Passive income for teenagers| How To Make Money as a Teen [Easy]

Do you want to make money money as a teen?

Earning money through an after-school or weekend job is not only a means of income for teens but also a valuable opportunity for gaining new experiences and shouldering new responsibilities. It often becomes a rite of passage for many teenagers. Teens nowadays have a plethora of options to earn their own money, ranging from online gigs to conventional part-time jobs. Discover the latest and most effective ways for teens to make money in today’s world.

The Benefits Teens Get From Earning Money

There are notable benefits to acquiring the skill of earning money as a teenager. Firstly, teenagers can enjoy the advantages of having their own money to spend, reducing their dependence on their parents. “By securing employment, teenagers gain valuable knowledge about financial matters from a young age, thereby preparing them for the realities of adulthood,” stated Faisa Stafford, CEO and president of Life Happens, in an email to The Balance. “It is crucial not to delay imparting financial education until they reach adulthood.”

Conventional Methods of Earning Money as a Teenager

For generations, teenagers have relied on traditional means to generate income, including:

1. Part-time jobs: Teens often seek employment for a portion of their available time outside of school hours.
2. After-school jobs: Many teens opt to work after their regular school day ends.
3. Summer jobs: Teens frequently secure employment during the summer months when they have an extended break from school.
4. Weekend jobs: Working on weekends is another common option for teenagers to earn money.

Typical part-time job opportunities for teens encompass working in fast-food restaurants, car washes, retail stores, grocery stores, and movie theaters. In some cases, employers may mandate that teens below the age of 16 possess a valid work permit.

Additionally, teenagers might explore weekend or summer job prospects at golf courses, amusement parks, or summer camps. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median weekly earnings for individuals aged 16 and above working part-time jobs were $317 in 2010.

Online Side Gigs for Teenagers

With the growing trend of remote work opportunities, teenagers can explore various online side hustles to earn money. These digital ventures offer several advantages, such as eliminating the need for transportation and providing flexibility in scheduling, as highlighted by Stafford.

Here are some at-home opportunities for teens:

1. Taking paid surveys: Teens can participate in online surveys and get paid for sharing their opinions.
2. Starting a blog or podcast: Creating and monetizing a blog or podcast allows teens to share their interests and insights while earning income.
3. Monetizing social media platforms: Building a following on platforms like TikTok or YouTube opens doors for earning through sponsorships, partnerships, and advertising.
4. Freelancing on platforms like Fiverr: Teens can offer their skills and services, such as graphic design, writing, or coding, to clients worldwide.
5. Social media account management: Assisting individuals or businesses in managing their social media presence can be a profitable gig.
6. Flipping clothing or other items: Teens can buy items at a lower price and sell them online at a higher price, tapping into the thriving resale market.
7. Engaging with sites like Swagbucks: Earning rewards by watching videos, playing games, or participating in online activities can provide additional income.

Related: Ways to make money fast for teens

It’s important to note that the earning potential of these online side hustles may vary, and the amount of time invested will impact the results.

Remember, even as a teen with a side hustle, it’s crucial to be aware of your tax obligations and consult with an adult on how to handle your taxes. Income from these ventures may be subject to income tax.

Offline Side Gigs for Teenagers

Engaging in offline side hustles presents another avenue for teens to earn money. Here are some opportunities in the offline realm:

1. Dog walking: Providing dog walking services for pet owners in the neighborhood.
2. Babysitting: Taking care of children and offering babysitting services.
3. Car washing: Washing cars for neighbors, family, or friends for a fee.
4. House cleaning: Assisting with household cleaning tasks and organizing.
5. Youth-sports referee or lifeguard: Working as a referee for youth sports events or taking up lifeguard duties at local pools.
6. Grocery delivery via Instacart: Helping with grocery shopping and delivering orders as an Instacart shopper.
7. Food delivery via DoorDash: Delivering food from restaurants to customers’ homes using the DoorDash platform.
8. Music lessons: Teaching music skills to others who are interested in learning.
9. Tutoring: Providing academic assistance and tutoring services to peers or younger students.

The earning potential of these offline side hustles will vary depending on the specific job. For instance, tutoring jobs for teens typically average around $20 per hour, as reported by ZipRecruiter in May 2022. Offline side hustles usually offer flexibility, allowing teens to earn money while balancing schoolwork, socializing with friends, and fulfilling their responsibilities at home.

Entrepreneurial Opportunities for Teenagers

Embarking on a business venture as a teenager can be an investment that has the potential for long-term financial success. Teenagers can explore a variety of product and service ideas that can generate profits. Here are some business ideas tailored for teenagers:

1. Selling homemade crafts or products on platforms like Etsy: Showcasing and selling unique handmade items or personalized products to customers worldwide.
2. Developing an app: Utilizing programming skills to create a mobile application that provides value or entertainment to users.
3. Dog walking or pet sitting: Offering professional pet care services, including walking dogs or providing pet sitting while owners are away.
4. Lawn care: Providing lawn maintenance services such as mowing, trimming, and yard clean-up for neighbors or local residents.
5. House cleaning or house sitting: Assisting individuals with household cleaning tasks or taking care of houses while homeowners are on vacation.
6. Freelancing: Utilizing individual skills like graphic design, writing, photography, or social media management to offer freelance services to clients.

It’s important to note that starting a business may require an initial investment of time or money. However, this money-making opportunity has the potential for long-term rewards and success.

Passive Income Ideas for Teenagers

Passive income refers to earnings generated from activities in which you don’t actively participate, as defined by the IRS. While certain passive income sources like rental real estate are more common among adult investors, there are some passive income strategies that may appeal to teens. However, it’s important to note that these strategies usually require a significant initial investment of your time. Here are some passive income ideas for teens:

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1. Starting a blog or niche website: Creating a blog or website focused on a particular topic of interest and generating income through ads or affiliate marketing.
2. Creating a YouTube channel: Developing a YouTube channel where you can share videos on subjects you’re passionate about and monetizing it through ads or brand partnerships.
3. Selling digital products: Creating and selling digital products such as e-books, online courses, or templates.
4. Selling photos: Utilizing photography skills to capture and sell high-quality images on platforms like stock photo websites.
5. Creating an online course: Sharing your expertise on a particular subject by creating an online course and earning revenue from course sales.

It’s important to note that if you’re under 18, you may need assistance from an adult. For instance, YouTube requires teens under 18 to have an approved Adsense account owned by a parent to monetize their channels.

For more options, check out our list of the best sites that pay you to sign up.

Additionally, it’s essential to remember that even though these income streams are considered passive, they still require work. For example, starting a blog requires time spent creating content and promoting it to attract consistent traffic and generate income.