pride and confidence because you’re contributing to your own goals, like saving for a phone, college, or a car.

Besides personal growth, earning money means you can be less dependent on your parents for extras. This independence can improve your ability to handle financial challenges in the future. It also helps you understand the value of work and money, which is a key part of becoming an adult.

What are common ways teens confuse with making money?

Some teens mistakenly think that money received from allowances, gifts, or family members counts as making money. While these can help you with spending, they are not earned income. Making money means you have done work, provided a service, or sold something for payment.

Another confusion is thinking only formal jobs count as making money. Small gigs like dog walking, lawn mowing, selling crafts, or tutoring also count and can be great ways to earn. It’s important to recognize all these activities as opportunities to make money, no matter how small they seem.

Additionally, some teens believe that online activities like playing games or watching videos earn money automatically. While there are ways to earn online, such as creating content or freelancing, most online games and apps do not pay users. Always check if an online job or opportunity is legitimate and understand what work you need to do to earn.

What are good money-making options for teens offline?

Offline jobs can be great for teens who want to earn money while interacting with their community. Here are some popular options:

• Babysitting or pet sitting: Families often look for reliable teens to watch kids or pets. Starting with parents you know builds trust. For example, babysitting for 3 hours at $12 per hour can earn you $36 per evening.
• Lawn care and yard work: Mowing lawns, raking leaves, or shoveling snow are seasonal jobs that pay well. Charging $15 for a lawn mowing session and doing 3 lawns a week can bring $45 weekly.
• House cleaning or organizing: Helping busy adults tidy up or organize spaces can be steady work.
• Retail or food service jobs: Many local stores or fast food places hire teens for part-time roles. These jobs teach customer service and teamwork.
• Running errands: Helping neighbors with grocery shopping or picking up mail is a simple way to earn.

When starting these jobs, it helps to create a flyer or talk to neighbors about your services. You might say, “Hi, I’m offering lawn mowing and pet sitting services. I charge $15 per job and can work on weekends. Call me at [your number].” Clear communication about rates and availability builds trust and professionalism.

What about making money online—what works best for teens?

Online money-making offers teens flexibility and the chance to work from home. Some popular online options include:

• Selling crafts or art: Platforms exist where teens can sell handmade jewelry, digital art, or other crafts. Pricing your items reasonably and sharing your work on social media can increase sales.
• Tutoring: If you’re strong in a subject like math or English, you can tutor younger students via video calls. Charging $20 per hour and tutoring 2 students a week for one hour each could earn you $80.
• Freelance gigs: Writing, graphic design, or helping with social media for small businesses can be done online. Teens can create profiles on teen-friendly freelancing sites with parental approval.
• Content creation: Making videos, blogs, or podcasts can earn money through ads or sponsorships over time. This requires building an audience and consistent effort.
• Taking surveys or testing websites: Some sites pay teens for opinions or testing, but be cautious and research to avoid scams.

For example, if you spend 5 hours a week creating digital stickers and sell 10 packs for $5 each, you make $50 weekly. Before starting, get your parents’ permission and review platform rules to ensure safety.

How can teens get started making money?

Starting to make money involves planning and communication. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Identify your skills and interests: Think about what you enjoy and what you’re good at—babysitting, art, tutoring, or yard work.
2. Research opportunities: Look for local jobs, community needs, or trusted websites for online gigs.
3. Talk to your parents or guardians: They can help with safety, transportation, and legal requirements.
4. Set goals: Decide how much money you want to earn and how many hours you can work without affecting school.
5. Create a plan: If offering services, prepare a flyer or social media post with your rates and contact info. If online, set up a profile and gather samples of your work.
6. Start small and build: Begin with a few jobs to gain experience and good reviews.
7. Track your earnings: Keep a notebook or spreadsheet of jobs done, hours worked, and money earned.

For example, if you want to start pet sitting, say, “I’m available to pet sit on weekends for $15 per visit. I can provide references.” Share this with neighbors or family friends. Being professional and reliable helps you get repeat customers.

What should teens keep in mind about handling earned money?

Earning money is just the first step. Managing it well is key to building good financial habits. Here’s how to handle your money responsibly:

• Open a savings account: With a parent’s help, open a bank account to safely keep your money and earn interest. Avoid spending everything immediately.
• Budget your money: Decide how much to save, spend, or share. For example, save 50%, spend 40%, and set aside 10% for charity or gifts.
• Keep records: Write down every payment, job, or sale to track your income and expenses.
• Understand taxes: If you earn money regularly, you might need to report it on your taxes. Keep pay stubs and ask a parent or tax expert for help.
• Be cautious with online payments: Use trusted methods like PayPal or direct deposit, and never share personal information like your Social Security number unless verified.

By managing money carefully, you prepare for larger financial responsibilities like credit cards, loans, or college expenses.

Frequently asked questions

Can teens work full-time jobs?

Most states limit the number of hours teens under 18 can work during school days, often allowing more hours during summer. Full-time work is usually only permitted for older teens or during school breaks. Check your state labor laws and discuss with a trusted adult before pursuing full-time employment.

How can teens find safe online jobs?

Use well-known platforms with parent approval and read reviews. Avoid jobs that ask for upfront fees or personal info like Social Security numbers. Talk with a parent before accepting online work and research the company or person offering the job.

What if I don’t have many skills yet to offer services?

Start with simple tasks like lawn mowing, dog walking, or basic cleaning, which need little experience. Use free online courses or school resources to learn skills like coding, graphic design, or writing, which can help you earn more later.

How do teens report income they earn?

If you earn more than a certain amount or have taxes withheld, you need to file a tax return. Keep records of your income and talk to a parent or tax professional for help. The IRS website offers resources for teens about taxes.

What is a good way to balance school and earning money?

Prioritize your schoolwork and limit work hours to avoid burnout. Choose flexible jobs like weekend babysitting or online tutoring in the evenings. Use a calendar to schedule work and study time, and communicate your availability clearly with employers or clients.

Can I use social media to make money as a teen?

Yes, many teens earn money by creating videos, photos, or posts on platforms like YouTube or TikTok. Growing an audience takes time and effort, and you should follow platform rules and protect your privacy. Ask for parental guidance before starting.