Helping your teenager earn money is more than just a financial decision—it’s a meaningful way to foster responsibility, independence, and essential life skills. Whether they’re looking to save for a future goal or gain work experience, there are many age-appropriate opportunities available. This guide is designed for parents who want to support their teens in exploring safe and practical ways to earn money.
Neighborhood Jobs that Build Responsibility
Babysitting is often one of the first jobs teens explore. It’s flexible, typically close to home, and teaches a range of valuable skills from time management to emergency preparedness. Parents can support this by encouraging first-aid training and helping teens find trusted families to work with.
Pet sitting and dog walking can be perfect for animal-loving teens. These jobs build reliability and consistency. Parents can help with scheduling, pricing, and promoting services in the neighborhood.
Lawn care and seasonal yard work, such as raking leaves or shoveling snow, are physically active jobs that teach discipline and accountability. Teens learn to follow through on commitments and manage their own small business.
Academic & Creative Opportunities
Tutoring allows teens to help younger students with subjects they excel in. It builds communication skills and reinforces academic strengths. Parents can assist by connecting teens with local families and helping them prepare.
Selling crafts or baked goods lets teens turn hobbies into income. Whether it’s jewelry, art, or cookies, this teaches basic business principles. Support includes helping with materials, marketing, and ensuring legal compliance.
Reselling clothing or used items is a great way to earn while learning about value, trends, and negotiation. Teens can sell on platforms like Depop or eBay with supervision.
Tech-Forward Jobs for Today’s Teens
Assisting seniors with technology provides teens an opportunity to help others while earning. Setting up devices, teaching how to use video calls, or organizing photos are simple but appreciated services.
Freelance work and online gigs (e.g., graphic design, surveys, digital art) offer flexibility but require parental oversight. Teens can build portfolios and learn valuable digital skills.
How Parents Can Help Teens Earn Safely
Being involved doesn’t mean micromanaging. It means being an active partner in helping your teen earn responsibly and safely.
Here’s how to support the journey:
- Safety First: Review each job’s setting and structure
- Marketing Help: Assist with flyers, social media, or word-of-mouth promotion
- Financial Education: Teach budgeting, saving, and basic taxes
- Encouragement: Celebrate milestones and learn from missteps together
Legal Considerations
In the U.S., teens can legally begin most non-agricultural jobs at age 14, but restrictions apply. Always check your state’s labor laws.
Permitted jobs include:
- Babysitting, tutoring, yard work
- Retail or food service roles with limitations
- Office or clerical work
Restricted jobs generally involve:
- Operating heavy machinery
- Roofing or working at heights
- Working during school hours
Some states require work permits, usually available through schools. These confirm age eligibility and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
Balancing Work, School & Wellbeing
Working during the teen years can be enriching, but balance is critical. A job should complement—not compete with—education, social time, and rest.
Encourage your teen to:
- Use a calendar to manage responsibilities
- Start with limited hours (5–10 per week)
- Prioritize academics and personal time
- Communicate when they feel overwhelmed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the most common jobs for 14-year-olds?
Babysitting, pet care, lawn work, tutoring, and helping at family businesses are all common and generally legal options. Teens may also explore low-risk online work with supervision.
Does my teen need a work permit?
It depends on your state. Many require work permits for anyone under 16. Check with your school’s guidance office or your state’s labor department.
How much can my teen realistically earn?
Earnings vary by job and location. Expect anywhere from $8–$15/hour for most in-person jobs. Online earnings may be slower to build but can scale over time.
What’s the best first step to help my teen get started?
Start by having a conversation about their interests and time availability. Then help them choose a manageable opportunity and assist with setup, marketing, or basic planning.