How to Get Money as a 16-Year-Old?

Earning money as a 16-year-old offers valuable experience and increased independence. Navigating various avenues for income, from traditional employment to independent ventures, requires understanding available opportunities and specific requirements. This guide explores legitimate ways a 16-year-old can earn money, offering practical steps and important considerations.

Finding Traditional Employment

Securing a part-time job with an established employer is a common approach for 16-year-olds seeking to earn income. Roles often accommodate school schedules. Common job types include retail, food service, grocery stores, and movie theaters. Seasonal opportunities, like summer camp counselor roles or amusement park positions, are available.

Online job boards like Indeed, Snagajob, and SimplyHired are effective. Company websites often list openings directly, and local businesses may accept direct inquiries. Creating a basic resume is a helpful first step, even without extensive prior work experience. Include contact information, educational background, and relevant skills from school projects, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities.

The application process typically involves completing a form and potentially participating in an interview. When filling out applications, ensure all information is accurate and complete. For interviews, presenting a neat appearance, arriving on time, and being prepared to discuss availability and interests in the role are important. Focusing on soft skills like reliability, teamwork, and communication, developed through school or other activities, can effectively demonstrate readiness for employment.

Earning Through Independent Work

Beyond traditional employment, 16-year-olds can explore independent work or gig-based opportunities. These self-employment ventures offer flexibility and direct control over earning potential. Common examples include childcare (babysitting), pet care (dog walking, pet sitting), lawn care, tutoring younger students, or car washing and detailing.

Creative individuals can sell handmade crafts online or resell items from thrift stores. For those with digital skills, opportunities exist in freelance writing, graphic design, or social media management for small businesses. These roles often allow for remote work, providing greater flexibility.

To find clients for independent work, word-of-mouth referrals from family, friends, and neighbors are often effective. Posting flyers in approved community spaces, such as local libraries or community centers, can also attract interest. For online services, platforms like Upwork or Fiverr can connect young freelancers with potential clients. When determining rates, research what similar services charge in the local area or online. Consider the time commitment, effort involved, and any necessary supplies to ensure fair pricing.

Understanding Legal and Tax Requirements

When a 16-year-old earns money, certain legal and tax requirements may apply, regardless of the income source. Many states require minors under a certain age to obtain a work permit before beginning traditional employment. These permits ensure compliance with child labor laws, regulating the types of jobs minors can perform and their maximum hours, especially during school days. Information on obtaining work permits is usually available from state labor department websites or school guidance counselors.

Federal child labor laws, under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), generally limit 14- and 15-year-olds to working no more than 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours per school week. During non-school weeks, they can work up to 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week. While federal law does not restrict hours for 16- and 17-year-olds, state laws often impose their own limits, and the stricter law always applies.

Regarding taxes, a 16-year-old’s earnings may be subject to federal income tax if their gross income exceeds the standard deduction for a dependent, which is $1,300 for unearned income or the greater of $1,300 or earned income plus $450 for earned income in 2024. Employees complete a Form W-4, which informs employers how much federal income tax to withhold from paychecks. This form helps ensure the correct amount of tax is remitted throughout the year. Individuals engaged in independent work are considered self-employed and may be responsible for self-employment taxes (Social Security and Medicare) if their net earnings from self-employment reach $400 or more. This is a separate obligation from income tax and applies even if the income is below the income tax filing threshold.