How To Make Money At 18: 51 Great & Legitimate Ways to Profit

Learning how to make money at 18 may seem frustrating, with nothing but minimum wage jobs being advertised. However, there are plenty of other options.

None of the ideas below will make you rich quickly, but you can start seeing a solid income with enough patience and persistence. Check out this list of over 50 ways to make money online and IRL!

50+ Ways To Learn How To Make Money At 18

While it may seem your prospects are limited to being a grocery clerk or gas station attendant, there are many ways you can make money at 18.

1. Niche and Authority Websites

Niche websites cover sub-segments of a market, such as Sherwood Scuba equipment reviews. Authority websites, on the other hand, attempt to establish expertise on the topic or industry as a whole such as a website on scuba diving.

You can monetize websites by displaying ads, linking to affiliates, creating courses, and/or selling products. If you're willing to put in the time, effort, and hard work, making money online can be a great way for you to learn how to earn money at 18.

Want To Learn How To Build Authority Websites?

2. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a type of performance-based marketing where affiliates get paid for referring traffic to a business. You will usually be paid for each sale via the cost per metric model.

You can become an affiliate marketer and earn money online in multiple ways, such as:

• Blogging
• YouTube channel
• Authority/Niche Sites
• Social Media
• Email Marketing

Want To Learn How To Build Successful Affiliate Websites and Make Money Online?

3. Blogging

Blogging is still a viable career option for many people who want to write about their passions.

Blogging is one of the best ways to earn extra income online because it requires only a computer and an internet connection.

It takes months to years of consistency for any traction to be achieved, so make sure you're realistic about your goals. However, once you start making money, it can be a good way to learn how to make money at 18 (especially if you want to know how to move out at 18).

Want To Learn More About Making Money From Blogging?

4. Dropshipping

Dropshipping is a type of online job where you sell items that you don’t physically own by taking orders and working directly with manufacturers or wholesalers for order fulfillment (get a full guide on finding wholesale items to sell from home).

It can be a great way for you to get started making money online without having to invest in inventory, warehousing, or related expenses.

Want To Learn More About Starting Your Own Dropshipping Store?

5. Start an Etsy business

Etsy is to handmade crafts and goods as eBay is to the auction market (but there are even more with Etsy alternatives). The platform is the best place to sell your art, crafts, jewelry, and similar products.

If you're already producing these products, Etsy can be an excellent way to reach a broad audience. Over 81 million active buyers use the platform, and many of them are repeat shoppers.

You may not be able to make any significant income right away, but if you're patient and persistent, you can eventually earn money online and even a decent living from your Etsy store. Better yet, some of the top-earning people have historically been teenagers.

6. Flip Furniture/Flea Market Flipper

Furniture flipping involves finding various pieces of old furniture that are either undervalued or in need of restoration, then fixing them and selling them for a good price.

If you have a vehicle to pick up and drop furniture items off, this could be a decent money maker when you're just starting out.

You will need to look out for furniture items on sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Another place to look for furniture is around the dumpsters in apartment buildings. Many people throw away good furniture they can't bring with them.

7. Work As A Tutor

You don't need to be an expert to be a tutor; you just need to be willing to teach others. You only need to know more than the people you are tutoring, even if you are learning how to make money at 18.

If you can help your classmates improve their test scores or grades, increase their GPA, or get through a difficult class, there is no good reason why you should do it for nothing.

While its likely you won't earn as much as someone with an advanced degree in a particular subject, you will do just fine if you can help others achieve the results they are seeking.

8. Start investing

Investing can be a solid moneymaker but only if you are absolutely sure of what you're doing and you invest with the long-term in mind.. Fortunately, resources such as courses, blogs, forums, and books can help you.

Investing money you can't afford not to lose is a bad idea. Whether you trade forex (or promote forex affiliate programs), stocks, ETFs, or any other financial instrument, make sure you're comfortable with what you're doing.

9. Start an eCommerce Store

If you have website design or content marketing experience and want to earn some extra cash, you could start an eCommerce business.

With an eCommerce platform such as Shopify or WooCommerce, you'll be able to find products to sell and list them easily. Try picking products you'll enjoy selling, so you're less likely to give up on them.

It's not a get-rich-fast kind of job. However, you can earn a substantial profit in the long run if you're selling something that people want and if you use your cash flow effectively.

10. Manage Facebook Ads and Google Ads

Small businesses are desperate to get in front of potential customers through advertising. Most business owners though don't understand and/or have time to learn and use ad campaigns on platforms like Google and Facebook.

If you want to earn money at age 18 and can devote the time to manage ads for others, you can make money by running social platform ads

One of the great things about running advertising campaigns is that your results matter more than anything else. Advertising is performance-based, so you won't have any shortage of clients if you're able to deliver.

11. Pet Sitter

People who have prized gardens and lots of houseplants need plant sitters.

You'll be responsible for going by peoples' homes and watering their plants, fertilizing them, and possibly pulling weeds or trimming shrubs on a set schedule while they're away.

You may not make a fortune from this, but it could help you get started on a more profitable venture. Start by targeting the people you know who might benefit from this service. Once you have a number of clients, start branching out.

12. Dog Walker

One of the fastest-growing parts of the pet industry is dog walking. Apps like Rover make connecting with clients easier than ever.

If you can get new clients without using an app, you can cut out intermediaries and increase profits.

13. Sell Books on BookScouter

BookScouter helps people buy and sell books and text­books. The app connects you with booksellers who want to buy your books.

If you can keep track of what's hot and have access to used bookstores or garage sales, BookScouter can help you earn some extra cash.

You may not be able to earn a regular income from BookScouter, but you might be able to earn some extra money.

14. Sell Plasma

Blood plasma is used for treating patients who suffer from shock, blood clot­ting issues, and other medical conditions. To obtain plasma, you need to get blood from someone else.

It's not the best way to make money, and it's not the fastest way to make money, either. But it is consistent. There is a high need for blood plasma, which won't go away any time soon.

It's also unlikely that you'll want to do it for very long. Donating plasma can take a lot of time. However, it can be used to supplement your income while building another business.

15. Medical Studies

There are regular medical trials going on that require willing volunteers. These studies can range anywhere from testing new medicines to new medical techniques.

As a medical study volunteer, you will be paid based on how long the research takes, whether you stay at the hospital, and depending on the risks involved.

It's unlikely that participating in medical studies will be steady enough to make an income from them. However, you can earn a decent amount of money from some studies.

16. Virtual Call Center Representative

Cloud-based virtual call centers allow teams to be distributed across the globe. As a freelancer, you don't have to go to an office building. You can work from wherever you want.

You'll need the right tools to do the online job properly, including a fast and dependable computer, high-quality microphone, and reliable internet connection

You can find virtual call center jobs online at sites such as Indeed or Monster. If you can speak multiple languages or have exceptional sales skills, you may be able to make even more money.

17. Build Websites For Others

Web designers help to shape the look and feel of websites. They focus on creating an optimal user interface while adhering to brand guidelines.

Just like graphic designers, the results provided by web designers are more important than their education or training.

There are many resources available for helping interested people learn web design. If you're willing to put in some hard work, you can be earning a decent income.

18. Social Media Consultant

Social media consultants work for brands and businesses to create effective social media campaigns that resonate well with their audiences (and we have a whole guide on how to start a consulting business if you're interested).

Social media consultants who can drive lots of traffic to companies and help them improve their images are invaluable and earn high salaries.

19. Sell Stock Photos

If you're good at taking quality photos and want to make money at 18, you might be able to sell them to stock photo websites for other people to use.

Selling photos can be a good way to earn extra money if you're just starting out and already have the equipment needed to take pictures.

Websites where you can sell stock photos include:

• Adobe Stock
• Getty Images
• iStock Photo
• Dreamstime

There are lots of different platforms out there, but these are some of the most used. You can usually add photos to more than one website, which increases your earning potential.

Be warned, though, you likely won't be able to make a full income from selling stock photos alone as competition is greater than ever before.

20. Teach English Online

You might be wondering how an 18-year-old can teach English online, but you should first understand what most of this part time job entail.

Many online English teaching jobs aren't really teaching online. You don't just speak English; you act as an immersion coach, helping students learn English. The actual teaching is normally done in schools by qualified teachers.

Some online English teaching jobs will allow you to teach at 18. You shouldn't expect to get paid as much as positions that require a degree. Also, new regulations in countries like China have caused many of these jobs to go away completely.

21. Babysitting

It might not seem like a real cash cow, but babysitting in America alone is a $54 Billion Industry.

There are apps such ​as UrbanSitter that can help you find families who need babysitters either on a regular schedule or for one-off events.​ However, creating a reliable babysitting agency and bringing clients in is the real moneymaker for most people in the business.

22. Renting Out Your Car

If you have a vehicle that you don't often use, you can put that vehicle on apps like Turo so that others can rent it for a set time to make some extra cash.

It won't make you rich. That said, it could be a means to pay off your car loan or to earn an extra income that you can use to invest in other money-earning opportunities.

You may need your parents to help with this one. To list vehicles on Turo, you must be at least 21 in the United States and in Canada. If you're in the UK, you'll be fine listing your car for sale at 18.

23. Write Essays For Students

There are tons of companies out there where people hire writers to complete their essays for courses or to publish on websites. It's not necessarily the most ethical way to make money, but not illegal.

There are plenty of students out there who may not understand a course and are willing to pay someone for a passing essay. If you're a decent writer and can meet tight deadlines, you could earn some extra cash by writing essays for people.

However, one thing you need to be aware of is this isn't going to pay the highest rates either. It can be great to get your foot into the door and learn freelancing before moving to a better-paying online job.

24. Teach Art Lessons

There is a large number of people who would be willing to pay for someone else to teach them how to draw or paint.

You don't have to be an expert painter or sketch artist, either. Instead, you can work with people whose skill level is lower than yours and help them get better. So, if you are mid-way in your skillset, you can run classes for beginners, teaching them the fundamentals.

The best part about giving art lessons is you don’t need a degree, just a strong portfolio to show potential clients.

25. Clean Houses

House cleaning isn't the most glamorous of jobs, but it can be quite lucrative if you're persistent in finding clients.

The money isn't made by cleaning but by acquiring enough clients so that you can hire someone else to clean for you. Remember, this takes some time and a lot of hard work.

26. Stream On Twitch

Teens worldwide are making money by streaming themselves playing video games on sites like Twitch. The best part of the model is that most teens already play video games, so there's not much extra work that needs doing.

To make your own money streaming, you need to be consistent and develop an audience of followers. Like running a YouTube channel, most of the work is doing marketing. You'll need persistence and patience to earn good money.

Streamers are usually compensated by a combination of ad revenue and monthly subscriptions. The money can be very good if you set realistic expectations and actively work to meet and exceed goals. Find out more about how to become a Twitch affiliate.

27. Transcribing Audio Files

While the transcription industry as a whole has suffered from the rise of SaaS software that automates the process, there is money to be made.

If you're good at typing fast and can keep information to yourself, you can get started in the transcription business. Consider working for an established company and once you've mastered the basics, start getting clients under your own business.

28. Sign Up For Instacart

Instacart is an app for mobile devices that allows you to order groceries from local stores and have them delivered to your door.

You don't need any special equipment to work for the app. Just a phone with a good data connection, a car, and a clean driving history.

It may not be an option for people living in smaller towns. If you live in a large metropolitan area like New York, Dallas, or Los Angeles, you can work steadily.

29. Work At A Retail Store

Working retail is still one of your best options if you're looking to make money at 18.

The key is to have a plan before you start. Many 18-year-olds have taken retail jobs, but they've saved their money and invested in upskilling themselves.

Ensure you have a plan for what you're going to do with your money, so you won't have to work retail for very long. You should also try to learn while you're working.

You can learn valuable skills like sales, service, and inventory management by working in retail. These skills are useful in other more lucrative jobs, so don't waste the opportunities you're given.

30. Work At An Amazon Warehouse

At 18, you don't want to hear that working in warehouses is well-paid, but it can be.

Don't just go in thinking you're going to be working there forever. Instead, plan to save your money and invest and upskill while you are working.

You can start off at Amazon by working in their warehouses, but if you want to move up, you should look into other opportunities.

As with retail, you can also learn skills that are useful for other areas of life. Warehousing can teach you about logistics, supply chain management, and inventory control. These are helpful skills if you ever want to start and scale up an eCommerce business.

31. Become A Golf Caddy

Many upscale golf courses and country clubs require their golfers to use the services of a caddy. Typically, these caddy's will be employees of the club or course.

There are various reasons for this, but one is that it helps to ensure the rules of the course are followed.

If you understand golf and enjoy being outdoors and working with people, this could be a solid way to make extra money during the spring and summer months.

32. Sell Gigs On Fiverr

Fiverr is an online marketplace where freelance artists and designers can sell their services to individuals and businesses worldwide.

If you have a skill set that can be packaged and marketed online, such as graphic design or voice acting, you can make money on fiverr.com.

One of the benefits of using Fiverr is that it allows you to set your own prices and offer multiple packages (learn more about how Fiverr works). You may not be able to earn money full-time, but you could still earn some extra money.

That said, there are people who earn large amounts of money from the platform. But the earnings potential is much lower for most.

Check Out Fiverr

33. Voiceover Artist

As more companies than ever run video ads on platforms like Youtube videos, voiceover artists are in greater demand.

Another advantage is that modern software and cheaper audio equipment make this easier for you to do at home to make money online. You can find clients through freelance websites like Upwork and Fivver.

34. Car Washing

Mobile car washes can be a lucrative side hustle. However, they're not as easy as they sound. There is an upfront investment that can be quite substantial. However, this can be quickly recouped with enough persistence.

You'll need to be constantly on top of things and keep an eye out for places where you can drum up new business. However, once you have a steady clientele, you can clear quite a bit of profit.

35. Online Coaching Or Consulting

Do you have an ability or skill that others are willing to pay for? Maybe you are an all-star athlete, and you can help coach others on mindset. Or, perhaps you've been accepted into an Ivy League school and can help other students prepare for the process.

If you have a skill that is valuable to others, chances are, people are willing to pay for your information.

It may take time to build a reputation, so don't think you're going to get rich quickly from coaching and consulting. However, if you have the patience, you can carve out a solid income for yourself.

36. Sell eBooks

Despite the fact that it seems like the eBook market is saturated, there is still a huge market for inspirational and helpful eBooks.

The trick is to market effectively and understand your target market. We have a guide on how to make money with eBooks.

One of the top ways to get into eBooks would be to start out by writing for blogs or websites so that you can build up an audience. Once you've built an audience, you can then more easily sell your book to them.

37. Website User Testing

Tech companies and web development agencies constantly need people who can test new features on their websites to make sure everything works correctly and is intuitive.

User testing usually involves doing things like following directions and completing tasks, such as finding something on an online store.

You can either work on apps that pay you for user testing or try to find a company that pays you for user testing. Most positions are part-time, but an advanced user testing specialist can earn a comfortable full time job salary.

38. Create An Online Course

If you have knowledge on a topic that people want to learn, you could create and offer an online course.

Remember, it's not required to be an expert on a subject, you just have to be more knowledgeable than most of the people who want to buy your course.

Online courses offer many of the same opportunities that consulting offers, but they're much more scalable. It's not a quick way to get rich, but if you're patient and persistent, you could eventually build a steady income stream.

39. Become A Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants perform many tasks for business and marketing and sales professionals. Daily tasks include everything from simple administrative work to more complex activities like managing link-building campaigns.

While many virtual assistants are from non-Western countries, there are still plenty of opportunities as many business owners require assistants in the same time zone or with localized knowledge.

40. Become a Food Delivery Driver

If you live in an location where there are lots of restaurants, then working as a delivery driver could be a great way to make some extra money.

This is a part time job that I've done personally and I could earn between $280 and $320 per day in Los Angeles. Even in my hometown of 300,000 people, I managed to earn $150 each day working part-time.

As long as you track your mileage and factor in wear and tear on the car, you'll come out ahead in the end.

Check Out DoorDash

41. Catering

Catering is a good option if you have a passion for cooking and enjoy preparing meals for large crowds. You will need to invest some money upfront for equipment, and you'll need to be good at marketing and networking. However, if you have a good business plan, these expenses should easily be recovered within a few months once you start making money.

42. Handyman Work

Homeowners and landlords constantly need reliable people who can fix appliances, make minor repairs to buildings, paint, and perform other odd jobs.

If you have the skills and resources, you can earn a good living by starting a handyman business. Make sure to have proper expectations as it may take some time before you start building up your client base.

A handyman job is an excellent place to start for someone learning how to make money at 18. As a first step, consider working for an existing company for on-the-job training.

43. Moving Service

Most people don't own a truck or van to help them move furniture and other items when they need it. Usually, people rent these trucks from companies such as U-Haul.

However, plenty of people are willing to pay for someone else to do the work for them. If you have a truck that can haul large and bulky items, this could be a great way to earn more money at 18.

The best way to begin is by helping people move locally until you're able to get bigger and better vehicles. And, try working for an established company until you get used to things.

44. Movie Or TV Extra

If you're in a large city where there are regular filming projects such as Los Angeles, Vancouver, New York, or Dallas, you could make decent cash as an extra.

Movie and TV extras can earn some extra cash for part-time work, but it won't necessarily lead to fame and stardom.

If you're interested in acting professionally or doing something else related to movies, this could be a way to get started.

45. Lawn Care Services

The landscaping industry is worth over $100 billion in the United States alone. It can be rather easy for hardworking and ambitious young people to get a slice of that very big pie.

You should start by working for a successful landscaping company in your area. Once you've learned more about the industry and what it requires to succeed, you can start your own company.

The key is to keep up with the latest trends and be consistent with your client communication. With a bit of perseverance and hard work, you'll be able to generate a high income from your business.

46. Painting Service

If you're willing to work hard, commercial painting can be a very lucrative way to make money at 18. However, it requires a lot of hard work, hustle, and determination to establish a reputation for yourself.

It's easiest to start out with a company that already has clients. This will allow you to learn about the industry and see how established businesses operate and what processes they have in place.

Once you've learned some basics and have an idea of what kind of painting company you want to start, you can begin to look for your own customers and go out on your own.

47. Pool Cleaning Service

Pool cleaners usually work on their own schedule to clean out their customer's pools. It can be a great way of making money during the spring and summers or year-round in the right location.

To start out, you should work for someone else first. You will need to learn some skills before trying to go into business for yourself. 

If you enjoy cleaning swimming pools, you can start finding your own customers and building your own portfolio of clientele.

48. Shoveling Snow

Snow removal is one part time job for younger kids up to older teens who want to earn more money. If you're a bit more entrepreneurial, you can make a whole lot of extra money.

If you live in a place where there is a lot of snow, you can concentrate on getting multiple clients. You then hire others (or contractors) to do the work while generating more business for you.

Try and pitch other work to your snow removal clients such as leaf removal or landscaping. This can lead to steady work throughout the year and generate a full-time income.

49. Advertise On Your Car

If you live in an urban area, you may have seen people driving around with ads on their cars or with LED displays on top of their vehicles.

Companies of all sizes are willing to pay for this kind of advertising. If you're in a big enough city and don't mind having your car wrapped, this could be an excellent opportunity to earn some extra cash.

You won't be able to make a full-­time income from this. However, you might be able to make enough money to pay for your car payment or provide a nice supplementary source of income.

50. Teach Music

There is a large number of people who would be willing to pay someone to teach them how to play an instrument or sing.

You don't have to be an expert either. Instead, you need to be comfortable and confident with your instrument and ability and work with people lower than you trying to advance to your current level.

Teaching music is one of the most rewarding things you can do because it doesn't require a degree. You just need the right skills and personality to teach. You can also be more flexible with your own schedule and what you charge.

51. Working for Your Parent's Business

If you're the child of small-or medium-sized business owners, working for them can be a great way for you to learn a new skill.

Even if you don’t want to follow in their footsteps and take over the family business, you could learn skills that you can use for other opportunities that are more aligned with what you want to achieve.

Ask if there is any way you could get involved in the business. Even if it's at the bottom, remember that the point is to learn.

How can I make money right now?

Not all of the above ways to learn how to make money at 18 will be quick. If you need to make money quickly, the easiest ways will likely be:

• Donate Plasma
• Drive for DoorDash, Uber, etc.
• Dog Walking on Rover

The main benefit to the above ways to learn how to make money at 18 is that they pay out instantly for quick cash.

With plasma, you will get paid the day after the donation, and it's usually considered easy money (and there are also other things you can donate to make money).

With apps like Uber and DoorDash, it may take a few days to get set up on the app, but once you are cleared to work, you can transfer the money you make to your account that same day.

Tips For How To Make Money At 18

While all of the above ways to make money at 18 require different skills to get started, there are some things you can do to increase your odds of success.

Outline Specific and Realistic Earnings Goals

Don't expect to get rich quickly. The number one thing you can do to improve your odds of success, regardless of how you try to make money, is to have realistic expectations.

Some of the above-listed ways to learn how to make money at 18 can lead to you making millions. However, it won't happen overnight and may take many years to make that kind of money.

Conversely, some of the above ways to make money, such as working retail, will be quite limited in terms of what you can make. 

Minimize Your Taxes on Passive Income

DO NOT MESS WITH THE IRS. Tax evasion is a serious crime and can cost you years in prison and tens of thousands in fines, depending on the amount in question.

Also, make sure you are putting between 15% – 20% of your earnings aside each month to settle any potential tax bill you have at the end of the year.

Don't Be Too Hard on Yourself

There is a significant flaw in modern culture. Because of social media platforms and modern news cycles, you are constantly bombarded with other people's success.

The issue is that you are often not shown the countless failures those people had on the way to success.

If you try to build a business when learning how to make money at 18 and fail, the worst thing to do is give up. Instead, treat it as a learning opportunity and push forward.

Final Thoughts On How To Make Money At 18

Whether you decide to work for someone else or start a business for yourself, there is no shortage of opportunities to learn how to make money at 18.

Remember that you are young, and try not to underestimate what you can do in a year or overestimate what you can do in a day. If you set realistic goals and have the patience and persistence to accomplish them, you will be setting yourself up for future success.