The Best Ways to Make Money As a Teen

Tech

Share your tech skills with neighbors unfamiliar with social networking or accounting software.Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

As a teenager, downloading songs online, texting photos using a smartphone or programming automatic recording of preferred TV shows may be second nature, but these tasks can seem alien and intimidating for some adults. Market yourself as the neighborhood tech expert and charge per-hour or per-project to help older friends and family members establish social networking accounts, program their smartphone or set up junk mail buffers on their email accounts. Reward frequent customers or individuals who refer new clients with free info sessions on how to tweak digital photos or pay bills online.

Set up scheduled lawn-mowing visits for repeat customers.Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images

Mowing lawns, washing windows, shoveling snow and cleaning pools are classic teenager jobs that have lasted because they carry plenty of perks for young workers. You can set your own schedule, take on as many clients as you want or specialize in seasonal work (for example, hanging holiday lights over winter break) while setting your own rates.

Baby-sitting sometimes allows teens to do homework on the job.Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images

Market yourself as available on weekend nights so that parents can escape for a date night; baby-sitters who are available on Friday and Saturday nights are always in demand. Establishing experience working with children can also be helpful for teens hoping to eventually pursue child-related careers, such as teaching, pediatrics or child therapy.

Sell your beaded bracelets at craft fairs or online.Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images

Maybe you make awesome beaded earrings, simple-but-rustic tables from reconstituted wood or killer carved-leather bracelet cuffs. Crafty teens can make money by selling their wares, either placing items in consignment stores and receiving a percentage after sales, or selling homemade items through online retail accounts. Set up a table at the local farmer's market to sell your homemade soaps, oil paintings or hand-crocheted beanies.

Working in a restaurant can earn tips for teens.Todd Warnock/Lifesize/Getty Images

Teens have long worked shifts in fast food restaurants, but up your game by landing a traditional restaurant job. This is one of the best ways to make money as a teen because you'll be earning tips. Ask for early-morning breakfast shifts on the weekends to cater to the after-church and family-brunch crowd for the biggest dollars.

Stay safe by choosing family friends as customers.Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

As a teen, you may struggle to balance work with school and family responsibilities. Making money should take a back seat to earning good grades and enjoying your family life, so avoid taking shifts that prevent you from studying or spending some time with parents and siblings each week. If you're running your own business, consider purchasing a cell phone to avoid tying up the family phone and talk with parents if you'll need transportation to and from work. Always be cautious when entering a stranger's home; let responsible adults know where you're headed or perform work only for family friends.