How to Make Money at Age 14: Proven Ways to Earn

Earning money at age 14 offers a valuable opportunity to cultivate responsibility, develop practical skills, and understand financial concepts. Many legitimate and safe avenues exist for young individuals to begin entrepreneurial or employment endeavors, fostering independence and a strong work ethic for future financial literacy.

Understanding Work Restrictions for Minors

Working at age 14 involves adherence to regulations ensuring safety and balancing work with education. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets federal guidelines for minor employment in non-agricultural occupations, dictating job types and permitted hours for 14 and 15-year-olds, who generally work outside school hours in non-manufacturing, non-mining, and non-hazardous jobs.

During school weeks, 14 and 15-year-olds are limited to 3 hours on a school day (18 hours per week). On non-school days, they can work up to 8 hours, with a 40-hour weekly limit when school is not in session. Work is not permitted before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m., extending to 9:00 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day.

Federal law prohibits 14 and 15-year-olds from hazardous occupations, including manufacturing, mining, processing, working with power-driven machinery (except office machines), operating motor vehicles, working in freezers or meat coolers, and certain baking operations. Many jurisdictions require a work permit, obtained through schools or the state labor department, to validate eligibility and ensure employment does not interfere with education.

Local Service Opportunities

Babysitting is a common choice, with responsibilities including supervising children, engaging them in activities, and ensuring safety. The hourly pay for teen babysitting in the United States ranges from $9.13 to $23.80. Practical tips for securing these jobs include word-of-mouth referrals, creating simple flyers, and communicating availability to trusted adults.

Pet sitting and dog walking offer flexible earning potential for animal-loving teens. Tasks involve feeding, walking, playing with pets, and ensuring well-being while owners are away. Teen pet sitters can earn an hourly wage ranging from $7.45 to $21.88. For overnight pet sitting, a daily rate of around $65 is common, with higher rates possible for multiple animals or special needs. Advertising services through local groups or by asking neighbors can help build a client base.

Yard work involves mowing lawns, raking leaves, weeding gardens, or general clean-up. The average hourly rate for a teenager doing yard work ranges from $10 to $15. For specific tasks, a flat rate of around $25 for mowing a large lawn or $15 for trimming bushes is applied. Offering services to multiple homes in a concentrated area maximizes efficiency and earnings.

Car wash rates are not standardized, but pricing can be based on vehicle type and cleaning extent. Odd jobs for neighbors, such as helping with groceries, organizing garages, or general house clean-up, offer diverse ways to earn. These jobs pay an hourly rate or a negotiated flat fee depending on task complexity. Safety and clear communication with parents are important for local opportunities, especially when working in unfamiliar homes or environments.

Online and Skill-Based Opportunities

Tutoring younger students is a viable option for those excelling academically. Peer tutors can charge $15 to $25 per hour, while experienced tutors may command $25 to $80 per hour. This work can be done in-person or online, requiring understanding of subject matter and ability to explain concepts clearly.

For creative individuals, selling handmade crafts or art can generate income. This involves creating jewelry, paintings, customized stationery, or other unique items. Products can be sold through local craft fairs, school events, or parent-supervised online marketplaces. Building a portfolio and understanding basic pricing for materials and labor are important. Parental assistance is often needed for setting up online storefronts and handling transactions.

These tasks include data entry, organizing digital files, or assisting with social media management for a small family business. While direct online platforms for minors might be limited, reaching out to local businesses or family contacts needing digital assistance can open doors. Safety, parental involvement, and secure payment methods are crucial for online activities.

Managing Your Earnings

Learning to manage money effectively from a young age is a key skill. Once earnings accumulate, understanding how to save, spend wisely, and budget is important. Establishing financial goals provides motivation. Setting aside a portion of each earning, perhaps 10-20%, for savings is a prudent practice.

For holding money, a savings account is a practical choice. Minors cannot open accounts independently and require a parent or guardian to set up a joint account. This account allows the parent to supervise activity and manage funds until adulthood. Necessary documents include the child’s name, birthdate, Social Security number, and parent’s identification.

Regarding taxes, if a dependent child’s earned income exceeds a certain threshold, they may need to file a federal income tax return. For the 2025 tax year, this threshold is $15,000 for earned income. If unearned income, such as from investments, exceeds $1,300 for the 2024 tax year, a return may also be required. The standard deduction for a dependent in 2025 is the greater of $1,350 or $450 plus earned income. Consult a parent or tax professional for guidance on filing requirements and potential tax implications as earnings grow.