Remember when “getting a job” as a teen meant babysitting, mowing lawns, or folding clothes at the mall?
Yeah… that’s still an option.
But today? You can make real money from your phone, your laptop, or even your gaming setup—without selling your soul or waiting for a work permit.
I’ve tested a bunch of these myself (or watched friends crush them). Some pay $5 here and there. Others? $200–$500/month part-time.
And the best part? Most don’t care if you’re 13, 16, or 17—as long as you’ve got hustle.
So whether you’re saving for a phone, gas money, or just want your own cash (no asking Mom for $20), here’s your realistic, no-fluff guide to 50+ online gigs that actually work for teens.
Quick Cash: Earn $5–$50/Week (Low Effort)
These won’t make you rich—but they’re easy, safe, and great for spare time.
- Survey Junkie – Answer surveys on your phone. Pays via PayPal or gift cards. Age 13+.
→ Real talk: Don’t expect $100/week. But $10–$20 for watching Netflix and clicking a few buttons? Solid. - Swagbucks – Surveys, watching videos, playing games, even shopping online. $5 sign-up bonus. Age 13+.
→ Pro tip: Use it while waiting for the bus or during boring classes (shh). - Branded Surveys – Like Survey Junkie, but slightly higher payouts. Age 16+.
- Freecash – Play mobile games, try apps, complete offers. Redeem for PayPal or gift cards. Super flexible.
- Microsoft Rewards – Search the web with Bing, do quick quizzes. Free $5–$10/month if you’re consistent.
- Qmee – Get paid for searching online + clicking ads. Tiny payouts, but zero effort.
- InstaGC – Watch short ads or do micro-tasks. Cash out at $1 (Amazon) or $5 (PayPal).
- Ibotta – Get cash back when you shop (even at Walmart!). $10 sign-up bonus. Great if your parents let you scan receipts.
Get Paid to Play (Yes, Really)
If you’re glued to your phone anyway… why not earn while you game?
- Mistplay – Play mobile games → earn points → redeem for gift cards. Only for Android.
- Scrambly – Try new games, complete levels, get paid in rewards.
- Solitaire Cash – Play skill-based Solitaire tournaments. Win real cash (entry fees apply, so start small).
- Volt Game Tester – Test unreleased games and report bugs. Not “just playing”—it’s work—but way more fun than data entry.
- League of Trading – Level up game characters, then sell them. Big in RPGs like WoW or Genshin.
Real Skills = Real Money (Start Small, Scale Fast)
These take a little learning—but can turn into $100–$500/month fast.
- Fiverr – Offer simple services:
- Remove photo backgrounds ($5)
- Edit TikTok clips ($10)
- Voice messages ($5)
→ No experience needed. Just be reliable.
- YouTube – Not just for “influencers.” Make tutorials (“How to beat Level 50 in Roblox”), study tips, or funny skits.
→ Monetize at 1,000 subs + 4,000 watch hours. But brand deals start way before that. - Twitch – Stream yourself gaming. Chat with viewers. Get donations + subs.
→ You don’t need 10K followers—just be entertaining and consistent.
- Sell Digital Art or Designs – Use Redbubble, TeePublic, or Zazzle to sell your art on T-shirts, stickers, phone cases.
→ One design = passive income forever. - Etsy Shop – Sell printables (wallpapers, planners), handmade jewelry, or custom stickers.
→ Parental permission needed if under 18, but totally doable with help.
- Shutterstock / Dreamstime – Sell your photos (even from your phone!). Great if you love taking pics of sunsets, pets, or food.
- StudySoup – Sell your class notes! If you’re the note-taker in your friend group, this is free money.
Social & Creative Hustles
You’re already on your phone—might as well get paid for it.
- Run Social Media for Local Businesses – That bakery down the street? Their Instagram is dusty. Offer to post 3x/week for $50–$100/month.
- Start a Niche Blog or TikTok – “Study with me,” “Thrifting hauls,” “Anime reviews.” Grow an audience → monetize with affiliate links or merch.
- Voiceover Work (Voices.com) – Got a cool voice? Record greetings, ads, or audiobook samples. Teens can join with parental consent.
- Design T-Shirts (TeeSpring / Spreadshirt) – Make funny quotes or fandom art. No upfront cost—they print when someone buys.
- Create a Cookbook (Tastebook) – Compile your best recipes (or your grandma’s!) into a printable PDF. Sell on Etsy.
Tutoring & Teaching (You Know More Than You Think)
Seriously—your little cousins, neighbors, or classmates need your help.
- Tutor Math, Science, or Language – Use SameSpeak (English conversation, $10/30 min) or Enroll (general tutoring, age 15+).
- Teach a Skill on Outschool – Offer a 45-minute class on “How to Draw Anime” or “Basic Guitar Chords.” Charge $10–$20/class.
- Homework Help on Fiverr – Not doing their work—just guiding them. Huge demand.
Buy Low, Sell High (Teen Edition)
Turn clutter into cash.
- Flip Stuff on eBay or Poshmark – Old games, clothes, sneakers, LEGOs. Use the BookScouter app to scan textbooks for instant value.
- Resell Thrift Store Finds – Hit Goodwill, find vintage band tees or cool decor, list on Depop or Instagram.
Customer Service & Admin (Remote & Flexible)
Some companies hire teens for entry-level remote roles.
- Sittercity – Find local babysitting gigs. $15–$20/hour. Build trust, get repeat clients.
- LiveOps – Take calls for TV product orders (like those infomercials). Flexible hours, pays per minute.
- Humanatic – Listen to customer service calls and rate them. Boring but easy. Age 16+.
- Upwork / Freelancer – Apply for simple gigs: data entry, transcription, research. Start small, build reviews.
Music & Media Side Hustles
For the creatives and music lovers.
- Slice the Pie – Review new indie songs. Get paid $0.05–$0.20 per review. Age 17+.
- RadioEarn – Listen to up-and-coming artists, leave feedback. Tiny payouts, but fun if you love music.
- Lulu – Self-publish your short stories, poetry, or songs. Earn royalties when people buy.
Bonus: Legit Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) Options for Teens
Only if you’re cool with selling to friends/family—and your parents approve.
- Avon – Sell makeup & skincare. Age 13+, startup kit ~$25.
- Origami Owl – Custom jewelry kits. Ages 12–17.
- Perfectly Posh – Skincare & lip gloss. Age 13+.
⚠️ Warning: MLMs only work if you LOVE selling. Don’t join just for the “starter kit.”
More Niche (But Profitable!) Ideas
- Test Websites (UserTesting) – Most require 18+, but Testbirds sometimes allows teens. Get paid to click around a site and say what you think.
- RewardTV – Play trivia about old TV shows. Fun if you’re a classic TV fan.
- SkimaTalk – Chat with people learning English. No teaching degree needed—just be fluent.
- The Forum Wheel – Get paid to post on forums (yes, really). Starts slow, but scales.
- TeenEyes – Join focus groups or test products made for teens. Pays well, but gigs are rare.
🔐 Important Stuff Every Teen Should Know
- Always tell your parents before signing up for anything online.
- Never pay to “get a job.” Real gigs don’t ask for money upfront.
- Use PayPal or gift cards—most platforms won’t send checks to minors.
- Start small. Pick 1–2 things. Master them. Then add more.
💡 Final Thought
You don’t need to “go viral” or have 10K followers to make money online.
You just need to show up, be consistent, and solve a tiny problem for someone.
Your first $20 might come from a survey.
Your first $100 might come from editing a friend’s TikTok.
But your first $500? That comes from not quitting.
So pick one thing from this list. Try it this week.
And remember: you’re not “just a teen.” You’re a future entrepreneur with Wi-Fi.