How to Make Money as a Teen (Without Selling Your Soul)
Published by Speed Credit
Table of Contents
- Quick Rules for Teen Money-Making
- Online Jobs for Teens (Work from Your Phone)
- Offline Jobs That Pay Now (No Resume Needed)
- Turn Your Skills Into Cash
- Teen Side Hustle Dos and Don’ts
- Next Up: How to Open Your First Bank & Credit Accounts
Quick Rules for Teen Money-Making
- Start small—$50/week can change your life
- Use your phone or skills, not your parents’ wallet
- Avoid anything that sounds too good to be true—it probably is
Pro Tip: The goal isn’t just cash—it’s freedom, habits, and confidence.
Online Jobs for Teens (Work from Your Phone)
1. Freelance on Fiverr or Upwork (13+ with parent account)
- Design logos, edit videos, write bios, or tutor
- Great for creative or tech-savvy teens
2. Online surveys + reviews
- Use sites like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, or Toluna
- Not big money, but adds up while scrolling
3. Sell digital products
- Design Canva templates, resumes, or study guides
- Sell on Gumroad, Etsy, or Ko-fi
4. Content creation (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram)
- Monetize through brand deals, merch, or TikTok Creator Fund
- Takes time—but massive long-term potential
Offline Jobs That Pay Now (No Resume Needed)
1. Babysitting / Pet Sitting / Dog Walking
- Apps like Care.com or Rover (18+), or go local
- Start with neighbors or family friends
2. Yard work / Car washing / Trash pickup
- Earn $20–$50 per house
- Zero startup cost, just hustle
3. Local gigs / Farmers markets / Retail
- Some shops hire at 14–16 with permits
- Ask if they need help on weekends or events
Turn Your Skills Into Cash
- Good at math or writing? Tutor classmates or younger students
- Crafty? Sell handmade goods or custom art
- Gaming pro? Offer coaching, stream, or start a gaming TikTok
- Fix phones / tech? Start a repair gig in your school
Skill = service. And service = money.
Teen Side Hustle Dos and Don’ts
✅ DO:
- Start with what you know or enjoy
- Keep track of earnings (Google Sheet or notebook)
- Reinvest into tools, gear, or savings
❌ DON’T:
- Fall for “make $500/day” scams
- Ignore your school or sleep for side hustles
- Undercharge for your time—your skills are valuable
Next Up: How to Open Your First Bank & Credit Accounts
Making money is just step one. In the next guide, we’ll help teens (and parents) open their first bank and credit accounts the smart way—in How to Open Your First Bank & Credit Accounts.
