Introduction
Teenagers are earning tons of money online, and it’s not from traditional jobs. The internet is filled with new opportunities, and teens are diving in, using their tech skills to make big bucks. While many adults struggle to keep up with the fast-paced online world, teens are already pros. They know how to connect, market, and thrive in the digital space.
Curious about the online jobs making teens rich? Let’s explore the top 7 (and a half) best-paying gigs, with real stories of teens who are already succeeding.
1. Advertising Deal Broker
Ever thought about wrapping a car with ads to make money? It’s not as far-fetched as it sounds! One teenager, Christian, made a whopping $9,000 in commission just by securing an advertising deal for a Tesla wrap. This job involves connecting brands with influencers, acting as the middleman, and taking a cut from the deal.
Christian’s secret? It’s all about connections. Once you land a big client, the doors open for even more opportunities. He reaches out to influencers, learns about their needs, and then contacts brands who might be interested in partnering with them. For Christian, it’s like a game—one connection leads to another, and before you know it, you’re making thousands just by brokering deals.
2. Discord Community Manager (Web3)
Ever wondered how some teens manage to pull in over $70,000 a year while spending hours on Discord? It’s because they’re community managers. In today’s digital age, communities are the backbone of successful online brands. Managing these communities, especially in the Web3 space, can be a high-paying gig.
Harry, a community manager recruiter, said that brands are willing to shell out big bucks for someone who can handle their online presence. If you’re good at multitasking and keeping things running smoothly, you could even manage several communities at once, multiplying your income. Community managers are the glue that holds everything together, handling customer support, brand storytelling, and even being a voice for the CEO.
3. Content Script Writer
You might not realize it, but some of your favorite YouTubers and TikTokers rely on teenagers to write their content. If you’ve got a way with words, this could be your ticket to earning six figures. Teen content writers can make upwards of $100,000 by crafting engaging scripts, social media posts, and even copy for websites.
Take Adam, for example. He started off writing travel blogs and later found himself working as a copywriter for large influencers. His trick? He focuses on providing a unique service that’s hard to find elsewhere, allowing him to charge a premium. It’s all about offering value and helping businesses grow, which means you can ask for your slice of the profit pie.
4. SaaS Software Developer
Software as a Service (SaaS) is big business, and teenagers are cashing in by developing apps and tools that people use every day. You’ve probably heard of programs like Notion and MailChimp, but did you know that teens are helping build and maintain these kinds of platforms?
Sam King, a guest on the "Strike It Big" podcast, created a multi-million dollar SaaS business without ever having a traditional job. Instead of starting a regular business, he built software that helps businesses manage social media. By focusing on solving a common problem, Sam created something scalable and highly profitable.
5. Content Redistribution Editor
Imagine taking existing videos and giving them new life on different platforms like TikTok or Instagram. That’s exactly what Josh does, and he’s making a fortune doing it. This is called content redistribution, where old long-form videos are chopped up and repurposed for short-form platforms.
Josh realized at a VidSummit event that content creators don’t always have time to remix their own content, so he offered to do it for them. He’s now making anywhere from $120,000 to $150,000 a year, just by turning long YouTube videos into bite-sized TikToks and Instagram reels.
6. Website Developer
Building websites isn’t just a hobby anymore—it’s a lucrative business, especially if you can keep your clients on a monthly retainer. Chris, a friend who lives in Italy, earns passive income by creating and maintaining websites, especially for businesses in the e-learning space.
For many businesses, a website is their storefront, so they’re willing to pay top dollar for someone who can make it look professional. The best part? Once the website is built, maintaining it takes minimal effort. Chris uses the extra time and money he earns to travel, living in affordable countries like Thailand while still raking in cash from his clients.
7. Twitter Manager
Social media is always evolving, and right now, Twitter is the hot platform. Teenagers like Sean, a college dropout, are turning trolling and random tweets into a full-time job. By managing Twitter accounts for businesses and influencers, teens can make $60,000 to $80,000 a year.
Sean didn’t just scroll aimlessly; he studied the most successful tweets and threads to learn what works. Now, he creates Twitter strategies for multiple clients, keeping them on retainer and earning big bucks by knowing how to capture attention in 280 characters or less.
7.5. Executive Assistant
This one is a bit of a bonus because it’s more than just an online gig. Executive assistants, like Gabe from NELK, make anywhere from $90,000 to $110,000 a year by handling everything from scheduling to small decision-making for influencers. These roles can also lead to cool perks, like traveling the world and meeting fascinating people.
Final Thoughts: The Future is Bright for Online Jobs
With these jobs, teenagers are turning their digital know-how into serious cash. The secret to success in all of these roles is simple: find something you’re good at and offer value. Whether it’s writing, coding, or managing communities, the key is to make sure people know what you can do and that you’re consistent in delivering great work.
And with AI on the horizon, there are even more opportunities for teens to make a mark. The future is wide open, and for those who are ready to dive in, the sky’s the limit.