There are more ways to make money as a teenager today than when I was growing up. Nowadays, there are online jobs for teens, side hustle jobs and of course the more traditional hourly positions.
This is a great time to explore every opportunity available to you, and get a feel for what you like and don’t like.
I went through the same process.
At the age of 14, I landed my very first teen job as a homework helper at the local Boys and Girls Club. It was the most amazing feeling in the world to get my first paycheck!
Later on, I felt the urge to do my own thing and tried my hand at various side hustles as a teen. It was then that I realized my passion for entrepreneurship!
So, don’t confine yourself or underestimate your potential.
With that said, let’s dive into how to make money as a teenager!
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Make Money Online as a Teenager
As a teen, you’ve got tons of online money-making opportunities with the internet and social media. You’re unique advantage?
You’ve grown up with the internet, giving you a leg up in freelancing, content creation, and education gigs for making money online.
Check out these next online jobs for teens.
1. Content Creator

One way to make money online as a teenager is to become a content creator.
As a content creator, you’re someone who makes and shares online content, like videos, posts, or articles, usually on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok.
You get to share your interests, talents, and experiences with the world, and make money doing it!
It’s probably stuff you’re already doing. So why not get paid for it?
With TikTok being super popular among teens ages 10 – 19 years old, I’ll use TikTok as an example.
Avani began posting makeup videos to TikTok at age 16.

Many of these videos showed her face painted like Harley Quinn, the popular comic book character. Years later, she’s now one of the highest paid TikTok influencers making $4.71 million in 2021.
So let’s say you also want to share your makeup skills with the world.
But you’re only 16 and TikTok requires you to be at least 18 or older to join their paid Creator Program.
One way to make money on TikTok as a teen is to direct your followers to your Shopify store where you sell makeup products.
Another option is to launch an online business as a TikTok consultant, showing other teens how to build their following and offer your services for a fee.
There are plenty of creative ways to make money as a content creator.
FREE Training: Learn how to make money posting videos on TikTok!
YouTube and other social media platforms offer similar opportunities to make money as a teen content creator.
Here are content creator resources to get you started:
- Add subtitles, transitions, emojis and sound effects to your short-form videos with Submagic AI
- Beacons.ai Link in Bio tool
- Expert Secrets Book: Increase Your Influence Online and Get Paid for Your Opinion
2. Twitch Streamer
If you’re a gamer wondering how to make money as a teenager without a job, then Twitch is your answer.
Twitch is a live streaming service with monetization features that enable teens to make money from their gameplay.
Viewers can support you by subscribing, donating, or cheering with Bits during your streams. Plus, you can earn from ads and sponsorships if you’ve got a solid audience.
Before you start earning, though, your parents or guardians will need to give the green light by agreeing to the Monetized Streamer Agreement.
You’ll also need to meet certain criteria, including streaming for a minimum number of hours and gaining a set number of followers to become eligible for the paid Twitch Affiliate Program or Twitch Partner program.
If you have plentiful time to stream on a regular basis then this may not be an issue for you.
Even still, you’ll want to monitor your gameplay and be aware of the effects that excessive gaming can have on your school work and mental well-being.
While earning money online as a teenager is fantastic, it’s equally important to strike a balance between work, social activities, and maintaining healthy habits!

Now unlike Twitch Superstar, Ninja, who earns $142,000 per month from his Twitch stream channel, most streamers earn significantly less.
For example, this college student Twitch streamer earns around 100 dollars every two months by streaming five days a week for several hours.
Much of the money you earn will come down to the number of followers you have, the amount of views per stream, and your monetization avenues.
Here’s a guide to get you started making money on Twitch.
▪️ Get Set Up: First off, you’ll need to set up your Twitch account. Choose a catchy username that reflects your gaming persona and interests. Then, spruce up your channel with appealing graphics and a clear description of what viewers can expect.
▪️ Stream Regularly: Consistency is key on Twitch. Set a schedule for your streams and stick to it. Whether it’s daily, weekly, or a few times a week, make sure your audience knows when to tune in.
▪️ Engage with Your Viewers: Interaction is essential for building a loyal fanbase. Chat with your viewers during streams, respond to comments, and make them feel involved in your gaming journey.
▪️ Grow Your Audience: To join Twitch Monetized Streamers programs, you’ll need to meet certain criteria, including streaming for a minimum number of hours and gaining a set number of followers. So, focus on growing your audience by promoting your streams on social media, joining gaming communities, and collaborating with other streamers.
▪️ Monetize Your Content: Once you become a Twitch monetized streamer, consider expanding your money-making potential with sponsorship deals by partnering with brands that align with your gaming niche.
▪️ Keep Improving: Continuously strive to improve your streams and engage with your audience. Pay attention to viewer feedback, experiment with new content ideas, and stay updated on trends in the gaming community.
Remember, success on Twitch takes time and dedication, so stay focused, keep grinding, and have fun along the way!
3. Online Freelancing
One of the best ways for teenagers to make $100 a day is by tapping into high-paying online freelance opportunities, such as video editing, graphic design, and voice-overs.
These skills are always in high demand across various industries.
Take small online business owners like myself, who frequently use sites like Fiverr and Upwork to hire freelancers.
I’ve paid $5 for a Pinterest pin design, $10 for a YouTube thumbnail, $60 for a graphic for my blog, and countless amounts of money for video editing services.
And since all these things drive online traffic and sales to my business, it’s a no-brainer to pay someone to create something awesome for me!

If you’re under 18 years old but at least 13, you can use the Fiverr freelance site with an account owned by your parent or legal guardian and with their permission.
Then if you really want to supercharge your earnings potential, offer services where you can use AI to make money faster.
Many AI software tools can do a lot of the work for you. It’ll enable you to free up time to accommodate more clients and earn more money.
So use this as your chance to showcase your unique talents and make money as a teen working from home!
UpLevel Your Skills: If you feel you’re not yet proficient in any particular skill set, then don’t worry! Skillshare is a site with tons of online classes where you can quickly learn a brand new skill. Your first month on Skillshare is FREE when you use this link to join. Choose from graphic design classes, video editing, social media marketing or any other class that excites you!
4. Blogging
Blogging is a creative way to express yourself, share your interests and make money online as a teen blogger.
By leveraging Pinterest to drive traffic to your blog and optimizing your content with affiliate links, teens can realistically earn $100 a day blogging.
Blogs also offer a longer attention span, which enables you to dive deeper into a topic and monetize for higher ticket affiliate sales.
This means that even small blogs with little traffic can still earn a lot of money.
It’s the same strategy I used to start making money with my blog, and I still rely on it today to grow my blog traffic and affiliate income.
Here are a few examples of teens who have made a name for themselves in the blogging world and built large brands around their blog.
- Tavi Gevinson: Tavi started her fashion blog, Style Rookie, at the age of 11 and quickly gained recognition for her unique voice and style insights. She launched her own magazine at age 15 and has since gone on to star in acting roles including HBO Max series, Gossip Girl.
- Leandra Medine: Leandra began her fashion blog, Man Repeller, while still a teenager. Her witty writing and bold fashion choices garnered a large following, leading to her becoming a respected influencer and author.
- Malala Yousafzai: Malala started blogging for BBC Urdu when she was just 11 years old, advocating for girls’ education in Pakistan. Her courageous blogging eventually led to her global prominence as an activist and Nobel laureate.

There are so many different avenues you can take with a blog.
You can make it fun by sharing your recent experience at the Lollapalooza music festival, along with your festival packing list to safely enjoy the outdoor concert.
Or you can talk about all your favorite ways to get free Starbucks coffee every day just like I do!
You can also decide to use your voice to make a change in the world, and write about topics that share a different perspective on a serious matter.
Blogs of various subject matters can be monetized with brand sponsorship deals, affiliate marketing, ad placements, ecommerce or by selling your own digital products.
5. Smartphone Apps
Teens aged 13 and 14 can make money by completing small online tasks using free websites and smartphone apps.
Tasks can include taking surveys, playing online games, or participating in market research studies.
Just imagine getting paid to play Marvel Strike Force from your phone with Swagbucks. It’s a pretty neat way to earn money!
The earnings may seem modest at first, but they do add up over time. If you’re a teen without a job, you’ll appreciate every penny you make!
Another major benefit to making money with smartphone apps is it offers you the flexibility to earn money in your free time.
So you’ll be able to balance your school work and other commitments while also making money.

I use a lot of these free apps on a daily basis. Most times, I’m able to make enough money to pay my cell phone bill each month.
Apps for teens you can use at 13 to make money include Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, MyPoints and the Fetch app.
Side Hustles for Teens
Other ways to get money as a teenager include starting a side hustle such as tutoring, pet sitting, or mowing the lawn.
Back when I was in high school many of my friends would braid hair to make money. So keep your mind and options open on this one!
1. Sneaker Reselling
Sneaker reselling involves buying limited-edition or highly sought-after sneakers and then selling them at a higher price to make a profit.
If you’re a sneaker junkie like my nephew, then this can be a fun way to make money as a teenager!
As a teen sneaker junkie you have an advantage in sneaker reselling due to your familiarity with sneaker culture and trends. You also have social media to stay updated on the latest releases and trends.

You can start by scouting for popular and limited-edition kicks at retail stores, online marketplaces or even thrift shops.
Once you’ve got your hands on some hot pairs, list them for sale on platforms like StockX, eBay or Grailed.
My nephew did this for a couple of years.
He would mainly resell sneakers through word of mouth and referrals. Each month he would rake in a few hundred dollars from his side hustle!
Take a look at 19 More Things You Can Sell to Make Money Fast!
2. Snow Shoveling
If you live in an area where you get lots of snowfall, then snow shoveling is a lucrative side hustle to start.
In my area, a winter nor’easter can drop as much as a foot of snow on the ground. And let me just say that it’s not fun shoveling all that snow (even with a snowblower!).
That’s where you come in.

One of the easiest ways to make money as a teen during a snowstorm is to go around your neighborhood offering snow shoveling services.
This can be digging out someone’s car from under the snow, shoveling the driveway or walking path leading up to the house.
You can even commission a friend to help you out and split the profits!
In my mom’s neighborhood, we have a father and son duo that come around offering their services for $25 – $40 depending on the scope of work.
When the weather changes, you can pivot to offering lawn mowing and leaf raking services.
Neighbors love helping teens who have a go-getter attitude. So the odds are on your side that you’ll do well with your new side hustle!
Snow shoveling is one type of job where people pay you in cash. Here are other side hustle jobs that pay cash on the spot.
3. Car Washing
Have you ever noticed that at some underground mall parking garages there are signs for car washing services?
People get to shop while getting their car detailed!
It’s a genius idea and very convenient for people who want to save time.
In the same vein, you can wash the cars of your neighbors, friends or family members and get paid to offer a convenient service.

You can spread the word by handing out flyers or posting on social media about your affordable and convenient mobile car wash service.
Once you’ve got some customers lined up, schedule appointments and arrive promptly at their location to clean their vehicles inside and out.
Offer different packages or add-on services like waxing or interior detailing to upsell and maximize your earnings.
And don’t forget to provide excellent customer service and ask satisfied customers for referrals to grow your client base!
4. Tutoring Services
Starting a tutoring service side hustle is a fantastic way for you as a teen to make money because it allows you to leverage your academic strengths and help others succeed while earning cash.
Plus, you can set your own schedule, rates, and choose subjects you’re passionate about teaching.

To start, first identify your strengths and subjects you’re confident in teaching, whether it’s math, science, language arts, or music.
Next, spread the word to parents and students in your community by creating flyers, posting on social media, or reaching out to local schools and community centers.
Once you’ve got some clients interested, schedule tutoring sessions at convenient times for both you and the student, whether it’s after school, on weekends, or during school breaks.
You can even do this side hustle virtually with online tutoring software such as LiveBoard to make money as a teen from home.
5. Cell Phone Repairs
There’s a huge demand for phone repairs, as people are constantly dropping, cracking, or damaging their devices.
As a savvy teen, you can make money repairing these phones.
Plus, it’s a skill you can learn relatively quickly and with minimal investment in tools and equipment.

The iFixit site offers tons of free step-by-step repair guides as well as tools needed to get started on this side hustle.
You can start by familiarizing yourself with common phone repair issues. Most people break their cell phone screens so that’s a big one you can focus on!
Next, practice your skills on a few test phones to build confidence before offering your new services.
Once you get a handle on how to do phone repairs, start advertising your new services at a competitive rate!
Jobs for Teens with No Experience
Teens aged 16 with no previous job experience can find part-time and summer time work at places like Publix, AMC, Hot Topic and Walmart.
Here’s a list of places that hire at 16 years old.
1. Walmart
As the world’s largest retailer, Walmart offers job opportunities for 16 year olds, with positions ranging from cashier, greeter to stock clerk.
2. Rita’s Italian Ice
Rita’s has over 600 locations across the nation. They are one of the few places that hire at 14 years old. Teens can join the team as ice cream scoopers, cashiers, or flavor specialists.
3. Starbucks
If you love coffee but don’t know how to get free Starbucks gift cards to satisfy your caffeine craving, then a good option is to apply for a position at Starbucks!
4. Boys and Girls Club
Your 15 and 16 year old teen can also find community work at local places such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
5. Six Flags
Six Flags is an amusement park that hires at 15 years old for some positions, and at 16 years old for most positions.
Navigating Online Safety
There are plenty of mentions of online jobs for 13 year olds and online jobs for 16 year olds at home on this list.
With that being the case, I wanted to remind you to beware of online scams when deciding to pursue these online job opportunities.
Prioritize your safety by never sharing personal information and verifying the legitimacy of any platform.
Remember to:
- Review privacy settings on websites and social media.
- Check reviews and credibility before engaging with online platforms.
- Discuss any online work with a parent or guardian before starting.
It’s fun to say you make money online as a teenager. But it’s also important to keep your guard up to protect yourself from online scams!
How to Make Money as a Teenager Conclusion
Learning how to make money as a teenager is an exciting journey.
By leveraging your skills, interests, and available resources, you can explore various avenues such as part-time jobs, freelancing, or starting a side hustle business.
Stay proactive, adaptable, and open to new opportunities, and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance or look for mentorship along the way.
Remember to always prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively to balance school work alongside work.
Whether you’re looking for ways to make money to buy cheap movie tickets, or wanting to save for something bigger, remember to always stay safe out there!
Good luck on your journey!
Next, you may be interested in reading how to help your younger sibling make $254.70 with a lemonade stand! (just like my nephew did!)