The teen years are the perfect time to try different money-making ventures. From selling handmade items to babysitting, I did my own fair share of hustling before I could work a part-time job.
Teenagers make great entrepreneurs because they have the enthusiasm and energy needed to take on tasks that busy adults are often willing to pay for. Here are 10 easy ideas for how teens can make money:
Mowing Lawns
All you need is a mower (and a tolerance for heat in the summer), and you could easily get a nice little gig going. Spread the word to neighbors and family members. One of the best places to advertise your services and availability is on social media. Join your town’s Facebook group or local Next Door group. Chances are good that there are more than a few folks who wouldn’t mind outsourcing this weekly task and helping a teen make some money.
Yard Maintenance
In addition to lawn mowing, yards need a lot of other kinds of upkeep throughout the year. From raking and bagging leaves to picking up dog poop, there’s plenty of time-consuming work that needs to be done around the yard. This is an especially good idea in the fall when leaves become hard to keep up with. Many elderly homeowners are simply unable to do their own yard maintenance, making it a perfect money-making opportunity. As a bonus, you can feel good about helping people out, too!
Shoveling Snow
Shoveling snow is such a labor-intensive task, and many homeowners are physically unable to clear their property after a snowstorm. All you need is a sturdy shovel, a warm coat and gloves, and a lot of energy. This was one money-maker that I did myself as a teenager, and not only did I earn a little, but I also got cups of hot cocoa and cookies from kindly seniors in the neighborhood. Last winter’s polar vortex was a goldmine for anyone interested in making extra money by shoveling sidewalks and driveways.
Babysitting
This is the classic teen job, especially for young girls. I loved to babysit my cousins because it was fun, and earning spending money was just like icing on the cake. I even took a safe-sitter course at a local hospital to improve my skills. Babysitting is a sure way to earn some quick cash on weekends.
Make and Sell Something Online
The Internet makes selling handmade items so much easier than it used to be. If you have something that you like to make but haven’t found the right outlet for selling it in your hometown, turn to the web. Craft fairs and flea markets can only take you so far. I didn’t grow up with the Internet, so I definitely missed out on the worldwide marketplace as a kid. Just think of how many friendship bracelets I could have sold on Etsy!
Make YouTube Videos
Teens today are probably far savvier than many adults when it comes to the web, and making YouTube videos could prove to be a lucrative endeavor. I mean, just look at this kid. While the chances are slim that you can rake in millions, you certainly could have a lot of fun while making a little spending money, too.
Car Wash
It seems like every weekend there are local kids running a car wash in our area. Many of these are for fundraising purposes, so it’s a proven way to earn if you need it. This is a great way to raise money for a sports team or other school program.
Pet Sitting
Like animals? Put out the word that you’re available for pet sitting. It could be a few hours after school or a summer gig where you help out vacationing families. People love their pets, so they’re usually more than happy to pay for quality care.
Dog Walking
Again, if you like dogs, this is a great gig for you. Put up some flyers around the neighborhood advertising your services. This is a job that would only take up a few hours each week, and you would get to enjoy some exercise outdoors, as well.
Garage Sale
Okay, you need to get your parents in on this one, but it’s still a great way to make money. Clear out all of those toys that you’ve outgrown, and give up those clothes that just aren’t your style anymore. Your parents will probably appreciate you clearing out old stuff, and you get to keep the profits!
What would you add to the list? Ever tried any of these as a teen?
I don’t know if this would still apply nowadays, but when I was a teen I earned money by having a paper route. Kids nowadays might not even know what a newspaper is, but if your town/city still has one, you could look into being the person that delivers it. Admittedly the pay isn’t amazing but it’s an easy job. And the tips you get at Christmas are nice! 🙂
And one better way to make more from it is blogging about the whole experience and giving tips for teens who are planning on working as well. Who knows, your blog can be a money making source as well.
Nice tips here. Thanks for sharing.
I got my first job when I was fifteen and worked as a babysitter long before that. It was so nice to make my own money! I loved being able to go to the movies or do whatever without asking my parents for cash. These are great suggestions!
I know, I can’t even remember having to rely on my parents for spending money.
These are great ideas. Teens really do have time on their side when it comes to getting their hustle on. I wish I had taken advantage of that when I was younger. YouTube videos are becoming such a huge thing now, it’s crazy! Several “stars” were in their teens when they started, and now they have crazy loyal followings, and they’re able to do it full time. I wish I had thought of that!
I know, right? So much money to be made on there.
I did a lot of computer repairs when I was a teen and made some good money. Making Youtube video would be a neat way to make money. Great list.
Computer repairs is a great idea if you’re good at it.
I used to babysit when I was a teenager. It was pretty sweet money for putting a couple kids to bed then sitting around eating chips and watching TV. It’s funny because now that I’m trying to up my side hustles, I’m looking at all these teenager type jobs again!
Yeah, these would definitely work for adults too!
This is an awesome list!! I used to babysit all the time until I got my first job at a bagel store at 14. I always loved having extra money to do what I wanted. My son is only 8, but hubby and me both agree that he will have a job in high school. I think it teaches good discipline and a work ethic that serves you well in life.
Thanks Shannon! Definitely agree that teens should have a part time job.
I used to do a lot of snow shoveling when I was a teen. I used to love (I still do) snow days because I didn’t have to go to school and I could make money shoveling snow. I also did a little bit of dog walking, which eventually got me a job at a dog day care.
I did a lot of babysitting as a teenager. I really enjoyed the work. I like the youtube idea too. If you are good at it, there is definitely money to be made.
I think if YouTube had been around when I was a kid, I definitely would have made some videos with friends. Looks like fun.