From part-time jobs to internships and teen-owned businesses – there are plenty of different ways to earn money as a teen. If you want to learn how to make money as a teen and the benefits of starting early, you’ve come to the right place.
At BusyKid, we’ll show you many different ways of making money and how to do proper money management to ensure the paychecks last longer. Without further ado, let’s jump into it.
The Benefits of Learning How to Make Money as a Teen
There are many benefits of making money at a young age and getting a first job as a teen. In addition to the most obvious one, which is having some extra cash, there are other upsides to expect.
Financial Independence
Most teenagers depend on their parents or legal guardians to cover most, if not all, of their expenses. However, working gives teens a chance to earn and manage money, which will give them more financial independence and freedom.
Sense of Responsibility
Working in high school is another benefit, especially for the parents, as it teaches teens responsibility. A job can teach kids how to handle multiple tasks at once and juggle several responsibilities.
When teens find a job, they’ll have to learn to strike a balance between their schoolwork and what’s required of them at their work. Not only that but they’ll have to learn the importance of time management and other important life skills they’ll be able to use throughout their lives.
Learning the Value of Money
Kids and teens often find it difficult to grasp the value of money, which is totally understandable, as they’ve probably never worked before. Once they get a better sense of what it takes to start earning money and how to make money as a teen, they’ll get a better understanding of its value.
When they get their first checks, they’ll probably want to spend it all on something they want. However, they need to understand that there are deductibles and other responsibilities to take care of first.
Learning How to Work with People
A big part of learning how to make money as a teen (and an adult) is knowing how to work with people. At any job, teens will have to know how to deal with customers and clients, especially if they’re looking to start their own business.
What Are the Best Ways for Teens to Make Money?
When it comes to learning how to make money as a teen, there are many different options available. But keep in mind that all teen jobs fall under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which regulates how much they can work and where.
It states the following terms when it comes to hours teens are legally allowed to work:
- Under Age 14: Children under age 14 cannot take on any non-agricultural jobs unless employed by their parents in a non-hazardous industry.
- Ages 14-15: Children aged 14-15 can only work hours when they are not in school. They can work up to 3 hours per day on a school day, and 18 hours total during a school week.
Wherever they choose to work, your teens will have a variety of opportunities available to them. From the digital space to more traditional jobs, let’s take a closer look at how to make money as a teen.
How to Make Money as a Teen – Traditional Jobs
If your teens want to start learning how to make money and how to get the most out of their jobs – this is where they need to be.
#1 Grocery Store
Many grocery stores will typically be hiring cashiers or sales associates all year round, making it the perfect opportunity to make money as a teen. Often, all teens need to do is ask for an application, submit a resume, or do a quick interview, and they’ll be able to land their first jobs.
#2 Juice or Coffee Shop
If your teens are avid juice or coffee drinkers, they might find that a juice or coffee shop is the best place for them. There, they can work on their customer service skills and might find tips to be a good incentive.
#3 Clothing Store
Like grocery stores, clothing shops often look for full-time and part-time sales associates all year round. One of the biggest perks of working in a clothing store is that your teens will probably get a discount on the clothes and maybe even save something in the process.
#4 Restaurant
Working at restaurants, bakeries, or fast food places part-time are jobs that typically come by easily for teens. It’s a relatively easy way to make money and they can acquire many skills while working there.
#5 Assistant Coach or Referee
If your teens are good at or passionate about a sport, they might want to try their hands at assistant coaching or refereeing. These are usually more active and social roles, perfect for athletic and outgoing teens.
#6 Tutoring
Similar to coaching, if your teens excel at school or at a certain subject, they can try tutoring their friends or younger classes. In addition to having to practice their knowledge and social skills, teens will also have to figure out ways to get the word out about their services.
#7 Babysitting
Babysitting is one of the most traditional jobs for teens out there and it can be a very fun way to make money. If they like kids and are responsible, your teens are sure to find someone among their family, friends, or neighbors who will need their services.
How to Make Money as a Teen – Online Jobs
Now let’s take a closer look at how teens can make money online and what skills they need to start earning.
#9 Data Entry
Data entry is a type of clerical work that involves using different processes like voice recording or typing to enter data. Data entry clerks can work in many various industries and can allow teens to make a pretty penny.
#10 Graphic Design
If your teens are artistic and adept at using computers, they might want to try out graphic design. It’s an excellent way to make some cash online, while also being a creative and flexible role.
#11 Video Editing
Another online job for teens is video editing and it’s a position that’s always in high demand. If your teens are interested in video production, editing, or filmmaking, they might find it a fun way to make money.
#12 Virtual Assisting
Virtual assistants perform a variety of administrative tasks for their employers, including scheduling meetings and calls, organizing travel accommodations, and more. To become a virtual assistant, all teens need are organizational skills, a strong internet connection, and computer proficiency.
#13 Online Tutoring
Online tutoring pretty much follows the same process as in-person tutoring with the added benefit of having more potential students. With a few marketing tricks, your teens can make even more money by helping others online.
# 14 Starting a YouTube Channel
Social media influencing and working on social platforms like YouTube are some of the most popular jobs for teens nowadays. However, before they embark on their social media journeys, make sure to talk to your teens about privacy and how to manage their expectations. Remember, no one becomes a star overnight.
#15 Are Online Surveys a Viable Way to Earn Money?
Another popular online job for teens you’re likely to encounter is taking online surveys. It’s an easy way to make extra money and doesn’t require any special skills. Again, all teens need to start is access to a computer, a strong internet connection, and a few reputable survey sites.
Summer Job or Year-Round Gig: Which is Better?
Whether your teens prefer a quick summer job to earn money or to work year-round on their hustle is going to be up to them. Both have their unique sets of challenges, benefits, and drawbacks.
That said, side hustles like starting an online business or becoming a social media influencer aren’t typically steady work. These projects often take quite a bit of time to get off the ground and start paying off. What’s more, working alone on a project can prove to be a solitary experience.
On the other hand, having a summer job while they’re out of school will provide for a steady income. They’ll have extra money at all times and it’ll often give them a chance to be more social.
Understanding Money Management: Why Is It Crucial?
Money management is all about learning how to earn, save, spend, invest, borrow, lend, and repay and how to do it all responsibly. Kids and teens will often first turn to their parents for lessons in money management as it all starts at home.
If you want your teens to have good financial skills, you should ask them for help when it comes to actual financial challenges. For example, you can create a family budget, set money aside for emergencies, start a vacation fund and more and you can (and should) do it all with your teens.
There are many reasons why financial literacy and money management are such crucial life skills. For one, they can help teens distinguish between their needs and wants, which will help them have a better grasp on their spending habits down the line.
What’s more, through budgeting, they can learn responsibility and financial awareness. Not only that but having healthy financial habits can teach them to avoid money scams in the future and help them avoid bad debt.
The Future of Teen Employment: What Lies Ahead?
The workplace landscape is changing every day and with the rise of new technology, it’s difficult to say what the future of teen employment looks like. That said, learning how to make money as a teen can have unimaginable benefits for their future.
By having to hold down a job, even if it’s part-time or only for the summer, your teens will pick up invaluable skills that will last them a lifetime. With careful money management and the right financial lessons, you can set up your teens for a successful future.
If you feel like your teens could benefit from more financial education and responsibility before transitioning into adulthood – download BusyKid. The app and the debit card can help them learn how to manage money from an early age while giving them spending freedom.
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