For many teenagers, earning their own pocket money is an exciting first step toward independence. While some families pay for household chores and others see them as part of everyday responsibilities, encouraging teens to earn money through small jobs can be a great learning experience.
The most important thing is not necessarily what the job is, but finding something they enjoy doing. When teens choose activities that match their interests or talents, the work often feels less like a chore and more like an opportunity. Whether it’s helping people, being creative, working outdoors or exploring technology, there are many ways to get started.
Encourage teens to think big about their ambitions but start small. Many successful businesses and careers begin with simple neighbourhood jobs or hobbies. Being reliable, friendly and genuine goes a long way, and doing a great job often leads to more opportunities through word of mouth.
Starting close to home is usually the easiest first step. Teens can offer help to neighbours, family friends or people in the local community. As confidence grows, they can take on more work, build new skills and even discover interests that shape their future careers.
Here are 10 practical ways teens can earn extra pocket money — including how to get started and examples of what that might look like.
1. Dog Walking
Dog walking is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways for teenagers to earn money. Many busy pet owners work long hours and appreciate someone helping exercise their dog during the day.
Teens who love animals can start by offering dog walking services to neighbours or family friends. A simple conversation or message in a local community group can often lead to the first client.
A typical dog walking job might involve walking a neighbour’s dog for 30 minutes after school, earning between $10 and $20 per walk.
For teens who enjoy animals and being outdoors, dog walking can quickly become a regular and reliable source of pocket money.
How to start:
Teens can begin by offering their services to neighbours, friends or family members with pets. A simple flyer in the neighbourhood or a post in a local community Facebook group can help spread the word.
Example:
Your teen might walk a neighbour’s dog for 30 minutes after school twice a week and earn around $10–$20 per walk.
2. Babysitting
Babysitting has long been one of the most popular jobs for teenagers. Parents often appreciate having someone local and trustworthy who can supervise their children for a few hours.
Teens can start by babysitting for family friends or neighbours who already know them. Responsibilities might include playing games with younger children, helping with homework, preparing simple snacks or supervising bedtime routines.
A babysitting job might involve watching two children for a few hours on a Friday evening, earning hourly pay while gaining valuable responsibility.
How to start:
Teens can begin by babysitting for family friends or neighbours. Completing a basic first aid course can also help parents feel more comfortable hiring them.
Example:
A teen could babysit for a neighbour’s children on Friday nights for a few hours, earning $20–$25 per hour depending on responsibilities.
3. Helping Neighbours in Need
Many elderly residents or people with mobility challenges appreciate help with small everyday tasks. These tasks might seem simple but can make a big difference in someone’s day.
Teens could offer help with:
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Grocery shopping
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Walking to a café
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Watering plants
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Taking out bins
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Collecting mail
Helping neighbours is not only a way to earn money but also an opportunity to build strong community connections.
How to start:
Teens can introduce themselves to neighbours or ask parents to help connect them with someone who might appreciate help.
Example:
A teen might help an elderly neighbour by collecting groceries, walking to the café, or watering plants, earning $10–$30 for small tasks.
4. Arts and Crafts
Creative teenagers can turn their hobbies into a small side business. Handmade items often sell well at school markets, community events or local fairs.
Popular items include:
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Friendship bracelets
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Handmade jewellery
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Greeting cards
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Baked goods
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Candles or decorations
For example, a teen who enjoys making bracelets might sell them for $5 each at a school market or fundraiser.
This type of work allows teens to explore creativity while learning basic business skills.
How to start:
Encourage your teen to focus on something they enjoy making, such as jewellery, greeting cards, baked goods or handmade candles.
Example:
Your teen could create handmade friendship bracelets and sell them for $5 each at a local school fair.
5. Extra Household Chores
While most families expect teens to help around the house, additional chores can provide an opportunity to earn extra pocket money.
Parents can create a simple list of optional tasks such as:
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Washing the car
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Cleaning windows
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Gardening or weeding
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Organising the garage
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Cleaning outdoor areas
Teens can choose which tasks they want to complete when they want to earn extra money.
How to start:
Parents can create a simple list of optional chores with set rewards.
Example:
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Washing the car – $10
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Cleaning windows – $10
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Gardening or weeding – $15
Teens can choose tasks whenever they want to earn extra money.
6. Odd Jobs Around the Neighbourhood
Small outdoor jobs are always in demand, especially for busy households.
Teens can offer services such as:
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Lawn mowing
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Leaf raking
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Garden weeding
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Driveway cleaning
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Watering gardens
These jobs are easy to start and often lead to repeat work if done well.
For example, a teen might mow a neighbour’s lawn once every two weeks and earn $20–$40.
How to start:
Teens can offer services such as lawn mowing, leaf raking, garden weeding or driveway sweeping. Posting a note in local groups or asking neighbours directly can lead to regular work.
Example:
A teen might mow a neighbour’s lawn once a fortnight and earn $20–$40 depending on the size of the yard.
7. Part-Time Jobs
Once teenagers reach the legal working age in Australia (typically around 16 years old), they may be able to apply for part-time work.
Common first jobs for teens include:
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Working in cafés
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Retail store assistant
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Supermarket team member
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Fast food crew member
These roles help teens develop valuable workplace skills such as teamwork, time management and customer service.
How to start:
Teens can create a simple resume and apply to local cafés, supermarkets, fast food outlets or retail stores.
Example:
A teen might work one or two shifts a week at a local café, gaining both income and valuable work experience.
8. Game Development
For teens who love gaming, learning how to create games can be both fun and educational.
Free platforms like Scratch, Roblox Studio or Unity allow beginners to experiment with game design and coding.
Some teens eventually create games or digital content that others can download or purchase online.
Even if it doesn’t generate income right away, it builds valuable digital skills.
How to start:
Free tools like Scratch, Roblox Studio or Unity can help teens start creating simple games.
Example:
A teen might create a small mobile game or digital content within gaming platforms and earn money through downloads, ads or in-game purchases.
9. Tech Help
Many adults struggle with technology even though they use it every day. Tech-savvy teens often find these tasks easy and can offer help to others.
Common tech help services include:
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Setting up smartphones
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Installing apps
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Connecting smart TVs
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Teaching someone how to use messaging apps
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Helping with social media
A neighbour may happily pay $20 or more for help setting up a new device.
How to start:
Teens can offer simple tech support services such as setting up phones, installing apps or helping someone learn to use social media.
Example:
A neighbour may happily pay $20–$30 for help setting up a new smartphone or connecting a smart TV.
10. Becoming a Content Creator or Influencer
Many teenagers enjoy creating videos or sharing content online. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Instagram allow teens to share their interests and creativity.
Popular content topics include:
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Cooking or baking
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Gaming
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Fashion
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Sports
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Pets
While building an audience takes time, some creators eventually earn money through advertising, sponsorships or brand partnerships.
How to start:
Encourage teens to focus on something they enjoy such as baking, fashion, pets, gaming or travel.
Example:
A teen who shares fun baking videos on TikTok or YouTube could eventually earn money through brand partnerships, sponsorships or ad revenue.
Smart Tips for Teens Starting to Earn Money
Here are a few helpful tips to guide teens as they start earning their own pocket money:
Start small
Encourage teens to begin with simple jobs close to home before taking on larger responsibilities.
Be reliable
Showing up on time and doing a good job helps build trust and can lead to repeat work.
Save some of the money
Learning to save part of what they earn can help teens build good financial habits early.
Stay safe
Parents should always know where their teens are working and who they are working with.
Use word-of-mouth
Many small jobs come through recommendations, so doing a good job can quickly lead to more opportunities.
Helping teens earn their own money not only builds confidence but also teaches valuable life skills such as responsibility, budgeting and work ethic — lessons that will stay with them long after their first pocket money job.
10 Ways Teens Can Earn Extra Pocket Money (And How to Get Started)
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