How to Make Money as a Teenager: 20 Proven Ways

How to Make Money as a Teenager: 20 Proven Ways

Earning money as a teenager is an exciting step toward financial independence. Whether you are saving for a new gadget, college, or just want an extra cash, there are countless opportunities to make money in 2025.

This guide shares 20 proven ways for beginners to start earning, change for teens with little experience. From online side hustles to local work, these ideas are practical, safe, and designed to fit around school schedules.

Why Should Teenager Start Earning Money?

Making money as a teenager developing financial skills, work ethic, and confidence. It’s also a chance to explore interests and develop skills for careers in future. Before diving into the list, consider these tips:

• Check local laws: Some jobs have age restrictions or require parental consent.
• Ensure safety: Stick to reputable platforms and avoid sharing personal information online.
• Balance school and work: Choose flexible gigs to avoid burnout.
• Start small: Begin with low-skill jobs to build experience.

Lets begin Here are 20 beginner-friendly ways to make money as a teenager in 2025.

1. Start Blogging

What It Involves: Create a blog on topics you like most, like gaming, fashion, or study tips, using platforms like WordPress or Wix.
How to Earn: Monetize through ads (e.g., Google AdSense), affiliate marketing, or sponsored posts.
Why It’s Great: Blogging sharpen writing skills and can grow into a passive income.

Getting Started:

• Choose a niche you’re passionate about.
• Use free platforms like WordPress.com for low startup costs.
• Learn basic SEO to attract readers (check Moz’s Beginner’s Guide to SEO).
  Earning Potential: $10–$100/month initially, scaling with traffic.
  Tip: Post consistently and promote your blog on social media like TikTok, Facebook or Instagram.

2. Sell Handmade Crafts

What It Involves: Make jewelry, art, or custom items and sell them on Etsy or at local markets.
How to Earn: Price items to cover materials and time, typically $5–$50 per sale.
Why It’s Great: Perfect for creative teens who enjoy DIY projects.

Getting Started:

• Identify your craft (e.g bracelets, candles).
• Set up an Etsy shop (parental consent needed if under 18).
• Take high-quality photos to attract buyers.
  Earning Potential: $50–$500/month, depending on demand.
  Tip: Check Etsy’s Seller Handbook for tips on standing out.

3. Offer Pet-Sitting Services

What It Involves: Care for pets while owners are away, including feeding, walking, or playtime.
How to Earn: Charge $10–$25 per visit or $20–$50 per day.
Why It’s Great: Ideal for animal lovers with flexible schedules.

Getting Started:

• Advertise on community boards or apps like Rover (with parental permission).
• Get references from neighbors or family to build trust.
  Earning Potential: $100–$300/month for regular clients.
  Tip: Learn pet care basics from ASPCA’s Pet Care Guide.

4. Babysit for Neighbors

What It Involves: Watch kids for parents in your community, often in evenings or weekends.
How to Earn: Charge $10–$20/hour, depending on your area.
Why It’s Great: High demand and flexible hours make this a teen favorite.
Getting Started:

• Take a babysitting course (e.g., Red Cross Babysitting Certification).
• Spread the word through family friends or local groups.
  Earning Potential: $50–$200/month for occasional gigs.
  Tip: Build trust with parents by being punctual and responsible.

5. Tutor Younger Students

What It Involves: Teach subjects like math, science, or reading to younger kids.
How to Earn: Charge $15–$30/hour, either in-person or online via platforms like Wyzant.
Why It’s Great: Leverages your school knowledge and builds leadership skills.

Getting Started:

• Identify strong subjects (e.g algebra, English).
• Advertise on school boards or through parents’ networks.
  Earning Potential: $100–$400/month for 1–2 sessions weekly.
  Tip: Use Khan Academy for free resources to prep lessons.

6. Run a Lawn Mowing Business

What It Involves: Mow lawns, trim hedges, or rake leaves for neighbors.
How to Earn: Charge $20–$50 per lawn, depending on size.
Why It’s Great: Physical work with flexible hours and high local demand.

Getting Started:

• Borrow or invest in basic tools (mower, rake).
• Create flyers to distribute in your neighborhood.
  Earning Potential: $100–$500/month during spring, summer.
  Tip: Offer seasonal services like snow shoveling in winter.

7. Create YouTube Content

What It Involves: Make videos on gaming, vlogs, or tutorials and post on YouTube.
How to Earn: Monetize through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate links once you hit 1,000 subscribers.
Why It’s Great: Fun for creative teens and has high earning potential.

Getting Started:

• Use a smartphone and free editing apps like CapCut.
• Follow YouTube’s monetization rules (see YouTube’s Creator Academy).
  Earning Potential: $0–$500/month initially, growing with subscribers.
  Tip: Post regularly and engage with viewers in comments.

8. Sell Stock Photos

What It Involves: Take photos with your phone or camera and sell them on platforms like Shutterstock.
How to Earn: Earn $0.25–$10 per download, depending on the platform.
Why It’s Great: Great for photography enthusiasts and offers passive income.

Getting Started:

• Focus on in-demand subjects like nature or lifestyle.
• Upload to sites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock (parental consent required).
  Earning Potential: $10–$100/month with consistent uploads.
  Tip: Learn photography tips from Digital Photography School.

9. Take Online Surveys

What It Involves: Complete surveys on platforms like Swagbucks or Survey Junkie.
How to Earn: Earn $0.50–$5 per survey, plus gift cards or cash.
Why It’s Great: Easy, no skill work you can do in spare time.

Getting Started:

• Sign up with parental permission (most platforms require 13+).
• Avoid scams by sticking to reputable sites.
  Earning Potential: $20–$100/month for regular participation.
  Tip: Combine multiple platforms to maximize earnings.

10. Freelance Writing

What It Involves: Write blog posts, product descriptions, or social media content for clients.
How to Earn: Charge $10–$50 per article as a beginner on platforms like Upwork.
Why It’s Great: Builds writing skills and offers remote work.

Getting Started:

• Create a portfolio with sample articles.
• Join freelance platforms or pitch to local businesses.
  Earning Potential: $50–$300/month initially.
  Tip: Check Pro Blogger for freelance writing tips.

11. Deliver Groceries or Food

What It Involves: Deliver food or groceries via apps like DoorDash or Instacart (age 16+ with parental consent).
How to Earn: Earn $5–$20 per delivery, plus tips.
Why It’s Great: Flexible and high demand in urban areas.

Getting Started:

• Use a bike or scooter for local deliveries.
• Sign up with a parent’s help for age-restricted apps.
  Earning Potential: $100–$500/month for part-time work.
  Tip: Work during peak hours (e.g dinner time) for better tips.

12. Sell Unused Items

What It Involves: Sell clothes, games, or electronics on eBay, Depop, or local marketplaces.
How to Earn: Price items based on condition, earning $5–$100 per sale.
Why It’s Great: Declutters your space while earning quick cash.

Getting Started:

• Take clear photos and write detailed descriptions.
• Use platforms like Depop for trendy items.
  Earning Potential: $50–$200/month, depending on items.
  Tip: Research market prices on eBay’s Sold Listings.

13. Offer Social Media Management

What It Involves: Manage social media accounts for small businesses or influencers.
How to Earn: Charge $50–$200/month per client for scheduling posts or creating content.
Why It’s Great: Teens are often social media savvy, making this a natural fit.

Getting Started:

• Learn tools like Canva for graphics or Hootsuite for scheduling.
• Pitch to local businesses or family friends.
  Earning Potential: $100–$500/month for 1–3 clients.
  Tip: Stay updated with Social Media Examiner.

14. Stream on Twitch

What It Involves: Stream gaming or creative content (e.g., art, music) on Twitch.
How to Earn: Earn through subscriptions, donations, or sponsorships.
Why It’s Great: Fun for gamers and creatives with potential for big earnings.

Getting Started:

• Use a decent computer and microphone.
• Follow Twitch’s guidelines (see Twitch Creator Camp).
  Earning Potential: $0–$200/month initially, growing with followers.
  Tip: Engage viewers with a consistent streaming schedule.

15. Do Yard Sale Flipping

What It Involves: Buy items at yard sales or thrift stores and resell them online for a profit.
How to Earn: Earn $10–$100 per item, depending on demand.
Why It’s Great: Teaches negotiation and market research skills.

Getting Started:

• Visit local yard sales or thrift stores.
• Research resale prices on eBay.
  Earning Potential: $50–$300/month with regular flipping.
  Tip: Focus on high demand items like vintage clothing or electronics.

16. Offer Car Washing Services

What It Involves: Wash cars for neighbors or family friends.
How to Earn: Charge $10–$25 per car.
Why It’s Great: Low startup costs and high local demand.

Getting Started:

• Gather supplies (soap, sponges, buckets).
• Advertise with flyers or word-of-mouth.
  Earning Potential: $50–$200/month for weekend work.
  Tip: Bundle interior and exterior cleaning for higher rates.

17. Create Print-on-Demand Products

What It Involves: Design T-shirts, mugs, or posters and sell them via platforms like Redbubble.
How to Earn: Earn $1–$10 per sale, depending on the product.
Why It’s Great: No inventory needed, and it’s creative.

Getting Started:

• Use free design tools like Canva.
• Upload designs to Printful or Redbubble.
  Earning Potential: $20–$200/month with popular designs.
  Tip: Check Redbubble’s Design Tips for success.

18. Teach Gaming Skills

What It Involves: Coach others in popular games like Fortnite, Minecraft or Pubg via platforms like GamerSensei.
How to Earn: Charge $10–$30/hour for lessons.
Why It’s Great: Perfect for skilled gamers looking to monetize expertise.

Getting Started:

• Record gameplay to showcase skills.
• Sign up on coaching platforms or advertise locally.
  Earning Potential: $50–$300/month for regular clients.
  Tip: Build a reputation by offering free trial sessions.

19. Run Errands for Neighbors

What It Involves: Pick up groceries, mail, or dry cleaning for busy neighbors.
How to Earn: Charge $5–$20 per errand, plus tips.
Why It’s Great: Flexible and requires no special skills.

Getting Started:

• Offer services to trusted neighbors or family friends.
• Use apps like TaskRabbit (with parental consent).
  Earning Potential: $50–$150/month for occasional errands.
  Tip: Be reliable to secure repeat clients.

20. Create an Online Course

What It Involves: Record lessons on a skill you know (e.g photo editing, coding basics) and sell on Udemy.
How to Earn: Earn $10–$100 per course sale, depending on demand.
Why It’s Great: Builds a portfolio and offers passive income.

Getting Started:

• Use a smartphone or laptop to record lessons.
• Follow Udemy’s course creation guide (see Udemy’s Teaching Center).
  Earning Potential: $50–$500/month with popular courses.
  Tip: Promote your course on social media to boost sales.

Tips to Maximize Your Earnings

• Track Income: Use apps like Mint to monitor earnings and expenses.
• Learn Basic Marketing: Promote your services on Instagram, TikTok, or local groups.
• Upskill: Take free courses on Coursera to improve skills like writing or design.
• Stay Safe: Always involve parents for online platforms or in-person jobs.
• Scale Up: Combine multiple gigs (e.g., blogging and freelancing) for higher income.

Conclusion

Making money as a teenager in 2025 is easier than ever with these 20 beginner friendly ideas. From online hustles like blogging and YouTube to local gigs like pet sitting and lawn mowing, there’s something for every teen. Start small, stay consistent, and prioritize safety to build a steady income stream. Pick one or two ideas from this list, take action, and watch your earnings grow!

FAQ’s

1. How do I earn money as a teenager?

Start with babysitting, pet sitting, tutoring, or selling crafts, services online.

2. How to make $500 a month as a teenager?

Offer consistent services like lawn care, freelancing, or part time work (like at a store or café if legal age permits).

3. How to make $100 fast at 14?

Do quick gigs like yard work, dog walking, or sell unused items online or at a garage sale.

4. How to get $500 dollars fast as a kid?

Combine chores, birthday money, and selling things or crafts to family, friends ask for small paid tasks.

5. How to get a job at 15?

Apply to places that hire at 15 like fast food restaurants or grocery stores, and get a work permit if required.