How to Make Money as a High School Student

Earning money as a high school student offers a valuable opportunity to build financial understanding and responsibility. Engaging in work activities teaches important lessons about budgeting, saving, and managing earned income. It also provides practical experience in various industries, fostering skills that extend beyond the classroom. This fosters a strong work ethic and appreciation for the value of money.

Part-Time Employment

Securing a part-time job provides a structured pathway for high school students to earn income. Before starting the job search, it is important to understand federal labor laws and any state-specific requirements. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets federal guidelines, generally permitting 14- and 15-year-olds to work outside school hours in non-manufacturing and non-hazardous jobs, with specific limits on daily and weekly hours. For 16- and 17-year-olds, federal law generally does not restrict the number of hours they can work, provided the job is not classified as hazardous.

Many states require minors to obtain a work permit or employment certificate before they can begin working. While federal law does not mandate these permits, they serve to ensure the minor is of legal working age and, in some cases, physically capable of the job. The application typically requires personal information, proof of age, and often parental consent and employer details.

When seeking these opportunities, students can explore online job boards, local business storefronts, or school career centers for listings. Preparing a simple resume that highlights academic achievements, volunteer work, and any relevant skills or experiences can be beneficial. During interviews, emphasizing reliability and availability demonstrates a professional attitude to potential employers. Any income earned from formal employment counts as earned income; for the 2024 tax year, a dependent high school student with earned income exceeding $14,600 must file a federal income tax return. Even if income falls below this threshold, filing a return may be advisable if federal income tax was withheld from paychecks, as it could result in a refund.

Providing Services

Offering services directly to individuals or families presents a flexible way for high school students to earn income, often leveraging existing skills. Opportunities range from childcare and pet care to lawn maintenance, tutoring, house cleaning, or technology assistance. Identifying marketable skills involves considering what services are in demand within your community and what you genuinely enjoy doing. Setting fair pricing for these services requires researching what others charge in your area for similar tasks, factoring in the time and effort involved. A simple service offering, perhaps a flyer or a digital post, can outline the specific tasks provided and your availability.

To find clients, word-of-mouth referrals from family and friends are often the most effective. Local community groups, neighborhood social media pages, and even bulletin boards at community centers can also be valuable platforms for advertising your services. When communicating with potential clients, clearly state your rates, availability, and the scope of work you can perform. Scheduling services efficiently and confirming appointments helps build a professional reputation.

Managing payments for these services can involve cash, checks, or digital payment platforms like Venmo or PayPal. It is important to maintain accurate records of all income received and any related expenses. All income earned from providing services is generally taxable. For self-employment income, if net earnings reach $400 or more, a federal income tax return must be filed, and self-employment taxes (Social Security and Medicare taxes) may be owed. Third-party payment networks may report payments to the IRS using Form 1099-K if the total amount exceeds certain thresholds, such as $5,000 for 2024 or $2,500 for 2025. Regardless of receiving a Form 1099-K, all taxable income must be reported.

Selling Products

Creating or sourcing products to sell offers an entrepreneurial avenue for high school students to generate income. This can include handmade crafts, baked goods, reselling items, or even digital products like art or study guides. Determining production costs involves calculating the price of all materials used and any time invested. Setting a competitive yet profitable sale price requires considering these costs, the market value, and your desired profit margin. Sourcing materials for handmade items might involve local craft stores or online suppliers, while items for resale can be found at thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces.

Selling products can take various forms, from setting up a small online shop on platforms like Etsy or local online marketplaces to selling in person at school events, local fairs, or neighborhood garage sales. Social media platforms also provide a direct way to showcase products and connect with potential buyers. Establishing clear payment methods, such as cash, digital payments, or online checkout systems, streamlines transactions. Basic inventory management, keeping track of what has been sold and what needs to be replenished, helps ensure smooth operations.

Maintaining meticulous records of both income and expenses is important for any product-based venture. Expenses such as raw materials, shipping costs, platform fees, or advertising are generally considered ordinary and necessary business expenses, which can reduce taxable income. Income from selling products is subject to tax. If revenue is received through third-party payment networks, a Form 1099-K may be issued. All income must be accurately reported to the IRS.

Online Income Streams

Exploring online income streams provides diverse opportunities for high school students, separate from selling physical products. These avenues often involve leveraging digital skills or participating in online activities. Common options include taking online surveys, engaging in freelance work like writing, graphic design, or coding on platforms such as Upwork or Fiverr, or providing virtual tutoring services. Content creation and monetization on platforms like YouTube or TikTok also represent growing income possibilities. Each online opportunity typically requires specific skills, whether it is strong writing, design proficiency, coding knowledge, or engaging communication. Setting up necessary accounts on these platforms usually involves creating a profile that highlights your abilities and experience.

The process for engaging with these platforms varies significantly by the type of work. For freelance platforms, it involves creating a compelling profile, bidding on projects, or responding to client inquiries. For survey sites, it means consistently participating in available surveys. For content creation, it requires regularly producing and uploading engaging material that attracts an audience. Many online platforms facilitate payments directly through their systems, often requiring a linked bank account or a digital payment service. These platforms typically outline their payment schedules and any associated fees.

All income earned through online activities is considered taxable income. It is important to keep thorough records of earnings and any related expenses, such as software subscriptions or internet costs, which may be deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses. If you earn income through freelance work, you are considered self-employed, and if your net earnings from self-employment reach $400 or more, you are generally required to file a tax return and pay self-employment taxes. For payments received through online marketplaces or payment apps, a Form 1099-K may be issued. All income must be reported to the Internal Revenue Service.