How Entrepreneurial Kids and Teens Can Earn Their Own Money

How to make money as a kid—at any age

Depending on how old your child is, different money-making ideas are more age appropriate. But the following ways kids can make money can easily adapt as they get older.

• Chores. If you’re willing and able, pay your child to do some jobs around the house. Consider changing the payment amount based on how difficult it is to do or on the number of tasks you’re asking of them. For example, a middle schooler can be responsible for cleaning the bathroom, sweeping, vacuuming, and taking out the trash—if they get all of these things done, pay them $10 to $20. A teenager can be responsible for mowing the lawn and other minor lawn care like sweeping or watering plants—for these things, consider paying them an hourly rate. The amount you pay your kid is up to you.


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• Yard work or shoveling around the neighborhood. Encourage your child to go door-to-door, or post in an online neighborhood group to find opportunities to help people with yard work or shoveling snow. Help your child could set their own rates to present to your neighbors. Smaller children could pick up sticks in a yard, while teens could mow the lawns, shovel sidewalks and driveways, or rake leaves.
• Sell stuff they own. Invite your kids to join in your home’s decluttering process. Ask if they want to pare down on their belongings and sell any toys or books they no longer use. Include them in your upcoming yard sale, take them to a consignment shop, or help your kid sell the items on an online marketplace.
• Sell a craft or artwork. If your child is crafty, find ways to help them sell their work, from homemade slime to friendship bracelets, paintings, or jewelry. Help them post in online groups, or if they’re old enough, encourage them to open an online shop. In-person sales could take place at craft and art fairs, church events, or other neighborhood or town events. Make sure your child isn’t under-selling their product—factor in labor, cost of supplies, and an amount for profit.
• Set up a beverage or food stand. You can’t go wrong with a refreshing glass of lemonade on a hot summer day. Whether your kid chooses to sell lemonade or even homemade cookies, help them corner the market in your neighborhood. This money-making idea is especially useful if you live in a neighborhood with a lot of runners or other outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Charge by the glass for a beverage and by the cookie—or a handful of cookies.

Money-making ideas for teenagers

Because of their age and experience levels, there are more business ideas for teens than for younger kids. Teens in high school would benefit from finding chances to make money that align with any of their future goals, like any that pertain to college or a career. Help them consider one of the following options for making their own money with their own business idea or with a regular job.

• Music performances. Is your teen a talented musician? Help them find opportunities to perform around town, such as at coffee shops, libraries, or even at music venues. In some cases, they could advertise their services online or in newspapers to perform at events such as weddings, galas, or birthday parties. Depending on the location, they may only be able to work for tips, so be sure they have an open instrument case or box to receive any loose change and bills.
• Tutoring. Your child doesn’t necessarily have to be an expert in the subject they tutor, but it’s even better if they are! Work with your teen’s school to find opportunities to tutor fellow students or younger kids. They can also advertise their services online, such as in neighborhood or social media groups, or in the newspaper. They should set an hourly rate that aligns with the skill that’s required as well as the difficulty of the subject. Some youth or community organizations may also offer tutoring opportunities, so consider reaching out to those groups for employment as needed.
• Teach a skill. Has your teen become an expert in the art or craft they loved as they were growing up? Fellow teenagers and adults alike are looking for in-person and online instructions for skills such as sewing, cooking, or woodburning. Have your child set up one-on-one lessons like tutoring or help them offer a one-off or recurring class at a community center or church.
• Babysitting. The classic business idea for teens, babysitting is a great way for teenagers to make their own money. Help them get certified in CPR and first aid before they start babysitting to equip them with all the necessary skills for childcare. Teens can set an hourly or nightly rate babysitting on a regular basis. In recent years, people hosting weddings have offered childcare during the reception. Help your teen advertise their babysitting services for events, either in online groups or in newspapers.
• Dog walking. While there are dog walking businesses and apps where teenagers can apply to walk dogs, they can also make their own money by walking family friends’ or neighbors’ dogs. Over the summer, teens who are off school can walk a single dog multiple times a day. Help them choose a rate based per walk or per day.
• Pet sitting. Like dog walking, pet sitting is available through established businesses and apps, but teens could easily create their own money-making plan. Help them advertise in online groups, among friends and family, or in newspapers. Many times, the pets stay in the owners’ homes, and the pet sitter either visits their home a few times a day or stays in the owners’ homes themselves. Alternatively, if you’ll allow it, the owners can bring their pet(s) to your home for your teen to take care of them. Work out which option works best with your family.
• Create a vlog or blog and monetize it with advertisements. Making well-edited videos today is easier than ever thanks to video-based social media apps. Themed blogs, such as cooking or makeup blogs, are simple to publish as well. If your teen has a passion, encourage them to create recurring video or blog content. They can work with advertisers to incorporate affiliate links in their content, or they can monetize the content by allowing advertisements. Vlogs and blogs require regular upkeep, but many kids would jump at the chance to make money off something they’re probably doing anyway.
• Online surveys. Many brands use survey data to guide their products and offerings. Paid survey sites offer great ways for kids and teens to make money from home or on the go, depending on whether the survey requires a desktop or mobile device to complete. Some paid surveys allow you to cash out instantly via PayPal, while others require a minimum earning before cashing out.
• Stream video game playing. Is your teenager a gamer? If they are charismatic, unique, and good at their favorite games, encourage them to stream their gaming. After building a following, they can earn money through sponsorships, ads, and donations from followers. Some streaming platforms offer affiliate programs based on total number of broadcasted minutes, viewers, followers, and more that provide more ways to make money.

Ideas for jobs for teens

The following jobs require a little less initiative—but no less effort—than the above business ideas for teens, but they are great ways for teenagers to make money. Keep in mind that most of these ideas will require transportation to the job location.

• Kids/youth league sports referee
• Handyman gigs through freelance labor apps
• Other freelance jobs like web development, graphic design, or writing
• Fast food cashier or cook
• Lifeguarding
• Barista
• Waiting tables or hosting at a restaurant
• Research assistantship at colleges
• Movie theater jobs
• Summer farmhand jobs like pulling corn tassels
• Grocery store jobs: Cashier, cart pusher, bagger, stocking
• Retail jobs

Business advice for kids and teens

Once your kid has picked out a money-making idea, be sure to go over the basics of money and business with them. These pieces of business advice will help set the foundation for their financial futures.

• Teach them about how money works. As they start making their own money, it is important to teach your kids about money, including the value of a dollar, budgeting, savings goals, and more.
• Put together a business plan. If your child or teenager is developing their own business, whether they’re selling friendship bracelets or babysitting, help them write a business plan. Make it even easier with a business plan template to get a jump start. At this point, you should also talk to them about how to determine if their business will be profitable based on the cost to start and how much money they could earn.
• Develop a budget. Help them account for all their savings and spending goals, expenses for materials or travel, and anywhere else they are going to apply their money. Consider helping them use a budget template for Microsoft Excel.
• Talk about customer service. Teach your kids how to approach potential and existing customers. For example, explain that being polite (saying “please” and “thank you” are always important) and kind are good ways to get new customers. Following through on promises, maintaining transparent pricing, and timeliness help retain customers.
• Discuss how to set a price. The more difficult or time-intensive something is, the higher the cost should be to the customer. Remind your child or teen to value their hard work by setting prices at an amount that accounts for their time and effort as well as aligns to what customers are willing to pay.