As a financial planner for almost 30 years, I’ve helped adults navigate complex financial worlds. But some of my most rewarding work was helping my own kids take their first steps into earning money.
I saw firsthand the confidence and sense of independence that comes from a first paycheck.
So, are you wondering how to make money as a teen?
You’re here because you’re ready for that feeling. You want to stop asking your parents for money and start earning your own. The great news is, in 2026, there are more opportunities than ever for ambitious teens.
Research from Forbes shows that teen entrepreneurs are on the rise, with many earning far more than the average $15.68 per hour from traditional jobs.
This isn’t just a list of ideas. This is a strategic guide to help you choose the right path for your age, skills, and goals. We’ll cover everything from traditional jobs to modern digital side hustles, with a critical focus on safety and legality.
- Age-Specific Opportunities: We’ll break down the best jobs for 13-15 year olds and more advanced options for teens 16 and up.
- The Digital-First Path: Discover how to leverage your tech skills with the best online jobs for teens, from social media management to content creation.
- Safety & Legal Essentials: A crucial section for both teens and parents on avoiding scams, understanding youth labor laws, and handling your first tax season.
- Your First Financial Steps: It’s not just about making money; it’s about managing it. We’ll cover what to do with your first paycheck.
Key Takeaways Ahead
A Critical Note for Parents: Safety First
Before we dive into the ideas, a quick note for parents. Your teen’s safety is the number one priority. For any job, especially those involving in-person services or online interaction, I strongly recommend you:
💡 Michael Ryan Money Tip
Create a simple “Client Agreement” for jobs like babysitting or pet sitting. This document should outline expectations, pay rates, and emergency contacts. It not only demonstrates professionalism to clients but also opens a crucial conversation about safety and responsibility with your teen.
- Vet the Opportunity:
For neighborhood jobs, meet the client with your teen. For online work, verify the platform’s legitimacy and review their safety policies. - Set Boundaries:
Establish clear rules about work hours, locations, and communication with clients. - Manage the Money Together:
Help your teen open a bank account. For online platforms like Fiverr or Upwork, parental consent is required for users under 18. This is a great opportunity to teach them about financial literacy.
Category 1: Traditional & Neighborhood Jobs For Young Teens(Ages 13+)
These are classic, reliable ways to start earning. They are often age-restriction-free in the sense that they don’t require formal employment papers, but always check your local laws.
📊 Quick Stat
According to recent studies, teens who start working even simple neighborhood jobs before age 16 are more likely to have higher wages and lower unemployment in their early twenties. These first jobs build a foundation for future success.
1. Babysitting
A timeless way to earn. Reliability and trustworthiness are key.
- Potential Earnings: $15 – $25/hour.
- Pro Tip: Get a CPR and first aid certification from the American Red Cross. It’s a huge trust signal for parents and allows you to charge a premium.
2. Pet Sitting & Dog Walking
Perfect for animal lovers. Many professionals are willing to pay well for reliable pet care.
- Potential Earnings: $15 – $30 per walk; $50 – $75 per night for pet sitting.
- Pro Tip:
Use apps like Rover or Wag (with parental consent) to find clients, but start with neighbors to build a reputation first.
Create a “report card” for the owner detailing walks, feeding times, and funny moments.
3. Lawn Care & Yard Work
Mowing lawns, raking leaves, or shoveling snow. This is a fantastic way to build a small, recurring business in your neighborhood.
- Potential Earnings: $25 – $50 per yard.
- Pro Tip:
Don’t just work by the hour. Offer packages (e.g., “Full Spring Cleanup” for a flat fee) to increase your earnings.
4. Tutoring
Excel in a particular subject? Help younger students succeed.
- Potential Earnings: $20 – $40/hour.
- Pro Tip:
You don’t need to be a certified teacher. If you have an ‘A’ in algebra, you are qualified to help a 7th grader struggling with their homework. You can offer services online via Zoom or in-person at a local library.
Category 2: The Digital Economy – Online Jobs for Teens
This is where the game changes. Research shows 42% of US teens already make money online. Here’s how teens can make money online safely.
⚠️ Myth Busted
Many believe online jobs for teens are easy “passive income.” The reality is that successful online ventures, like content creation or managing social media, require consistent effort, creativity, and entrepreneurial skills. Treat it like a real business, not a hobby, to see real results.
5. Taking Online Surveys
One of the easiest ways to start. You won’t get rich, but you can earn gift cards or cash in your spare time.
- Potential Earnings: $1 – $10/hour.
- Pro Tip:
Stick to reputable sites like Swagbucks or Survey Junkie. Never pay to join a survey site.
6. Content Creation (YouTube, TikTok, Twitch)
If you have a passion—gaming, fashion, comedy—you can build an audience.
- Potential Earnings:
Highly variable, but can be a significant source of passive income through ads once you have a following. - Pro Tip:
Focus on a niche you genuinely love. Authenticity is what builds an audience.
Understand that this is a long-term project, not a way to make money fast.
7. Social Media Management
Small local businesses often need help with their social media but can’t afford a full-time agency.
- Potential Earnings: $200 – $400/month per client.
- Pro Tip:
Create a simple portfolio by running a school club’s Instagram account.
Then, approach a local pizza place or boutique and offer a free one-week trial to prove your skills.
8. Freelancing on Fiverr or Upwork
Offer digital skills like graphic design, video editing, or writing.
- Potential Earnings: $15 – $50/hour, depending on your skill.
- Pro Tip:
Your first few jobs are about getting 5-star reviews, not making a lot of money.
Price your initial gigs low to build a strong reputation, then raise your rates.
Category 3: Part-Time Jobs For High School Aged Teens (Ages 16+)
For teens 16 and older, traditional part-time jobs become more accessible. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, federal law sets the minimum age for most non-agricultural work at 14, but state laws vary.
🔍 Explained Simply
A youth work permit, sometimes called “working papers,” is a legal document required in many states for teens under 18. It verifies your age and your school’s permission for you to work. You can typically get an application from your school guidance counselor or your state’s Department of Labor website.
- Grocery Stores, Retail, and Fast Food: These are often the first formal jobs for teens, teaching valuable skills like customer service and time management.
- Lifeguard or Camp Counselor: Great summer jobs that show responsibility.
| Job Title | Description | Estimated Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Lifeguarding | Requires certification and involves monitoring swimmers | $10-$20/hour |
| Caddy | Carries golf clubs for players at a golf course | $15-$50/game |
| Referee/Umpire | Officiates games for various sports | $20-$50/game |
| Landscaping/Lawn Care | Involves mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and planting flowers | $15-$20/hour |
| Waiter/Waitress | Takes orders and serves food in a restaurant | $10-$20/hour |
| Pet Sitting/Dog Walking | Cares for pets and takes dogs for walks | $15-$30/hour |
| House Cleaning | Involves cleaning homes or offices | $15-$25/hour |
| Freelance Writing | Writing articles or content for websites or publications | $10-$50/hour |
| Computer Programming | Developing computer software or mobile applications | $20-$50/hour |
| Social Media Management | Managing social media accounts for individuals or businesses | $15-$50/hour |
The 15 highest paying jobs for teens according to Indeed.com
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You’ve Earned It! Now What?
Making money is only half the battle. What you do with it is what builds your financial future.
- Open a Bank Account:
You’ll need a place to put your money. A custodial account, managed by a parent, is often the first step. - Learn the 50/30/20 Rule:
This is a simple budgeting framework: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings. - Pay Yourself First: This is the most important habit you can build. Automate a portion of every paycheck to go directly into a savings account.
- Understand Taxes: If you’re self-employed and earn over $400, or have a W-2 job and earn over $12,950, you may need to file taxes. Consult IRS.gov for the rules.
📌 Key Takeaway
The most powerful habit you can build is to “Pay Yourself First.” This means a portion of every paycheck goes directly into savings. Ask your parents to help you open a custodial account (a savings or investment account for a minor) to make this process automatic and start your journey to wealth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Teen Jobs
What is the best online job for a 16-year-old?
Freelancing (if you have a skill like writing or design) or social media management are great options because they build professional skills and have high earning potential.
How much money should a teenager save from their paycheck?
A great starting goal is to save at least 20% of every paycheck, following the 50/30/20 rule.
Do teens need to pay taxes on their income?
Yes, potentially. It depends on how much you earn and whether you are an employee or self-employed. It’s a crucial part of financial literacy for teens that parents should discuss with them.
Related Reading You Might Enjoy
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Read the Best Finance Books for Teens
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Learn How Much a Teenager Should Save
Set realistic and powerful savings goals to build wealth from your very first paycheck.
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Discover the Power of Compound Interest
Understand the single most important concept for building long-term wealth.
Now, try searching for: how to create a budget, best budgeting apps, or opening a savings account.
Additional Resources For Teenagers Looking For Jobs:
- Indeed Career Advice: Indeed is a popular job search website that also offers a wealth of career advice, including a section on how teens can make money. This section includes articles on finding high-paying jobs for teens, starting a business, and managing finances.
- The Balance Careers: The Balance Careers is another reputable career website that offers a variety of resources for teens, including a section on earning money. This section includes articles on getting a part-time job, freelancing, and starting a side hustle.
- Youth.gov: Youth.gov is a website of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that provides information and resources for teens on a variety of topics, including employment. This section includes articles on finding a job, preparing for an interview, and managing your finances.
Final Word: Your Journey to Financial Freedom Starts Now
Starting to earn your own money as a teen is about more than just having cash for pizza or video games. It’s your first real step toward financial freedom. Every dollar you earn from these side hustles for teens is a lesson in responsibility, value, and effort. Whether you pursue online jobs for teens or become a local teen entrepreneur, you are building a foundation of skills that will last a lifetime.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to make money, but to learn how to manage it. This is where true financial literacy begins. The habits you build today—budgeting, saving, and maybe even your first small investment—are what will separate you from your peers in the years to come.
🚀 Your Next Steps
Knowledge without action is just trivia. Don’t just close this tab—take one small, concrete step in the next 24 hours. Pick one idea from this list that excites you and complete a single task to move it forward, whether it’s creating a flyer, researching a platform, or telling a neighbor about your new service.
Your financial story is just beginning. Make it a great one.
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Note: The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or legal advice. Consult with a professional advisor or accountant for personalized guidance.
