Ways For Teenagers To Earn Money

Did you know that teenagers can earn money? There are so many ways for teenagers to earn money yet I would be willing to bet your teen is not quite sure where to start when it comes to finding their first job. 

Let’s start with this question first. Why does your teen need a job? Many of us have children that want for very little and have all of the things that they need, which has many parents questioning why they want to work. Well, kids often want to have their own spending money so they don’t have to ask their parents for it. Many other kids would like to save up some money for a big purchase in the future (a new gaming system, a new car, etc.). There are also kids out there that need to pay for things themselves (auto insurance and fuel costs come to mind). The why behind their desire to earn money may make a difference in the type of job that they should get.

Ways for Teenagers to Earn Money

While this list below is broken down by age, with a certain level of creativity even little kids can benefit from learning all about the different ways for teens to earn money.

Many Ways for Teenagers to Earn Money (and tips for little kids too)

Under 13

No, kids under 13 can’t legally work, however, there are still many creative ways for teenagers of this age to earn money. Most of these will be jobs that your teen can do for friends and family as opposed to a typical “job”. Earning money at this age might also entail things that parents can be a part of. 

Here are some of the ways that kids this age can earn money:

At Home:

• Crafts – Make and sell crafts. Sites like Etsy are great for marketing your creations, but you can also consider eBay or local Fairs.
• Sell Old Stuff – This by far is my favorite method as it made a huge difference for my family. Just like many I have bags and boxes of things I don’t use yet don’t have time to sell. Recruit a child. My daughter and I created listings, took pictures together and published posts for lots of items on Craigslist. She is in charge of renewing them on time. My husband and I respond to emails and make the transaction. And we usually split the money half and half.
• Computer Projects – use your computer skills to teach someone how to use a computer.
• Websites – Create and design websites, or host a blog.
• Resell online – Find items on sale at stores and then sell them on eBay for a profit. You can sell toys, collectibles, or electronic equipment on Craigslist. Check out CafePress where you can create your store and sell items. Also, check out the different “yard sale” pages on Facebook.

In Your Neighborhood

• Garage Sale – A great family activity that will help you to get rid of the stuff you no longer need with the help of your kids. Children can help you organize things for the garage sale as well as sell it (often buyers will pay the asking price – not everyone can argue with a kid over a dollar).
• Chores for Neighbors – Seniors often have odd jobs that they are unable to do for themselves and will be happy to pay a kid for doing it. However, as a parent, make sure you are comfortable with the neighbors you help.
• Babysitting job – While there is no law that suggests at what age a child can start babysitting, it usually comes down to common sense. Both the parents of the babysitter and the parents of the children s/he will be watching need to make the decision on whether or not the babysitter is mature enough for the job. Keep in mind in some states a child can’t be left unattended as old as 12 for long periods of time. If your son or daughter is interested in babysitting, sign them up to take a course (the Red Cross has a great babysitting certification course available)
• Pet Care – Provide pet care services for friends or neighbors. Pets need washing, walking, and sometimes, even training.

Outside of Your Neighborhood

• Car Wash – Best to be done in a group and under adult supervision.
• Video games – Take used and unwanted video games to a local game store
• Recycling –  collect and take cans to the recycling facility and earn money while helping the environment. Depending on the state you live in, this can really add up. 

THIRTEEN AND UP

When kids reach the age of 13, they’re legally allowed to do certain jobs. They can do anything for work that doesn’t affect safety, education or health. Of course, go over the list posted above first as there are many great ideas for all ages of teens, and then check out these additional ideas: 

• Virtual Assistant – many bloggers look for reliable virtual assistants to do a variety of tasks like email management.
• Computer repair – If this is your skill, you can earn money repairing computers.
• Lawn and garden care – Many of us adults are so busy in our everyday lives that we don’t really want to go home and take care of the lawn. That is why mowing lawns and other lawn care tasks are such great jobs for teens! 
• T-Shirt design and printing – Show your art skills and create some fantastic designs. Many online printing companies will let you upload the design and give you a cut from every t-shirt sold.
• Tutoring – Are you good at a particular subject in school? Would you like to help others learn that subject? You can tutor them! Parents often pay very well to have a good tutor helping their child learn. 
• Install stereos, TVs, etc. – many people don’t like to install and assemble things, but almost anyone needs to get it done.

FOURTEEN and FIFTEEN YEAR OLDS

At the age of 14, kids have more options when it comes to jobs. They are legally allowed to be employed (at some businesses), although there are restrictions placed on how many hours they can work on school days/weekends/school breaks, etc. There are also restrictions as to how early or late someone in this age group can work. 

Here are some examples of said restrictions: 

• On weekdays and Sundays during term time for two hours a day.
• Saturdays during term time for five hours a day.
• For up to five hours on a weekday or a Saturday during school holidays.
• No more than two hours on a Sunday during school holidays.
• Not allowed to work before 7.00am or after 7.00pm on any day. 
• 14 and 15-year-olds can work in restaurants, stores, and other non-manufacturing, non-mining, non-hazardous jobs

I often see teens in this age group work doing clerical tasks, dishwashing, clean up, etc. Sure, they don’t have as many options as teens a little bit older than them, but they do have options!

Here are a couple of great resources for job ideas for teens: 

List of Good First Job Ideas for Teens – a very extensive list of jobs that require no prior training

The 25 Best Summer Jobs for 14-Year-Olds

FIFTEEN/SIXTEEN/SEVENTEEN YEAR OLDS

The ways for teenagers to earn money are unlimited once they turn sixteen. For 15 and 16-year-olds who are still at school, the rules are the same as those for 14-year-olds. The only difference is that they’re allowed to work for up to eight hours during school holidays or on Saturdays. There are fewer restrictions governing the working hours of 16 and 17-year-olds, who are classed as young workers. 

Do you have a working teen at home? What type of work have they found to do?

Also check out Online Jobs for Kids!