Guide · Teen earning
25 Ways for Teens to Make Money
Quick answer: the safest ways for teens to make money are paid extra jobs at home, neighborhood services like babysitting, pet-sitting, and yard work, and — from about age 14–16 depending on local laws — first jobs in retail, food service, or recreation. Supervised small businesses like reselling or crafts work too. The real lesson is what they do with the money next.
At home (any age)
- Paid extra chores: washing the car, deep-cleaning the garage, yard work
- Organizing closets, pantry, or storage for a flat fee
- Meal prep or cooking a family dinner once a week
- Helping a parent with a home business (filing, packing orders)
Neighborhood services (13+)
- Babysitting (take a first-aid or babysitting course first)
- Pet-sitting and dog walking
- Lawn mowing, leaf raking, snow shoveling
- Plant watering and house-sitting for vacationing neighbors
- Car washing and detailing
- Tutoring younger kids in math, reading, or music
First jobs (typically 14–16+, depending on local laws)
- Grocery bagger or stocker
- Restaurant host, busser, or fast-food crew
- Lifeguard (with certification)
- Camp counselor or junior counselor
- Movie theater, amusement park, or rec center staff
- Referee or umpire for youth sports
Small businesses & online (with parent supervision)
- Selling outgrown clothes, games, or gear on resale apps
- Crafts, baked goods, or art at local markets
- Tech help for older neighbors (phones, printers, smart TVs)
- Photo or video editing for local families and small businesses
- Seasonal work: gift wrapping, holiday decorating, party setup
Safety rules for parents
- Know who your teen is working for and where.
- Check local labor laws on minimum age, hours, and work permits.
- Never pay upfront "fees" to get a job or gig.
- Keep online selling in a parent-supervised account.
Earning is half the lesson
Money earned should flow into a plan. Walk through how to save money as a teenager, and for paid jobs at home, use our chores by age lists. Qoin Wealth lets parents assign paid jobs, approve them, and reward real money while teens watch their savings goals grow. Build the skills with the teen money lessons in our Learning Library.
FAQs
How can a 13-year-old make money?
At 13, the best options are paid extra chores at home and neighborhood services — babysitting, pet-sitting, dog walking, yard work, and tutoring younger kids. Most formal jobs require teens to be at least 14, depending on local labor laws.
What jobs can a 14-year-old get?
In the US, 14-year-olds can usually work limited hours in retail, food service, and recreation jobs, often with a work permit. Common first jobs include grocery bagging, camp junior counselor, and youth sports referee. Check your state's rules on hours and permits.
How can teens make money online safely?
Stick to supervised options: reselling their own items, selling crafts through a parent's account, or offering editing or tech-help services to people you know. Avoid anything that asks for upfront payment, personal information, or promises easy money.
What should teens do with the money they earn?
Decide the split before the money arrives — for example, 50% needs, 30% wants, and 20% savings — and move savings first. Our teen saving guide walks through the full system.