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Are you looking for ways to make money as a kid? Or perhaps you’re a parent looking for creative side hustle ideas for your child who is beginning to yearn for a greater level of independence. In this article, we’ve generated 100 excellent side hustles and other ways to make money as a kid – so take your pick and dive in!
There comes a point for every child where they start to crave a greater level of independence – and with that, of course, comes a need for extra money.
This list includes more traditional ‘jobs’ for kids, such as household chores and car washing, which you can assign to your child in exchange for pocket money. However, we’ve also expanded the list to include other creative, innovative side hustles that even a young person could benefit from.
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We’ve created this list of 100 ways to make money as a kid with a large age range in mind (8 – 16 years), so not all jobs listed will be age-appropriate depending on your child’s age. We’ve split these job ideas into the following categories to make money as a kid:
- Online Jobs
- Creative Jobs
- Teaching Jobs
- Jobs Working With Animals
- Entrepreneurial Jobs
- Classic Jobs for Kids
Want more age-specific jobs? Have a look at these fantastic age-appropriate jobs for 11-year-olds, plus this list of 30+ places that hire at 14.
Is It Legal To Make Money As A Kid?
Federal child labor law, in general, prohibits the employment of minors in nonagricultural occupations under the age of 14, restricts the hours and types of work that can be performed by minors under 16, and prohibits the employment of minors under the age of 18 in any hazardous occupation.
This means that as an under 14-year-old, it will be difficult to find genuine employment from, for example, a local store. However, that’s not to say that an under 14-year-old can’t start their own business or side hustle.
If you are looking to set up a business as a child, you will need your parent or legal guardian’s help and supervision, as under 18-year-olds cannot sign legal contracts. Read more about setting up a business with your child here.
What’s more, children can have side hustles and can earn money. There is nothing to stop you from doing odd jobs in your local area, starting up an online side hustle, or any of the other ideas listed below. Just make sure your parent or legal guardian is there to support and supervise to keep your side hustle safe.
With that out of the way, let’s dive in! Here are 100 ways to make money as a kid and start your thriving enterprise today:
Online Ways To Make Money As A Kid
- Online Surveys and Reviews: Participate in online surveys and write reviews for products suitable for kids and teens.
Some of the most popular survey sites are Survey Junkie, InboxDollars, and MyPoints. Read more about making money from surveys here.
- Start blogging: Blogging can be a fun creative outlet at any age, but it can also be a fantastic investment in your financial future. Pick a blog topic you are passionate about (for example, travel, gaming, cooking, pets, etc) and get your website set up with a cheap hosting service like Bluehost.
This guide on making money blogging goes into much more detail on this topic!
- Do some freelance writing: This is a fantastic way for a young person to hone their writing skills. If you have family friends with a business, a good starting point could be to ask if you can do some writing for them. Read more about becoming a freelance writer.
- Virtual Assistant: Perform virtual assistant tasks such as data entry, scheduling, or managing emails for small businesses. Read more about becoming a virtual assistant.
- Print-on-Demand Designs: Create designs for print-on-demand products like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases.
- YouTube Channel or Blogging: Start a YouTube channel or blog on a topic you’re passionate about, and monetize it through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.
Read more about your earning potential with YouTube videos!
- Write and Sell eBooks: If you have a knack for storytelling or knowledge on a specific topic, write an eBook and sell it on platforms like Amazon Kindle.
- Create a Podcast: Start a podcast on a topic of interest and monetize through sponsorships or donations.
- Podcast Editing Services: Offer editing services for podcasters who need help with post-production, including cutting, adding music, and sound effects.
- Create Educational Content: Develop and sell educational materials or courses online, such as language flashcards, science experiment guides, or math worksheets.
- Create and Sell Apps or Games: With some coding knowledge, develop simple apps or games and sell them on app stores.
- Social Media Management: Manage social media accounts for small businesses or community organizations, creating content and scheduling posts.
- Voice-Over Work: Offer voice-over services for videos, animations, or digital content creators looking for young voices.
- Mobile Game Tournaments: Organize mobile game tournaments with entry fees and prizes for winners.
- Online Fitness Instructor for Kids: Lead online fitness classes or yoga sessions for kids your age, promoting health and activity.
- Sell Digital Products: Create and sell digital products like planners, study guides, or graphic designs.
- Subscription Box Services: Create and sell subscription boxes around a theme you’re passionate about, such as comics, crafts, or snacks.
- Start an Essay Writing Workshop: Help students improve their writing skills by offering workshops on essay writing techniques and tips.
- Offer Digital Scrapbooking Services: Create digital scrapbooks for families who want to preserve their memories but don’t have the time or skill to do it themselves.
- Create a Local Newsletter: Start a newsletter for your neighborhood or school, featuring local news, interviews, and advertising spots.
- Design and Sell Stickers: Design unique stickers and sell them on platforms like Etsy or at local craft fairs.
- Become a Junior Social Media Influencer: With parental supervision, build a brand around a hobby or interest on social media and collaborate with companies for sponsored content.
- Host a Gaming Livestream: If you’re skilled at video games, host live streams on platforms like Twitch and monetize through viewer donations and sponsorships.
- Create Educational YouTube Content for Kids: Develop content that educates younger children on alphabets, numbers, or basic science concepts.
Creative Jobs For Kids
- Crafts and Homemade Jewelry: Create and sell crafts or homemade jewelry online or at local craft fairs. Read more about creative things you could consider selling on sites such as Etsy.
- Custom Artwork: Offer your artistic talents for custom artwork, such as portraits, pet drawings, or digital art commissions.
- Photography Services: Provide photography services for family events, portraits, or local businesses needing product photography.
- Sell Plants or Seeds: If you have a green thumb, grow plants, propagate your existing house plants, or harvest seeds and sell them to neighbors or online. This guide tells you everything you need to know about selling plants!
- Sell Customized Gift Baskets: Create and sell gift baskets for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or anniversaries.
- Create and Sell Custom Skateboards: Design and sell custom skateboards or skateboard accessories.
- Create a Webcomic or Graphic Novel: If you’re artistic, create a webcomic or graphic novel and publish it online or sell physical copies.
- Drone Photography: Offer drone photography services for events or real estate agents looking for aerial shots.
- Candle Making and Selling: Make and sell homemade candles with unique scents and designs.
- Custom T-Shirt Designing: Design and sell custom t-shirts online using print-on-demand platforms.
- Sell Handmade Pottery: If you have access to pottery-making facilities, create and sell your own pottery items.
- Sell Homemade Soap: Learn soap making and sell your creations online or at local markets.
- Create and Sell Greeting Cards: Design greeting cards for various occasions and sell them.
- Offer Calligraphy Services: If you have good handwriting or calligraphy skills, offer your services for invitations, envelopes, or certificates.
- Offer Nail Art Services: If you have a talent for nail art, offer your services to friends, family, and neighbors.
- Face Painting: Offer face painting at birthday parties
- Sell Baked Goods to Local Cafes: Partner with local cafes to supply them with homemade baked goods.
- Upcycle old items: Upcycle old clothes into cutting-edge fashion items. Learn how to sand down thrifted furniture and paint it to flip for a profit. The opportunities here are endless for creative souls with a passion for DIY! We’ve detailed some of the best places to sell second-hand clothes here.
- Kids party entertainer: This is a great way to make money as a teenager. If you are happy to dress up as a Disney princess, learn some magic tricks, or create balloon animals, you could have a thriving small business on your hands in your local area!
- Create and sell bath bombs: Find a niche for your bath bombs that will sell – such as all-natural, vegan bath bombs with ingredients sourced in your local area.
Teaching/Tutoring Jobs for Kids
- Teach Music Lessons: If you are proficient in playing an instrument, offer lessons to younger kids in your neighborhood or your peers.
- Tech Support for Seniors: Offer to teach seniors how to use technology, including smartphones, computers, or various apps.
- Teach Computer Coding: Teach basic coding to younger kids through simple programming platforms.
- Digital Services: Offer digital skills like setting up social media accounts, teaching basic computer skills, or creating simple websites for family-owned businesses.
- DIY Workshop Instructor: Conduct DIY workshops teaching other kids how to make various crafts or DIY projects.
- Virtual Dance Classes: If you’re skilled in dance, offer virtual dance classes teaching various styles.
- Create Video Tutorials: Make video tutorials on crafts, makeup, or gaming strategies and monetize them online.
- Tutoring Services: Offer tutoring services in subjects you excel at, such as math, science, or a second language.
- Create and Sell Study Guides: Make study guides for subjects you excel in and sell them to classmates or online.
- Start a Book Club: Start a subscription-based book club where members receive a new book each month.
- Develop and Sell Online Courses: Create online courses on topics you’re knowledgeable about, like photography, drawing, or even gaming strategies.
Jobs Working With Animals As A Kid
- Pet Sitting: pet sitting while neighbors are on vacation, or pet grooming. You could also do this via a professional service such as Rover.
- Dog Walking: Provide pet care services such as dog walking,
- Start a Pet Toy Business: Design and sell handmade pet toys online or at local pet stores.
Entrepreneurial Ways To Make Money As A Kid
- Become a Junior Graphic Designer: Offer graphic design services for small businesses or school clubs.
- Language Translation Services: If you are bilingual, offer translation services for documents or help businesses reach a broader audience.
- Host Workshops or Camps: Organize and host workshops or camps during school breaks on topics like coding, art, or science.
- Rent Out Your Gadgets: Rent out video game consoles, cameras, or other gadgets to friends or neighbors for a daily fee.
- Offer Closet Organization Services: Help organize closets or declutter rooms for busy parents or neighbors. This step-by-step guide to decluttering is a great place to start.
- Host Science Experiment Parties: Conduct fun and educational science experiments for birthday parties or school events.
- Design and Sell Phone Cases: Create custom designs for phone cases and sell them online.
- Jewelry Repair Service: If you’re skilled in jewelry making, offer a repair service for broken or worn jewelry.
- Mobile Coffee Cart: With supervision, set up a mobile coffee cart at local events or busy corners, selling coffee and snacks.
- Editing and Proofreading Services: Offer to edit and proofread school papers or essays for peers.
- Create and Sell Printable Organization Tools: Design printable organization tools like calendars, planners, or checklists and sell them online.
- Resume Building Services for Teens: Help peers build their first resumes, offering advice on how to highlight their skills and experiences.
Classic Ways To Make Money As A Kid
- Lawn Mowing Services: Offer lawn mowing services to neighbors. This can be a regular service or on an as-needed basis.
- Lemonade Stand: Set up a lemonade stand or a beverage station in your neighborhood, especially during hot summer days.
- Garage Sale or Online Sales: Organize a garage sale or sell items online with the help of a parent. This could include toys, clothes, or handmade crafts.
- Car Washing: Start a car washing service for neighbors and family friends.
- Babysitting: Offer babysitting services for family, friends, and neighbors, ensuring you’re prepared with basic first aid and child care skills.
- Errand Runner: Become an errand runner for busy neighbors or elderly community members who need help with shopping or post office visits.
- Yard Sale Assistant: Offer to help neighbors organize and run their yard sales for a small fee.
- Recycling Service: Collect recyclables from neighbors and take them to the recycling center for money.
- Homework Helper: Assist younger kids with their homework after school for a fee.
- Seasonal Decorations: Offer to help set up or take down seasonal decorations for neighbors.
- Gardening Services: Provide gardening services like weeding, planting, and garden cleanup.
- Sports Coaching: Offer to coach or assist in coaching younger kids in sports you excel in, such as soccer, baseball, or swimming.
- Handyman Services: With proper supervision, offer handyman services like painting, simple repairs, or assembling furniture.
- House Sitting: Look after homes while neighbors or family friends are on vacation, ensuring everything is secure and taken care of.
- Computer Setup and Repair: Offer to set up new computers, install software, or troubleshoot and repair simple issues.
- Gift Wrapping Services: During holiday seasons, offer gift wrapping services at local stores or to individuals preparing for celebrations.
- Participate in Farmers Markets: Sell home-grown produce, baked goods, or handmade items at local farmer’s markets with a parent’s help.
- Plant Care Services: Offer to take care of indoor plants, including watering, repotting, and pruning for neighbors who travel frequently.
- Pool Cleaning Service: Provide pool cleaning and maintenance services during the summer.
- Snow Removal Services: In winter, offer to shovel driveways and sidewalks for neighbors.
- Refereeing: Get certified to referee for youth sports leagues in soccer, basketball, or other sports, earning money per game.
- Collectibles Trading: Buy, sell, or trade collectibles like sports cards, comic books, or action figures.
- Modeling or Acting: Participate in local modeling or acting gigs for commercials, print ads, or local theater productions.
- Bicycle Repair Services: Offer bicycle maintenance and repair services in your neighborhood.
- Organize Charity Events: Organize events or runs for charity, where a portion of the proceeds goes to a chosen cause.
- Start a Miniature Golf Course: Set up a small, portable miniature golf course and charge admission.
- Aquarium Maintenance: Offer to clean and maintain home aquariums for neighbors or local businesses.
- Window Cleaning Service: Offer window cleaning services to neighbors and local businesses.
- Personal Shopping Assistant: Assist busy individuals by doing their shopping for them, whether for groceries, clothes, or gifts.
- Offer Local Tour Guide Services: Become a local tour guide in your town, showing tourists around and sharing historical facts.
And there we have it – 100 ways to make money as a kid, from traditional chores and jobs to fun, entrepreneurial ventures that could start you on the path to building a real business.
It’s never too early to start learning about personal finances and how to make, save, and mange money.
Take that next step and learn how to budget the money you start generating today.