In this article, I’ll show you legitimate ways to make money online as a teenager, ranging from quick cash opportunities to jobs that require skills that could launch your future career.
Fast Money-Making Options
If you need quick cash, these options are easy to get started with. However, while they offer short-term income, they may not lead to sustained growth.
Always remember: Be cautious of scams and only work with reputable platforms.
Survey and reward sites
Survey platforms like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie pay you for sharing your opinions. While the earnings are small—usually gift cards or a few dollars per payment—this is an easy way to make money while multitasking.
For teens aged 14 and up, LifePoints is a good option, offering payments via PayPal or Amazon gift cards. Some users have reported earning $20-$50 per month by answering questions during their free time.
Microtask platforms
Platforms like Appen allow you to complete small, simple tasks such as data verification or image tagging for equally small payments. Though the work can be repetitive, it’s highly flexible, allowing you to earn $3-$15 per hour depending on the task and your speed. You can easily fit microtasks into your schedule—even during short breaks between classes.
App and website testing
Companies pay for fresh perspectives on their products, and teens are perfect candidates. Platforms like UserTesting pay $10 for a 20-minute test. The process involves recording your screen while you use a website or app and providing honest feedback afterward.
Teens can typically qualify for one or two tests per day, earning up to $20 daily for less than an hour of effort.
Online sales
Selling online goes beyond decluttering your closet—it’s a chance to launch a small business. Start with items you know well. For example, if you’re passionate about sneakers, you can buy and flip limited editions. Into vintage clothing? Source pieces from thrift stores and resell them on platforms like Depop or Poshmark.
Beginners can also use eBay or Mercari, which have built-in audiences and simple payment systems.
Content Creation Opportunities
Creating content online is a more creative way to earn money and can lead to exciting opportunities in the future. These jobs take time to set up but can become sustainable sources of income.
Starting on YouTube (or other online platforms)
Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram offer massive earning potential for teens who consistently create engaging content. Start by picking a niche you’re genuinely interested in, such as gaming, tech reviews, or study tips.
Focus on building your audience with consistent uploads and improving your content quality. Once you’ve grown your following (at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours on YouTube), you can monetize through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
Exploring Twitch streaming
Twitch isn’t just about gaming—it’s about building a community. Streamers can focus on art, music, or even casual chats. Success requires consistent streaming and audience interaction.
Beginners often earn $50-$200 monthly from donations and bits, but as your channel grows, earnings can scale significantly—top streamers often earn six figures annually. Treat it like a job by setting a regular schedule to attract and retain viewers.
Trying (beginner) social media management
Many small businesses struggle to manage their social media accounts and are looking to hire young, savvy content creators instead of expensive agencies. That’s where you come in. You can start by managing Instagram or TikTok accounts for local businesses and charging $200-$300 per month per account.
Skills like writing captions, editing photos, and understanding trending hashtags are essential but easy for most teens to learn.
Pro tip: Build a simple portfolio by growing your own social media presence first.
If you’d like to turn your social media skills into a profitable side hustle but you’re not sure where to start, you can download my free Ultimate Guide to Remarkable Content to learn exactly how to pitch your services, build a portfolio, and land your first clients.
Experimenting with (beginner) content writing
If you’re a teenager with strong writing skills, content writing offers a solid way to earn money while improving your craft. Beginners may not command high rates like experienced professionals, but many small businesses are willing to hire new writers at lower fees.
Start with simple projects like blog posts, product descriptions, or basic website copy. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork make it easy to find clients. Charging $15-$20 for a 500-word article is a reasonable starting point, allowing you to build a portfolio and gain valuable experience.
To keep things interesting, focus on topics you know well. Into sports? Pitch to local sports blogs. Love gaming? Write reviews or opinion pieces for niche sites. This approach not only makes the work more enjoyable but also helps you create high-quality content. Over time, you’ll develop your skills and credibility, enabling you to charge higher rates and take on more ambitious projects.
Digital Skills and Services
Developing digital skills is a great way to earn money and prepare for future career opportunities. Here are a few paths to help you get started:
Virtual assistance
Working as a virtual assistant is a great entry-level option if you’re looking to earn online while learning valuable skills. Start by helping small business owners in your area with tasks like email management, calendar scheduling, or basic customer service.
While the work isn’t glamorous and often pays $12-15 per hour, it offers flexibility and valuable exposure to how businesses operate. Gaining proficiency in tools like Asana, Trello, and Google Workspace can set you apart, making you an indispensable problem-solver for your clients.
The real value lies in the lessons you’ll learn. Many successful entrepreneurs started as virtual assistants, where they gained insight into operations, communication, and project management. Even with just a few hours a week, this experience can serve as a stepping stone to bigger opportunities down the line.
Basic data entry work
Data entry is straightforward but requires accuracy and attention to detail, making it a great option if you’re someone who is organized and focused. Tasks typically involve entering or organizing data, often in spreadsheets, and pay can range from $15 to $25 per hour.
Excel skills are crucial, so take the time to learn shortcuts and formulas in order to work more efficiently. While data entry can be repetitive, it provides an easy way to earn while developing foundational office skills. Plus, with more experience and education, data entry can lead to higher-paying opportunities, such as data analysis.
Be cautious of scams when searching for data entry jobs—never pay for a job or trust offers that sound too good to be true.
Tutoring and teaching
If you’re great at a certain subject and enjoy helping others, tutoring is a fantastic way to earn online. Popular tutoring subjects include math, science, SAT prep, or even English for international students. Online platforms typically pay $15-$20 per hour, but independent tutors can charge $30-$50 per hour for personalized sessions.
To stand out in the tutoring market, create study guides and practice materials that show parents concrete results and demonstrate your commitment to student success.
Tutoring not only boosts your income but also builds skills in teaching and leadership, which are valuable for any future career.
Basic graphic design
If you’ve got a creative mindset and an eye for design, you can explore graphic design as a profitable online job. Start with simple tools like Canva for creating social media graphics or basic logos. As you gain experience, you can gradually move to advanced software like the Adobe Creative Suite.
Focus on one niche—such as social media templates, presentation designs, or logos—until you’ve mastered it before expanding.
While creativity is essential, technical skills are equally important. Many graphic designers begin as teens, turning their hobbies into successful careers. If you have a natural flair for design, this could be a rewarding way to earn while honing your talent.
Important Things to Remember Before Getting an Online Job
With so many different avenues for online work opportunities, make sure you’re keeping these things in mind before you commit to one:
Age restrictions and legal considerations
Most online platforms require users to be at least 13-18 years old, depending on the site and payment method, so always check their terms of service. If you’re under 18, you’ll likely need a parent or guardian to help manage payments and taxes, since platforms like PayPal often have age-related restrictions.
Balance of school and online work
Balancing school and online work is key to maintaining your priorities. Set specific work hours that won’t interfere with your classes, homework, or sleep. Stick to a weekly schedule, always accounting for study time and designated work slots. Track your hours and income in a spreadsheet to stay organized and ensure your time is used productively without impacting your education.
Presence of scams and get-rich-quick schemes
Real online income opportunities never require upfront payments or fees to get started. Avoid offers that sound too good to be true, like earning “$1000 a week for two hours of work,” as these are almost always scams. Protect yourself by never sharing personal information through email or chat, even if the job or company seems legitimate.
Tips for Teens to Build Long-Term Income
Once you’ve secured your online job, it’s important to think about planning for the future to secure your income in the long term.
Developing marketable skills
Focus on learning skills that businesses actively pay for by exploring job boards and freelance websites. Use free online courses to build a strong foundation and document every project you complete to create a portfolio. By starting early and steadily improving, you’ll be way ahead of most people by the time you finish college or reach your early 20s.
Planning for growth
Set small income goals, such as earning $100 a month, and scale them as you gain experience. Save at least 20% of your earnings and reinvest this money in improving your skills or equipment. Strategic growth planning helps you turn short-term work into a long-term income source.
Turning hobbies into profit
Evaluate your hobbies and interests for monetization opportunities—sometimes the best ideas are already part of your daily life. Build an audience by providing value and helping others before trying to sell anything.This will ensure that your efforts resonate and grow over time.
With so many online opportunities available, teens can earn money while gaining valuable experience and skills. Whether you need quick cash or want to explore long-term career possibilities, there’s something for everyone in the world of online work.
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