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Best Ways for Teens to Make Money in 2026

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Best Ways for Teens to Make Money: Online Jobs and Side Hustles That Actually Work

Being a teenager isn’t easy. You’re at an age where you want more independence, the ability to earn your own money, and the confidence that comes with not always having to ask your parents for cash.

Maybe you want to save for a new phone, upgrade your wardrobe, go out with friends, or simply prove to yourself (and your family) that you can be responsible and self-reliant. And while you may be young, that doesn’t mean you don’t face real financial needs.

The good news? Thanks to the internet and flexible local opportunities, there are more legitimate ways than ever for teens aged 13–18 to earn money on the side.

This guide covers a wide range of realistic options. Some are quick and easy, while others require more effort but can pay significantly more. If one idea doesn’t fit your interests, move on to the next—there’s something here for almost everyone.

Best Ways for Teens to Make Money Online

Making money online is one of the most popular and flexible ways for teens to earn extra income. However, it’s important to avoid scams that promise huge earnings with no effort. Real income always requires time, consistency, and some level of skill.

Let’s start with simple online methods and then move into options that offer higher earning potential.

1. Get Paid for Everyday Online Activities

Believe it or not, teens can earn money from activities they already do every day—such as watching videos, searching the web, and playing games.

Platforms like Swagbucks reward users for:

  • Watching short video clips

  • Playing and testing online games

  • Searching the web

  • Answering polls and surveys

  • Shopping online and earning cashback

While you won’t make a full-time income, it’s an easy and legitimate way to earn small amounts of money consistently. Teens aged 13 and up can create a free account and start earning.

2. Earn Money by Sharing Your Opinions

Companies invest billions of dollars every year in market research to understand what consumers think about their products, advertising, and brands.

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Survey platforms such as Survey Junkie allow teens to earn money by answering simple multiple-choice questions about topics like:

  • Fashion preferences

  • Food and snacks

  • Restaurants and entertainment

  • Technology and mobile devices

Since teens represent future long-term customers, companies are especially interested in their opinions. This makes paid surveys one of the easiest online money-making options for younger users.

3. Food Delivery (Ages 18+)

Food delivery apps like DoorDash allow users to earn money by delivering meals from local restaurants to customers. This option is available to teens aged 18 and older.

Benefits include:

  • Flexible work hours

  • No long-term commitment

  • Pay based on distance, time, and tips

Delivery drivers can earn solid hourly rates, especially during peak meal times. It’s a great way to build time management skills while earning consistent income.

4. Start Your Own Blog

Starting a blog is one of the most affordable ways to build an online business—and yes, teens can absolutely do it.

You don’t need:

  • A large social media following

  • Advanced writing skills

  • Technical experience

What you do need is interest in a topic and a willingness to help others by sharing useful information.

Popular teen blog topics include:

  • Fashion and lifestyle

  • Fitness and health

  • Gaming

  • Food and recipes

  • Personal finance for students

Blogs can earn money through ads, affiliate marketing, and brand partnerships. While blogging takes time to grow, it can eventually become a long-term income source.

Fun Ways for Teens to Make Money

Making money doesn’t have to feel like a boring job. In fact, the best side hustles are often built around your hobbies and interests.

5. Flip Items for Profit

Item flipping involves buying low and selling higher. Teens can sell:

  • Old clothes and shoes

  • Electronics

  • Video games

  • Furniture

  • Collectibles

Apps like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, and OfferUp make it easy to list items and reach buyers. This side hustle teaches valuable skills like pricing, negotiation, and market research.

6. Offer Freelance Services on Fiverr

Fiverr is an online marketplace where people sell services such as:

  • Graphic design

  • Writing

  • Video editing

  • Voiceovers

  • Social media help

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Teens can join under a parent or guardian’s account. Even beginners can succeed by offering simple services and improving skills over time.

7. Sell Handmade Crafts

Creative teens can turn hobbies into income by selling:

  • Jewelry

  • Artwork

  • Knitwear

  • Custom gifts

Platforms like Etsy allow sellers to reach customers worldwide. If you enjoy creating things, this can become a surprisingly profitable side business.

8. Get Paid to Review Music

Sites like Slice the Pie pay users to listen to and review music tracks. Users must listen for at least 90 seconds and provide honest feedback.

While the pay is small, it’s an easy and fun way to earn money while discovering new artists.

9. Start a YouTube Channel

Many successful YouTubers started as teens. If you enjoy:

  • Gaming

  • Tutorials

  • Vlogs

  • Fitness

  • Commentary

YouTube can eventually generate income through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate links. Growth takes time, but consistency and quality content can build a strong audience.

Side Hustles for Teens

Side hustles allow teens to work flexible hours without interfering with school.

10. Babysitting

Babysitting is a classic and reliable way to earn money. Parents often pay $15–$20 per hour and value trustworthy, consistent sitters.

Websites like Care.com also help connect babysitters with families in their area.

11. Pet Sitting

Pet owners often need help while traveling or working long hours. Pet sitters earn money by feeding, walking, and caring for animals.

Apps like Rover and Wag help teens find local clients.

12. Dog Walking

Dog walking pays well and keeps you active. Many walkers earn $15–$20 per walk, and schedules are usually flexible.

13. Tutoring

If you perform well in school, tutoring younger students can pay very well—often $15–$25 per hour.

Subjects may include:

  • Math

  • English

  • Science

  • Languages

Tutoring also looks excellent on college applications and resumes.

14. Teaching Languages

Teens fluent in more than one language can teach beginners in their community. Language tutors are in high demand, especially in diverse neighborhoods.

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Making Money Without a Formal Job

Many teens earn money simply by helping adults with tasks they don’t have time to do.

15. Car Washing

Washing cars is simple and profitable during warmer months. Charging $10–$20 per car can quickly add up, especially in busy neighborhoods.

16. Lawn Mowing

Lawn care services remain one of the fastest ways for teens to earn cash. Many homeowners prefer affordable local help over expensive professional services.

17. Snow Shoveling

In winter climates, snow removal can be extremely profitable. After large storms, demand is high—especially among elderly homeowners.

18. Transcription Work

Websites like GoTranscript pay users to type spoken audio into text. This job requires good listening and typing skills and can be done entirely from home.

19. Running Errands

Apps like TaskRabbit allow people to earn money helping others with small tasks like moving items, waiting in lines, or assembling furniture. Most platforms require users to be at least 18.

Local Jobs for Teens

Traditional part-time jobs are still excellent income sources and teach important workplace skills.

20. Retail Sales Associate

Retail stores hire teens for customer service, stocking, and checkout support. These jobs offer flexible scheduling and valuable communication experience.

21. Stock Clerk

Stocking shelves requires minimal customer interaction and helps stores stay organized. Overnight shifts may be available for older teens.

22. Cart Attendant

Cart attendants collect and organize shopping carts in parking lots. It’s physical work, but it pays and keeps you active.

23. Cashier

Cashiers earn solid hourly wages and gain valuable customer service and money-handling experience. Many stores also offer employee discounts.

Learning how to earn money as a teenager is about more than just cash—it’s about building confidence, learning responsibility, and developing skills that will benefit you for life.

Whether you choose online work, creative side hustles, or local jobs, the most important thing is to start. Try different options, see what you enjoy, and keep improving.

Your future financial independence begins with the small steps you take today.

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