How to Make Money as a Kid

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Being a kid doesn’t mean you’re stuck asking for an allowance. Whether you’re saving for a car, phone or just want the freedom of your own cash, there are legit ways to earn money.

Here are some of the best ways to make money as a kid, with helpful tips, rate suggestions and when you might need help from an adult.

1. User testing (with parent help)

There are platforms, usually for ages 13 and up, where you can earn money doing creative tasks or testing products. For sites like UserTesting, you will need an adult to sign up if you’re a minor.

Keep in mind:

• User testing isn’t a replacement for a full-time job
• Pay varies on the type of test and how long it takes
• Most user testing sites pay around $4 to $5 per 5-minute survey or test

• Pro tip: Some user testing tasks require microphones, cameras or a computer to document your test. Be sure to read the site’s equipment requirements before signing up, and ask a parent for guidance.

2. Lawn work

Simple jobs like mowing lawns, raking leaves or shoveling snow are classic ways to help out neighbors and earn some cash on the side.

What you’ll need:

• Flyers or word of mouth
• Basic tools, such as rakes, shovels or lawn mowers
• A schedule that works for you and your customers

• Pro tip: Offer discounts for repeat customers, such as $15 per week for seniors or regular lawn care. Consider charging more for one-time or urgent services, such as $25 per service.

3. Dog walking and sitting

A classic money-making venture for teens and adults alike, you could offer to walk your neighbor’s dogs after school, check on animals or just refresh water bowls. With adult help, there are also dog walking and sitting apps like Rover, Wag or Fetch Pet Care you can check out.

Consider buying:

• Dog treats in bulk
• Extra dog leashes and harnesses
• Dog waste bags for walks

• Pro tip: How much you should charge for dog walking depends on who you ask and your area, but many dog walkers on Reddit agree that you shouldn’t charge by the mile but by the time spent, such as $25 per 30-minute walk.

4. Sell things you make

If you’re crafty, try turning that into income. You can make and sell friendship bracelets, slime kits, duct tape wallets, baked goods or even digital art.

Where to sell:

• Etsy (with adult help)
• Craft fairs or school events
• Facebook Marketplace or Instagram (with adult help)

5. Babysit or be a parent helper

Around age 12, many kids can start babysitting or helping parents with younger kiddos. In many cases, babysitting involves going to someone’s house to watch kids, so be sure you trust the family, have open communication and that your parents know the family as well for safety.

How to get started:

• Consider a babysitting course through the Red Cross
• Let neighbors and family friends know you’re available
• Learn CPR and the Heimlich maneuver (just in case and for parents’ peace of mind)

• Pro tip: Set clear boundaries and expectations on how long you’re able to watch children, the age ranges you’re comfortable with and the duties you’re expected to perform while watching them. For example, if you’re not comfortable making kids dinner, request the parents to order takeout to avoid that stress.

6. Tutor younger students

If you’re strong in a subject like reading or math, tutoring younger students is a great way to earn cash as a kid. You can charge by the hour, such as $20 per hour, or charge lower rates for tutoring on the school campus, such as $15 per hour, to make things easier for you and hook in more customers.

Increase chances of success by:

• Prove your expertise with transcripts and past assignments
• Tutor subjects you’re passionate about and proficient in
• Offering multiple tutoring options, such as reviewing subjects or homework help

• Pro tip: Aside from the ability to make money from tutoring, this experience also looks great on college applications. And later on, know that many universities offer paid tutoring services, which you could sign up for in college to make some extra cash.

7. Flip your old stuff

Sell old toys, clothes, books or games you no longer use. Clean them up, take good photos and list them through a parent’s Facebook or eBay account or have a garage sale. There are also second-hand and used shops out there that buy used games, collectibles and clothing (though the profit may be less than selling it yourself).

Commonly sold and wanted items:

• Trading cards
• Video games and consoles
• Gently used clothes or shoes
• Book series and collectibles

8. Recycle for cash

In my home state of Michigan, we pay a 10-cent deposit for bottles and cans, and get the 10 cents back when we return them. If you’re in one of the 10 US states with a can return or bottle bill law, collecting cans and bottles and returning them is an easy way to earn cash on the side as a kid.

Tips for returning cans:

• Offer to return your family’s cans and bottles
• Collect cans and bottles at sporting events, if allowed
• Do not crush cans, but be sure to empty them
• Most grocery stores only accept returns for products they sell

Tips for managing your money

Once you’ve made some cash, it’s smart to figure out where it should go.

Plenty of kid-friendly banking options give you a debit card for spending your hard-earned cash, like Greenlight or Chase First Banking. As a minor, you’ll need a parent’s help to sign up.

Alternatively, you could set up a savings account that earns interest, meaning your money will earn more money passively, thanks to the power of compounding interest.

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Our top pick: Greenlight

Teach your child to spend, save and invest all in one app. Get 5+ financial literacy tools, including chores and allowances. All with powerful parental controls to decide where your child can spend and how much. Includes up to 6% savings rewards.

• Spend, save & invest
• Chores & allowance tools
• Spending controls & limits
• Up to 6% savings rewards

Bottom line

There are plenty of ways to make money as a kid that don’t involve asking for an allowance. Whether you prefer helping neighbors, selling what you make or working online with a parent’s help, you have options.

Compare more kid and teen banking options for places to store your cash. For parents, we have recommendations for allowance and task apps and a chore calculator.