How to Make Money Under 18: What’s Legal, What’s Safe and What to Avoid (2026)

By the GenZJob team · Updated October 24, 2026 · 7 min read

Short answer

Yes, you can earn money under 18, but the safe options are real jobs and small services, not “money apps”. In the US, federal law lets teens work from age 14 in non-hazardous jobs such as retail, food service and office work, with limits on hours for 14- and 15-year-olds, and younger kids can do things like babysitting, pet sitting or odd jobs. Most reward apps, prize games and cash-outs, including GenZJob’s, are for ages 18 and up, and anyone promising teens easy, guaranteed income is a red flag. Involve a parent or guardian before you share any personal or payment details.

The rules for working under 18 (US)

This guide is written for people in the United States. Rules differ in other countries, and many US states add stricter rules on top of the federal ones, so always check your own state’s labor department and ask a parent or guardian.

Federal rules for young workers, in plain English (US Department of Labor)
Age	What the federal rules say
Under 14	Most employment is not allowed. Common exceptions include babysitting, delivering newspapers, acting, and odd jobs for neighbors or family.
14–15	You can work in many non-hazardous jobs (retail, food service, office work) outside school hours. Hours are limited: not more than 3 hours on a school day, 18 hours in a school week, and generally not before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. (9 p.m. in summer).
16–17	Fewer hour limits, but you still cannot do jobs the Labor Department classes as hazardous.
18+	No federal restrictions on hours or job types for age.

Federal law does not require a work permit, but many states do, and the stricter rule applies. Your school counselor or your state labor department can tell you what you need. Sources differ slightly on summer evening hours, so confirm on the Department of Labor’s youth rules page.

Safe ways to earn money under 18

Ideas that work for teens (with a parent’s help where needed)
Idea	Typical age	Why it works	Watch out for
Babysitting or mother’s helper	11+ (varies)	High demand, flexible, word of mouth	Take a first-aid course; agree on rates and rules up front
Pet sitting and dog walking	12+	Neighbors pay for reliable help	Never take on animals you cannot handle
Lawn care, snow shoveling, odd jobs	12+	No special skills	Safety with tools; ask a parent about equipment
Tutoring younger students	14+	Pays well if you are strong in a subject	Be clear on schedule and expectations
Part-time job in retail or food service	14–16+	Real paycheck, work experience	Hour limits, work permits, state rules
Making and selling things (with a parent)	Any	Learn business basics	Many selling platforms require an adult account holder
Helping family or neighbors with tech	Any	Useful and in demand	Only help people you or your parents know

Notice what is not in the table: apps that promise to pay you for taps, games or surveys. Those can pay small amounts to adults, but they come with age limits and ID checks, and the money is tiny compared with an hour of babysitting or tutoring.

What about “apps that pay you”?

Most reward and survey apps require you to be at least 18, sometimes 16, and ask for ID before the first cash-out. Terms vary by app, so read them carefully and do not use someone else’s details or lie about your age, which can lead to a ban and lost earnings.

On GenZJob specifically: you must be at least 14 to use the app, but games, giveaways and cash-outs are for ages 18 and up, and we may ask for identity verification before paying out. We do not market earning to people under 18, and we do not recommend that anyone under 18 try to earn cash from reward apps. If you are an adult comparing apps, see apps that pay you to play games and our guide to apps that pay to PayPal.

Scams that target teens (and how to spot them)

“Make $500 a day from your phone.” Honest earning opportunities do not promise big, easy income. Read why no app can guarantee income.
Pay-to-start jobs. If you must pay for a starter kit, training, “registration” or a deposit before you can earn, it is a scam.
Check-cashing or “reshipping” jobs. Anyone who sends you money and asks you to send some onward, or buy gift cards, is trying to use you to move stolen or fake money.
Requests for ID, bank or card details from someone you found online, especially in a direct message.
“Flip” or crypto schemes where someone offers to multiply your money.
Pressure and secrecy. Anything that tells you not to tell your parents is a major warning sign.

A step-by-step plan to start earning safely

Talk to a parent or guardian. They can help with rates, safety and any permits, and they must be involved in anything online that involves money.
Pick one idea from the table that fits your age, skills and schedule.
Set a fair price by checking what others in your area charge, and agree on it before starting.
Tell a trusted adult where you will be and when, whenever you work at someone’s home.
Keep records of what you earn. In some situations young people owe taxes on earnings, so ask a parent or check the IRS website.
Save part of what you make. Even a small savings habit now helps later.

Online safety rules for teens who earn money

Use a parent’s or guardian’s help to create accounts that handle money, and use an email address they can see.
Never share your full ID, bank details, home address or passwords with someone you only know online.
Be careful with direct messages. Real employers do not hire you through a chat app, and they do not ask you to move the conversation off the platform.
Keep money separate from daily life. A parent can help you set up a savings account or a youth account at a bank so earnings do not sit in a cash app.
Report scams. In the US you can report fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and a parent can help you contact your bank if you shared payment details.

For parents: questions to ask about a teen’s side income

Is the work age-appropriate and legal under federal and state rules, including hours and any permit?
Who is the other person or company, and can you meet or verify them?
Is anyone asking your child for money, ID or secrecy? If so, stop.
Where will the money go, and does your child understand any tax or savings implications?
Does it fit with school? Hour limits for 14- and 15-year-olds exist for a reason.

Reward and prize apps are mostly designed for adults. If your teen asks about one, read its terms together and be wary of anything that suggests guaranteed income. Our guide Can you make guaranteed money with apps? explains why that is not possible.

Money basics that help you keep what you earn

Pay yourself first. Move a set share of every payment into savings before spending.
Track income and costs. A notes app is enough: date, who paid you, how much and for what.
Invest in what raises your rate. A first-aid course, tutoring credentials or basic tools can let you charge more.
Know your limit. School comes first, so do not take on more than you can handle.

About this guide

This guide gives general information for the US and is not legal advice. Labor rules vary by state and change, so check your state labor department and the US Department of Labor. GenZJob is a rewards and entertainment app; its games, giveaways and cash-outs are for ages 18 and up, and no earnings are guaranteed. Last updated: October 24, 2026.

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Frequently asked questions

How can I make money under 18?

Safe options include babysitting, pet sitting, lawn care, tutoring, and, from age 14, part-time jobs in retail or food service where allowed. Involve a parent or guardian and avoid anything that asks you to pay first.

What is the minimum age to work in the US?

Federal law generally sets 14 as the minimum age for non-agricultural jobs, with limits on hours and job types for 14- and 15-year-olds. Babysitting, newspaper delivery and odd jobs have different rules, and states may be stricter.

Can I use money-making apps if I am under 18?

Most reward apps, including GenZJob’s games, giveaways and cash-outs, are for adults (18+). Read each app’s terms, never give false details, and talk to a parent first.

How do I know if an online job offer is a scam?

Warning signs include fees to start, promises of big easy income, requests for ID or bank details, being asked to cash checks or buy gift cards, and pressure to keep it secret from your parents.

Do teens have to pay taxes?

In some situations yes, depending on how much you earn and whether you are self-employed or an employee. Ask a parent or check the IRS website for current rules.

What is the minimum age for GenZJob?

You must be at least 14 to use GenZJob, but games, giveaways and cash-outs are for ages 18 and up.

Sources

Keep reading

Want to make money before you turn 18? What US law allows at 14, 15 and 16, safe ways to earn with a parent’s help, scams that target teens and why reward apps are mostly 18+.