You might be wondering how to make money when you’re a child. This is a common question among people who are not old enough to get a regular job.
According to the US Department of Labor the minimum age of work is 14 (for jobs that are not agricultural), there are restrictions on how many hours a young person under 16 can work and anyone under 18 cannot be employed in dangerous occupations.
You can still make money even if you’re young.
You can earn extra money at home, online, or in your locality.
Always remember to ask your parents or guardians for permission and supervise you when doing these jobs.
How can I make money fast as a kid?
You’re ready to start earning money. But how? You are a child, so it’s not possible to get a part-time job.
It’s not a good idea to wait until you are 16+ before getting hired. There are many ways to start earning money today. This article will tell you 30 ways to make money.
Most of these opportunities require work and time, but some are restricted to teenagers or require specific skills. Some of these options are seasonal, such as making money during the summer or winter.
This list has something for everyone, whether you’re 8, 15, or somewhere between!
- Home chores
Always, there are chores to do. Every week, you should do chores such as vacuuming, cleaning, dusting and doing laundry.
Cleaning out the attic and the garage is a big job that should only be done once in a blue moon. You will make your parents happy if you help them.
You may get paid if you are good at your job. Ask them!
- Start a Youtube Channel
Many kids dream about becoming a Youtube superstar like Ryan Kaji and Jojo Siwa. You might not be able to make millions but you can make hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars by having your own Youtube channel.
Make videos that you find interesting or about which you think others might be interested. YouTube has an age restriction, so you will need to ask your parents for permission and help if you are under 13.
- Dog walk with neighbors
Love dogs? You’re in luck. You probably have a lot of dogs in your neighborhood who would enjoy a daily stroll. Most of the owners are just too busy. You can help!
You can post flyers on the internet, knock on neighbors’ doors or offer to walk their dogs before and after they go to school. You could earn $20 to $50 per week or more! You can earn $20 – $50 per week (or more!) for each dog you walk.
- Lemonade Stands: How to Start One
It’s an old-fashioned way to earn money for children. This is a popular business because the start-up costs and profit margin are both low. Lemonade can be sold for as little as $1 per cup. You only need to spend $5 on the mix and cups.
Location is key. Make sure you choose a location where there are many people walking by. You can choose from neighborhood parks or ballfields. If your town requires a permit, make sure to get one.
- Detailing and washing cars
Look around your neighborhood. Many cars need to be washed! You can earn money by washing dirty cars if you are willing to scrub. A car wash is a good way to start.
All you need is a bucket, a hose and some soap. Starting at $5 to $10 per car, is a reasonable price. You may be hired by your neighbors to wash their car every week if you do an excellent job.
Detailing cars is a job that older kids can do. It is hard work, and it takes time. However, you can charge between $50 and $150 for this service depending on how detailed the car needs to be.
- Sell your crafts
Jewelry is always in demand as gifts, and people are looking for artwork to decorate their homes. Consider selling your crafts if you are creative.
You can sell at local farmer’s markets and flea markets. Craft shows, or even thrift stores, are also good places. You can sell online through an Etsy store or your own website. However, you’ll need your parents for this.
- Cut lawns and do other yardwork
Many people will pay someone else to mow their lawn, trim bushes, or spread mulch.
You can earn money quickly if you own a lawnmower or other tools. You can earn $10 to $40 per yard by mowing a yard. It will take 1 – 2 hrs. You can charge $10 to $20 an hour for other yard work. This can add up quickly!
- Babysitting
This is the best one for teenagers. Parents are always searching for someone to watch their children for a few minutes while they do errands or work. You can earn $60-$100 for babysitting 2-3 children on weekends.
If you are able to drive, you might be able get a job watching children after school or during the summer. Ask your friends and neighbors if they need a babysitter. You can also post an ad on the Nextdoor or Facebook groups for your neighborhood.
- House sitting
People often need help when they go on vacation. They may ask someone to check the mail, collect packages, or water plants. Some people just want someone to check in on their house and make sure that everything is fine.
You could earn $10 to $20 per day by house-sitting for your neighbors, depending on what you are asked to do. Teenagers who are older can also offer to pet-sit and stay in the home. This could be worth more than $100 per weekend.
- Garage sale with parents
Your parents’ old clothes, toys and other items piled in the attic or garage may be worth money. Speak to your parents about holding a garage or attic sale.
You can keep all or part of the profit if you do the cleaning, advertising and setting up.
If you earn $200 and keep 25% of it, you will walk away with $50. You won’t have to spend a penny.
- Doing chores with the elderly
The elderly can no longer do the same things that they did when they were younger. Offer to help your elderly neighbors with things like moving furniture, cleaning, or carrying groceries.
Some older people need company. You might be paid by their families to spend an hour after school every day playing games.
- Offer painting services for windows, doors and fences
Painters need some experience to be good at this, so it is best suited for teenagers. Offer outdoor painting services to your neighbors as a way to start your painting business.
You can make money by painting windows, fences, and doors. It is also a great way to practice your painting. This type of work can earn you $10 to $20 an hour.
You can also paint rooms inside if you are ambitious and want to improve your painting skills.
- You can tutor others in math, English, computer science, etc.
Everyone is good at something. You can help others with a subject you are good at, such as math, English or history.
Helping with homework and preparing for tests is part of the job. You can make up to $20 per hour tutoring.
Are you good with computers? Teach older people how to use smartphones, tablets, computers & smart TVs.
- Flip items and sell them on eBay
You’ve probably heard that “One mans trash is another’s treasure”. You can earn money by buying and selling unwanted toys, clothes and books.
These items can be found at garage sales, thrift shops and other places and sold on eBay. Be sure to do your research on items that are in high demand and get permission from your parents to sell online. You can start by buying items for $5-$10, and selling them for $20-$50.
- Create a blog for your hobby
Blogs are used to make money on a variety of topics – books, videogames, cooking, pets, and travel. You can create a blog to share your passion for writing.
Fun and profitable, it’s worth a try. It’s not going to be easy, but if you keep at it, you can start earning hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars per month through advertising and merchandise sales.
- Repair and Clean Bikes
Garages full of bicycles with worn brakes, rusted chains, flat tires and rusty wheels.
You can earn money by repairing bikes if you are familiar with basic maintenance. The majority of tune-ups are quick and easy.
You can earn $20 by fixing a flat or $50 if you do a complete tune-up.
Earn Money Now
- How to become a personal assistant
You can earn money by being a personal assistant to someone you know in an office.
You might be asked to answer the phone, sort the mail, make copies or stuff envelopes.
You’ll get a good deal of experience, regardless of how much money you earn.
- How to become a photographer
Although you probably won’t be hired as a professional wedding photographer for a while, you can begin taking pictures and selling them on stock photo websites such as iStock & Shutterstock. You can also sell your photos to friends.
As a photographer’s assistant, you can learn about lighting, angles and equipment.
- Shovel snow
Snow is beautiful and fun, until it covers your car or blocks your driveway as you rush to work. People will pay you for shoveling snow.
Your neighbors and local business will pay you for clearing their sidewalks and driveways during the winter.
- Start an online business
Many kids are making money online. Designing and selling tee-shirts is one of the most common online businesses for children, but that’s not all there is.
Start by doing some research and selecting a product. Then, start building your business. You may need to ask your parents for help in setting up your website.
- Play Games
Mistplay
Mistplay is used by game developers to test their new games on Android devices. Playing and reviewing new games can earn you cash, gift cards and game credits. Mistplay is only available to those 13 years old and older.
Twitch streaming video games
You can earn money by playing video games if you have a large Twitch following. Twitch offers several partnership levels. However, all require commitment and time to be profitable. To participate, you must be at least 13 years old.
- Online surveys
Companies want to hear what kids and teens have to say. Many apps and websites pay you for taking surveys, watching videos, and giving feedback on advertisements and products.
To earn much, you need to be active. SurveyJunkie is one of the most popular survey sites.
These sites are only available to teenagers. You must be 13 or older to access them.
- Design work
You can use your creativity to design graphics for local churches and businesses. You can create t-shirts and logos for those who need them.
Many of these platforms are free.
- Sell baked goods
Everyone has a sweet-tooth. There’s always demand for homemade sweets.
Consider selling your sweet creations if you are talented at baking cookies, cakes or brownies. You can sell your sweets in your neighborhood, or at local ball fields or farmers’ markets.
People are willing to pay between $2 and $3 for something sweet. Make beautiful decorated cookies to give away at baby showers, parties and other special events.
- Start your own cleaning service
Do you know how to clean your house? Great! You will be paid by others to clean their home. You may be required to clean the house for free if you are a child.
You can earn up to $20 an hour cleaning houses for friends and family.
- Teaching music
You can teach others who are less experienced. You can teach others who have less experience.
You can earn money and practice your skills. You could earn $20 to $50 per lesson, depending on your level of skill.
- Delivery of newspapers
Since a long time, kids have made money by delivering newspapers. It’s a good idea to deliver morning papers on a regular route.
Find out if your local paper offers routes or delivery requirements.
- Window Cleaning
Most people put off window washing and never do it. You’ll find that your neighbors are more than willing to pay you for it.
You can earn money with a bucket of window cleaner, a squeegee and a soft cloth. The pay will vary but a rate of $5 to $10 per window seems reasonable.
- Carpet Cleaner
Carpet cleaning is a necessary but often neglected task. You can clean the carpets of your neighbors if you have a carpet cleaning machine or can rent one.
You can either charge a flat rate for the entire house or per room. If you do a good cleaning job, your clients may want to hire you regularly.
- Power washing houses
This is another activity that’s best left to teenagers. You can power wash the driveways and homes in your area with the right equipment.
You will be able to impress your neighbors with how much cleaner the house looks. They will also be happy to pay for a job done well.
Work and Earn Money to Learn Value of Money
It’s important to know the value of money and how to earn it, whether you are a child or a parent. Early on, your children will learn to value money and how to put it to work.
You can teach your children about finances and money by getting paid for chores or working.
Simple money lessons for kids include:
Working for money is a good thing
How to save on a purchase
Saving more money is a great way to increase your income.
Are you ready to make money as a child? Use the list above as an inspiration to get started.
