21 Ways to Make Money as a Kid

It doesn’t take long for kids to figure out that the things they want cost money. But the sooner they learn that money comes from work, the better! And they don’t have to wait until they’re 16 to start earning their own cash.

We’ve rounded up 21 ideas to help your kid get started. But before we dive into each one, here’s a quick breakdown of some of the best options by age.

• Younger kids (ages 8 and under): Cleaning around the house, doing yard work, washing the car, running a lemonade stand, or having a garage sale
• Preteens (ages 9–12): Hosting a bake sale, making things to sell, recycling cans and bottles, helping with a parent’s side hustle, or helping with parties and events
• Teenagers (ages 13–17): Mowing lawns, pet sitting, tutoring, giving lessons, babysitting, teaching tech skills, refereeing, helping at camps, lifeguarding, taking photos, or getting a part-time job (typically starting at age 14, where labor laws allow)

How Do You Make Money as a Kid?

Younger kids and preteens can earn money by doing yard work, setting up a lemonade stand or making things to sell (just to name a few). Some jobs are perfect for the littlest helpers, while others give older kids a chance to take on more responsibility.

And sure, mom and dad might need to lend a hand, but that’s all part of teaching kids the value of hard work.

1. Clean around the house.

House chores—like taking out the trash, wiping down baseboards and mopping the floor—are a classic way for kids to earn money. Our family doesn’t do allowances. We use a commission system: You work, you get paid.

Set clear expectations with a chore chart of household tasks and a dollar amount next to each one. This allows kids to be proactive about chores and keeps parents from having to nag them about what needs to get done.

One mom, Michal, shared in THE Ramsey Baby Steps Facebook Community group how she separates everyday responsibilities from paid jobs for her 4-year-old and 6-year-old:

“Our routine chores are things like getting dressed, brushing hair, feeding the dog/chickens, putting away clean clothes, and cleaning the room. If they want to earn money, they ask for a money job. . . I assign things like folding laundry, washing dishes, washing windows, and cleaning bathrooms.”

“Our routine chores are things like getting dressed, brushing hair, feeding the dog/chickens, putting away clean clothes, and cleaning the room. If they want to earn money, they ask for a money job. . . I assign things like folding laundry, washing dishes, washing windows, and cleaning bathrooms.” – Michal

And she admits it’s not always pretty! “[It’s] Really hard to let them do things sometimes because it can be a disaster and make more of a mess, but I feel it’s important to instill a work ethic even at that young age!”

Will they get everything as clean and shiny as you? Probably not . . . at first. But they’ll learn!

2. Do yard work.

In the fall, kids can help rake and bag up leaves. During the summer, they can weed the flowerbeds or water plants. After a storm, they can pick up the sticks that fell in your lawn.

Work together on different projects while you’re outside and soak in some vitamin D as a family.

3. Wash and clean out the car.

The littles can collect all the trash that’s piled up in your car or scrub lower parts of your vehicle, like the rims. Again, this is a great family chore because the older kids (and parents) can knock out the harder parts while the younger kids still have an important job to do.

4. Set up a lemonade (or hot chocolate) stand.

Kids can get in on the fun by making lemonade, decorating their stand, and serving customers. It doesn’t get more classic than this! Parents, you can help them shop for supplies and figure out how much to charge to make a profit (don’t forget to factor in the cups!).

I actually used to run my own little snack shop when I was a kid, and now my kids have done the same with their own stands in our neighborhood. It’s a hands-on way to teach basic budgeting and how to talk to customers.

5. Have a garage sale.

Kids can earn money by selling toys, clothes or books they’ve outgrown. Okay, yes—this one takes some extra effort from the grown-ups. But having a garage sale as a family is a great way for everyone to make some extra cash and declutter the house.

Kids can make their own “for sale” pile. They can also create price tags, decorate signs, and even run a small table with their own items. And parents can guide them through setting prices and making change.

Yard sales also teach kids that stuff is just stuff—and letting go can make room for something more valuable.

6. Host a bake sale.

Older kids who love to cook can earn money by baking goodies with a parent’s help and selling them to neighbors, friends at church, or even your coworkers. Let’s be clear—no one’s handing the oven over to a toddler. But for older kids who love being in the kitchen, this is such a fun way to learn and earn.

It’s not just about the cupcakes, either. They’re learning real-life business skills—like covering costs and pricing for a profit. That’s a win-win: They get a taste of entrepreneurship, and you get to cheer them on (and maybe snag a sweet treat or two along the way!).

7. Make things to sell.

Kids who love to create can turn their hobbies into extra cash. Whether it’s friendship bracelets, handmade cards, stickers or custom art, they can sell their creations at school events, craft fairs or even online (with a parent’s help).

Plus, it’s a great way for kids to learn about money and use their creativity to bless others.

8. Recycle cans and bottles.

Kids can earn money by collecting cans and bottles and taking them to a recycling center that pays for them. I know, recycling cans for cash sounds super old-school. But hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. And kids think it’s fun! Do a quick Google search to see if your city offers paid recycling.

Kids can put up posters advertising that they’re collecting cans and bottles—and then set up collection bins in the neighborhood or community center. They can also ask about cleaning up after sports games and school events. Then just clean, sort and recycle!

Bonus: The more recycling you bring in, the cleaner the planet will be. Every little bit counts.

9. Help a parent with their side hustle.

If you’ve got a side hustle, your kid might be able to earn some money by helping you out! Whether you run an Etsy shop, bake custom cookies, or sell handmade jewelry, see where your kid can jump in to help the business.

I have a friend who makes earrings, and her kids cut out the earring cards, stamp her logo, and help her box up orders. They get a cut of sales and learn about money while everyone gets quality time together.

10. Help with parties or events.

Helping out at birthday parties, weddings or church events is a great way for kids to earn money while learning how to serve others. They can offer to set up tables, decorate, refill snacks and drinks, or help clean up after the party.

Event hosts love having an extra set of hands. Plus, it helps kids build trust and work experience at the same time (and they might even get free cake!).

How Can a Teenager Make Money?

Teenagers can make money by taking on bigger jobs like mowing lawns, tutoring, babysitting or even getting a part-time job. And once they turn 14, they may be able to work for an actual employer, depending on the job and state labor laws.

11. Mow lawns.

Teens who are old enough to responsibly handle a lawnmower can get paid to maintain people’s yards. They can start with your yard or a neighbor’s, then branch out.

Mowing lawns teaches good time management and work ethic. And the great thing is, you can immediately see the results!

12. Pet sit or dog walk.

Pet sitting or dog walking is a perfect way for animal-loving teens to earn money while doing something they enjoy.

They can offer to feed pets, scoop litter, clean out cages, or take dogs on walks for busy neighbors or family friends. It builds trust and responsibility, all while getting in a little tail-wagging joy.

13. Tutor.

For students who are strong in a subject like math or writing, tutoring younger students is a great way to earn money while building confidence and communication skills.

They can advertise their services at school, church and homeschool groups and set their own rates. Helping others learn isn’t just rewarding—it also teaches them how to be patient and encouraging.

14. Give lessons.

From music to sports to dance, talented teens can offer to teach these skills to younger kids. They can get the word out through their music teacher, coach or dance studio and take on clients in their free time. Teaching lets your teen grow their own abilities while helping others do the same.

15. Babysit.

Babysitting is a great first job for teens who love kids and want to earn some extra cash. They can start by offering to help families they already know—like neighbors, friends from church or coworkers with young kids. Even just a few hours on a weekend night add up fast for extra cash! And if they’re consistent, it can become a pretty steady gig.

16. Teach an older adult how to use tech.

Many teens know their way around a smartphone, tablet or computer better than most grown-ups. And they can be a huge blessing to older adults who need a little help with their tech.

They can reach out to neighbors or local churches to see if anyone needs help with technology, like setting up email or using FaceTime. Teens can charge by the hour or offer a flat rate. Simple tech support goes a long way. And it’s a great way to connect with a different generation.

17. Referee games.

Refereeing is a great way for sporty teens to stay active and build leadership skills while making some extra cash. Local rec leagues or church sports teams often need help with younger kids’ games, and they usually offer training and a paycheck.

18. Be a camp counselor.

Whether it’s a church camp, sports camp or local day camp, serving as a camp counselor is a summer job packed with purpose.

Teens who enjoy working with kids and being outside can earn money while leading activities and learning how to care for others. And it’s just plain fun!

19. Lifeguard.

Teens who complete a lifeguard certification can earn money working at a pool during the summer. Sure, getting paid to soak up some sun sounds pretty great! But lifeguarding is also a serious job that builds leadership and quick decision-making skills. After all, they’re responsible for helping keep people safe in the water.

20. Take photos.

Teens with an eye for photography can turn that skill into extra income by snapping pictures at birthday parties, taking senior photos for friends, capturing family portraits, or shooting product photos for local small businesses.

You might need to take some photos for free first to build your portfolio. But there’s always someone who needs a good photo.

21. Get a part-time job (with an actual W-2).

Teens can start working certain part-time jobs at age 14, depending on state labor laws and the type of work involved.¹ There are limits on hours and the kinds of jobs younger teens can do, but plenty of options can work around their school schedule. Look for weekend and evening shifts or seasonal jobs during longer school breaks.

Check out grocery stores, restaurants, movie theaters, libraries or retail stores for a steadier paycheck. Also, some employers even offer college scholarships if you stick with them for a couple years. Even better, teens earning toward college can learn how to pay for college without student loans.

What Do Parents Need to Know About Making Money as a Kid?

Parents can help kids earn money safely by teaching them to watch out for scams, manage their time, be honest with customers, and keep track of what they earn. These are lessons that’ll come in handy long after they’ve spent their first paycheck!

Watch Out for Scams

Whether they’re selling something online, getting paid through an app, or looking for ways to earn money, it’s super important for kids to be careful. Scammers love to lure kids and teens with promises of easy money or fake job offers.

Here’s the general rule to tell your kids: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Never give out personal information like your address, phone number or bank info without checking with a parent first. Making money is awesome, but protecting yourself is more important.

Don’t Overcommit

Kids should only take on as many jobs as they can realistically handle. I love a kid who’s excited to work hard and earn money! But taking on too much can leave them feeling stressed and burned out. And nobody wants that.

Before they say yes to every opportunity, encourage them to take a moment to think: Do I actually have the time to do this well? It’s better to do a few things with excellence than to stretch yourself too thin. Learning to manage a schedule is just as valuable as learning to manage money!

Be Honest and Communicate Clearly

Kids need to learn early on that being honest and keeping their word matters just as much as doing a good job. If they tell someone they’ll mow their lawn on Saturday, they need to show up! And if something comes up and they can’t finish a job on time, they need to speak up instead of hoping nobody notices.

Good communication builds trust, and trust keeps people coming back as customers. Being clear, kind and up-front is just as valuable as doing the job itself. And it’s a habit that will pay off for the rest of their life.

Track Earnings

Kids need to keep track of what they earn and where their money goes. Because let’s be real—it’s pretty easy for that babysitting money to disappear on snacks and random stuff if they don’t have a plan!

And that’s where a budget comes in. A budget is simply a plan for your money. When kids learn to budget early, they’re building money habits that can stick with them for life.

Kids and teens can track their money in a notebook or on their phones. And as a parent, you can use EveryDollar to help keep your household budget on track.