21 Ways For People Under 18 To Make Money
You're probably tired of asking your parents for money and seeing them roll their eyes and tell you to get a job. It's very common for young adults to want to make their own money. The only problem is that it can be difficult to find something that fits you perfectly and that allows you to have extra time for your homework.
The good news is that the options are almost endless. You can make your own money and save for big purchases by doing all sorts of jobs. We've compiled a list of 21 ways for people under 18 to make money. The only catch is that you need to check in with your folks before you jump into any of these jobs.

1. Dog Walking
Dog walking is a great way to make money at any age. As long as you're big enough that the dog won't knock you over or pull you down, you can walk a dog for money. Many people work outside of their homes leaving their dogs inside for hours without any interaction.
Most kids get out of school by 3 PM, so they can easily walk the dogs of those that cannot be home with their animals. It's also a great job for the times when neighbors go on vacation. They'll be chomping at the bits for someone to take care of their dog while they are out. You're they're dog superhero.
If you don't know anyone that has dogs, you can sign up for Wag or Rover. These are great apps that help you build a little business taking care of pets.

2. Babysitting
Babysitting is a no-brainer for teenagers. As long as you're trustworthy and know a little something about kids, you will be a good babysitter. You don't have to step in only when parents are out for the night. You can also step in to help parents when the kiddos first get home from school. You can step right in to help the kids do their homework and get to their chores.
Babysitting isn't an easy job because you've got the life of someone's kids in your hands. It's a serious job, so make sure you're up for the task. It's also one of the most fun jobs as your job is literally playing with kids. If you don't know any kids, sign up for sittercity.com, Care.com, or put something out there on the NextDoor app.

3. Get A Newspaper Route
Just because you're a teenager and don't read the newspaper, doesn't mean a large percentage of people don't love to get the morning news. This is the perfect old-school way to rake in some money. You'll just need to get up early, have reliable transportation, and know how to navigate the neighborhood.
A newspaper route is fun as you get to ride your bike or roll slowly in your car while throwing papers out the window. You're getting money for doing this relatively easy job. The only thing is that must be reliable because people won't be happy if they don't get their daily newspaper.

4. Restaurant Work
Whether you work in a tiny diner, a fast food place or a big chain, restaurant work is some of the most popular and rewarding for teenagers. The only setback is that child labor laws set age limits for some jobs. You cannot work a certain amount of hours until you're 18.
If you cannot be a waiter/waitress, you can be a host or cashier. You can also bus tables or wash dishes. You'll get tips and often places give discounts to their employees. You'll learn how to work with all kinds of people and all about the rules of how to prepare food.

5. Food Delivery
Food delivery is an easy job if you have reliable transportation. If you have a license, go for it.
Most people love to order food on nights and weekends. This is when most teenagers are free. You get an hourly rate, plus you usually also get tips.

6. Buy And Sell
If you're great at negotiating or finding good deals, you will be perfect at buying low and selling higher. You can buy clothes or good at garage sales then sell them at consignment sales.
You can also find deals on eBay or neighborhood sales places, then flip them for other consumers. You might have to put some work into some of your purchases. The payoff will be worth it.

7. Pet Sitting
Pet sitting is a quick, easy way to make money. People are often looking for others to come and take care of their pets while they are on vacation. You can make your own little business if you charge less than the usual rate.
You can advertise on neighborhood marketing groups. Remember, you need to be reliable and good with pets. Pets are very special family members, so it's important you take this job seriously.

8. Work In A Movie Theatre
Working in a movie theater is a great way to hang out with friends while making money. You might even get to get a glimpse at some of the newest movies, too.
You can enjoy the AC on those hot days and the heater on really cold days. You can be a ticket seller or a concession stand worker. You can also get all of the free popcorn you want at some theaters.

9. Be A Referee
One of the most fun jobs for young teens is to be a referee or umpire. You get to know the rules like the back of your hand. You get to get in a little exercise as you run up and down following the game, too.
The only downfall is that you might have parents that love to yell at you for your calls. If you don't mind some crazy parents in the stands, you're golden. Check out your local sports associations for information about these jobs.

10. Be A Golf Caddy
Being a golf caddy is the perfect job for someone that enjoys golf. Yooem u get to carry around someone's clubs and check out their golf tricks. You get to spend the day enjoying the sunshine and the game.
You can make some truly great connections as a golf caddy. You usually get an hourly rate, and receive tips. You also may get the chanced to play for free.

11. Play Video Games
You're probably already spending hours playing video games. You may as well make money doing it. If you're a great gamer, people may pay money to watch you play. You can even do a live stream.
You can set up an account on Mixer, Twitch, or YouTube. It will take time to build an audience. Once you get everything set up, get ready to make money doing what you love. It might take some time to get your accounts up and going, but you'll be golden once you make a name for yourself.

12. General Yardwork
Many people hire a service to do their yardwork. Swoop in with your lower rates and stellar work ethic. You can do this year-round. In the summer, mow yards and do landscaping. In the winter, rake leaves and shovel snow.
Go around asking neighbors what they need most. They may just ask that you pull their weeds and rake their dog poop. Some people may just want you to come over with a power washer to get debris out of their yard.
This is a labor-intensive job, so don't take it if you're lazy. Many people are very particular about their yards. If you can handle a pool, go ahead and go for the pool maintenance as well.

13. Camp Counselor
If you enjoy working with kids and spending time away from home, being a camp counselor is perfect for you. You might get a position working at a sleepaway camp, so you get to enjoy camp for free. You'll spend the day doing crafts and taking care of kids.
Camp counseling is a job with set hours. It's for someone that enjoys the outdoors. You get to make some great memories working away at camp. If you're great at a certain sport, you can be a camp counselor at a local sports camp.

14. Pool Lifeguard
Being a lifeguard is a dream for many people. It isn't always like Baywatch, but you do get some fun in the sun. It's tough to train as a lifeguard, but it's a rewarding position.
You get to usually work with your peers as you ensure the safety at your local pool. The perks are that you have flexible hours and get to spend time at the pool all day. Those long summer days are a lot easier surrounded by water.

15. Wash Cars
There is nothing like stepping back admiring your work as you stare at a shiny car. Yes, some people go to the car wash, but others would rather a personal job. People love the personal touch as you wash and wax their car.
If you're great at going even deeper, get into detailing. You can play music and have fun as you wash their car. You get to go to people's driveways, choose your own hours, and enjoy the sunshine.

16. Make And Sell Homeade Items
This is a job for someone that loves to craft and do artwork. If you have a secret talent, take the opportunity to sell it.
Create an Etsy store with your creations. Share your items on your social media pages to show off your stuff.
You will have some selling fees, but it's worth it. Price your items low, but fair. Remember, people need to pay for the effort you put into your goods.

17. Write Essays
Some students would love to do anything but write their own essays. Yes, students will pay you to write their papers. They'll actually pay a lot. So, if you're great at writing, jump on it.
It'll be easy for you to grow a small business. They must provide you all of the information, then you're able to write a successful paper. You can't take their tests for them, but you can give them a helping hand in the writing world.

18. Shovel Snow
If you live in a snowy area, people will jump at the idea of someone else shoveling their snow. Many people cringe at the thought of having to get out in the cold and shovel their driveways. This is a physical job with great rewards.
You can even just go door-to-door asking people if they want their driveway shoveled. Most people will get excited at the thought of you doing it instead of them. Remember to dress warm and be ready for a little workout. You may meet some great connections as you shovel the snow of neighbors and friends. Best of all, they will probably ask you to come back tomorrow.

19. Teach People How To Code
It seems these days that the big companies are asking that their employees know how to code. It's a huge advantage to have when stepping into the working world. If you're going into engineering or computer science, coding is a must.
You can take a few quick classes that teach you to code. After you master it, offer your skills to those in your neighborhood. You can help younger kids or anyone trying to get into coding. This is something that will help you for the future and put money in your pocket as you help others.

20. Start Your Own Podcast
Podcasts are one of the coolest things in the world right now. You can start your own podcast talking about the things that you care about in the world. The only catch is that you aren't going to rake in the bucks the first few broadcasts.
It takes time to build a good podcast. You need to have listeners and sponsors. The best thing about your own podcast is that you get to talk about what you want. You push your own agenda, and you set the rules. If you love to talk and have a great radio personality, jump on a podcast.

21. Work At A Retail Store
If you haven't worked in retail, you've never really lived. Retail is the perfect place to gain your footing in the professional world. You can join places where you fold clothes, work the cash register, and interact with guests. The best thing about retail is it is flexible.
Check out your locally owned stores as well as the big chains. They are usually hiring part-time workers, especially during the holiday season. You'll also probably make some great connections.
Final Verdict
The options are endless when it comes to finding fun jobs as a teenager. You'll make connections that can help you in the future as a professional. Do something you enjoy while you make money.
You might find a job that can help you in your future career. The most important thing to remember is that you need to have fun. Be a kid, but make money at the same time. You'll be thankful that youwworked so hard and got rewarded in return.