Making money as a teenager can be tough, especially if you’re under 16 and not old enough for a traditional job. However, there are plenty of creative ways to earn extra cash both online and locally. Whether you want to start a small business, sell products, or find freelance work, there are plenty of opportunities available.

This guide covers how to make money fast as a teen with proven strategies, side hustles, and job ideas. Let’s dive into the best ways to earn money quickly as a teenager.

Best Online Jobs for Teens to Make Money Fast

The internet offers endless opportunities for teenagers to earn money from home. Whether you’re creative, tech-savvy, or good at writing, there’s an online job for you.

1. Sell Designs on Redbubble

Redbubble is a print-on-demand platform where you can upload designs and sell them on t-shirts, stickers, pillows, and more. It’s a great passive income opportunity because once you upload your designs, Redbubble takes care of production and shipping.

How to Get Started:

• Create a free account on Redbubble.
• Use a tool like Canva or Procreate to design graphics.
• Upload your artwork and set your prices.
• Earn a commission on every sale.

2. Start an Etsy Shop

Etsy is one of the best places to sell handmade or digital products. Many teenagers have built successful small businesses on Etsy.

Best Products to Sell on Etsy as a Teen:

• Stickers – Use a Cricut machine or print them yourself.
• Bookmarks – Design and laminate cute bookmarks.
• Friendship Bracelets – Handmade jewelry is always popular.
• Aesthetic Candles – Custom soy wax or shell candles sell well.

3. Freelance Writing on Fiverr or Upwork

If you enjoy writing, you can get paid to write blog posts, social media captions, and product descriptions.

How to Get Started:

• Create a profile on Fiverr or Upwork.
• Offer services like blog writing, proofreading, or ghostwriting.
• Set competitive prices ($5 to $20 per gig) and increase rates as you gain experience.

Easy Local Jobs for Teens to Earn Quick Cash

If you prefer working offline, there are plenty of jobs that don’t require experience.

4. Babysitting

Babysitting is one of the best ways to make money as a teenager. Parents are always looking for responsible babysitters, and if you’re good with kids, this can be a great side job.

How to Start Babysitting:

• Take a CPR or babysitting safety course.
• Offer your services to neighbors, family, and friends.
• Charge between $10 to $20 per hour, depending on location.

5. Dog Walking

If you love dogs, walking pets is a fun and easy way to make money.

Tips to Get Started:

• Advertise your services on Nextdoor or Facebook groups.
• Walk multiple dogs at once to earn more per hour.
• Offer additional services like pet sitting or dog washing.

6. Washing Cars

Washing cars is a great way to make fast cash, especially in the summer.

What You Need:

• Bucket, soap, sponges, and towels.
• Charge around $10-$20 per car.
• Offer wax services or interior vacuuming for extra profit.

Creative Side Hustles for Teens to Make Money Quickly

If you want to start a small business or earn passive income, try one of these creative side hustles.

7. Sell Old Clothes

If you have trendy clothes you don’t wear, selling them can make you quick money.

Best Apps to Sell Clothes:

• Depop – Best for trendy and vintage clothing.
• Poshmark – Great for name-brand clothes.
• eBay – Sell anything from clothes to accessories.

8. Flip Thrift Store Finds

If you like shopping at thrift stores, you can buy cheap clothes, fix them up, and resell them for a profit.

Steps to Start:

• Find branded items at thrift stores.
• Clean, repair, or redesign the items.
• Sell them on Depop, Poshmark, or eBay.

9. Sell Baked Goods

Baking is a fun way to make money, especially if you market to schools, sports teams, or local events.

Best Baked Goods to Sell:

• Custom cakes – Sell personalized birthday cakes.
• Cupcakes – Offer different flavors and designs.
• Cookies – Themed cookies for events or holidays.

Best Part-Time Jobs for Teens 15 and Older

If you’re at least 15, you might qualify for a part-time job. These jobs offer stable income and work experience.

10. Camp Counselor

If you enjoy working with kids, many summer camps hire teenagers to be camp counselors.

Perks of This Job:

• Work outdoors and have fun with kids.
• Get free meals and lodging at overnight camps.
• Earn $300-$500 per week.

11. Lifeguard

Lifeguarding is a great job for teens who are strong swimmers.

Requirements:

• Must be at least 15 or 16 (depending on location).
• Complete a lifeguard training and CPR course.
• Earn between $10-$20 per hour.

12. Work at an Ice Cream Shop or Coffee Shop

Many local businesses hire teens, especially during the summer or holiday season.

Best Places to Apply:

• Ice cream shops
• Coffee shops
• Juice bars
• Fast food restaurants

How to Make Money as a Teen Without a Job

If you’re under 15 and don’t qualify for a job, don’t worry. There are still plenty of ways to make money.

13. Start a YouTube Channel

YouTube is a great way to earn passive income through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

YouTube Channel Ideas for Teens:

• Gaming content
• DIY and crafting
• Faceless videos (study tips, animations, life hacks)

14. Remote Tutoring

If you’re good at school subjects, you can teach younger kids through Zoom or online platforms.

Subjects in High Demand:

• Math
• English
• Science
• Foreign languages

15. Shovel Snow or Mow Lawns

In winter, shoveling snow is a fast way to make money. In summer, mowing lawns can bring in steady income.

How to Find Customers:

• Ask neighbors or family friends.
• Advertise on community Facebook groups.
• Charge $15-$50 per yard or driveway.

Final Thoughts on Making Money Fast as a Teen

Making money as a teenager is easier than ever, thanks to the internet and local job opportunities. Whether you sell products on Etsy, walk dogs, or start a YouTube channel, there are plenty of ways to earn extra cash.

The key to success is consistency and creativity. Start small, build your skills, and you might even turn your side hustle into a full-time business one day.

If you’re ready to make money fast as a teen, pick one of these ideas and start today!