How to Make Money in High School: Jobs, Gigs & Ideas

High school offers a unique period for students to begin building financial independence and gain valuable experience. Earning money during these years can serve various purposes, from saving for future educational endeavors or large purchases to covering everyday personal expenses. Engaging in work also provides an early introduction to responsibility, time management, and the professional world, fostering skills that extend far beyond financial gain. This initial foray into earning can shape an understanding of work ethic and money management, laying a foundation for future success.

Understanding Employment Basics for Minors

Before seeking employment, high school students must understand the foundational legal requirements governing minor employment. Federal law, primarily the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), sets baseline age requirements and work hour limitations to protect young workers. Generally, the FLSA establishes a minimum employment age of 14 for non-agricultural jobs, though specific types of work may have different age stipulations. For instance, most occupations require an individual to be at least 16 years old, while hazardous occupations are typically restricted to those 18 and older.

Many states require minors under a certain age, often 16, to obtain a work permit before beginning employment. This permit, sometimes referred to as an employment certificate, verifies the minor’s age and outlines the types of jobs and hours they are legally permitted to work. Obtaining a work permit usually involves submitting an application, providing proof of age, and sometimes securing a parent’s signature and a school official’s approval. The process ensures that employment does not interfere with a minor’s education or well-being.

Child labor laws also regulate the maximum hours minors can work, particularly during school weeks and school hours. For example, the FLSA generally limits 14- and 15-year-olds to working no more than three hours on a school day and 18 hours in a school week. These restrictions are designed to balance academic obligations with the opportunity to gain work experience. Additionally, specific rules exist regarding the times of day minors can work, often prohibiting employment late at night.

High school students’ income is subject to federal, state, and local income taxes. If gross income exceeds the standard deduction for dependents, a tax return is required. Employers withhold FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare) from wages. Understanding these tax obligations is important.

For freelance work, if a student earns over $600 from a single client in a tax year, they may receive a Form 1099-NEC. They could also have self-employment tax obligations if net earnings exceed $400.

Exploring Traditional Part-Time Jobs

Traditional part-time jobs offer structured employment experiences, often providing regular hours and a steady paycheck. Retail positions are common entry points for high school students, encompassing roles such as cashier, stock associate, or sales associate. These jobs involve assisting customers, managing transactions, organizing merchandise, and maintaining store cleanliness, providing valuable experience in customer service and teamwork. Working in retail environments can help students develop communication and problem-solving skills in a professional setting.

The food service industry also provides numerous opportunities for minors, including roles in restaurants, fast-food establishments, and cafes. Positions like server, host/hostess, kitchen assistant, or barista involve taking orders, preparing simple food items, cleaning, and interacting directly with patrons. These roles often require working during peak hours, such as evenings and weekends, aligning with typical high school schedules. Such employment helps students learn about efficiency, hygiene standards, and working collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Leisure and entertainment venues frequently hire high school students for various roles. Movie theaters may employ ushers or concession stand workers, while amusement parks and community centers offer positions like ride operators, game attendants, or even lifeguards for those with proper certification. These jobs typically involve customer interaction and maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for guests. Such roles can be particularly appealing due to their engaging nature and often flexible scheduling.

Beyond retail and food service, other structured entry-level positions can be suitable for high school students. Some public libraries hire assistants for tasks such as shelving books, organizing materials, or helping patrons with basic inquiries. Small local businesses or professional offices may also have openings for office assistants, handling administrative duties like filing, answering phones, or data entry. These roles provide exposure to different work environments and can help students refine organizational and communication skills.

Discovering Flexible Gig and Service-Based Work

Flexible gig and service-based work provides high school students with adaptable opportunities to earn money, often allowing them to set their own hours and rates. Childcare and pet care services are popular options, including babysitting, nannying, pet sitting, or dog walking. These roles require responsibility and reliability, involving direct care for children or animals, often within a neighborhood or community setting. Such services are usually paid directly by the client, offering immediate financial compensation.

Yard work and home services present another avenue for flexible earnings. Students can offer services such as lawn mowing, raking leaves, snow shoveling, or car washing, particularly in residential areas. More involved tasks like basic house cleaning or organizing may also be an option for trusted individuals. These jobs typically involve physical labor and are often seasonal or project-based, providing income as needed.

Tutoring and mentoring capitalize on a student’s academic strengths or specific skills. High schoolers proficient in certain subjects can offer academic help to younger students, while those with talents in music, art, or sports can provide lessons or coaching. This type of work allows students to leverage their knowledge and abilities, often on an hourly basis. It also helps them develop teaching and leadership skills.

Errands and general assistance for neighbors or family friends can also provide earning opportunities. This might include helping with grocery shopping, providing basic tech support for older individuals, or assisting with various odd jobs around the house. These tasks are typically informal arrangements, relying on trust and word-of-mouth referrals. The flexibility of these services allows students to fit work around their academic and extracurricular commitments.

Leveraging Online and Creative Opportunities

The digital landscape offers high school students numerous modern avenues for earning money, often from the convenience of their homes. Participating in online surveys or completing microtasks through specialized platforms provides a way to earn small amounts of money or gift cards for sharing opinions or performing simple digital assignments. While individual tasks may not pay much, consistently engaging with these opportunities can accumulate earnings over time. These platforms typically require users to be at least 13 or 16 years old, with parental consent sometimes needed for younger participants.

Content creation has emerged as a significant opportunity, though it often takes time and consistent effort to generate substantial income. This can include starting a blog, creating videos for platforms, producing social media content, or even launching a podcast. Monetization typically comes through advertising revenue, sponsorships, or direct audience support once a significant following is established. Students interested in this path should be aware of platform-specific rules regarding age and monetization thresholds.

Selling handmade crafts or other goods allows creative high schoolers to turn hobbies into income. This could involve making and selling jewelry, artwork, baked goods, or custom apparel through online marketplaces or local craft fairs. Reselling items, such as thrift store finds or collectibles, on platforms like eBay or local classifieds, is another option that requires an eye for value and market demand. When engaging in online sales, students should understand platform fees and shipping costs, which can impact profitability.

For students with specific digital skills, freelance services offer a pathway to earning. This might include basic graphic design for small businesses, video editing for content creators, social media management for local organizations, or writing short articles. Students can market these services through online freelance platforms or by networking within their community.

Finding and Applying for Opportunities

Once a high school student has identified potential earning methods, the next step involves actively seeking and securing opportunities. Various avenues exist for finding suitable work, including online job boards that cater to younger applicants or specific industries, and the websites of local businesses. School bulletin boards, community centers, and neighborhood apps can also list local openings. Often, word-of-mouth referrals through family, friends, and neighbors prove to be highly effective for both formal jobs and informal gig work.

For more formal employment, creating a simple resume is a beneficial step. This document should highlight academic achievements, any volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and relevant skills such as communication or organization. For creative roles, a basic portfolio showcasing examples of their work, like designs or writing samples, can be impactful. Even for gig work, having a prepared list of skills and past experiences can instill confidence in potential clients.

The application process varies depending on the type of opportunity. For traditional jobs, this typically involves filling out an application form, either online or in person at the business location. For gig or service-based work, it often means directly contacting potential clients, whether through a phone call, email, or a direct message via a neighborhood app. Being prompt and professional in these initial contacts is important for making a good impression.

If a formal job application leads to an interview, preparation is key. This includes dressing appropriately, arriving punctually, and being ready to discuss skills and availability. Asking thoughtful questions about the role or the business can demonstrate genuine interest. Furthermore, networking by simply talking to family members, friends, and neighbors about availability and skills can uncover unadvertised opportunities.

Citations

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Fact Sheet #43: Child Labor Provisions for Nonagricultural Occupations.

IRS Publication 334, Tax Guide for Small Business (For Individuals Who Use Schedule C or C-EZ).

Discovering Flexible Gig and Service-Based Work

Flexible gig and service-based work provides high school students with adaptable opportunities to earn money, often allowing them to set their own hours and rates. Childcare and pet care services are popular options, including babysitting, nannying, pet sitting, or dog walking. These roles require responsibility and reliability, involving direct care for children or animals, often within a neighborhood or community setting. Such services are usually paid directly by the client, offering immediate financial compensation.

Yard work and home services present another avenue for flexible earnings. Students can offer services such as lawn mowing, raking leaves, snow shoveling, or car washing, particularly in residential areas. More involved tasks like basic house cleaning or organizing may also be an option for trusted individuals. These jobs typically involve physical labor and are often seasonal or project-based, providing income as needed.

Tutoring and mentoring capitalize on a student’s academic strengths or specific skills. High schoolers proficient in certain subjects can offer academic help to younger students, while those with talents in music, art, or sports can provide lessons or coaching. This type of work allows students to leverage their knowledge and abilities, often on an hourly basis. It also helps them develop teaching and leadership skills.

Errands and general assistance for neighbors or family friends can also provide earning opportunities. This might include helping with grocery shopping, providing basic tech support for older individuals, or assisting with various odd jobs around the house. These tasks are typically informal arrangements, relying on trust and word-of-mouth referrals. The flexibility of these services allows students to fit work around their academic and extracurricular commitments.

Leveraging Online and Creative Opportunities

The digital landscape offers high school students numerous modern avenues for earning money, often from the convenience of their homes. Participating in online surveys or completing microtasks through specialized platforms provides a way to earn small amounts of money or gift cards for sharing opinions or performing simple digital assignments. While individual tasks may not pay much, consistently engaging with these opportunities can accumulate earnings over time. These platforms typically require users to be at least 13 or 16 years old, with parental consent sometimes needed for younger participants.

Content creation has emerged as a significant opportunity, though it often takes time and consistent effort to generate substantial income. This can include starting a blog, creating videos for platforms, producing social media content, or even launching a podcast. Monetization typically comes through advertising revenue, sponsorships, or direct audience support once a significant following is established. Students interested in this path should be aware of platform-specific rules regarding age and monetization thresholds.

Selling handmade crafts or other goods allows creative high schoolers to turn hobbies into income. This could involve making and selling jewelry, artwork, baked goods, or custom apparel through online marketplaces or local craft fairs. Reselling items, such as thrift store finds or collectibles, on platforms like eBay or local classifieds, is another option that requires an eye for value and market demand. When engaging in online sales, students should understand platform fees and shipping costs, which can impact profitability.

For students with specific digital skills, freelance services offer a pathway to earning. This might include basic graphic design for small businesses, video editing for content creators, social media management for local organizations, or writing short articles. Students can market these services through online freelance platforms or by networking within their community.

Finding and Applying for Opportunities

Once a high school student has identified potential earning methods, the next step involves actively seeking and securing opportunities. Various avenues exist for finding suitable work, including online job boards that cater to younger applicants or specific industries, and the websites of local businesses. School bulletin boards, community centers, and neighborhood apps can also list local openings. Often, word-of-mouth referrals through family, friends, and neighbors prove to be highly effective for both formal jobs and informal gig work.

For more formal employment, creating a simple resume is a beneficial step. This document should highlight academic achievements, any volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and relevant skills such as communication or organization. For creative roles, a basic portfolio showcasing examples of their work, like designs or writing samples, can be impactful. Even for gig work, having a prepared list of skills and past experiences can instill confidence in potential clients.

The application process varies depending on the type of opportunity. For traditional jobs, this typically involves filling out an application form, either online or in person at the business location. For gig or service-based work, it often means directly contacting potential clients, whether through a phone call, email, or a direct message via a neighborhood app. Being prompt and professional in these initial contacts is important for making a good impression.

If a formal job application leads to an interview, preparation is key. This includes dressing appropriately, arriving punctually, and being ready to discuss skills and availability. Asking thoughtful questions about the role or the business can demonstrate genuine interest. Furthermore, networking by simply talking to family members, friends, and neighbors about availability and skills can uncover unadvertised opportunities.