Tired of the same old “babysit”, “mow the lawn”, and the usual summer jobs for students kind of advice when you ask someone “how can a (insert 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17…) year old kid earn money?”
I’m tired of the same old tips for kids to make money as well. Sure, many of those old options still work (and we’ll mention some of them as well in this post so you know your options), but these days the internet has tons of options for you to make extra money.
Sure, out of the many ways to make money online, most are adult-oriented and require you to be at least 18 or older.
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There are ways for kids of all ages to make money on the internet. We shared a few already including sites for kids under 18 to make money as well as ways for kids as young as 9 years old to earn money.
So, we did the legwork for you and found tons of real and legitimate online jobs for teens that allow you to earn your pocket money and then some, all without having to leave your home.
Websites that Pay Teens to Work at Home
There are many different kinds of ’em, actually!
As we explained in our recent “Online jobs for college students” post, half the battle is knowing where to look and what to look for.
The teenagers of today are tech-savvy.
They know a lot of the programs and software that are required to do many of these jobs.
The internet is second nature for most kids today.
Put all of that together and you get the perfect candidate for some of the best online money making opportunities available to anyone.
A few tips
Teens, just like adults, might want to start off with some survey sites if they’re new to making money online.
Once you get your bearings with that and you’re ready to get serious, there are ways to put those skills to work.
There is a variety of writing jobs that accept work from teenagers, as well as design work.
There are scams out there as well, no matter what work you’re looking into. So you have to be careful.
As a rule of thumb, never pay any kind of fee – registration fee, application processing fee, etc.
All legitimate companies and websites that you can use to earn money are free to use. They’re supposed to pay you, not the other way around!
How to Make Money as a Teenager without a Job!
Ready to make some money so you don’t have to keep asking your parents (or grandparents) for allowance?
Here are some of the best and most trusted ways and websites for teenagers to earn extra spending cash without getting a “traditional” job.
Survey Sites for Teens
To make it easier for you to avoid scams, we’ve compiled this list of legitimate online money making opportunities that any teen – 17, 16, 15, 14, and even 13 and younger – can take advantage of.
In case you’re unfamiliar with survey sites and how they work, read our “Get paid to take surveys” post first.
They work much like you’d think – you answer a few questions and earn rewards for your participation.
These surveys are conducted by market research companies on behalf of companies and manufacturers who use your feedback to improve their products and even develop new, better versions of them.
Rewards tend to be minimal, but they’re great casual work that teens can do while they’ve got some free time.
It’s an easy way for beginners to start making extra cash online.
No to mention that you can feel good about voicing your opinion about products, games, and movies that you love.
1. SurveySavvy
SurveySavvy is a site that is great for those who want to buckle down and really make some cash.
They have a lot of members, a lot of surveys, and they pay out pretty well.
SS is one of the biggest and most renowned companies in the market research industry, so it’s definitely worth checking out.
2. Pinecone Research
If you want to know how to make money as a teenager online, then try Pinecone Research. It’s a survey site that allows people who are under 18 years old to join as long as they have the consent of a parent or legal guardian.
The site will pay you after just one survey too. Pay per survey is $3 and there are a few different payment options available such as:
- Check
- PayPal
- Visa gift card
You can also redeem your earnings in denominations greater than $3 if you want to.
3. Ipsos i-Say
This well-known market research group is accepting people who are at least 14. Update: Unfortunately, they have changed the age requirement to 18.
There are plenty of good reasons to use this service, from the high rate of good-paying surveys to the variety of cash out options (everything from gift cards to cash.)
They also have a mobile app, for teens who are out and about.
4. LifePoints (Former MySurvey & Global Test Market)
There are a few things about MySurvey that I think are really great.
The age requirement is only 14 and they are also accepting applicants from all over the world!
One of the best things about their system is that surveys are very equal-opportunity.
Teens, adults and seniors alike will find surveys that value their opinion and payout accordingly.
5. Kidz Eyes
This is the only survey site that doesn’t accept anyone above the age of 12!
Kidz Eyes is a company that does market research specifically targeted towards children. They’re a company that’s over 50 years old, belonging to the even bigger market research firm C&R Research.
The site has a bright, poppy aesthetic that makes it easy on kid’s eyes (no pun intended!)
1000 Points equal out to $10, which you receive in the form of a check.
6. Panel Polls
Panel Polls is a market research company targeted at families.
They are offering surveys/panels to the kids and the parents alike!
Billed as a great way to influence the products you love while teaching your children the value of money, Panel Polls is accepting kids 6 to 17.
7. American Consumer Opinion
These guys are accepting teens over 14.
Despite the name, they’re also offering their services to people all over the globe.
That means that if you live in a country with a low cost of living, this can actually be a great way for teens to join in and earn a nice chunk of money!
8. E-Poll
This is another site that is accepting people 13 years of age or older, though adults are perfectly welcome, too.
Information was scarce on this one, but they seem to be a safe and easy-to-use site.
9. Focus Forward
Another site that pays by Check, Focus Forward is a split between a survey group and a focus group.
You can be as young as 13 if you want to join this panel, so teens who want to be rewarded for their opinions should definitely check this out.
10. Toluna
This site is also accepting people who are 13 years old.
It works on a point system, but you can convert to points to cash which is paid through check.
They offer a pretty wide variety of surveys that are targeted at younger users, so there is no shortage of opportunities.
11. Harris Poll
Harris Poll is a pretty well-known site when it comes to this.
They accept 13-and-up, and payout via rewards points, which are then converted into gift cards.
12. Mindfield Online
This site does a good job at representing itself as a place that values your thoughts and wants to compensate you for them.
They’ll pay you via PayPal, check, or Amazon credit.
13. Valued Opinions
This site does accept applicants who are 13 and above, BUT you will need your parents’ permission before you are allowed to finish registering.
Payment can be done as Amazon credit or via prepaid Visa cards.
14. Maru Springboard America
SpringBoard is accepting people who are 14 or over, which they will then pay via PayPal or by check.
There is one warning about using this site, though: the payout minimum is very high at $50.
Get Paid to Write & Freelance
Those teen skills that I spoke about earlier can come in handy when it comes to making money as a teen freelancer.
While the skills that teens pick up, like Photoshop or coding languages, are usually incidental, just a little bit of polishing will make them full-on employable skills!
Coders are slated to become the highest-paid and most needed professionals of the next few decades, so it is a worthy investment of time.
You can also make money writing online. One of the many great things about writing for money is that it doesn’t come with an age limit.
If you can write good enough for people to pay you, it doesn’t matter if you’re 12 or 22!
Furthermore, teens (known for their erratic sleeping habits) can make money while making their own schedule.
I won’t say that it’s the easiest work in the world, but the pay can be quite good depending on your skill levels.
And the good news there are tons of places where you can make money as a teen freelancer.
Here are a few examples:
15. WriterAccess
This is basically a content writing agency where businesses can order content of all kinds, and writers get paid to write the content.
And yes, they accept applications from teenagers as well.
There are also other sites that can pay you for writing, though, after a certain point, teens would actually be better off delving into freelancing (while we’ll address below.)
16. r/hireawriter
This is another subreddit that is mainly focused on writing gigs.
Not only you can find writing projects to take on but you can also post ads offering your writing services.
17. Freelancer.com
As you would guess from the name, Freelancer.com is a freelancing site where you can find all kind sof work as a frelancer.
Whether it’s writing, graphic design, website development, app creation or whatever else you are looking for, this site is always full of clients looking for quality freelancers to work on projects.
18. Upwork (Previously Odesk)
One of the major freelancing sites that have been around for a long time.
You can earn money as a teen here by working on all kinds of projects– writing, coding, design, etc.
19. Guru
You can find freelancing projects related to a variety of subjects, from writing and design to translation, coding, and more.
The good thing about freelancing is that you are not limited to any one skill.
Any type of trade skill can be freelanced; so that means writing, coding, design, even social media management are all freelance-able jobs.
Teens who want money should dive right in and get going because these can be viable career paths.
20. Fiverr
I’ve written about Fiverr before, so you may be familiar with it.
Fiverr is a site that is built on the principle of “I will do X task for $5.”
You choose the task and advertise your services.
You can check out my Fiverr article if you want more details about how to succeed, but basically, you want a task that takes you very little time to do.
The quicker the better.
And then you want to advertise and line up as many customers as possible. It can get more nuanced, but that’s the site in summary.
21. r/forhire
This is a subreddit page where people who need to get something done, post ads to hire other people to do it for them.
There are all kinds of projects here, but mostly writing related gigs.
You have to be at least 13 years of age to join Reddit and any of its subreddit communities including this one.
Note:
The gigs posted on Reddit are not associated with the website itself. These are all private offers from members. So be sure not to get scammed here. Ask for full payment before you release the work, or work something out so you don’t get taken advantage of.
Reward Sites
These are similar to, but distinct from, survey sites.
A lot of the survey sites listed above are survey-specific, but these are sites that take a more general approach to making money and earning rewards.
You can get paid to watch videos, take surveys, play games, answer trivia questions, and more.
The only downside to using some of these online reward sites is that you earn points instead of cash.
However, you can redeem your points for cash, as well as other prizes like gift cards.
22. Quick Rewards
This is by far my favorite reward site, mainly because of their no-minimum-payout system and their very fast payout.
Request a PayPal payment and you will have it within minutes in your PayPal Account.
23. Swagbucks
Perhaps the most famous online reward program is Swagbucks, and thankfully they do accept teen members as long as you are at least 13 years of age.
For details and tips for making the most, check out our very detailed and honest Swagbucks review.
24. Cash Crate
Allows anyone under 18 with parent permission to participate.
25. Irazoo
They accept members from 13 and up.
26. Zoombucks
You can join if you are at least 13 years old.
27. MyPoints
MyPoints is a survey website and cashback website that pays you for shopping online. Anyone who’s over the age of 13 years old can make money with the site. You can get paid right to PayPal or you can choose to redeem gift cards for as little as $5.
What’s great about the site is that you can get a $10 Amazon or Visa gift card just for joining.
28. FeaturePoints
FeaturePoints is a reward site that pays you for doing tasks, such as:
- Trying fee apps
- Completing surveys
- Shopping online
You can get paid to PayPal, or you can get a gift card. There are gift cards available for lots of different retailers, like:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- GameStop
- Xbox
- Target
Anyone over the age of 13 (or 16 years old within the European Union) can sign up for FeaturePoints.
29. InstaGC
Want to make some extra cash online? Then try InstaGC. It’s a rewards website or “Get Paid To” website that pays you for doing easy tasks like watching videos and taking surveys.
What’s good about InstaGC is that you can join the site as young as 13 years old, as long as you have parental consent.
You can withdraw your earnings for just $1 to $5. You can get paid via PayPal or get a gift card. There are more than 300 gift card options available, including ones for Amazon, iTunes, and Pizza Hut.
30. Slice the Pie
A fantastic option for the music-loving teen in your life.
Slice the Pie pays you in order to listen to & review music as long as you’re 13 or over.
You listen to a short clip and then judge it on a 1 to 10 scale, providing a few sentences about your impressions on the matter.
Lots of new and indie artists are using STP as a way to get a feel for how people feel about their music.
You’ll get a pretty low payout, about 8¢ to 20¢ per song. But if you just want to hang out in your room and listen to music for a few hours, it’s a great reason to use STP and get paid at the same time.
31. Qmee
Another fantastic option for teens, especially teens who don’t like working!
Qmee is an extension you install on your browser and in return, Qmee pays you for monitoring your browsing habits. They aren’t trying to monitor you personally or bust you for anything– just seeing where you go so they can do market research.
You make money passively just for having it installed, and you can install it if you’re a teen in the US or the UK.
Other Ways for Teenagers to Make Money Online
These are the few sites I found which didn’t fit strictly into any of these categories.
If you’re looking for some off-beat ways to make money, here are some of the most practical and low cost side hustle ideas for teens.
32. U-Haul
This is a much more serious job than most other ones we talked about.
U-Haul lets you work from home which I think most kids (and even adults) would appreciate.
They hire seasonal and temporary at-home customer service workers as young as 16.
It’s more or less a normal job opportunity, except at home.
33. Online tutoring
As a teenager, you can offer offline or online tutoring services to people in your neighborhood. You could even advertise your tutoring services online.
34. Video editing service
You could offer a video editing or video creation service to local businesses. You could advertise this service online and near you.
Lots of businesses are looking for marketing videos, but they just don’t have the time to make videos themselves. You just need a fast computer, the right software, and video-making and editing skills.
You could create and edit YouTube videos for businesses.
35. YouTube
Why not consider setting up your own YouTube channel? Lots of people make a fulltime living from their YouTube channel.
Start a channel, which could be based on movies, games, or whatever you want. Then when you get enough views, you can be eligible to become YouTube Partner.
YouTube Partners can make money from the ads on their videos. According to online reports, YouTubers earn from $0.25 to $7 for every 1,000 views their videos get.
The YouTube Partner program pays through AdSense. Now, it’s important to note that you can’t get an AdSense account until you are 18 years old. However, if you are younger than 18, you can still monetize your videos by linking your YouTube account to an approved AdSense account of a parent or guardian who is over 18 years old.
You can also make money by creating sponsored content for brands.
- You can get started with your YouTube channel here.
36. Sell on Etsy
You could consider selling stuff on Etsy. This could be vintage clothing you find at the thrift store, handmade crafts, artwork, or furniture, for example. People aged 13 or over can use Etsy, but if you are under 18 years old, then you must get the permission and direct supervision of your parent or legal guardian who is the owner of the account.
Etsy charges you to list items for sale and it takes a commission when your items sell as well. You could turn selling stuff on Etsy into a fulltime business!
- Start selling on Etsy here.
37. Start a blog
Write a blog and monetize it. With a blog you can make money through AdSense ads and through creating sponsored content. To start a blog, you’ll need to get a domain name and hosting from sites like Bluehost, HostGator, and GoDaddy.
Then you will need to use a site like WordPress.org to publish content. Just choose a topic, do some keyword research, and then start posting content to your blog on a consistent basis.
While you won’t make money from your blog right away, after a while you will start getting traffic and will eventually make money.
How Teens Can Earn Cash Working Near You
Nog long ago, before the internet and everybody owning a smartphone was a thing, there were few things you could in and around your own neighborhood if you wanted to make some extra cash as a kid. Those options are still around.
Here are a few examples…
38. Cleaning
You could offer to do some cleaning work for friends and family. Or if you know someone who’s a cleaner, then you could offer to work as their assistant.
Housecleaners can make about $13 an hour!
39. Work at a restaurant
Some restaurants hire people as young as 14 or 15 years old. Working in a restaurant can be a varied role and tasks can range from serving customers to cleaning.
Here are some restaurants that have been known to hire teenagers:
40. Selling crafts
Consider making and selling crafts at local craft shows or other events like flea markets. You could sell them to people nearby or you could advertise your crafts for sale online. Since many craft shows and flea markets are held at the weekend, it’s a good side gig to fit in alongside high school.
41. Babysitting
You could offer a babysitting service to your parent’s friends. You could ask your parents if they could let people know that you’re looking for babysitting work.
Also, you can find babysitting jobs online. Many of these jobs are for people who are over 18 years old. But, there’s a site called Bambino Sitters that allows people as young as 13 to sign up as a caregiver. You will, however, need to get the consent of a parent or legal guardian.
- You can find work on Bambino Sitters here.
Babysitters can make $8 to $17 an hour!
42. Window cleaning
Window cleaners make $15 an hour!
Since people always need someone to clean their windows, working as a window cleaner can be a great option.
You could provide your window cleaning service to homeowners in your neighborhood, and you could even branch out to cleaning windows for local businesses. You can earn $15 an hour as a window cleaner.
43. Pet-sitting
People need someone to care for their pets while they are at work or away on vacation. If you love animals, then this could be the gig for you. You could tell your parents to let friends and family know that you are looking for pet-sitting work, or you could advertise your services to people in your neighborhood.
44. Work at the grocery store
Why not work at a grocery store? Working at a grocery store can involve a variety of tasks, such as stocking shelves, bagging groceries, and greeting customers.
While many supermarkets don’t hire those who are under the age of 18 years old, there are many places that hire at 15, 16, 17 or even 14.
Here are some grocery stores that hire teenagers:
45. Dog walker
Dog walking is another gig for teenagers who love animals. People are busy with things like work so they don’t have the time to walk their pets themselves. So they hire a dog walker to do it for them.
You could let your friends and family know that you are offering a dog walking service. And you could even advertise your services as a dogwalker to people in your neighborhood. Offer a good service and you could pick up more gigs by word of mouth.
46. Retail arbitrage
Next on the list we have retail arbitrage. This is a pretty fun way to make money as a teenager. It does require some effort, but it can make you a good profit.
Basically, retail arbitrage involves you purchasing items and then selling them for a profit. For example, let’s say that you find a purse that’s on sale for 50% off. So it costs $30 rather than $60. You pay just $30 and resell it for $50 or $60.
You buy discounted items at places like:
- The thrift store
- The dollar store
- Clearance section of any store
- TJ MAXX
- Marshall’s
- Ross
You can also look out for sales at any store where you can get items at low prices. You could even get things for free on sites like Craigslist and OfferUp and resell them leaving you with 100% profit!
47. Work at the movie theater
Who doesn’t love going to the movies? Well, you can enjoy the movies and get paid by working at your local movie theater. You can often get an employee discount for when you want to watch a movie.
Check with local theaters, as some do hire people who are 15, 16, or 17. Many well-known movie chains don’t hire employees until they are 18. But, AMC Theatres has been known to hire people who are younger than 18 years old. It’s a fun way to make cash.
48. Yard work/Landscape Labor
You could also offer to do yard work or provide a landscape labor service for people nearby.
Lawn mowing is a job that many teenagers consider. However, federal child labor laws prohibit 15-year-olds from operating lawn mowers, lawn trimmers, and weed cutters. So, this is only an option for those aged 16 years or more. So this is one to consider if you are 16 or 17 years old.
That’s why more general yard work is a good option.
If you are 15 years old or younger, then you could offer more general yard work and landscape labor instead. This could include tasks like watering plants, power-washing concrete areas, maintaining fences, and pulling out weeds.
Let people nearby know that you’re offering to do yard work and landscape labor.
49. Pool cleaning
Pool cleaning is another service that you could offer if you live in an area that’s warm and where many people have pools. You can set your own rates and work at the weekends too.
50. Work as a camp counselor
You could also work as a camp counselor. If you’re a teenager looking to make money over the summer, then this is the job for you. Camps will all have their own age requirements for counselors of course. So if you have any camps in your area, get in touch to ask about being a counselor.
51. Laundry Service
Why not get paid to do laundry? Lots of people are too busy to do their own laundry, so they’ll pay someone to do it for them. This is a good way for teenagers to make money. You could advertise your services in Facebook groups, and by letting people in your neighborhood know about your service. You could even ask your parents to tell their friends that you’re providing a laundry service.
52. Errand service
Since people are busy, they often don’t have the time to run errands themselves.
So, they hire someone to do it for them. You could make money doing errands for people like going to the grocery store or picking up dry cleaning. Again, just put the word out about your service.
53. Shovel snow
You could also shovel snow for people in your neighborhood. It’s a good way to make money during winter.
54. Work at an amusement park
If you enjoy rollercoasters and having fun, then why not work at an amusement park? They often provide seasonal jobs or work all year round.
Here are a few amusement parks that have been known to hire teenagers:
55. Wash cars
You could also offer a car washing service to people near you. Since people always need their car washing, this can be a good way to make some extra money.
56. Be a referee or umpire
You could also work as a referee or umpire. Since every little league or recreation league needs referees and umpires, this is a good option. So if you like sports and want to make money, then this could be the ideal gig for you.
57. Paint houses
Painting people’s houses is another way to make money. You could paint the interior or exterior depending on your skillset. Just advertise your services to people in your area.
58. Wash cars
Why not advertise a car washing service through your neighborhood? If people know that they don’t even need to drive their vehicle to a car wash to get it cleaned, then they would be happy to use your services! So, offer to wash your neighbors’ cars.
59. Golf course maintenance
Golf courses are always in need of help around the course. Whether you’re helping out in the pro shipping, cleaning up, or collecting balls, you can get paid for doing lots of tasks at your local golf course. Get in touch with local courses to see if they have any work available.
60. Have a yard sale or garage sale
If you want to make some extra money fast, then consider selling stuff at a yard sale or garage sale. You can sell things that you no longer use and get some money! You might be surprised to learn that many people still love a simple yard sale!
61. Be a kennel assistant
Another job to consider if you love animals is working as a kennel assistant. Check with your local veterinarian to see if they have any kennel assistant jobs, receptionist jobs at their office, or any other work available.
62. Housesit
When people go on vacation or out of town, they sometimes hire a house-sitter. House-sitting is a varied role that can come along with lots of different responsibilities, such as bringing in the mail, tending to plants, or taking care of pets.
So, you could ask your parents to tell friends, family, and neighbors that if they ever need someone to housesit when they’re out of town, that you’re offering a housesitting service.
63. Be a lifeguard
If you’re looking for a summer job for teens, then why not try working as a lifeguard? You just need to sign up for lifeguard training and certification. Then, you’ll be able to apply for lifeguard jobs near you. You can find lifeguard jobs in lots of places, like at your city pool, YMCA, recreation center, or even neighborhood pool.
Final Thoughts
Teens might not be adults yet but that doesn’t mean they don’t need money or they don’t want their own.
The options on this list can help them start making money and get a grasp of the burgeoning economic sphere that is the internet.
It is estimated that fewer and fewer children of the modern world will trend towards traditional 9-5 jobs, and instead are investing in opportunities like freelancing and online work.
A teen who is dedicated and willing to improve can make money during spring break or through the long summer break while they don’t have any pressing obligations.
Any teen could spend the summer learning to code and be ready to make actual big money by the end.
So, if you’re a teen or you know any, pass this information along and give them a head start. The online world is only going to create more jobs and opportunities as it grows.
And if know of any other ways for teens to make money, please share it in the comment section below.
