How to Make Money While in High School

Many high school students choose to earn money for various reasons, ranging from gaining financial independence to saving for significant future goals like college or a car. This experience provides valuable work skills that extend beyond the classroom, such as responsibility, time management, and effective communication. Engaging in part-time work or entrepreneurial ventures can also build confidence and offer early exposure to different career paths. The process of earning and managing one’s own income fosters a foundational understanding of financial literacy, which is beneficial for future success.

Traditional Part-Time Jobs

Traditional part-time jobs offer a structured environment for high school students to gain consistent income and professional experience. Common roles are in retail, food service, and local businesses like grocery stores, restaurants, movie theaters, or administrative support. Opportunities are found on online job boards, company websites, “Help Wanted” signs, school career centers, or through networking with family, friends, and teachers.

Most traditional jobs for minors have age restrictions. The minimum age for non-agricultural employment is 14, though specific hours and types of work are limited for those under 16. For instance, 14 and 15-year-olds cannot work more than three hours on a school day or 18 hours in a school week. Many states require minors under 18 to obtain a work permit or employment certificate, often issued by a state’s labor department or school.

These jobs provide benefits like teamwork, customer service, punctuality, and a strong work ethic. Balancing work with school requires effective time management, so students should seek flexible schedules and convenient transportation.

Service-Based Gigs and Freelance Work

Service-based gigs and freelance work offer flexible earning opportunities for high school students. These roles allow independent scheduling, balancing academic and extracurricular commitments. Common examples include babysitting, pet sitting, dog walking, lawn care, tutoring, house cleaning, or running errands. Tutoring is effective if a student excels in a subject, leveraging academic strengths.

Clients are found through word-of-mouth referrals, neighborhood apps, community social media groups, or flyers advertising services. Setting clear rates and communicating expectations, availability, and service details is important for success. Reliability, trustworthiness, and good communication build a positive reputation, leading to repeat business and referrals. Prioritizing safety, especially with new clients, is important, often involving parental awareness or supervision for younger students.

Online Income Opportunities

The internet provides high school students diverse avenues to earn money with flexible hours. Online surveys offer a straightforward way to earn small amounts, though earning potential varies by platform and survey availability. Content creation on platforms like YouTube or TikTok allows students to monetize creativity and interests, earning through advertisements, sponsorships, or fan support once criteria are met.

Selling items online is another option, including old clothes on resale platforms or handmade crafts on marketplaces like Etsy. Students can also explore online tutoring for academic assistance, or virtual assistant tasks for individuals or small businesses. Understanding platform requirements, including age restrictions and payment methods, is essential. Parental supervision and guidance are important for safety and navigating online transactions and content monetization.

Starting Your Own Small Business

Starting a small business can be a rewarding way for high school students to generate income and develop valuable skills. This path allows creativity and turning a passion into profit. Business ideas include baking and selling treats, creating crafts or jewelry, custom t-shirt printing, or tech support. Identifying a skill or product addressing a local need or interest is a step.

Understanding the target customer helps tailor the product or service and develop effective marketing strategies. Marketing can involve social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok, or promoting services at school events and local fairs. Pricing products or services appropriately to cover costs and generate profit is also a business consideration. While requiring initiative and problem-solving, a small business can offer higher earnings and real-world experience in sales, marketing, and customer relations.

Managing Your Earnings

Once a high school student begins earning money, understanding how to manage it responsibly becomes important for building a foundation of financial literacy. A budget serves as a spending plan that helps track income and expenses. Students can start by listing all sources of money, such as paychecks, gig earnings, or allowances, and then record all expenditures to understand where money is being spent. Differentiating between “needs” (essential items like school supplies) and “wants” (discretionary purchases like entertainment) helps in prioritizing spending. A common budgeting guideline suggests allocating 50% of income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings.

Saving a portion of earnings is important for achieving financial goals, whether short-term, like buying a new gadget, or long-term, such as contributing to college expenses or a car. Students can save their money in a regular savings account, or parents might consider setting up a custodial account, such as a Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) account. These accounts are managed by an adult but legally belong to the minor, transferring full control when the minor reaches the age of majority, typically between 18 and 21, depending on state law.

Understanding basic tax obligations is also a part of financial management for working high school students. If a minor’s earned income exceeds the standard deduction amount for the year (for 2024, this threshold is $14,600), or if their unearned income (like interest or dividends) is over $1,300, they are required to file a federal income tax return. Students working traditional jobs will receive a Form W-2 from their employer, detailing their wages and taxes withheld. Those engaged in freelance work or operating a small business might receive a Form 1099 if they earn above certain thresholds, and they are responsible for paying self-employment taxes, which apply if net earnings from self-employment are $400 or more. Students and their parents should consult a tax professional for guidance on filing requirements and tax implications.