80 Amazing Ways Teens Can Make Money (That Actually Work!)

Looking for legit ways to earn money as a teen?

Whether you’re saving up for something special, building your college fund, or just want some extra spending money, you’ve got tons of options. And I’m not talking about just babysitting and mowing lawns (though those work too!).

From making money online in your PJs to scoring real-world jobs that actually pay well, there’s something here for everyone – no matter your skills, interests, or how much free time you’ve got.

Online Ways to Make Money as a Teen

1. Play Games for Cash

Seriously – you can get paid to play games on your phone.

Apps like Swagbucks and KashKick will pay you to try new mobile games. You earn points that convert to real money, and the more you play, the more you make.

TesterUp is another solid option where you test games and apps and get paid fast through PayPal.

2. Do Your Household’s Grocery Shopping

This one’s perfect if your family already shops online. You could even offer to do the weekly shop for them – saves them time, earns you money.

The way to do it is to sign up for Pogo (it’s free!) and link it to your family’s grocery accounts. You’ll automatically earn cashback every time someone in your household shops.

The best part? You’re earning money from shopping that was going to happen anyway.

3. Search the Web

You’re already wandering around the internet all day – might as well get paid for it.

Swagbucks gives you points every time you search the web through their search engine (which is literally just Google). Sure, it won’t make you rich, but it adds up over time without any extra effort.

4. Start a Blog

Blogging can seriously pay off if you stick with it.

You can write about literally anything you’re into – gaming, fashion, sports, school life, whatever. Once you build up traffic, you make money through ads and affiliate links.

Getting started is easier than you think. This free blogging training shows you exactly how to set everything up and start making money from your blog (the 5,000+ people who’ve done it can’t be wrong, right?).

The best part? You’re building something that could keep earning money for years.

5. Take Surveys Online

Surveys are one of the easiest ways to make quick cash online.

Survey Junkie is my top pick – they’ve got tons of surveys available and some pay ridiculously well. I’m talking up to $150 an hour for certain surveys.

Respondent is another great option, especially for higher-paying research studies. They’re used by major companies, so you know they’re legit.

You can also check out Ipsos iSay and PanelPlace, which connect you to hundreds of survey companies. Just be aware that not all of them will be open to you depending on your age – but it definitely can’t hurt to try.

6. Enter Competitions

Free money just for entering? Yes, please.

Look for legitimate sweepstakes and contests online. Sure, you won’t win everything, but when you do win, it’s pure profit.

Set aside 10 minutes a day to enter contests – you’d be surprised how much you can win over time.

7. Make Money on Snapchat

If you’re already spending hours on Snapchat, you might as well earn from it.

You can make money through Snapchat’s Spotlight feature by creating viral content. The more views you get, the more you earn.

It takes some creativity and consistency, but teens are killing it on there.

8. Make Money on TikTok

TikTok is where teens are making serious money right now.

You can earn through the Creator Fund, brand partnerships, and affiliate marketing once you build a following. The algorithm loves new creators, so you’ve got a real shot at going viral.

9. Get Paid to Track Your Phone or Computer Use

This is literally the easiest money you’ll ever make.

Apps pay companies for data about how people use their devices. You just install the app, and it runs in the background while you use your phone or computer normally.

The money isn’t huge, but it’s completely passive – you’re getting paid for doing absolutely nothing different.

10. Create and Sell Digital Stickers

Digital stickers for messaging apps and social media are huge right now.

If you’re creative with design, you can make stickers and sell them on platforms like Etsy or Redbubble. People love buying cute or funny stickers for their chats.

You create them once and can sell them over and over.

11. Sell Your Own Printables

Printables are digital products like planners, wall art, checklists, and calendars that people download and print at home.

This is a seriously smart way to make money because you create something once and sell it hundreds of times. This free workshop shows you exactly how their students have earned over $3.3 million selling printables on Etsy.

The course creators know how valuable your time is, which is why they teach you special strategies for finding profitable products and niches from day one.

12. Design Clothing and Accessories

Got an eye for design? Print-on-demand sites let you create custom designs for t-shirts, hoodies, phone cases, and more.

When someone buys your design, the company prints and ships it – you just collect the profit. Zero upfront costs, zero inventory to store.

Sites like Printify make this super easy. It’s free to create an account and all you do is upload your design on to one of their thousands of products and they handle the rest for you.

Not only does Printify let you sell the things I listed above, but they’ve got a ton of others on offer – like candles, posters, cushions, and even cutting boards. Give them some designs that sell, make your listing attractive to potential buyers, and wait for the money to roll in.

13. Sell Your Creations Online

Are you crafty? Artistic? Good at making stuff?

Turn your hobby into cash by selling what you make. Whether it’s jewelry, art, custom items, or literally anything else, there’s a market for it.

Etsy is perfect for this – it’s where people go specifically to buy handmade and unique items.

14. Become a Virtual Assistant

Businesses need help managing anything from their social media accounts to updating their websites to responding to customer emails – and they’ll pay you to do it.

You don’t need any special qualifications – just be able to show people that you know your way around the platform you’re focusing on and be ready to show exactly how you can help businesses grow their presence there.

Many VAs make $25+ per hour, with local small businesses in particular likely to be keen to take advantage of your skills. They’ll also like the fact that you live nearby and you’ll benefit from the flexibility of this, given it usually doesn’t have set hours – just a requirement that you complete the tasks by a certain point.

This free VA course teaches you everything you need to know to start your own VA hustle – and she’s helped thousands of students do just that.

15. Start a YouTube Channel

Not to state the obvious, but YouTube isn’t just for entertainment – it’s a legitimate business for tons of creators, including teens.

Pick a niche you’re passionate about and start creating videos. You’ll earn money from ads, sponsorships, and affiliate links once you build an audience.

The key is being consistent and making content people actually want to watch.

16. Deliver Food and Groceries

Once you’re 18 and have a reliable car, food and grocery delivery is solid money.

Apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats let you deliver restaurant orders, while Shipt focuses on grocery delivery. You work whenever you want and most delivery drivers earn $15-25 per hour including tips.

If you’re under 18, check with local restaurants and food businesses directly – some hire their own delivery drivers and may have different age requirements.

17. Sell Website Designs

If you know how to design websites, freelance clients will pay good money for your skills.

You can create templates and sell them on marketplaces, or work directly with clients who need custom sites. Either way, it’s solid money for digital work.

18. Sell Your Ideas

Got a brilliant business idea but don’t want to build it yourself?

Some companies and entrepreneurs will actually pay for good ideas. You can pitch your concept and potentially earn money or royalties if they develop it.

It’s a long shot, but it costs nothing to try.

19. Do Online Freelancing

Freelancing is huge right now – and you don’t need to be an adult to do it.

Whether you’re good at writing, editing, graphic design, social media, or literally any other skill, someone needs that service. Sites like Fiverr let you sell your services to clients worldwide.

The more you do it, the more you can charge. Want more ideas? Here are some legit online jobs for teens that actually pay.

20. Sell Stock Photos

Do you take decent photos with your phone?

Upload them to stock photo sites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock. Every time someone downloads your photo, you earn money.

Take photos of everyday stuff – people, food, nature, objects. You’d be surprised what businesses need, especially in this age of AI-created images that plenty of people are still very hesitant to use.

21. Create an Online Course

Are you really good at something? Teach others online.

You can create a video course teaching your skill and sell it on platforms like LearnWorlds or through your own website. Create it once, sell it forever.

(And LearnWorlds even offers a 30-day free trial to build and sell your own online courses!)

If you’re looking to do this and you’re in (or about to be in) college, you might also want to check out these online money-making ideas for college students.

22. Tutor in a School Subject

Are you really good at math? Science? English?

Other students (or even younger kids) will pay for tutoring help. You can tutor in person or online through video calls.

Charge $15-30 per hour depending on the subject and your skill level. If you’re interested in online tutoring specifically, here are some great online tutoring jobs.

23. Become a Proofreader

Got a sharp eye for typos and grammar mistakes? Proofreading could be your perfect side hustle.

Businesses, authors, and students need proofreaders to review their work before it goes live. You can work from anywhere and set your own schedule.

This free intro workshop shows you exactly how to become a freelance proofreader and start landing clients.

24. Sell Digital Templates

Are you good with design software? Create templates that people can customize.

Resume templates, social media graphics, business card designs, presentation templates – anything that saves people time. Sell them on Etsy, Creative Market, or your own website.

You create them once and earn passive income every time someone downloads them. If you’re interested in selling digital products like this, this free workshop I mentioned before teaches strategies for creating profitable digital products that actually sell.

25. Test Websites

Companies pay people to test their websites and give feedback on the user experience.

You’ll spend 10-20 minutes clicking around a site, completing tasks, and recording your thoughts. Most tests pay $10-15 for about 15 minutes of work.

Check out sites that specialize in website testing to get started.

26. Review Songs

Yes, you can actually get paid to listen to music.

Music review sites pay you to listen to new songs and give your honest feedback. It’s not huge money, but if you love music, it’s a pretty fun way to earn.

27. Digitize Photos

Plenty of older people have boxes full of old printed photos they want digitized.

You can offer this service – scan their photos, organize them, and save them digitally. It’s simple work that doesn’t require any special skills beyond being careful with people’s memories.

28. Sell Your Old Stuff

Look around your room – I bet you’ve got stuff you don’t use anymore.

List it on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Mercari. Those old video games, clothes you’ve outgrown, toys, books – it all adds up.

One person’s clutter is another person’s treasure. If you’re younger, check out these ways kids can make money for more age-appropriate ideas.

29. Clean Out Your Closet

Take the clothes you don’t wear anymore and sell them.

Apps like Poshmark, Depop, and Vinted make it easy to sell used clothes. Take good photos, write honest descriptions, and price things fairly.

You’ll make money AND have more space in your closet. Just maybe check with a parent or guardian that they’re ok with you selling this stuff if they bought it.

30. Start a Dog Treat Bakery

People love spoiling their dogs with homemade treats.

You can bake dog treats at home and sell them at farmers markets, online, or to local pet stores. The startup costs are low – just ingredients and some packaging.

This free workshop shows you exactly how to start a dog treat bakery business, including what treats are popular, where to sell them, and how much to charge.

It’s a fun, flexible side hustle with serious earning potential.

31. Write Web Content

Businesses need content for their websites – blog posts, product descriptions, how-to guides, all that stuff.

If you can write clearly and follow instructions, you can get paid to create content. It’s one of those jobs where you can work from anywhere and set your own schedule.

Importantly these days, as you’re probably going to use AI to write this, it’s going to be key that you have the ability to look over your work with a “human eye”. No business wants obvious ChatGPT slop on their company website, so while you should be fine to use it to write your first draft, make sure you also promote your ability to give the output a human touch.

32. Rent Out Your Stuff

Got stuff sitting around that you’re not using? Rent it out.

Gaming consoles, cameras, sports equipment, musical instruments – if you own it and someone else needs it temporarily, you can make money from it.

Just make sure you trust the person you’re renting to – and, much like when you sell your stuff, I’d strongly suggest checking with a parent or guardian that they’re ok with this.

33. Collect Bottles and Cans

In states with bottle deposits, this can actually add up.

You collect cans and bottles and return them for the deposit money. Sure, it’s not glamorous, but it’s cash for something people throw away.

Plus, you’re helping the environment.

34. Create and Sell Art

If you’re artistic, your work has value.

Sell original pieces, prints, or digital downloads. You can sell locally at markets and shows, or online through Etsy, Instagram, or your own website.

Don’t undersell yourself – good art is worth good money.

35. Make Things to Sell at Markets

Local farmers markets and craft fairs are goldmines for selling handmade goods.

Jewelry, candles, soaps, baked goods, artwork – if you can make it, someone will buy it. The face-to-face interaction also helps you build a customer base.

36. Flip Items

Buy things cheap and sell them for more.

Hit up thrift stores, garage sales, and clearance sections looking for underpriced items you can resell. Vintage clothes, collectibles, electronics – anything with resale value.

You need a good eye for what sells (and some money upfront to buy the thing in the first place), but the profit margins can be huge.

37. Stream on Twitch

If you’re into gaming, streaming on Twitch can make you serious money.

You earn through subscriptions, donations, and ads. The key is building a community that actually enjoys watching you play.

It takes time to build an audience, but if you’re already gaming for hours anyway, why not stream it?

38. Organize a Bake Sale

Classic for a reason – bake sales work.

Bake cookies, brownies, cupcakes, or whatever you’re good at making. Set up at a local event, park, or even your neighborhood. Make sure you’ve got permission if you need it.

People love supporting teen entrepreneurs, so it’s a good chance for you to take advantage of this.

39. Sell In-Game Items

Some games let you earn valuable items that other players will pay real money for.

Games like Roblox, CS:GO, and others have marketplaces where you can sell rare skins, items, and currency. Just make sure it’s allowed by the game’s rules.

40. Teach a Skill

You don’t have to tutor school subjects – teach literally any skill you have.

Guitar lessons, art classes, cooking, coding, sports skills – if you’re good at something, someone wants to learn it from you.

41. Teach Foreign Language Classes

Bilingual? That’s a valuable skill.

You can teach your native language to people who want to learn it. Language tutoring pays well because it’s in high demand.

42. Teach English Online

If you’re a native English speaker, international students will pay you to practice conversational English with them.

It’s mostly just talking – having normal conversations so they can improve their speaking skills. There are a ton of platforms out there which connect English speakers with students worldwide.

43. Help People With Technology

Are you the person everyone asks when their phone or computer isn’t working?

Turn that into a service. Older people especially need help with basic tech stuff – setting up devices, installing apps, troubleshooting problems.

It’s easy work for you, but it’s invaluable to them.

44. Do People’s Homework

Okay, this one’s tricky – I’m not saying do someone’s homework so they can cheat.

But you CAN offer homework help services where you explain concepts, guide them through problems, and help them understand the material. That’s tutoring, and it’s totally legit.

45. Host a Trivia Night

Got friends who are into trivia?

Organize a local trivia night at a community center, library, or even a willing local business. Charge a small entry fee, maybe offer prizes, and pocket the difference.

It’s fun, social, and profitable.

46. Dog Walking

Dog owners need their pups walked, especially during work hours.

You can charge $15-25 per walk depending on your area. Walk multiple dogs at once and you’re making serious money for basically going on a walk yourself.

Apps like Rover make it easy to connect with dog owners in your area, but you can also go the old school route of handing out flyers in your neighborhood.

Pro tip: Go and do this at a local dog park. You’ll soon have more clients than you know what to do with.

47. Pet Sitting

Pet sitting pays even better than dog walking.

When people go on vacation, they need someone to take care of their pets. You feed them, play with them, and make sure they’re happy while their owners are gone.

You can charge $25-50 per day depending on what’s involved.

48. Babysitting

Babysitting is still one of the best-paying jobs for teens.

Parents desperately need reliable sitters they can trust. If you’re responsible and good with kids, you can easily charge $12-20 per hour.

Get CPR certified and you can charge even more. If you’re looking for specific opportunities, check out babysitting jobs that pay well.

49. Yard Work

Lawns need mowing, leaves need raking, gardens need weeding.

Yard work is physical but it pays well – usually $20-40 per yard depending on the size and what needs doing. During busy seasons, you can line up multiple yards per weekend.

50. Car Washing

Everyone needs their car washed, but not everyone wants to do it themselves.

Set up a car washing service in your neighborhood. Charge $15-25 per car for a basic wash, more for interior cleaning.

All you need is some basic supplies and you’re in business.

51. Wash Windows

Window washing is surprisingly profitable.

Homeowners and businesses need clean windows but hate doing it themselves. You can charge $5-10 per window depending on size and difficulty.

A few houses can easily earn you $100+ in an afternoon.

52. Do Errands

Busy people will pay you to run their errands.

Grocery shopping, picking up dry cleaning, dropping off packages, picking up prescriptions – it’s simple stuff that just takes time they don’t have.

53. Clean Houses

House cleaning is always in demand.

Deep cleaning kitchens, bathrooms, vacuuming, dusting – it’s straightforward work that pays $15-25 per hour. Some professional cleaners even charge $30-50 per hour.

Start with family friends and neighbors, then build from there.

54. Collect Golf Balls

If you live near a golf course, this is free money waiting to be collected.

Golf balls end up in ponds, woods, and rough areas. You collect them, clean them up, and sell them back to golfers or online.

Some people make hundreds doing this.

55. Clean Out Garages

Garages get messy and people put off organizing them forever.

Offer a garage cleanout service – you’ll organize, sweep, throw away trash, and make the space functional again. Charge by the hour or by the project.

56. Paint

Painting (fences, rooms, small projects) is simple work that homeowners don’t want to do.

You don’t need professional skills for basic painting jobs. Just be neat, careful, and willing to work.

Many homeowners will pay $15-20 per hour for painting help.

57. Landscaping

Landscaping goes beyond just mowing – it’s planting flowers, trimming bushes, spreading mulch, and making yards look great.

It’s more involved than basic yard work, so you can charge more. Many landscaping helpers earn $15-20 per hour.

58. Shovel Snow

When it snows, people need their driveways and walkways cleared.

This is hard work, but it pays well – especially since you can charge premium rates during and right after snowstorms. Many people charge $25-50 per driveway.

Wake up early after a snowstorm and you can make hundreds before school.

59. Clean Out Gutters

Gutters need cleaning but it’s a job most people avoid because it’s tedious and involves ladders.

If you’re comfortable with heights and being careful, you can charge $75-150 per house for gutter cleaning. It usually takes a couple of hours but it’s definitely good money.

60. Do Makeup for Events

Good at makeup? People need makeup artists for proms, weddings, photo shoots, and other events.

Build a portfolio showing your work (practice on friends and family), then start charging. You can easily charge $50-100+ per face for event makeup.

61. Work as a Photographer

Got a decent camera and some skills?

Offer photography services for events, family portraits, senior photos, or product photography for small businesses. Even phone cameras can work if you know how to use them well.

Start with friends and family to build your portfolio.

62. Do Odd Jobs

Be the go-to person in your neighborhood for random tasks.

Moving furniture, organizing spaces, helping with yard sales, setting up technology – there’s always something people need help with. Charge by the hour and be reliable.

63. Work in Hospitality

To state the obvious: restaurants, cafes, and hotels often hire teens. Hey, my first job was at a local McDonald’s – and that first paycheck was like winning the lottery.

Hosting, bussing tables, food running, or working as a barista – these jobs teach you customer service skills, not to mention that you can also earn tips on top of your hourly wage.

Check out any local places that are hiring to see what options are out there.

64. Get a Retail Job

Retail stores are always hiring teens, especially during busy seasons.

You’ll learn sales skills, customer service, and how businesses operate. Plus, many retail jobs offer employee discounts.

Not sure where to apply? Check out these places that hire at 15 to find your first job.

65. Get an Event-Specific Job

Sporting events, concerts, fairs, and festivals need tons of temporary workers.

These gigs are fun because they’re short-term and the environment is usually exciting. You might work concessions, help with setup, or assist with guest services.

Pay varies but it’s usually decent plus you’re often around cool events.

66. Get an Office Job

Some offices hire teens for administrative tasks like filing, data entry, answering phones, or general office support.

It’s professional experience that looks great on college applications – plus it’s pretty easy physically, which may be better for you than some of the other ideas on this list.

67. Become a Social Media Manager

Small businesses desperately need help managing their social media.

You can create posts, respond to comments, run ads, and grow their following. Since you already understand social media better than most business owners, this is easy money.

Charge $200-500+ per month per client depending on what you’re doing for them.

68. Work as a Lifeguard

If you’re a strong swimmer and get certified, lifeguarding pays well.

Most lifeguards earn $12-18 per hour, you’re outside all day, and the work is pretty straightforward (though obviously important). You need to take a certification course, but then you’re set.

69. Get a Sports-Related Job

Love sports? Turn it into income.

You can referee youth games, umpire little league, coach younger kids, work at sports camps, or help at sports facilities. The pay is usually good and you’re doing something you enjoy.

70. Become a Camp Counselor

Summer camps hire teens as junior counselors or counselors-in-training.

You’ll supervise younger kids, lead activities, and help run the camp. It’s hard work but incredibly rewarding, and many camps pay decently plus provide free training.

71. Apply for Scholarships

Scholarships are literally free money for school.

Spend time applying for as many as you qualify for. Even small scholarships ($500-1000) add up quickly. There are scholarships for everything – academics, sports, hobbies, community service, even random things like being tall or left-handed.

The time you invest in applications pays off big. And what’s crazy is that while it may not feel like it, there are tons of scholarships out there that go unclaimed because no one applies for them. The key is finding them…

Your future self will thank you for tapping into these. And if you’re heading to college soon, here are ways to make money in grad school to keep your income flowing.

72. Start Investing

Okay, this one requires money to start with, but it’s about making your money work for you.

If you’ve got some savings, consider investing in index funds or ETFs through a custodial brokerage account (you’ll need a parent’s help). Even small amounts grow significantly over time thanks to compound interest.

73. Busk

Got musical talent? Take it to the streets.

Busking (performing in public spaces) can earn you surprisingly good money, especially in busy areas. Set up with your instrument (or voice), have a case or hat for tips, and play.

Some buskers make $50-100+ in a few hours on a good day.

74. Get Paid to Walk

Apps will literally pay you for the steps you’re already taking.

They track your movement and reward you with points that convert to gift cards or cash. You won’t get rich, but you’re earning money for walking around anyway.

75. Get a Paper Route

While less common these days then before, paper routes still exist and they still pay.

It’s early morning work, but you’re usually done before school and you can do your whole route in 1-2 hours. Plus, you’re getting exercise and earning money before most people are even awake.

76. Work as a Golf Caddy

Golf courses hire caddies to carry clubs and assist golfers.

It’s decent pay (usually $50-100+ per round) and you get tips. Plus, you’re outside and you learn about golf, which is a useful skill for networking later in life.

77. Start a Podcast

Podcasts are huge right now and they can make money through sponsorships and ads.

Pick a topic you’re passionate about and can talk about regularly. The key is consistency and building an audience that actually tunes in.

It takes time to monetize, but it’s possible.

78. Create a Subscription Service

Got something people would pay for monthly?

It could be anything – curated playlists, weekly tips on a topic you know well, monthly digital downloads, whatever. Subscription income is the best because it’s predictable and recurring.

79. Resell Concert and Event Tickets

Buy tickets to popular events when they first go on sale, then resell them for profit when the event gets closer.

This one requires upfront money and some risk, but the profit margins can be huge for sold-out events. Just make sure ticket reselling is legal in your area.

80. Write and Sell eBooks

Good at writing? Create an eBook and sell it on Amazon Kindle.

It could be fiction, non-fiction, how-to guides, whatever you want. Once it’s published, it sits there earning passive income while you sleep.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line? You’ve got endless options for making money as a teen.

Some methods pay quickly but require ongoing work. Others take time to build but create passive income streams. The best approach is to try a few different things and see what fits your schedule, skills, and interests.

Remember – you’re not just making money, you’re building skills, work ethic, and financial literacy that’ll serve you for life. That’s worth way more than the actual cash you’re earning right now.

So pick something from this list and get started. Future you will be glad you did.