There are many ways to make money as a teenager. You may be wondering how can you legitimately make money but there are ways, both online and offline, that give younger ones, the opportunity to make some spare cash.

Whether it is for college, to invest in a bigger project, for spending at the shopping centre or buying food, clothes or video games.

I remember when I was in my teens, we did not have all the opportunities that exist right now, to make some spare change.

We relied on our parents for an allowance and even if we could go out and get a “small job” at the grocery store, it depended on whether we had spare time to do so.

All the online opportunities for teens to make money today, did not exist back then.

I am pleased to be able to share this list with you, so you can get some more ideas for your kids, if you are a parent or for yourself, if you are teenager.

1. Clean Houses

Teens who charge less than professional maid cleaning services or who assist established cleaners will be able to regularly earn money via this option.

To get started simply hand out flyers in your neighbourhood letting your neighbours know that you are interested. A more effective way is to go door-to-door and ask your neighbours if they need help cleaning their homes.

2. Babysitting

Although this has been included on lists of good jobs for teenagers for years, it should not be discounted as babysitters will always be needed regardless of changing job markets.

You may need some references if parents are going to trust you with their kids. I recommend that you start with one parent, do an awesome job and make sure you get a written reference letter. That way, you can use it to book more jobs with other parents.

3. Swagbucks

Using Swagbucks‘ search engine, earn teens Swagbucks, which, once accumulated, can be redeemed for gift cards. You can also earn free gift cards from shopping online, watching videos or taking surveys via the app.

Whilst you will not earn huge amounts of cash with Swagbucks, it’s a really nice way to get rewarded for doing the things you love.

To get started with Swagbucks start here.

4. Paper Delivery

Although the demand for paper deliverers is not as high as it used to be, people are still subscribing to newspapers and still need them delivered.

To find a job as a paper deliverer, you can start in the classified ads of your local newspaper. If you don’t see anything there then contact the newspaper by finding a contact number for their Circulation Department and enquire if they have any job openings.

If you are still not lucky, check the notice boards of your local grocery store to see if they are looking for “paper carriers” or “paper boys”.

5. InboxDollars

This online option provides an easy way to earn some money by providing feedback on a variety of things. Like Swagbucks, you can earn money for watching television online, shopping or taking survey.

Brands actually pay InboxDollars for customer input. InboxDollars find those customers and pay them for participating.

To get started with InboxDollars click here.

6. Create A Website

This is an especially good option for those already well-versed in navigating the online world. Options include starting a blog or website about subjects that teens and others are passionate about.

If you would like to start a money making blog or website then a great resource is my step by step guide on how to start a blog. You may also want to read my tutorial on 90 days to blog success which teaches you everything on how to monetise your blog and get people to start reading your blog.

7. Pet Care

Similar to babysitting, this option provides teenagers with the opportunity to watch others’ pets. This can be while the owners are on vacation or simply to take the animals on walks.

To get started, ask neighbours or family members if they need help with pet-sitting.

8. Tutoring

Tutoring is something that can be done both online and offline. Any subject that a teen is knowledgeable about can be used as a tutoring focus.

If you are good at what you do and would like to start tutoring, I would recommend starting with a school. Contact the dean or principal of a school and find out if there are any tutoring opportunities for teenagers.

Online platforms that you can join include:

• SkillShare
• Udemy
• Skillholic (UPDATE: Skillholic’s website no longer works so I have removed the link.)
• myTutoring
• Tutor.com 

9. Start A YouTube Channel

This may not be an option that will result in immediate funds, but the potential is there for it to provide regular income if the number of viewers impresses to appreciable levels.

You can start a channel in a particular interest such as gaming, entertainment, sports, etc. then monetise it through YouTube’s Partner Program or through affiliate marketing or your own products.

10.  House Sitter

Knowing somebody that will have an empty house for a period of time can result in a teen being paid to watch it. This might require a few hours a day or simply moving in if it’s a holiday period.

Of course you need to be trusted by the person who hires you, so you may want to start with neighbours, friends or family.

11. Buy Low and Sell High

This may be basic economics, but not everybody is talented or willing enough to do it. Teens who know the true value of things can make money doing this.

The concept here is that you can buy items at a low price and sell them higher on sites like Amazon, Ebay or your own website.

This is how one 28-year old was able to make over a million dollars buying inexpensive items from Walmart and selling it on Amazon.

12. Create An Instagram Profile

Similar to YouTube, those who cultivate an extensive and engaged following on Instagram can receive pay or goods from interested parties for posts.

This does require a high following with a lot of engagement. Do not be tempted to buy your followers. I do however recommend an automated service which helps to connect you with real followers who are interested in your content.

These services engage with accounts with a high following and encourage those followers to follow you on Instagram. If your content is worthy then you will retain your audience. 

You can then monetise your audience through sponsored posts (people who will pay you to make a post on behalf of their company) or through affiliate marketing.

13. Bake Sale

Another oldie but goodie is a bake sale. Use a stellar recipe, bake something tasty like cookies, cake, cupcakes and start selling it.

You can set up a stall in front of your home or at a carnival if there are any. Make sure to ask your parents to find out if there are any food permits that you may need. 

If baking is not your forte then lemonade juice stalls are still teenagers’ favourites.

14. Wash Cars

All that is required to wash cars are buckets, soap, rags and a window cleaner.

Start in your neighbourhood by asking neighbours whether they want their cars washed. A good tactic is, if the local car wash charges $10 for a simple wash, then make your price lower, like $8 or $9.

15. Take Online Surveys

Several websites pay survey takers, providing another way to make money as a teenager. Some are open to those as young as 13, and many are geared to teenage-related topics.

Join as many survey sites as you can. Some great survey sites to try include:

• Vindale Research
• Survey Voices
• Pinecone Research
• Survey Junkie
• Survey Club
• Ipsos Panel 

16. Yard Sale

Another way to earn money is by selling the things that teens own, that they have grown out of and no longer have any interest in, at a yard sale.

Announce the yard sale to your local area, set up a stall and you’re good to go.

17. Work at a Restaurant

This is an option that has been around for a while, but it’s still a valid one for teens today. Both fast food and sit-down restaurants should be considered.

Restaurants looking to hire, usually have a noticeboard where they make the announcement. You can also visit your favourite restaurant and find out if they have any odd jobs that they are hiring for.

18. Camp Counselor

Although these are usually only available during the summer months, being a camp counselor is a great option for those looking for more money then.

You can look at school noticeboards to see when their camp is being held and enquire within as to whether they would want a camp counselor.

19. Mow Lawns

Another seasonal opportunity is mowing lawns. Many adults prefer to just pay someone to mow their lawn than do it themselves and are happy to see a teen offer.

Getting lawn mowing jobs usually start in the neighbourhood so ask your neighbours whether they need any assistance with their lawns and offer a fair price for the job.

20. Fiverr

One of the best paying jobs for teens is working with Fiverr. This option is an especially promising one for those talented with things like drawing, video making or writing.

There are many small business owners who go to Fiverr to find people who can perform creative tasks for them. You can set your own price and accept as many jobs as you want.

To learn more about how to make money with Fiverr check out my post where I share with you my own experience with starting a digital marketing agency with Fiverr.

21. Etsy

Teens who are talented at making crafts should sell their creations on Etsy. Things bought at thrift stores or created digitally can be sold here too.

22. Upwork

This is another great option for teens ages 18 and 19. It’s best for those who have talent in things like writing, graphic and web design.

Similar to Fiverr, you set your own prices here and can accept as many jobs as you can.

To get started with Upwork click here.

23. eBay

Those who are wondering how to make money as a teenager should also consider eBay. Just about anything can be sold here.

If you don’t know where to find products to buy, look around your house for fairly used items and list it on eBay. You can also sell brand new items, so buy inexpensive goods from stores like Walmart or Target and sell it at a profit on eBay.

If this is something that interests you, my post will be a good place to start. It teaches you everything you need to know about how to get started with eBay.

24. Tumblr Theme Creator

Teens who already spend a bit of time at Tumblr, likely know how to design quality themes and, as a result, can earn some money creating those for others.

25. Shopify eCommerce Store

A list of high paying jobs for teens would not be complete without this one. Users can create an eCommerce store and sell products there.

When you start an eCommerce store you can employ the drop-shipping method, where you do not keep goods in stock, but instead transfer your customer orders and shipping details to a manufacturer who will fulfil the order for you.

To start an eCommerce store with Shopify click here and claim your 14-day free trial.

26. Grocery Store Employee

Every community other than the smallest ones has at least one grocery store, and teens are generally a significant percentage of their work forces.

Start with your local grocery or supermarket and see if they are hiring.

27. Referee or Umpire

Playing the mediator in a variety of youth sporting events is another option for earning money for teens. Maybe your local sports club or school is looking for referees.

Start there.

28. Movie Theater Worker

Many of those creating lists of how to earn money as a teenager will include this famous one as movie theatres regularly hire teens for a number of positions.

From ushers, to food stall workers to cleaners. Apply to your local movie theater and see what they have to offer.

29. Music Xray

This website provides teens with the opportunity to earn money by listening to music and sharing their opinions on it.

Music Xray connects new music to potential fans and compensates you for your time and attention when you listen to it.

30. Assisting the Elderly

Helping out the elderly is another great way for teens to earn money as many seniors either need to remain home or simply prefer to do so.

If you have an elderly neighbour you can ask if they need assistance with household chores and work out a pay scale where they can pay you for your time.

If your neighbourhood is not ideal, then focus on your local home for the elderly and see if they have any openings that you can apply for.

31. CafePress

CafePress offers teens the opportunity to sell designs for things like shirts, pillows and coffee mugs. This is a marketplace that allows their customers to buy unique print on demand products.

Simply upload your design. When your design sells you make money. (UPDATE: CafePress’ website no longer works so I have removed the link.)

32. Userlytics

Mobile apps use Userlytics to pay teens and adults to use, test them and provide their opinions on what worked, what didn’t and what could be improved.

Small start up owners and even larger corporations, use Userlytics to get customer insights into their websites, prototypes, advertisements or videos before it is released to the public.

Testers get paid differing amounts from $5 and even up to $90 for their feedback.

To sign up with Userlytics click here.

33. Scanner

As the world becomes more and more digital, many older people have photographs that they want digitized. Consider offering this as a service to help those people who are not so savvy with computers and the internet.

All you need is a scanner and a sign that says you’re opened for business.

34. Genealogy Researcher

Many teenagers do quality genealogical research, much of which can be done online. Being a genealogy researcher does not require any type of formal degree but research skills do give you an advantage.

If you would like to become a researcher, it is recommended that you participate in many genealogical conferences. These conferences will help you educate yourself so you are ready to take clients.

To learn what it is like to be a genealogist, read Crista Cowan’s story here. 

35. Online Customer Service

Companies such as U-Haul regularly hire teens 16 and older as customer service representatives who work from home via a high-speed internet connection and headset.

Most customer service representatives help customers with their questions and educating them about the company’s products. If you are interested in applying for online customer service jobs a quick Google search can bring back numerous results.

To apply directly with U-Haul, click here. 

36. Jingit

Teenagers of any age can earn money at Jingit by doing things like watching online ads and taking surveys.

Simply sign up for Jingit, watch videos, give your feedback and earn instant cash. (UPDATE: Jingit’s website no longer works so I have removed the link.)

37. ThredUP

If gently used clothing from places like Banana Republic and J. Crew are in a teen’s closet, selling it at ThredUP is a great option for earning money.

ThredUp is an online consignment and thrift store that allows you to sell high quality second hand clothing.

So if you’re having a clear out, simply bag your items, leave it for the mail carrier and once your items are processed you will receive cash for any clothing that ThredUp accepts.

38. Amazon Turk

Those who are 14 or older are eligible to earn money by performing a variety of small tasks for Amazon Turk.

How it works, small companies that have computer-based tasks, hire you to perform simple tasks that you can do better than a computer.

You can choose from thousands of tasks, control when you work and decide how much you earn. To get started with Amazon Turk click here.

39. Lifeguard

This is an opportunity that is normally, but not always seasonal. Pools regularly hire lifeguards while some beaches do so as well.

If you know how to swim and wish to help out at a local community swimming pool, then be sure to contact the Pool Manager to see if they hire.

40. Amusement Park Employee

Many amusement parks prefer hiring teens as they tend to have a lot in common with the clientele that they are looking to attract.

Amusement park work can be a great way to pass time as well as be part of a fun environment.

41. Music Lessons

Teens who are musically talented can earn money teaching others how to improve their own skills. You can provide lessons in private, such as one-on-one tutor style, or you can teach a class at a summer school. 

A good start will be at a local school or even in your own neighbourhood where you can advertise with flyers that you provide music lessons.

42. Athletic Coach

Teens can often earn money by coaching sports teams comprised of children who are usually younger than them. You may already perform well in a sports club and want to help other students improve their performance.

Check your sports club or local school to see if they would be interested in hiring you.

43. Avon

Teenagers, like adults, can earn money selling Avon makeup.

Avon is a direct selling company that sells beauty, household and personal care products. To earn money selling Avon products, you must join as a direct sales consultant where you will be provided with a sales consultant starter kit.

You can then refer people to your website where, once a purchase is made, you earn a commission.

44. Farmers Market

A local farmers market is a great venue for a teenager to earn money. This can be done by bringing things like baked goods or arts and crafts to sell.

45. Qriket

Another online option for earning money that is available for teenagers is this one. Participants watch short ads and spin a wheel to determine the amount earned.

To start you must download their free app. Spin the wheel to join a live game show and then play to earn points. Whoever has the most points win cash prizes.

46. Collect Cans and Bottles

Bringing cans and bottles to recycling centers or grocery stores is one of the ways for teens to make money that is not restricted by age.

Before you start collecting cans and bottles make sure that the recycling centers and grocery stores in your area offer cash incentives for disposing of your collection. 

47. Snow Shoveling

Of course, this one only applies in certain climates, but for teens who live in snowy locales, snow shoveling is a great way to combine getting a good workout with earning some extra money.

48. Slicethepie

This is another website that pays listeners to enjoy some music and provide brief reviews about them. Slicethepie also offers money for reviews on fashion and mobile phone accessories.

Your feedback goes directly to help artists, record labels and brands make decisions about their businesses.

49. Manage Social Media for Businesses

Many teens are so engaged with social media that they can provide quite a value for local businesses who will pay them for their services.

If you can manage a social media account like Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, then there’s a small business that is wanting to pay you money for it.

To find these businesses you can use sites like Fiverr, PeoplePerHour or Upwork. You set your own rate and can determine how often you work.

50. Play an Instrument

Talented teen musicians can often earn money by setting up in a public place and playing, leaving a case, hat or cup out for donations to be placed in.

This task may involve stepping outside your comfort zone but in addition to receiving donations, the likelihood of being discovered by artists, talent buyers and even record label CEOs is high, just as these now-famous celebrities learnt.

Wrapping Up

There you have it, over 50 ways that teenagers can make money too. A little bit of online work and offline work to keep you busy.

Tell me in the comments which one you started or what are you currently doing to earn extra money.