Did you know 27% of U.S. teens now earn money through side hustles? This is from Junior Achievement's 2023 survey. They're finding new ways to learn about money, not just by babysitting.
Platforms like 1688Order show you can start small. They let teens buy just one item, like a $15 gaming chair. This way, they can learn about business without risking a lot of money.
Take Mia from Texas, who made $300 a month selling phone accessories. She started with just $45. Her story shows how using modern tools and basic business skills can lead to success. But, how do you get started, and what's legal for kids?
Key Takeaways
- Over 1 in 4 U.S. teens actively earn money outside traditional jobs
- Single-unit sourcing eliminates bulk purchase requirements
- Case studies show achievable $200-$500 monthly profits
- Legal earning methods for minors require parental cooperation
- Low-cost products enable testing market demand safely
Understanding Legal Limitations for Teen Workers
Teens eager to earn money face many rules. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets strict rules for jobs for 14-year-olds to make money. But, there are exceptions for family businesses, agriculture, and some entrepreneurial paths. We'll look at what's allowed and what's not.
Child Labor Law Exceptions
The FLSA says 14-year-olds can't work in most jobs. But, they can do:
- Up to 3 hours/day on school days (18 hours/week total)
- Outside school hours between 7 AM–7 PM
- In non-hazardous environments
For example, Starbucks won't hire 14-year-olds as baristas. But, youth employment laws let teens help at family-owned cafes if it's safe.
Parental Business Opportunities
Working in a family business is a safe choice for teens. They can help with:
| Business Type | Sample Tasks | Earning Potential |
|---|
| E-commerce | Packaging orders, creating listings | $50–$200/week |
| Event Services | Photography assistance, setup | $15–$30/hour |
| Home Businesses | Social media management, admin work | $100–$400/month |
Platforms like 1688Order help family online stores with shipping.
Agricultural Work Exemptions
Farm jobs have special rules under FLSA Section 13(c). Teens aged 14+ can:
- Harvest crops outside school hours
- Care for livestock (with parental consent)
- Operate certain machinery after training
But, states like California need special permits. Always check local rules before starting jobs for 14-year-olds to make money in agriculture.
Traditional Jobs for 14-Year-Olds
Jobs for teens offer learning and structure. They teach responsibility and time management. These jobs also follow youth labor laws. Here are three jobs that are good for teens.
Babysitting: Flexible Childcare Work
Babysitting is a popular job for teens, paying $15-$20 an hour. Nextdoor says 23% of childcare requests go to teens. To get hired:
- Get a Red Cross babysitting certification ($35-$90)
- Start with family friends first
- Set clear hours and emergency plans
While it pays more than minimum wage, it depends on clients. A summer of babysitting can earn $800-$1,200. This is more than lawn care.
Lawn Care Services: Seasonal Earnings Boost
Mowing lawns can earn $40-$70 per yard. With little equipment, teens can make $3,000+ in summer. To earn more:
- Offer bundle deals (mowing + edging + trimming)
- Use free apps like Google Calendar for scheduling
- Invest profits in better equipment
Always wear closed-toe shoes and sunglasses when mowing. Working with a sibling or friend helps with big yards.
Retail Positions: Structured Work Experience
Some big chains hire 14-year-olds for part-time jobs. These include:
- Grocery store bagging ($9-$12/hour)
- Mall kiosk assistants ($10-$15/hour)
- Seasonal holiday helpers
These jobs give teens W-2 experience but need parental consent. Selling crafts or items online helps manage inventory without storage issues.
| Job Type | Average Pay | Flexibility | Skills Gained |
|---|
| Babysitting | $17.50/hr | High | Childcare, crisis management |
| Lawn Care | $55/job | Moderate | Equipment maintenance, pricing |
| Retail | $11.50/hr | Low | Customer service, POS systems |
When picking a job, think about how you'll get there and how much time it takes. Babysitting in the evenings and lawn care on weekends works for some. Always check if you need a work permit in your state before starting.
Online Money-Making Strategies
For 14-year-olds looking for ways to earn, the internet has many options. You can do creative work or run an online store. All you need is basic computer skills and some help from parents.
Freelancing on Fiverr (13+)
Fiverr lets teens aged 13+ sell digital services like logo design or video editing. You need your parents' okay and they must help you. A 16-year-old in Texas makes $250 a week by making Discord server graphics.
Some popular jobs for teens include:
- Custom illustrations ($10-$50/project)
- Social media templates ($15-$30/set)
- Podcast editing ($20-$40/episode)
Social Media Management
Local businesses need help with their social media. Teens can earn $50-$150 a month by managing Instagram or TikTok. You can do things like:
| Service | Time Required | Average Pay |
|---|
| Content Scheduling | 3-5 hrs/week | $25-$40 |
| Hashtag Research | 1-2 hrs/week | $15-$25 |
| Analytics Reports | 2 hrs/month | $20-$30 |
Print-on-Demand Stores
Platforms like Redbubble let teens sell designs without keeping inventory. Focus on popular themes like eco-friendly or pop culture. Tools like 1688Order's AI product matcher help find in-demand items.
Things to keep in mind for young entrepreneurs:
- Need parental help with taxes
- Profit margins: 15%-30% per sale
- Top sellers: Phone cases & tote bags
Creative Product Sales
Turning creativity into cash is very rewarding. It's one of the best creative ways to earn money at 14. You can make physical items or find unique things to sell. These activities let you show off your skills and gain business experience.
Handmade Crafts on Etsy
Etsy lets teens sell handmade goods with a parent's help. A Texas teen made $200 a month selling anime stickers. They bought blank materials in bulk for 80% off. Here are some tips to get started:
• Profit Margins: You can make a lot by upcycling old items. For example, a $15 chair can sell for over $100 with some paint.
• Fees: Etsy takes 6.5% of each sale. Facebook Marketplace doesn't charge anything.
• Trends: Jewelry and home decor sell faster than clothes.
Vintage Clothing Resale
Thrift stores are great for finding things to resell. A $8 vintage band tee can sell for $45 on Depop or Instagram. To succeed, focus on:
• Niche Styles: Y2K fashion sells faster than 90s items.
• Presentation: Photos of items on mannequins get more attention than flat lays.
• Pricing: Use eBay to find out how much to charge.
Custom Printables
Digital products are easy to sell because they have no production costs. You can sell:
• Wedding table number templates for $15-$30 each.
• Wall art with motivational quotes.
• DIY party decoration kits.
Platforms like Shopify let you keep all your profits. One teen made $1,200 in 6 months selling graduation invitation templates through Pinterest ads.
Service-Based Gigs
If you like working with people or pets, these gigs can help you earn money. They're great for 14-year-olds who want to make money and learn new skills. Here are three popular options with good pay and tips to start.
| Service | Earnings Range | Time Commitment | Key Requirements |
|---|
| Pet Sitting | $10-$30 per visit | Flexible hours | Animal care knowledge |
| Tutoring | $15-$25 per hour | 5+ hrs/week | Subject expertise |
| Car Detailing | $50-$150 per job | 2-4 hrs/job | Attention to detail |
Pet Sitting ($10-$30/visit)
Animal lovers can earn $10-$30 per visit on Rover. It's open to workers as young as 13. Make a safety checklist for feeding, emergency contacts, and pet allergies.
Tutoring ($15-$25/hr)
Help classmates with tough subjects for $15-$25 an hour. Just 5 hours a week can earn $300 a month. Many parents like teen tutors who know the material well. For more side hustles for teens, check out jobs that mix service and digital work.
Car Detailing
This job pays $50-$150 per car, depending on size and services. Start with basic services like washing the outside ($50), vacuuming the inside ($30), and cleaning windows ($20). Use safe cleaners and soft cloths to protect the car.
Seasonal Opportunities
Seasonal jobs are great for ways to earn money as a 14-year-old and fit school schedules. They pay well because they're in demand at certain times. Let's look at three options for teens to make money during holidays, summer, and winter.
Holiday Decorating Services
Many families and businesses need help with decorations during Christmas or Halloween. Teens can work with local decorators or go solo. Sites like 1688Order offer affordable supplies, making it easy to get what you need.
Summer Camp Assistants
Recreation centers and day camps hire teens to help with activities or watch younger kids. These jobs help build leadership skills and pay $10-$15/hour. For more ideas, check out best summer jobs for teens.
Snow Removal
Shoveling driveways or salting walkways can earn $20-$50 per job, based on the size of the property. One teen in Michigan made $500 in one snowstorm! Always check local rules—some places need permits for clearing sidewalks.
| Opportunity | Earnings Potential | Time Commitment | Equipment Needed |
|---|
| Holiday Decorating | $15-$30/hour | Weekends | Ladder, basic tools |
| Camp Assistant | $10-$15/hour | Weekdays (summer) | None |
| Snow Removal | $20-$50/job | As needed | Shovel, ice melt |
Seasonal work teaches teens about time management and lets them earn money without a year-round job. Working with suppliers like 1688Order helps keep costs down while delivering quality services.
Digital Content Creation
Today's digital world is full of chances for teens to make money from their passions. With 71% of Gen Z seeing content creation as a career, YouTube and Twitch are great places for 14-year-olds to start. They can earn money and learn valuable skills.
YouTube Channels (13+)
Starting a YouTube channel is a top choice for teens to make money. To make money on YouTube, you need:
| Requirement | Threshold |
|---|
| Subscribers | 500+ |
| Watch Hours | 3,000+ (last 90 days) |
| Content Uploads | 3 public videos/week |
Teens under 18 need a parent's okay to make money on YouTube. You can make videos about unboxing affordable items from 1688Order. One creator made $50 a week reviewing cheap gadgets.
Twitch Streaming
Twitch lets teens as young as 13 start streaming. While gaming is big on Twitch, teens can also stream:
- Art tutorials using 1688Order sketch supplies
- Study-with-me sessions
- Productivity challenges
To make money on Twitch, you need a parent's help with payments. You must follow COPPA rules to protect young viewers' privacy.
Blogging
Teen bloggers can make money through affiliate marketing and sponsored posts. They can write about:
- School life hacks
- DIY crafts with 1688Order materials
- College prep guides
Platforms like WordPress and Blogger are free to use. One 14-year-old blogger makes $30 a month by recommending study planners. They follow COPPA rules with their parents' help.
Educational Opportunities
Educational gigs let you earn money by sharing your knowledge. They also help you build important skills. For 14-year-olds who love learning, these jobs often pay more than regular jobs. They also open doors to future careers.
STEM Tutoring
Math and science tutoring is very popular. Since 2022, there's been a 45% rise in requests for help with algebra and coding. If you're good at these subjects, you can offer tutoring.
Use tools like 1688Order’s math manipulatives or chemistry sets to make learning fun. Getting certified, like through Khan Academy, can also help you earn more. Some teens make $18-$25 an hour teaching STEM subjects.
Music Lessons
Do you play an instrument? Many parents look for music teachers for beginners. You can start by teaching 30-minute lessons for $15-$20.
Use your skills on the guitar, piano, or violin. Create lesson plans with 1688Order’s sheet music organizers and practice journals. The Royal Conservatory of Music offers youth certification programs that can help you charge more.
One 14-year-old in Texas makes $1,200 a month teaching ukulele to elementary students after school.
Language Coaching
If you speak more than one language, you can make money teaching others. America's language-learning market grew to $12.49 billion in 2023. You can offer conversational practice or grammar drills in languages like Spanish, Mandarin, or ASL.
Platforms like Preply allow tutors under 18 with parental approval. Here are some hourly rates for teen language coaches:
| Language | Beginner Rate | Advanced Rate |
|---|
| Spanish | $18 | $25 |
| French | $20 | $28 |
| ASL | $22 | $30 |
Use 1688Order’s language flashcards to help your students improve. A Florida teen makes $20 an hour helping adults prepare for Spanish tests. She uses school textbooks and free online resources to create study plans.
Why Partner with Zh Stationery
Starting a profitable reselling business needs good suppliers and cheap shipping. Zh Stationery helps teens make money by making things easier. They work with 1688Order’s trusted carriers, offering UPS and FedEx rates that are 40-60% cheaper than usual.
Curated School Supplies
Zh Stationery checks the quality of their products. They make sure items are good enough for places like Etsy and eBay. This way, teens don't have to worry about bad products.
Bulk Order Discounts
Ordering more items can save money. Buying 50+ items gets you wholesale prices. This helps teens make more money from selling school supplies or making custom bundles.
Safe Payment Systems
Secure payments are important for both sellers and buyers. Zh Stationery uses safe checkout systems that work with PayPal and Stripe. This helps teens follow the rules and gain trust from customers.
Zh Stationery makes it easier for teens to run a business while going to school. They focus on quality and shipping, so teens can work on marketing. This way, they can make more money while following the rules.
FAQ
Q: What jobs can I legally do at 14 under federal law?
A: The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) limits jobs for 14-year-olds. But, there are some exceptions. You can help in family businesses, deliver newspapers, or do farm work for a few hours.Platforms like 1688Order let teens sell with their parents' help. They offer special shipping deals for small businesses.
Q: How much can I earn babysitting compared to lawn care?
A: Babysitting pays – an hour. Lawn care can make – per yard. Working on lawns in summer can earn over ,000.Babysitting for 5 hours a week can make 0 a month. 1688Order helps teens store items like gardening tools for seasonal jobs.
Q: Can I sell products online without inventory costs?
A: Yes! Print-on-demand sites like Printful let you make custom items without spending money upfront. 1688Order lets you buy small amounts of trendy items like gaming chairs.One Texas teen made 400% profit selling these chairs for 0+ each.
Q: What digital jobs pay well for 14-year-olds?
A: Fiverr lets teens 13+ offer services like logo design for -. Social media managers can earn – an hour. A Florida teen makes 0 a week creating TikTok ads for local shops.They use 1688Order's AI to find trending products.
Q: How do I safely accept payments for gigs?
A: Use PayPal Business or Venmo Teen Account with a parent's watch. Zh Stationery has secure checkout systems. Always avoid cash with strangers.FTC data shows 78% of teen gig scams involve cash.
Q: What seasonal jobs have the highest demand?
A: Holiday decorating services can earn -0. Snow removal makes -. Michigan teens made 0+ weekly in December with 1688Order's holiday kits.Summer camp assistants earn – an hour plus tips.
Q: Can I start a YouTube channel at 14 legally?
A: Yes, with a parent's help. COPPA rules require adult management until 18. Ryan Kaji started unboxing 1688Order's STEM kits at 6.To make money, you need 1,000+ subscribers and 4,000 watch hours. This can be done by reviewing tech gadgets or streaming games.
Q: Why choose Zh Stationery for reselling school supplies?
A: Zh Stationery has great rates for shipping and quality items. They offer bulk packs of popular items like Hydro Flask dupes. Their educational bundles meet web demand for 90-day returns.AI helps stock items like LED notebooks for back-to-school.
