Are you a teenager in Canada looking to make some extra cash? Maybe you want to save up for a car, pay for college, or have some spending money. Whatever your reason, there are plenty of ways for teenagers to make money in Canada.
There are opportunities for every skill level and interest, from online gigs to part-time jobs. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ways for Canadian teenagers to make money and provide tips for success. So, let’s get started!
Can I Make Money as a Teen in Canada?
Yes, you can make money as a teenager in Canada. While there are some restrictions on the types of jobs that teenagers can do and the number of hours they can work, there are still plenty of opportunities available.
We understand you want to be independent or help to support your family, so it’s good you’re considering additional employment.
I started at MacDonald’s at 14; working, in general, is good for structure and benefits you with money! I didn’t need to, but I wanted to buy an iPod Mini.
Times have changed, and now there are many more opportunities for teenagers in Canada to make money.
If You’re Under 18, Ensure You Have Parental Consent
Many of the programs we feature allow you to participate under the age of 18 but require parental consent. Please ensure that you get your parental consent any time it is needed if you are under the age of 18.
Ways to Make Money as a Teenager in Canada
There are several effective ways for a teenager to make money in Canada. It’s essential to consider factors like age, skills, interests, and time available when choosing a suitable job. Here are some options for teenagers to earn money in Canada:
Part-time jobs
As previously mentioned, the part-time entry-level customer service job is an excellent place to start if you don’t mind going to work and engaging with people.
Many businesses hire teenagers for part-time positions, including fast food restaurants, retail stores, movie theatres, and grocery stores. These jobs provide valuable work experience and are a reliable source of income.
They might not pay as much on our list, but customer service jobs are now widely available.
Babysitting
If you enjoy working with children, babysitting can be a great way to earn money. Consider taking a babysitting course or obtaining a First Aid/CPR certification to increase your credibility.
A lot of responsibility is involved, but if you live in the right community ($$), you can make a pretty good hourly rate babysitting.
Dog walking/pet sitting
If you love animals, dog walking or pet sitting can be an enjoyable and lucrative opportunity. Advertise your services in your neighbourhood or on local online forums. Similar to babysitting, your market is your success. Market your dog walking service in a particular way to gain more valuable clients.
Tutoring
If you excel in a particular subject, offer tutoring services to help other students improve their grades. You can advertise your tutoring services at local schools, community centers, or online.
This tends to make more sense if you’re in high school, but education is competitive in cities, where tutoring requirements begin early.
Seasonal work
Seasonal jobs, like working at a summer camp, a local amusement park, or seasonal retail positions, can provide a temporary income source for teenagers.
Seasonal labour work can pay a good wage for someone with no experience. In addition, summer painting, roofing, and construction jobs are good things to try as a teen to gain experience with short-term requirements and good pay.
Lawn care/yard work
Many homeowners need assistance with yard work and lawn maintenance. Offering these services in your neighbourhood can be a profitable endeavour. You might already have all the gear at your house; you can start knocking on doors. Remember to track your expenses, like fuel and equipment maintenance, to ensure profitability.
Freelancing
If you have writing, graphic design, programming, or social media management skills, you can offer your services as a freelancer on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
These platforms allow you to access a worldwide marketplace where you can sell many services; children’s voiceovers are required for games and cartoons, for example.
Online surveys and market research
Participate in online surveys, test websites, or sign up for market research studies to earn extra cash. Some popular platforms include Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and UserTesting.
These platforms have some age limitations, but you can generally participate in these websites with parental consent if you are over 14 years old.
Sell handmade products or services.
Consider selling handmade items on Etsy or other online platforms if you’re crafty or artistic. Alternatively, you can offer services like photography or event planning.
This is a foundation for starting your own small business, it can be simple or complex, and there is no limit to what you can do with the right resources.
Start a small business.
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, consider starting a small business, like a lawn care service or a social media management agency. This can help you develop valuable business skills while earning money.
There are a few scalable business ideas in this list, but once again, it’s important to mention that your dreams have no limit, but ensure you focus on whatever you decide to work on!
In addition, always check the legal age requirements and any necessary work permits in your area before starting a job.
What are the top ways to make money online as a teen?
Making money online as a teenager in Canada can be an excellent way to earn extra income while developing valuable skills.
We already mentioned freelancing, taking online surveys and selling handmade goods in our previous list, which are all great ways to make money online; here are some additional top ways to make money online for teenagers in Canada:
Print-on-demand
Design custom t-shirts, phone cases, or other merchandise and sell them through print-on-demand platforms like Printful or Redbubble. You’ll earn a commission for each item sold with your design.
Online tutoring
Take your local tutoring skills online. Offer tutoring services in subjects you excel in through platforms like Tutor.com or VIPKid. You can help students from around the world and earn money at the same time.
Social media management
“You youngins are pretty good with the social media.”
If you’re skilled in managing social media profiles, consider offering your services to small businesses or individuals looking to improve their online presence.
Blogging or vlogging
Start a blog or YouTube channel in a niche you’re passionate about. Then, as your audience grows, you can monetize your content through advertising, sponsored posts, or affiliate marketing.
Maybe you have a unique hobby or interest; start sharing your knowledge in your videos. Then, more people who want to read or watch must be interested in the same things as you!
Affiliate marketing
Promote products or services on your blog, social media profiles, or YouTube channel and earn a commission for each sale through your unique affiliate link. There are many ways to monetize online platforms and different kinds of products with affiliate marketing.
Stock photography or videography
If you have a talent for photography or videography, consider selling your work on stock image platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or iStock.
Online gaming or streaming
Consider streaming your gameplay on Twitch or YouTube Gaming platforms if you’re a skilled gamer. You can earn money through advertising, sponsorships, or donations as your audience grows.
This is the dream, isn’t it? Play games all day. But you’ll have to be good and/or have a great personality. And there’s more to it that will make you successful. There are a few ways to make money playing games online.
Always research the platforms you use and follow their terms and conditions. If you’re under 18, consult your parents or guardians before participating in online money-making opportunities.
Can I participate in online surveys as a teen in Canada?
Yes, teenagers can participate in online surveys in Canada, but the eligibility criteria may vary depending on the specific survey platform. For example, many online survey websites require participants to be at least 18 years old, while others may allow teenagers as young as 13 or 16 to participate with parental consent.
Before signing up for any online survey platform, it’s essential to carefully read the terms and conditions to ensure you meet the age requirements. Additionally, you should seek parental permission if you’re under 18 and the platform requires it.
Some survey websites that accept teenagers in Canada include:
Swagbucks – Allows users aged 13 and above to participate, with parental consent for those under 18.
Survey Junkie – Users must be at least 13 years old to participate, and parental consent is required for those under 18.
Toluna – Accepts users who are 16 years old and above.
LifePoints – Allows users aged 14 and above to participate, with parental consent for those under 18.
Keep in mind that online surveys typically offer a modest income and are best suited as a supplementary source of income rather than a primary one. Therefore, always exercise caution and research any platform before providing personal information.
How Will You Make Money as a Teen in Canada?
If I were you, I wouldn’t work too much until you’re 15 or 16 years old – when you begin to need more money for your personal interests, and your parents might not shell out anymore. This way you can buy the cheapest EV in Canada for your first car.
Sometimes this isn’t possible, and we need to make money at a young age, so we hope you can find something in our article to tide you over.
You should try some different jobs out to see what might interest you. As a young person, you have a lot of time to take additional risks; a few months at a job that doesn’t turn out is nothing in the grand scheme.
This way, you will find something you can stick with over the long run that you enjoy and can hybridize into your perfect work-life balance.