How to Make Money as a 14-Year-Old

It is common for young individuals to seek ways to earn money, driven by a desire for increased independence and financial responsibility. Earning income at a young age provides valuable experience in budgeting and saving. This article outlines practical and legal avenues for a 14-year-old to earn money, offering guidance on permissible activities and how to secure them.

Legal Considerations for Working

Federal labor laws, primarily the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), set the minimum age for most non-agricultural employment at 14. The FLSA limits hours for 14- and 15-year-olds. During school weeks, minors are restricted to three hours on a school day and 18 hours per week.

During non-school periods, they can work up to eight hours a day and 40 hours a week. Work hours are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., extended to 9:00 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day. The FLSA prohibits 14-year-olds from hazardous occupations, including manufacturing, mining, or operating power-driven machinery. Many states have their own child labor laws, which can be more restrictive than federal regulations, often requiring work permits obtained through a school or state labor department.

Income-Generating Activities

Many age-appropriate activities allow 14-year-olds to earn money by leveraging skills or local demand. Providing local services assists neighbors and builds a reputation. These services include babysitting, pet sitting, dog walking, lawn care (mowing, raking, shoveling snow), car washing, or household chores like organizing and cleaning.

Digital skills offer online earning avenues, though parental involvement is important for supervision and account management. Options include participating in online surveys (with parental consent), creating age-appropriate content for platforms like YouTube or TikTok, or selling handmade crafts or art through online marketplaces like Etsy (managed under a parent’s account).

Creative talents or specific skills also lead to earning opportunities. Options include selling handmade items (jewelry, greeting cards, baked goods) at local markets or to friends and family. Offering basic technology assistance to older adults, such as setting up new devices or troubleshooting simple issues, is a valuable service. Photography services for local events or portraits can also generate income.

Finding and Securing Opportunities

Securing earning opportunities often begins by leveraging existing networks. Communicate interest to family, friends, and neighbors to reveal immediate needs. These connections often lead to direct opportunities for services like pet care, yard work, or babysitting, as trust is established.

Reaching out to the local community through simple flyers is also effective. Post flyers on community bulletin boards (with permission) or distribute them to neighbors. Utilize local social media groups or online community platforms (under parental supervision) to advertise services to a broader audience. Clearly outlining services and contact information generates interest from potential clients.

When approaching potential clients, demonstrate clear communication and a responsible attitude. Being prompt, reliable, and respectful builds a positive reputation, leading to repeat business and referrals. Parental involvement is important for safety, especially when engaging with new clients or working in unfamiliar environments. Discussing expectations and boundaries with parents before taking on new opportunities ensures a secure earning experience.