70 Most Lucrative Ways Teens Can Earn Money Today

ways for teens to earn money

Looking for the best ways for teens to earn money? These jobs are perfect for gaining experience, building responsibility, and boosting savings.

This list is packed with opportunites that match different skills and interests. From flexible part-time work to fun seasonal gigs, there’s something for every teen to start making money!

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Classic Ways Teenagers Can Make Money

1. Retail Worker

Stock shelves, assist customers, or run the cash register at a local retail store near you. Retail jobs are great for learning customer service skills and working in a fast-paced environment.

Retail covers a wide range of options! You can apply at a store that fits your interests.

Don’t forget:

  • Grocery stores
  • Bookstores
  • Department stores
  • Hardware stores

2. Fast Food & Restaurant Jobs

Teens can work as cashiers, prepare food, serve customers, or wash dishes at fast-food chains or local diners. These jobs often come with employee discounts and flexible hours.

3. Amusement Park Worker

Perfect for the summer, teens can operate rides, sell tickets, work in food stands, or help keep the park clean. Amusement parks provide a fun and energetic work environment.

4. Movie Theater Attendant

Sell tickets, serve popcorn, clean theaters, and assist customers. This job often comes with free movie perks, making it a great pick for film lovers.

5. Lifeguard

For strong swimmers, lifeguarding at a pool, beach, or waterpark can be a rewarding summer job. Certification is required, but the pay and experience are well worth it.

6. Day Camp Counselor

If you enjoy working with kids, being a camp counselor is a fun way to earn money during summer. Help plan activities, lead games, and supervise campers while spending time outdoors.

7. Referee for Youth Sports

Being a youth referee is great job for teens who know the rules of sports like soccer, basketball, or baseball. Referees can earn good pay per game, making it a great weekend or after-school job.

8. Grocery Store Bagger/Stocker

Grocery stores often hire teens to bag groceries, restock shelves, and help customers. The hours are flexible, making it an ideal first job.

9. Car Wash Worker

Work at a commercial car wash or start your own car-washing and detailing service in the neighborhood. This is a great job for teens who enjoy working outdoors.

10. House or Pet Sitting

Many homeowners need someone to check their mail, water plants, and keep an eye on their pets while they’re away. It’s a simple, low-stress way to earn extra cash.

11. Golf Caddy

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Golf courses and country clubs often hire teens to carry golf bags for players. This job pays well, especially with tips, and provides a chance to network with professionals.

12. Outdoor Tour Guide

If you live near a popular hiking trail, lake, or tourist spot, consider leading guided tours. This job is perfect for teens who enjoy nature and meeting new people.

13. Fair & Festival Worker

Many fairs and festivals hire teens to help with food stands, games, ticket sales, and cleanup. It’s a great way to make money while enjoying local events.

14. House Cleaning

Offer cleaning services for neighbors or family friends. Simple tasks like vacuuming, dusting, and organizing can bring in extra income.

15. Swim Instructor

Teaching kids how to swim is great way to make money, especially during the summer. This job may require certification but can pay well.

16. Coffee Barista

Working at a coffee shop like Starbucks or a local café is a fun way to earn money while learning customer service and multitasking skills. Many places offer free drinks and tips!

17. Tutor

Help struggling students improve in certain subject areas or courses.

18. Concession Stand Worker

Serve food and drinks at the consession stands at different events or venues.

19. Babysit or Nanny

girl babysitting a baby

If a teen likes being around younger kids and has the skills and knowledge necessary, they can babysit or become a summer nanny for a family.

Kids 11+ can earn their babysitting certification from the American Red Cross. This course teaches basic skills as well as tips to build a babysitting business, first aid, and more.

20. Daycare Assistant

Teens who enjoy working with young children can assist at daycare centers by supervising playtime, helping with activities, and keeping the space tidy. Some states may have age restrictions, but many centers allow teens to work as helpers.

21. Package Delivery Assister Or Driver

Many delivery companies hire teens to assist drivers with loading and unloading packages, especially during busy seasons. While teens may not be able to drive the trucks, they can help make deliveries more efficient.

22. Mover

Teens with strength and stamina can work with moving companies to help load and unload furniture, pack boxes, and transport belongings. This job pays well and provides a great workout but requires physical endurance.

23. Valet Parking

For teens with a valid driver’s license and good driving skills, valet parking can be a well-paying job with great tips. This job is common at restaurants, hotels, and event venues, but typically requires professionalism and a neat appearance.

24. Landscaping/Lawn care

Teens can earn money doing basic landscaping tasks for neighbors or local businesses including:

  • mowing lawns
  • pulling weeds
  • trimming bushes
  • laying mulch or rock
  • planting flowers
  • raking leaves
  • cleaning gutters
  • snow removal

Related:

Ways For Teens To Earn Money Online

ways for teens to earn money online

25. Social Media Manager

Teens who love social media can help small businesses or local influencers manage their Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook pages. This usually involves creating content, scheduling posts, and engaging with followers.

26. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a popular survey company that allows teens aged 13+ to make money by watching videos, answering surveys, searching online, playing games, and more.

27. Slice the Pie

Kids 13+ can get paid for leaving reviews and giving feedback on products like songs, commercials, fashion items, and accessories on this website.

28. Play Video games

Teens can get paid to play video games on platforms like Mistplay. It rewards users with gift cards for their gameplay.

29. Gaming Coach or Streamer

Teens who love gaming can earn money by coaching younger players or starting a streaming channel on Twitch or YouTube.

30. Write A Book Review

Read books and make money! Check the age requirements on these sites to read books and write reviews.

31. Video Editor

teenager boy on computer

With the rise of YouTube and TikTok, video editing is a valuable skill. Teens can edit videos for influencers, small businesses, or even friends who need help with school projects.

32. Start An online business

Teenagers can create and run their own websites to sell needed products or services. Or they can help others start an online business.

33. Sell Items On Etsy

Teens 13+ can set up an Etsy account and sell handmade crafts, digital art, jewelry, and more.

Check out these money-making crafts for more ideas.

34. Teach Computer skills

Your teen could use their computer savvy skills to teach others how to better manage the ever-changing online world.

35. Computer programming

Teens with programming experience can earn money by coding websites, creating apps, or selling digital templates online.

36. Freelance Writer Or Blogger

Teens with strong writing skills can make money writing articles, blog posts, or product reviews for websites. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork offer freelance opportunities.

37. Tech Support & Computer Repair

If you’re good with technology, offer services like setting up new devices, fixing computer issues, or teaching basic tech skills to older adults.

Creative Ways for Teens to Earn Money

jewerly making

38. Jewelry Making

Teens can create and sell handmade jewelry at craft fairs, online, or through social media.

Related: Hottest Items To Sell On Etsy Now

39. Homemade Greeting Cards

Creative teens can design and sell custom greeting cards.

40. Photography

Teens with a good eye for photography can sell their images online as stock photos or offer photo sessions.

41. Make Gift Baskets

Teens can create themed baskets (self-care, movie night, holiday treats) and sell them to family, friends, or through social media.

42. Make Activity Sets

Holiday-themed sets, like a cookie-decorating kit or craft kit, are perfect for seasonal sales. They can be marketed at local events or online.

43. Face Painting For Events

Teens with artistic skills can offer face painting at birthday parties, school events, or fairs.

44. Give At-Home Manicures and Pedicures

Teens can provide basic nail services for friends or family. With practice, they can expand to special designs and charge more.

45. Style Hair for Events

If a teen is good at braiding, curling, or styling hair, they can offer services for school dances, weddings, or birthday parties.

46. Give Makeup Tutorials

They can teach younger kids or beginners how to do simple makeup looks, either in person or by creating tutorial videos on social media.

47. Teach Music Lessons

Teens can offer beginner music lessons to younger kids who are starting a new instrument.

48. T-shirt Design

Design and sell custom T-shirts online using print-on-demand services like Redbubble or Teespring.

49. Customized Digital Stickers & Printables

For teens with design skills, creating and selling digital stickers, planners, or printable worksheets on Etsy or other platforms is a great way to make money without inventory.

Genius Ways For Teens To Earn Money

outdoor movie night

50. Plan And Host Outdoor Movie Nights

With a projector and a screen, teens can host outdoor movie nights.

51. Party Planner For Kids’ Birthdays

Plan and organize themed birthday parties:

  • Nerf gun parties
  • Superhero obstacle courses
  • Sports game stations
  • Carnival theme parties
  • Science experiment stations
  • Perform magic tricks
  • DIY spa party
  • Tea party

52. Personal Assistant

Become a personal assistant for someone who works out of their home. Answer phones, organize paperwork, and run any errands needed.

53. Parent’s Night Out

Host a night where parents can drop off their kids for a night out. Instead of babysitting for one family, this could be done for three or four families to earn more money.

This can also work well for two teenagers. They could host these nights several times a month.

54. Event DJ

If you love music and have a good playlist, offer DJ services for school dances, birthday parties, or neighborhood events.

55. Take Large Trash Items

Pick up leftovers from garage sales or large trash items to take to the dump for a service fee.

56. Party Character Performer

Dress up as a princess, superhero, or mascot for kids’ parties.

57. Personal Shopper/Errand Runner

woman grcoery shopping

Help busy people with grocery shopping or gift-buying.

58. Parent Assistant

Many parents could use a hand with daily tasks:

  • preparing simple meals/snacks
  • cleaning up common areas
  • picking up kids from school
  • laundry
  • running small errands

59. Event Decorator And Gift Wrapper

Teens can offer decorating services for special occasions like birthdays, graduations, or seasonal holidays by setting up balloons, banners, table settings, and themed decorations.

They can also provide professional gift-wrapping services for busy parents and party hosts.

60. Hanging Christmas Lights

Many homeowners and businesses are willing to pay for help putting up holiday lights. Teens can offer their services to hang, adjust, and take down Christmas lights, making this a great seasonal job that pays well and gets them outside.

61. Reselling Donated Items

By finding valuable items at garage sales, thrift stores, or from people willing to donate, teens can resell them online or locally for a profit.

Related: Best List of Items To Resell For Profit

62. Help With A Side Hustle

Teens can assist small business owners with tasks like packaging products, organizing inventory, or running errands.

Related: Free Savings Tracker for Kids

Animal-Related Jobs For Teens To Make Money

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63. Dog Walking

Teens who love animals can offer dog walking services to busy pet owners.

64. Pet Sitting

Taking care of a pet while people are away is a great way to earn extra cash and gain responsibility.

65. Pet Boarder

If a teen’s home is pet-friendly, they can offer to board pets while their owners are traveling.

66. Pooper Scooper

Cleaning up after pets may not be glamorous, but many homeowners will pay for this service.

67. Kennel Assistant

For animal lovers, working at a kennel or pet boarding facility can be a great fit. Duties may include feeding, cleaning enclosures, and exercising pets.

68. Dog Grooming Assistant

Helping at a pet grooming salon by bathing dogs, brushing fur, and cleaning up after appointments. Some places may allow teens to assist with simple grooming tasks under supervision.

69. Horse Stable Helper

Cleaning stalls, feeding horses, and helping with basic barn chores at a local stable or riding school. Great for teens who love horses and don’t mind getting their hands dirty.

70. Making and Selling Pet Treats or Accessories

Baking homemade dog treats or creating pet accessories like bandanas, collars, or toys to sell online or at local markets.

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