How to Make Money When You’re 14 Years Old

Earning money as a 14-year-old offers opportunities for financial literacy and independence. This guide provides ideas and advice for generating income through local services, online ventures, or by creating and selling products.

Understanding Work Regulations for Minors

Understanding the legal framework governing minor employment is important. The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets guidelines for 14- and 15-year-olds in non-agricultural jobs. During school weeks, these minors cannot work more than 3 hours on a school day or more than 18 hours per week. On non-school days, they may work up to 8 hours, with a maximum of 40 hours during non-school weeks.

Work is permitted only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., extending to 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day. Certain occupations are prohibited under FLSA, including manufacturing, mining, and hazardous jobs. Minors are generally restricted from operating power-driven machinery.

State and local child labor laws often impose stricter regulations than federal law. These state laws might have different hour limitations, prohibited occupations, or require work permits. Many states necessitate a work permit or employment certificate, usually obtained through the school or state labor department. Consulting the state’s Department of Labor website is advisable to ensure adherence to applicable rules.

Earning Through Local Services

Providing services within one’s neighborhood offers accessible ways for 14-year-olds to earn money. Babysitting is a common opportunity, involving supervising children and engaging in age-appropriate activities. Gaining certifications, such as basic first aid or CPR, can build trust with clients.

Pet care services, including dog walking or pet sitting, cater to busy pet owners. This work might involve daily walks or ensuring animals have food and water. Yard work provides consistent income through tasks such as mowing lawns, raking leaves, or shoveling snow.

Tutoring younger students in subjects where the 14-year-old excels, like math or reading, can be a rewarding service. This involves explaining concepts and helping with homework. Offering house chores or odd jobs, such as cleaning or running local errands, also presents opportunities. Car washing is another straightforward option.

Generating Income Online

The digital landscape offers various ways for 14-year-olds to earn money, often requiring parental supervision. Participating in online surveys or microtask platforms can provide earnings. These platforms often have age restrictions, usually requiring parental consent.

Content creation on platforms like YouTube or TikTok can generate income from advertising revenue or brand sponsorships. Focusing on niches like gaming, crafts, or educational content can attract viewers. Selling digital items, such as custom digital art or graphic designs, leverages creative skills.

Online tutoring or providing homework help to younger students can be facilitated through video calls. Gaming-related income can stem from streaming gameplay or participating in competitive online tournaments. For all online activities, it is important to involve parents to ensure online safety and manage financial transactions.

Creating and Selling Products

Entrepreneurial ventures involving the creation and sale of products can provide income. Handmade crafts, such as jewelry, greeting cards, or candles, allow for creative expression and direct sales.

Selling baked goods or other homemade food items, like cookies or lemonade, is another popular option. Local food safety regulations, often called “cottage food laws,” vary by state. Many states permit the sale of non-potentially hazardous foods from a home kitchen, but may require registration and proper labeling.

For those with artistic talent, selling original drawings or prints can generate revenue. Offering photography services for local events or family portraits also provides a service-based product. Upcycling or refurbishing items, transforming inexpensive goods for profit, is another creative approach. Offering creative services like custom artwork or graphic design can be a skill.

Finding and Securing Work

Actively seeking and securing work requires strategies. Spreading the word through family, friends, and neighbors is an effective first step, as many opportunities arise from personal connections. Informing those in your immediate circle about the services or products offered can lead to direct referrals.

Local advertising, such as flyers on community bulletin boards or local social media groups with parental permission, can broaden reach. Presenting a “resume” or a list of skills and availability can demonstrate professionalism. Parents can play a role in helping identify opportunities, providing transportation, and assisting with initial communications.

When interacting with clients, being polite, reliable, and communicating clearly is important. Discuss terms beforehand and agree on a payment method. Receiving payment safely, whether through cash or simple payment applications with parental oversight, ensures a transaction.