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As a teenager, you’re likely starting to think about ways to earn your own money. Whether you want to save for college, buy something special, or simply gain financial independence, there are plenty of opportunities to make money as a teen. With creativity, determination, and access to the internet, the options are more abundant than ever.

In this article, we’ll explore 15 of the best ways for teens to make money—both online and offline—so you can start earning today.

1. Babysitting

One of the most classic ways for teens to earn money is through babysitting. Many parents are always in need of reliable babysitters who can look after their children while they are out for work or a date night. If you enjoy spending time with kids and are responsible, babysitting can be a great option for you.

• How to Start: Start by offering your services to family friends or neighbors. You can also use websites like Care.com to find babysitting jobs in your area.
• How Much You Can Earn: Babysitters typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour, depending on the location and the number of kids you’re looking after.

2. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

If you’re an animal lover, pet sitting or dog walking can be a great way to earn money as a teen. Many pet owners need someone to take care of their pets when they’re away on vacation or busy during the day. Dog walking is especially popular in urban areas.

• How to Start: Offer your services to pet-owning neighbors or use apps like Rover or Wag! to find clients.
• How Much You Can Earn: Pet sitters and dog walkers can make anywhere from $10 to $30 per visit or walk.

3. Yard Work and Lawn Mowing

Teens can make money by offering yard work services to homeowners. Whether it’s mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, or raking leaves, many people are willing to pay for help maintaining their yards.

• How to Start: Create flyers or post on neighborhood boards offering your services. Start with family and friends to build up your experience.
• How Much You Can Earn: Depending on the size of the yard and the tasks involved, you can charge between $15 and $50 per job.

4. Tutoring

If you’re particularly good at a certain subject in school, tutoring can be a great way to make money. Whether it’s math, science, English, or another subject, many students (and their parents) are willing to pay for extra help.

• How to Start: Offer your tutoring services to classmates, younger students, or neighbors. You can also sign up with online platforms like Wyzant to find tutoring jobs.
• How Much You Can Earn: Tutors typically earn $15 to $50 per hour, depending on their expertise and the subject they’re teaching.

5. Sell Handmade Crafts

If you’re creative and enjoy making things, selling handmade crafts can be a fun way to earn money. Popular items include jewelry, artwork, knitted items, and home decor. You can sell your products online or at local craft fairs and markets.

• How to Start: Use platforms like Etsy to sell your handmade crafts online. Promote your products on social media to reach more buyers.
• How Much You Can Earn: Prices for handmade crafts vary widely, but with quality products and good marketing, you can earn a steady income.

6. Become a Content Creator on TikTok or YouTube

If you’re comfortable in front of the camera and enjoy creating content, starting a TikTok or YouTube channel can be a fun way to make money. As you build an audience, you can monetize your content through ads, brand sponsorships, or even selling your own merchandise.

• How to Start: Focus on a niche that interests you, whether it’s gaming, lifestyle, fashion, or comedy. Consistency and engagement with your audience are key to success.
• How Much You Can Earn: Earnings vary based on your follower count, views, and engagement. Some creators earn a few hundred dollars per month, while others make thousands or more.

7. Freelance Writing or Graphic Design

If you have a talent for writing or graphic design, you can offer your skills to businesses and individuals in need of content creation. Freelance platforms like Fiverr and Upwork make it easy to find writing, graphic design, and other creative gigs.

• How to Start: Create a portfolio of your best work to showcase your skills. Sign up for freelance platforms or promote your services on social media.
• How Much You Can Earn: Freelance writers and designers typically earn between $10 and $50 per job, depending on the complexity and length of the project.

8. Take Online Surveys

Taking online surveys is one of the easiest ways for teens to make money. While it won’t make you rich, it’s a simple way to earn some extra cash in your free time.

• How to Start: Sign up for survey websites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, or Pinecone Research. Be sure to use reputable platforms to avoid scams.
• How Much You Can Earn: Most surveys pay between $1 and $5, and you can typically cash out once you reach a certain threshold.

9. Sell Items Online

If you have clothes, shoes, or other items that you no longer need, you can sell them online. Many teens make money by reselling items like vintage clothing, sneakers, or electronics.

• How to Start: Use platforms like eBay, Depop, or Poshmark to list your items for sale. Take high-quality photos and write clear descriptions to attract buyers.
• How Much You Can Earn: Earnings depend on the quality and demand for the items you’re selling, but many teens make hundreds of dollars per month reselling items.

10. Wash Cars

Another great way to earn money as a teen is by offering car washing services in your neighborhood. Many car owners are willing to pay someone to wash and detail their vehicles for them.

• How to Start: Invest in basic car washing supplies and offer your services to family, friends, and neighbors. You can also create flyers or post on social media.
• How Much You Can Earn: Teens typically charge between $20 and $50 per car, depending on the level of service they provide.

11. Sell Photography

If you enjoy photography, you can make money by selling your photos online. Websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and iStock allow photographers to upload their work and earn money whenever someone downloads one of their images.

• How to Start: Take high-quality photos and create an account on stock photo websites. Be sure to follow each platform’s guidelines for uploading and selling photos.
• How Much You Can Earn: Earnings depend on how many people download your photos, but top photographers on these platforms can earn a substantial side income.

12. Virtual Assistant

With so many businesses operating online, there’s a growing demand for virtual assistants to help with tasks like managing emails, social media, and scheduling. If you’re organized and good with technology, this could be a great way to earn money.

• How to Start: Look for virtual assistant jobs on freelance websites like Fiverr or Upwork. You can also reach out to small business owners directly.
• How Much You Can Earn: Virtual assistants typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour.

13. House Cleaning

House cleaning is another excellent way for teens to make money, especially during weekends or school breaks. Many busy homeowners are willing to pay for help with basic cleaning tasks like vacuuming, dusting, and mopping.

• How to Start: Offer your services to family friends and neighbors. You can also advertise your cleaning services online or through word of mouth.
• How Much You Can Earn: House cleaners typically charge between $15 and $50 per hour, depending on the size of the house and the tasks involved.

14. Deliver Food or Groceries

Many delivery apps allow teens to deliver food or groceries for extra money. You’ll need to be at least 18 to sign up for most services, but it’s a great way to earn money while getting exercise.

• How to Start: Sign up for delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Instacart. Be sure to check the age requirements for each platform.
• How Much You Can Earn: Delivery drivers typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour, depending on the number of deliveries they complete.

15. Participate in Paid Focus Groups

Companies often pay for feedback from teens to help them improve their products and services. Focus groups are a great way to make money while sharing your opinions on everything from video games to food products.

• How to Start: Look for paid focus group opportunities online or in your local area. Websites like Respondent and User Interviews offer paid focus group opportunities.
• How Much You Can Earn: Focus groups typically pay between $20 and $100 for a few hours of your time.

Final Thoughts

Making money as a teen is not only possible but also a great way to gain experience, build your skills, and learn the value of hard work. Whether you choose to babysit, start a YouTube channel, or sell items online, there are countless opportunities to start earning your own money. With persistence and creativity, you can build a side income that helps you reach your financial goals.