This blog post is a comprehensive guide to some of the best online jobs for teens.
How do you get an online job as a teen? The key is to shift your mindset from a classic job to freelance gigging or entrepreneurship.
Just now, my friend’s son got a freelance paid gig to design an app on fiverr for 200 euros. (We are in Romania, so he is advertising in Europe.) He is 17 and thrilled. I know he’ll do a great job, too, as he is very talented.
This post can help get you started. First, scroll through the list of jobs below and choose one that suits your skill set. Then, familiarize yourself with the platforms and websites that give teens opportunities. For example, Fiverr, a popular online gig site, is open to users 13 and older.
Whether you are trying to save for college, help pay bills around the house, or go on a shopping spree, there are many ways you can make extra money online.
Keeping this in mind, here are some of the best online jobs for teens.
Click, Earn, Repeat: Best Online Jobs for Teens
When I was a teenager, I had a job scooping ice cream, and most of my friends worked for yard companies or water ice stands.
Now, it’s a whole different ballgame. The internet has opened up so many truly lucrative options for teens. Why work a part-time minimum wage job when you can work online and grow a multi-million dollar business, right?
If this interests you, here are ten great online job options for teenagers.
#1 Online Tutor
If you excel at English, consider teaching ESL online.
This site is dedicated to teaching English online, so it’s a good resource if you’re interested in teaching English remotely. You can freelance teach and build your own student base that will grow as you grow.
Or, if you are interested in another particular subject, you can offer online tutoring services to students who need help.
How to get a job as an online tutor as a teen
- First, determine your expertise.
- Then, check out platforms like Tutor.com, Preply.com, Chegg Tutors, and Wyzant.
- Promote your services. Leverage your network, social media platforms, and relevant online communities to promote your tutoring services. Don’t forget to reach out to neighbors, too. Reach out to local schools, community centers, or educational organizations. Highlight your academic skills and tell them you are available as a remote tutor. Tell the parents of your friends, too. Parents might be interested in hiring you to tutor your friends’ younger siblings online.
#2 Freelance Content Creator
Are you a teen with strong writing skills?
If so, you can explore freelance content creation. To start, this blog post breaks down some content creation jobs that are English teaching adjacent. Or, you can explore writing articles, blog posts, or social media content for clients. You can do this by posting your services on Fiverr. or responding to Craigslist remote gig ads.
#3 Graphic Designer
If you have creative flair and graphic design skills, you can create logos, banners, or graphics for individuals or small businesses. An easy way to start building a portfolio that makes you money immediately is to make a Redbubble account.
How to get a job as a graphic designer as a teen
Redbubble is a great resource for teen illustrators and artists because you don’t need to be an adult to start a Redbubble account. Deep dive into Redbubble top earners and model your account after them.
#4 Virtual Assistant
If you are very organized, consider working as a virtual assistant.
Teens can assist professionals or entrepreneurs remotely by handling tasks like email management, scheduling appointments, data entry, or social media management.
How to get a job as a virtual assistant as a teen
- First, define your skills.
- Next, update your resume. Make sure it showcases your ability to work independently and manage tasks effectively. Make it a skill-based resume rather than a sequential resume. Don’t put your education first, as you don’t have a lot of education (yet). Lead with your projects and tasks instead.
- Then, search for remote gig opportunities. If you are already 18 or 19 years old, then head straight to all the freelance platforms. You can look for remote gigs on Fiverr, Freelancer, Toptal, 99designs, PeoplePerHour, TaskRabbit., SimplyHired, or Upwork. Remember, you must be at least 18 years old to enter into a legally binding contract on these platforms. If you are a younger teen, try Fiverr. You will need your parent or guardian’s permission and supervision. Also, be careful and review your area’s local tax and labor laws so you don’t break them. You can also scour remote job-specific websites. Use keywords such as “remote personal assistant,” “virtual assistant,” or “remote administrative assistant” in your search.
Finally, check out these posts to read stories from people who started out freelance as teens.
#5 Social Media Manager
Many businesses and individuals require assistance in managing their social media presence. Teens with a knack for social media can offer their services to create content, schedule posts, and engage with followers.
How to get a job as a social media manager as a teen
- First, develop your social media skills
- Next, build a personal brand
- Then, gain practical experience. This is the most important step, really. You can gain experience by managing social media accounts for individuals, small businesses, or nonprofits. Start local. Offer your services to friends, family, or local organizations to build a portfolio of successful social media campaigns and strategies.
- Then, create a portfolio.
- Finally, apply for positions. Avoid the more traditional job boards that will be geared toward adults. Instead, look for social media manager positions by scouring social media groups and freelance gig and job boards like Fivver.
#6 Online Survey Taker
Teens can participate in online surveys or market research studies and get paid for their opinions and feedback. Websites like Swagbucks or Survey Junkie offer such opportunities.
#7 Etsy Seller
Teens can sell products on Etsy, too. Do you knit, paint, make pottery or design clothing? If so, selling your crafts on Etsy is a great way to make some extra money. Just be sure you follow the rules for minors selling on Etsy.
You can also explore other online platforms like eBay or Depop. These sites let you sell your crafts, but you can also sell vintage clothing, accessories, or unique items that you no longer need.
Check out “Teens making money without leaving comforts of home”, from Palm Beach Central High School, for some inspiring real-life examples of teens making money on Etsy.
#8 Twitch Streamer
Another popular online job for teens is streaming on Twitch. Streaming allows you to create content around your interests. If you like gaming or music, you can earn money streaming it.
Streaming on Twitch can be a good way for teens to make money. Once a streamer meets certain eligibility requirements, they can join the Twitch Affiliate or Partner programs. These programs allow streamers to earn revenue through features like subscriptions, ad revenue, and cheering (a form of virtual currency). Additionally, viewers can donate directly to streamers through platforms like Twitch Bits or by subscribing to their channels.
Also, Twitch viewers often develop strong connections with their favorite streamers. Fans can show support by subscribing, donating, or purchasing merchandise, which can provide additional income for the streamer.
How to Become a Twitch Streamer as a Teen
- First, create a Twitch account: Visit the Twitch website (twitch.tv) and sign up for a free account.
- Set up your streaming equipment: Invest in a computer with good processing power, a stable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone. Consider getting a dedicated gaming headset for better audio quality.
- Choose your content and niche: It can be gaming, creative arts, music, talk shows, or any other form of entertainment. Ensure you feel passionate about it because you’ll be talking about it and doing it a lot.
- Install streaming software: Download and set up streaming software such as OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) or Streamlabs OBS. These programs allow you to capture your screen, webcam, and microphone audio and broadcast it to Twitch.
- Customize your Twitch channel and start streaming. Be sure to keep a consistent schedule. Also, you’ll have to engage with your viewers through chat, respond to their comments, and create a friendly and inclusive community. Encourage discussions, ask for feedback, and make your viewers feel valued.
Remember, building a successful Twitch streaming career takes time and dedication. Creating entertaining content, engaging with your viewers, and continuously improving your stream is important. Stay passionate, persistent, and open to learning from your experiences to grow as a Twitch streamer.
#9 Blogger
If you like writing and have some technical skills, consider blogging. Many teenagers have made a name for themselves by blogging online. Check out Tavi Gevinson, Bethany Mota, Leandra Medine, Arushi Khosla, Bryanboy, or Emily Weiss. They have leveraged blogs to build large followings and successfully monetized these audiences.
#10 YouTuber
I’m listing this last, but it’s probably the job you thought of first.
Starting a YouTube channel is a popular online side gig for many teens. Maany teens make money vlogging. It’s kind of like blogging but with videos. Just don’t consider vlogging passive income. It isn’t passive at all. The key inconsistency.
Every teen knows about major YouTubers like Justin Bieber or JoJo Siwa. In addition, there are other examples of financially successful YouTubers, too.
JoJo Siwa’s number one tip for succeeding as a teenage youtube is to be consistent. According to her mom, JoJo created one video every single day for years before anyone really noticed.
If this is a route you want to go, several websites can help you. Some popular ones include YouTube Creator Academy, Social Media Examiner , TubeBuddy, and Roberto Blake.
In addition, I suggest looking at other successful teenage YouTubers. For example, check out Emma Chamberlain, Brent Rivera, Baby Ariel, James Charles, The Dolan Twins, or Liza Koshy. They all built audiences online by creating authentic connections with their audience and just grinding. They put in the work.
Digital Pioneers: Teens are Forging our Online Future
For teens, the future is online.
Many adults make fun of kids nowadays for wanting to be Youtube influencers. But, actually, it’s the teens that should be laughing at the adults. Many teens are raking in lots of money online. They realize the internet is where they can find future financial growth.
Is it legal for teens to work online?
The short answer is ‘yes’.
There’s no age limit for starting a business or completing a task and getting paid. However, check the legal requirements and age restrictions for online jobs in your local community.
Stay safe
As a teen working online, you must stay safe. Follow these guidelines to protect yourself:
- protect your personal information
- be cautious with strangers
- talk to a trusted adult
- block harmful or inappropriate content
- educate yourself about popular online cams and phishing
- update privacy and security settings on all social media
Always prioritize safety and parental consent when pursuing online opportunities as a teenager.
Some last thoughts
Nowadays, there are lots of online jobs for teens. Though you might not be legally able to work a classic full-time job, you can always do high-paying gigs and work for yourself.
Finally, check out these posts if you’re looking for more tips and ideas.
