The truth is that (most) teens are never going to go out and get a traditional job. But that’s ok – because working from home as a part-time job or just as additional money will benefit them in ways that other jobs simply won’t.
Well, the best way to make a side income as a teen is by doing something they love. If you like to write, try writing articles online. If you love taking pictures, snap some incredible shots and sell them online. And if you like making music, record an album and try selling it on iTunes or other popular media websites. But don’t forget to have fun doing it!
Not only will they learn valuable skills like managing their money, but they’ll be able to keep up with their friends, find their passion and self-worth, and have fun in the process. Because who doesn’t love making money for doing what he/she loves?
That being said, I’m going to talk about some of the best online jobs for teenagers. These can either be done full-time or part-time. You can earn anywhere from $5-$50+ an hour depending on your expertise, experience, and the amount of work you put into it. Some of these may require you to purchase equipment such as cameras, microphones, lights, etc., so make sure you’re willing to invest upfront. So here are 9 awesome online jobs for teenagers.
1. Become a Virtual Assistant
One of the best ways to make money as a teenager is to become a VA yourself. VAs provide administrative support for bloggers, authors, podcasters, and businesses.
They help with scheduling guests, organizing events, creating content, social media management, customer service, proofreading, editing, marketing, graphic design, data entry, research, transcription, and more. All while earning extra income. It’s truly a win/win situation.
How Can I Get Started as a Teenager Virtual Assistant?
Before you become a virtual assistant, you need to first get started as a freelancer. There are tons of websites out there that offer freelance opportunities. You can also check sites like UpWork and Freelancer.com. Once you’ve built up enough experience, you can apply to larger companies directly.
To get started, you’ll need to register with platforms like UpWork, PeoplePerHour, and Guru. Then, you can search through projects posted by clients looking for someone to complete tasks. After completing a task, you’ll receive payment via PayPal.
Once you’ve completed your first couple of assignments, you can build up your portfolio and be ready to get hired as a Virtual Assistant.
Basic Steps to become VA as a teenager:
- Register with a freelancing platform (UpWork)
- Create a compelling profile
- Search for client postings
- Complete assigned tasks
- Receive payment via PayPal
- Repeat steps 3,4 until you have enough work experience to get hired by big companies
What Services Does A Virtual Assistant Provide?
A virtual assistant provides many different services. Some common ones include:
Scheduling – Scheduling appointments, meetings, and phone calls. This includes setting reminders, sending emails, and managing calendars.
Organizing – Organizing documents, files, photos, and other materials. This could include filing papers, scanning images, and organizing digital information.
Writing – Writing emails, blog posts, press releases, articles, and other forms of written communication.
Data Entry – Typing, transcribing audio recordings, and entering data into databases.
Marketing – Creating marketing material for business owners. This could include designing logos, brochures, flyers, advertisements, and more.
Customer Service – Providing assistance to customers over the phone and via email. This involves answering questions, providing solutions, resolving issues, and performing other customer care.
Social Media Management – Managing accounts on social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. This could involve posting updates, responding to comments, liking pages, following people, and engaging with others.
Graphic Design – Creating graphics, logos, and banners for businesses. This could also include designing web pages, ebooks, infographics, presentations, posters, and more.
Proofreading – Proofreading text, reports, and other documents. This could include checking grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Editing – Editing text, reports, and documents. This could include fixing typos, removing errors, correcting formatting, adding links, and more.
Transcription – Transcribing audio recordings. This could include listening to interviews, lectures,
Voice Over – Recording voiceovers for videos and podcasts. This could include reading scripts, narrating video content, recording radio shows, and more.
Virtual Reality Designer – Using 3D software to create virtual reality environments. This could include creating games, apps, and experiences.
Website Design – Using website design tools to build custom websites. This could include using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and other programming languages.
Web Development – Using web development tools to build custom websites and applications. This could include using frameworks, APIs, CMS systems, and more.
App Creation – Using app creation tools to build mobile apps. This could include using iOS, Android, Xcode, Objective‑C, Swift, Java, and more.
Photography – Taking photographs, editing them, and sharing them online. This could include taking pictures, cropping images, adjusting exposure, color balance, contrast, sharpness, and more.
Video Production – Making movies, documentaries, and other types of videos. This could include shooting footage, editing clips together, adding titles, soundtracks, music, effects, and more.
In addition to providing administrative support, virtual assistants perform other duties including writing articles, managing social media accounts, recording audio files, taking photos, transcribing videos, and more.
How Much Does a Teenage Virtual Assistant Get Paid?
The average hourly rate for a teenage virtual assistant ranges from $10-$25 per hour. However, there are many factors that determine your pay rate including experience, education level, skill set, and location. So, don’t expect to make a lot of money right off the bat.
But, you should always start at the bottom of the pay scale. This will allow you to build your skillset over time and eventually move up to higher-paying positions. Plus, you’ll know exactly where you stand compared to others.
According to payscale.com, a teenage virtual assistant can make an average salary of $15.50 per hour. But, this figure varies greatly depending on how much experience you have. The lowest-paid teens earn around $11 per hour and the highest-paid teens earn around $19 per hour.
If you’re just starting out, it may take you several months before you reach the top of the pay scale. If you’ve already experienced it, however, you could potentially earn upwards of $30 per hour.
➤ If you are a complete beginner, you can get this free Virtual Assistant Checklist & Starter Kit to start your VA career.
“ Or you can take Abbey Ashley’s Virtual Savvy training to become a successful virtual assistant, join Abbey’s free VA training today!”
Related — How To Become A Virtual Assistant As A Beginner (Get Your First Client)
2. Start a Blog
Starting a blog can be very inexpensive or extremely expensive. There’s no one-size-fits-all option when it comes to blogging. It all depends on what type of blog you want to launch and whether or not you need help with it.
Blogging is a great way to get started making money online as a teenager. You can use your blog as a platform to share your knowledge about anything related to business, technology, life, and more. And if you decide to monetize your blog later down the line, you can sell advertising space on your site, do affiliate marketing, and more.
You can also use your blog to promote yourself as a freelance writer. Many bloggers choose to write for themselves first before thinking about promoting their services.
How to Start a Blog
To start a blog, you’ll need a domain name (website address) and hosting service. A good web host will cost anywhere from $5-$15 per month. After that, you’ll need to purchase a domain name through a registrar like GoDaddy or Namecheap.
Once you’ve purchased your domain name, you’ll need to install WordPress on your website. Then, you can begin building your blog. Once you’ve built your blog, you need to set up it properly and start writing valuable content.
Some people prefer to create content that they think will appeal to their audience. Others prefer to focus on SEO techniques to rank their blogs in search engines. Still, others prefer to use social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Helpful resource: A step-by-step guide to starting a blog and making money online
➤ Build a Successful Authority Site from Scratch Even if you are a Complete Beginner
How to Make Money Blogging
There are so many ways to make money blogging. Some people make money by selling products directly from their own websites while others sell advertising space on their sites.
Another popular method is affiliate marketing. Affiliate marketing involves partnering with other companies to promote specific products using affiliate links. And when customers click on these links and purchase the product, you receive a commission for each sale.
Here are a few popular ways you make money blogging
- Display/contextual advertising
- Selling products
- Writing articles
- Promoting other websites
- Freelance writing
- Sponsored Content
- Selling digital downloads
- Selling physical products
- Creating membership programs
- Selling advertising space on your blog
How Much Money Can You Make Blogging?
The amount of money you can make from blogging varies depending on how much time you put into it. The average blogger makes around $100 – $10,000 per month. However, some bloggers have made millions of dollars from their blogs.
If you feel like you have the necessary skills to become successful at blogging, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t give it a try. Just remember to keep an open mind when it comes to your goals and don’t get discouraged if things don’t work out right away.
3. Transcribe Audio & Video Files
If you’re looking for a job where you can work remotely, transcribing audio files might be the perfect fit for you. Companies like Amazon, Upwork, and Transcribe Me hire transcriptionists to listen to audio files (such as interviews) and turn those recordings into written transcripts. If you want to try your hand at this lucrative career move, check out these requirements and qualifications.
Requirements
– You’ll need a computer connected to the internet and high-quality headphones
– You should know how to use a headset microphone and have basic typing skills
– No college degree is required; however, it does help if you have previous experience working with audio files
Qualifications
– Familiarity with Microsoft Word
– Good listening skills
– Knowledge of grammar and punctuation
– Ability to type quickly
– Excellent communication skills
– High standards when it comes to accuracy
Salary Potential
Depending on your skillset, you could earn anywhere between $15 and $30 per hour. On top of that, most companies offer bonuses after reaching certain milestones. The more skilled transcriber you are, the higher your hourly rate. In addition, many employers offer benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.
A list of companies hiring beginners for transcribing audio files
- Quicktate – Quicktate is a great company to help jumpstart your transcription career. They don’t make you wait too long before getting paid either. They pay ($0.25 – $0.50/ Word) via Paypal twice a month and you can expect an email stating when your check will be sent.
- Scribie – This website offers a similar service to Quicktate but they also give you access to other jobs like proofreading, editing, and writing. They used to pay $10/hour. The minimum withdrawal limit is only $1 which makes it even more reliable and beginner-friendly.
- AccuTran Global – This Company has been in business since 2002 and pays $0.005/ word for beginning transcribers and up to $0.0066/ word for difficult or foreign audio. They are open to both Canadian and American applicants.
- Rev – Rev is another great place to start your career as a transcriptionist. They pay $0.02/word for beginning transcriptionists and up to $0.03/word for advanced transcriptionists.
Helpful Resource:
- 10 Transcription Jobs From Home
- How to become a transcriptionist — A complete guide to beginners
- 3 General Transcription Training courses to become a transcriptionist
4. Become an Influencer
Influencers are people who have a large following on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, etc.
There are several platforms where teenagers can easily build a following. For example Instagram; it’s is one of the most popular social media platforms for teenagers. An Instagram influencer can charge anywhere between $75 and $3,000 per post depending on the number of quality followers & engagement.
Let’s discuss how you can become a teenage influencer on social media.
How to Become a Teenage Social Media Influencer
Step – 1: Find a niche – Choose a topic that interests you. It could be fashion, beauty, cooking, travel, etc.
Step – 2: Set a profile – Fill out all the required fields (username, bio, location, etc.).
Step – 3: Optimize Your Profile – Add an eye-catching profile picture, pick a nice username, add focus keywords to your bio, and a clear Call-To-Action.
Step – 4: Create valuable content – Always produce helpful content that solves real-life problems. It should not only entertain them but also educate them.
Step – 5: Be Consistent – Consistency matters a lot when it comes to social media success.
Step – 6: Engagement – Post interesting content that will attract your target audience. Ask questions, reply to their comments, and more.
Step – 7: Networking – Connect with other influencers in your niche. Follow them, follow back, comment on their posts, etc.
Step – 8: Giveaways – Giveaways are a very effective way to gain trust and popularity. It also helps boost the post-engagement rate.
Step – 9: Cross-Promotion – This will help you gain more exposure and also boost your following.
Step – 10: Follow influencers in your niche – You can follow someone who has 100K followers or even less than that, as long as they are relevant to your niche. And start engaging with them. This can encourage their followers to follow you.
Step – 11: Promote others’ content – Share other influencers’ content on your own page. This way, you can get their attention.
Here are a few ways you can make money as a social media influencer
Social Media Sponsored Posts – You can charge at least $50 for a post. It’s the easiest way you can make money as a social media influencer.
Affiliate Marketing – Affiliate marketing is another way to make money online by promoting products that you think are useful.
Promote Your Own Products – Sell digital goods such as ebooks, courses, apps, software, etc.
Become a brand ambassador – When you’re a brand representative or a brand ambassador, you promote brands through various means. It can be anything from posting sponsored content on social media to creating videos or photos for the brand.
How Much Money Can You make as a social media influencer?
According to this study, the average income of an Instagram influencer is around $5,000-$10,000 per month. However, some people earn much more than that.
The best part about being an influencer is that there are no age restrictions. As long as you have the skills and knowledge to create quality content, you can easily make thousands of dollars every single month.
5. Data Entry Jobs
Data entry specialists basically convert paper or image files into written forms on the computer. Data entry positions are often outsourced to third-party agencies that then send their workers to complete the task.
These workers usually log into websites and enter the data using a keyboard. There are two main types of data entry jobs: manual and online.
Manual data entry jobs require the worker to manually input data into forms on a regular basis. While online data entry jobs allow the worker to sit at home.
How to Become a Data Entry Specialist as a Teenager?
To become a data entry specialist, there are several steps you must take.
First, You need to improve your typing skills. This can help you to boost your work efficiency and also make you capable of applying to large corporations in the future.
Second, Write a resume – a data entry job is the most common job opportunity for teenagers. So, it’s important to create a good resume. Make sure you include all relevant information about yourself. Also, try to highlight your strengths so that potential employers would hire you.
Third, Get some entry-level data entry freelance jobs on freelancing sites like Upwork and prove yourself. It helps you to gain experience and build a portfolio.
Fourth, Network with people who have already worked in this field. Ask them for advice and tips.
Fifth, Develop good communication skills. If you want to become a successful data entry specialist, you must learn how to communicate effectively with clients.
Sixth, Understand how to handle different kinds of documents. Because it is important to know what kind of document you should use when working on a particular project.
Seventh, Have strong attention to detail. You must be able to follow instructions and write clearly so that you can avoid making mistakes.
Eighth, Be organized. Always keep track of deadlines and ensure that you meet them.
Ninth, Be flexible. Be ready to change your plans if something unexpected happens.
Finally, Be patient. Since data entry jobs can be very tedious, you will face many challenges along the way. But don’t worry because, with hard work and perseverance, you’ll surely succeed.
How Much Money Can You Make as a Data Entry Specialist?
It depends on your skill level and experience. The more experience you have, the higher your hourly rate.
On average, a data entry specialist makes around $15-$20 per hour. However, if you’re just starting out, expect to earn $10 an hour.
6. Get Paid to Write Articles
If you love writing then why not get paid to do it? There are tons of websites where you can submit articles and get paid for them.
What are the different types of content writers?
- Web content writers – These are the professionals who write blogs.
- Ghost Writer – Ghostwriters write content for authors without revealing their identities.
- Technical writer – Technical writers write technical documentation such as manuals and help guides.
- Copywriter – Copywriters write sales letters, press releases, product descriptions, brochures, etc.
How Can You Become A Content Writer?
To become a content writer…follow these 4 simple steps.
- Select a niche – Choose a topic or subject that interests you. Then, start researching about it. Find out what other people are saying about it. This will give you a better idea about what type of article you should write.
- Do some freelance writing – Once you’ve found a niche that interests you, try doing some freelancing. Freelancing allows you to test your knowledge and see whether you like it. It also helps you build up a portfolio.
- Build a portfolio – Create a portfolio of samples of your best work. Put these samples on your website or blog. Include links to your resume.
- Get clients – Start pitching your services to potential clients. If they say yes, ask them how much they would pay for your service.
Some of these websites are:
- Textbroker – Textbroker pays writers up to $0.50 per article.
- FlexJobs – FlexJobs pays freelancers $10-$16 per 500 words.
- Moneypantry.com
- PeoplePerHour.com
- Textbroker.net
- Thepennyhoarder.com
Helpful Resource – 9 Websites Get Paid To Write Articles
7. Sell Photos Online
Selling photos online is one of the easiest ways to earn extra cash. There are many websites where you can upload your images and start earning money immediately.
Some sites pay per photo uploaded while others will only pay if you reach a certain threshold. The best part is that it doesn’t matter what kind of camera you use, you don’t need any special skills to take great pictures, and you can do it from anywhere at any time.
You can monetize your photography skill by selling them through stock photo sites like Shutterstock, Fotolia, iStockPhoto, and Getty Images.
These sites offer high-demand images for sale at prices ranging from $0.02 to $1 per image.
You can check out platforms like Alamy, ClickASnap, and Dreamstime to sell photos and get up to 50% commission every time you get a sale.
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Helpful Resource —
- 10 Best Platforms to sell photos online (Make Money Photography
- Finding Freedom: Becoming a Professional Travel Photographer
8. Selling your feet pics (18+)
One of the weird ways you make money as a teenager is by selling your feet pics. Yes, this is real.
This is a fun way to make money. And the best part is that this type of business doesn’t require any special skills or equipment except a camera
How to Sell Your Feet Pics on Instafeet.com?
First – Go to instafeet.com and create an account.
Second – Read all rules before setting up your account
Third – Set up your profile. You must show a valid photo ID to verify your age.
Fourth – Upload at least 5 pictures to get started.
Fifth – Set a price. Select how much you want to charge for your picture. Most users’ price is under $10 /month. It’s better to have many people pay a little. 5 subscribers that are $50 /month*
Sixth – Get your unique link and share it on social media platforms.
NOTE: *Instafeet takes a standard fee (10%) to pay for credit card processing and maintenance.
Where Can I Sell Feet Pics?
- Instafeet.com – This is the most popular website for selling feet pics.
- FeetFinder.com – Another good place to find buyers for your feet pics.
- Foap.com – A third option to sell your feet pics.
- Etsy – An eCommerce platform where sellers can list items for sale. You can also sell your feet pics.
How Much Money Can You Make selling feet pics?
On average, you can make around $10-$25 selling feet pics on different-2 platforms. Or sometimes even $50 – $100 per pic depending on the quality and creativity of your pics and the type of client you get.
9. Get Paid For Completing Online Surveys
There are several ways to earn money online. And taking online surveys is one of those ways. These surveys usually ask questions about yourself, such as what kind of car you drive, where you live, etc.
Once you answer these questions, they may ask you to give them feedback on certain products or services.
If you agree to do this, then you will be asked to provide some information about yourself. This includes things like your name, age, gender, occupation, income level, and other personal details.
After you finish answering all the questions, you will receive points based on your answers. These points can be exchanged for gift cards, coupons, discounts, or anything else you want.
How Much Money Can You Make From Online Survey?
Taking online surveys can’t make you a fortune but it can help you pay your bills.
The amount varies from company to company. But if you’re interested in making extra money while working from home, taking online surveys could be a good choice.
How Do I Start Taking Online Surveys?
To start taking surveys, go to the Google search bar and enter “surveys”. You’ll see a long list of websites offering paid surveys.
Choose one that seems legitimate and has a reputation for paying its members. If possible, look for websites that allow you to join without providing too much personal information.
Some of the legitimate sites include Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, MyPoints, Global Test Market, Pinecone Research, and so on.
Sign up for one of these survey sites and set up your profile. If you fill out your profile correctly, you’re more likely to get paid.
Then, take surveys by following the instructions given on the site. Your earnings can vary greatly depending on the number of surveys you take, the quality of the survey, and the length of time you spend completing them.
Helpful Resources:
- 14 Online Survey Sites To Get Paid To Share Your Opinion
- 11 High-paying survey sites in the USA
- Best Survey for money
How Much Money Can You Make Completing Surveys Online?
Survey companies offer many different types of surveys. Some of them pay very little, and others pay quite well.
Most reputable survey sites pay between $1 and $5 per survey or sometimes even $50 per survey. Surveys won’t make you a lot of money, but there’s no risk involved since you only need to invest a few minutes. And you can always quit whenever you feel like quitting.
Conclusion
There are so many online jobs for teenagers. From babysitting, tutoring, writing articles, selling photos, and selling your feet pics to blogging and virtual assistant, etc.
Some are easy and some are hard but there is always something you can do to make money. So go ahead and try out one of these and see what works for you.
Remember if you’re not willing to put in the work, then you’ll never make any money online. If you want to succeed online, you need to learn skills, execute strategies, and follow a plan.
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