How to Get Money at 17: Jobs and Business Ideas

Many 17-year-olds aspire to financial independence or saving for significant goals like college, a vehicle, or personal expenses. Pursuing work at this age also provides valuable early work experience. Fortunately, numerous legitimate avenues exist for individuals to earn money and begin building their financial foundation.

Finding Formal Part-Time Employment

Securing formal part-time employment offers a structured approach to earning income and gaining professional experience. Many businesses commonly hire 17-year-olds for entry-level positions, providing exposure to typical work environments and responsibilities. These roles often include working in retail stores, food service establishments, hospitality settings, or performing administrative support tasks.

The process of seeking these jobs typically involves identifying businesses that hire minors and then submitting a formal application. Preparing a basic resume that highlights academic achievements, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, or relevant soft skills can be advantageous. Candidates might then be invited for an interview to demonstrate enthusiasm and suitability for the role.

Formal employment provides consistent paychecks and often involves payroll deductions for taxes, including federal income tax and FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare), if income exceeds certain thresholds. Some positions may require a work permit or adherence to specific labor laws designed for minors. Further details regarding these legal requirements are discussed in a later section.

Exploring Flexible Gigs and Freelance Opportunities

Beyond traditional employment, many flexible gigs and freelance opportunities allow 17-year-olds to earn money on a project-by-project or on-demand basis. These roles offer greater autonomy over schedules and rates, making them suitable for those balancing school or other commitments. Local service gigs are a common starting point, encompassing activities such as babysitting, pet sitting, yard work, or house sitting. Tutoring younger students in subjects where one excels is another viable option, often commanding competitive hourly rates.

Online freelance work provides a broader scope of opportunities, leveraging digital skills. This can include content writing for blogs or websites, basic graphic design, social media assistance for small businesses, or virtual assistant tasks. While online surveys and micro-task platforms exist, it is important to manage expectations regarding their earning potential, as they typically offer modest compensation. Opportunities for these flexible roles can be found through local community boards, online platforms specializing in freelance work, or often, simply through word-of-mouth referrals within one’s network.

Individuals in these roles are typically considered self-employed, meaning they are responsible for tracking their income and expenses. If their net earnings exceed $400 in a tax year, they are generally required to pay self-employment tax. This tax, which is 15.3% (12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare), covers Social Security and Medicare contributions.

Starting Your Own Small Business

For 17-year-olds with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a small business provides an opportunity to create and sell products or services directly. This path allows for complete control over the venture, from concept to execution. Examples include crafting and selling handmade items or artwork, providing specialized services such as car detailing or web design, or reselling items through online marketplaces, often referred to as “thrift flips.”

The initial steps in launching such a venture involve identifying a niche market or a service gap, followed by basic marketing efforts to reach potential customers. Effective customer service is paramount for retaining clients and building a positive reputation. These ventures typically start small, focusing on immediate capabilities and resources, but possess the potential for organic growth as skills develop and demand increases.

As with freelance work, operating a small business means the individual is considered self-employed for tax purposes. If the net earnings from the business are $400 or more in a tax year, self-employment tax generally applies to the net income. Business income and expenses are typically reported on Schedule C (Form 1040) or Schedule C-EZ, with the self-employment tax calculated on Schedule SE (Form 1040).

Understanding Work Requirements for Minors

Navigating employment as a minor involves understanding specific legal and practical requirements designed to ensure well-being and prioritize education. Many jurisdictions require minors to obtain a work permit before beginning employment. These permits are typically issued by an authorized person at the minor’s school or by the state labor department. The process often involves the minor, a parent or guardian, and the employer completing and signing a “Statement of Intent to Employ Minor and Request for Work Permit” form, which is then submitted to the school for approval. Permits generally specify the type of work allowed and the maximum hours a minor may work.

Federal law, specifically the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), sets baseline rules for youth employment, though state laws often impose stricter limitations. While 16- and 17-year-olds generally have no federal hour limits for non-hazardous jobs, many states restrict working hours during the school year, such as limits on daily or weekly hours, or prohibitions on working late at night before a school day. For example, some states may restrict work between 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. or 6 a.m. on school nights.

Certain occupations are deemed hazardous and are generally prohibited for minors, including jobs involving power-driven machinery, mining, manufacturing, or exposure to dangerous substances. Minors are generally subject to federal minimum wage laws, which is currently $7.25 per hour, though many states have higher minimum wage rates that would apply. A federal provision allows employers to pay a youth minimum wage of $4.25 per hour for the first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment for workers under 20, unless state law prohibits it or requires a higher rate. These regulations vary significantly by state and sometimes by local municipality, making it essential to check specific local laws for complete compliance.