Getting a job early in life can really set you up for success. It can build confidence, teach responsibility and the value of a dollar, and even help you save for your higher education. Not to mention that it looks great on a college application.
That’s why we’ve decided to share 17 clever ways for teens to make money. Whether it’s a summer job like camp counseling, an after school job at Starbucks, or even building a YouTube channel, teenagers don’t need to wait to start making their own money and growing into talented, responsible young adults.
Ways For Teens to Make Money
- Work in the Food or Beverage Service Industry
- Work in Retail
- Walk Dogs
- Babysit
- Golf Caddy
- Work as Assistant Coach
- Tutor
- Sell Baked Goods
- Open an Investment Account
- Shovel Snow or Clear Leaves
- Lifeguard
- Work as a Camp Counselor
- Start a YouTube Channel
- Deliver Food
- Do Chores for Your Parents
- Intern
- Build Your Own Business
1. Work in the Food or Beverage Service Industry
There are plenty of opportunities for teens to work at local coffee shops, juice bars, restaurants, or grocery stores. Many careers involve customer service, so this could be a great way for young folks to get their feet wet in this kind of work. An added bonus is that some of these places will allow you to make tips!
2. Work in Retail
Customer service roles aren’t just limited to food and beverage. Check which clothing or gift stores in your area are looking for help! These kinds of entry-level positions are perfectly suited for young folks looking to enter the workforce.
3. Walk Dogs
Any animal lovers out there? This could be one of the most fun and fruitful ways for teens to make money, especially in the summer. These non-school months are the perfect time for this gig because you’ll be available (unlike most adults) for those much-needed midday walks.
4. Babysit
Maybe you prefer young children to animals! Advertise your services to your neighborhood and some family friends. People will especially be likely to trust you with their kids if you have experience taking care of your own younger siblings.
5. Golf Caddy
If you have good upper body strength and enjoy sports this could be a great way to get fresh air and make some solid cash. Depending on the golf courses in your area, you could potentially get access to clients who tip quite a bit of money, especially if you can charm them over.
6. Work as an Assistant Coach
Perhaps you not only enjoy sports — you’re especially good at one! Acting as an assistant coach for a team of younger players could allow you to get more involved and learn how to be a great leader.
7. Tutor
Academics more your thing? Try tutoring younger kids or your peers in one or more subjects. A full classroom is not always the best learning environment for everyone and many students can benefit from the help of one-on-one attention.
8. Sell Baked Goods
This can be a regular or one-off thing! If you enjoy baking, set up a stand at a local sports event, a corner with a lot of foot traffic, or even your school, and sell tasty cookies, muffins, and whatever else you can dream up!
9. Open an Investment Account
This is one of the best ways for teens to make money in the long term. The bonus is, if you don’t have enough free time for a job, you can actually allow your money to compound on its own. Find a low-cost index fund, invest some or all of your savings, and watch the balance increase over the years.
10. Shovel Snow Or Clear Leaves
Depending on the area you live in, you can generally rely on the fact that people will need help with these two tasks when fall and winter rolls around. Knock on doors or put leaflets through mailboxes to see if anyone in your area could use some help.
11. Lifeguard
This can be a great summer job for any kid that enjoys living that beach or poolside life, but who still has a responsible streak. Look into getting the required training, CPR certification, and swim tests you’ll need to pass to get hired for this sunny gig.
12. Work as a Camp Counselor
Another great summer job is camp counseling! If you loved being a camper yourself, you might really enjoy sharing that experience with the next generation of campers.
13. Start a YouTube Channel
While your tech-impaired parents may be scratching their heads at this one, if you have the drive and good on-camera charisma, it’s entirely possible to build a successful YouTube channel. Do some homework on how to start and ask a trusted adult to create your account (you must be at least 18 to earn ad revenue).
14. Deliver Food
Already got your driver’s license? If so, you could work as a delivery driver for a local restaurant. Often they’ll provide you with a vehicle so you don’t have to use your own. This would likely be an after-school gig as a job like this requires set hours.
15. Do Chores for Your Parents
Some ways for teens to make money don’t require more than a little extra work around the house! Even if you already have your own set of chores, ask your parents if they have any more tasks they need help with — for a fee of course.
16. Intern
Do some legwork to see if there’s a local business you might be interested in interning for. They may have you grabbing coffees, filing papers, or other kinds of administrative tasks but whatever it is, you’ll learn a ton. Just check if they’d be willing to pay — some internships are just for the experience.
17. Build Your Own Business
If you have an enterprising spirit, the sky’s the limit with this one. You could take one of the services above (dog walking, babysitting, etc.) and build a whole business around it, or you could set up an etsy shop and sell crafts! You’ll learn so much building a business because it’s not just one job — you’ll have to do research, market your business, and learn what customers need and want.
There are so many ways for teens to make money out there — it’s just about figuring out which resonates with you. Even if you end up absolutely hating the job, you’ll have gained valuable knowledge about what you do and don’t want out of your future career!
Early work experience is ultimately about growth, learning about yourself, and beginning to truly understand the value of money. What you do with all of that in the future is completely up to you.