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Wondering how to make money as a teenager? Or get your kid out of the house and learning real life skills?

Whether you have to get a traditional part-time job to help your family pay bills or you’re looking for a flexible side hustle so you can save money for college, there are plenty of good jobs for teens. 

We put together a list of the best jobs for teens so you can start earning money now:

Why it’s good to make money as a teenager

Making money as a teenager can be a great way to learn important skills, like budgeting and time management. Having a job also allows you to contribute to your family’s bills if needed and save money for your future. 

Learn life lessons

“Doing odd jobs and part-time work can help teenagers build a portfolio of skills that pushes their careers forward,” says Pareen Sehat, a registered clinical counselor at Well Beings Counselling, a private practice based in Canada with multiple locations and telemedicine services. 

“These jobs help them learn time management, communication and often teamwork. All of these are crucial professional skills,” Sehat says.

A study by the Employment Policies Institute found that teens who worked a part-time job experienced long-term benefits like: 

• Higher future hourly wages (20% higher 6-9 years after graduation)
• Increased annual earnings
• Less time spent out of work

Joanne Frederick, a licensed mental health counselor in Washington, D.C., who works with adults, families, and children, says having a job may help a teen determine what they want to do in the future, another valuable life lesson. 

“They have insight and experience, which allows them to scope out what they potentially want to pursue,” she says. 

Frederick adds that teens can gain confidence and independence from earning money.  

“Getting a job as a teen is a self-esteem booster,” she says. “Teens feel more empowered and have a feeling of accomplishment. It paves the way to becoming more independent.” 

Plus, teenagers who work and earn their own money tend to be more financially literate than teens who don’t, Sehat says. 

“They’re able to make better decisions and have more control over their expenditures,” she says. “This gives them an edge when they move into their professional lives.”

Learn value of money

A part-time job can also teach you about the value of money. If you work, you can learn about concepts like saving and budgeting. 

“Money doesn’t grow on trees, and having a job as a teen allows one to understand that,” Frederick says. “You have to make your own decision on whether you want to purchase an item or save for something else. You are taught to budget and prioritize finances.”

Build character

“When taking on a job, you are understanding responsibility and accountability,” Frederick says. She says a job can help you learn important life skills like: 

• Overcoming obstacles and managing problems
• Become more responsible with time management
• Improve social skills

Families and kids are poor and need money

According to U.S. Census data, 16.1% of U.S. children ages 18 and younger were living in poverty in 2020, nearly 2% more than in 2019.

“A teen may come from a family where a parent is deceased and there is only one income, or there may have been a divorce where alimony is not being paid or is very limited,” Frederick explains. 

She says even in a dual-income home, both incomes may not be enough to cover all family expenses, especially if there are numerous children.

Frederick adds that if a parent has a serious illness or a child with special needs, then money and resources might be required for their care. And if a parent is dealing with substance abuse disorder or has lost a job, then that might also necessitate additional income from a teen, Frederick says. 

If your family is struggling financially, we put together a list of resources to help:

Traditional jobs for teens

Traditional jobs for teens, like fast food and retail jobs, usually come with set hours — so they’re good options if you have time to dedicate to a job after school or on the weekends. Side hustles, like babysitting and lawn care, are typically more flexible. 

All of the salary estimates in this section are from Payscale.com.

Fast food

About 30% of fast food job workers are teens ages 16 to 19, according to Hireteen, a resource for teen jobs. Popular fast food jobs for teens include cashier, cook, and crew member. 

National average hourly pay: $9.40

Restaurant server/host/hostess

Another traditional job for teens is working at a restaurant. At a restaurant, you might be asked to serve food, greet customers as a host, bus tables, wash dishes, or check customers out at the cash register. 

National average hourly pay: $9.71

Retail sales

Working at a retail store is a good way to earn money as a teen. At a retail job, you may be asked to operate the cash register, fold clothes, stock shelves, or assist customers. 

National average hourly pay: $11.83

Grocery store

Grocery stores are another good place to look for a job if you’re a teen. As a grocery store clerk, you may be asked to stock merchandise, take inventory counts, or bag groceries for customers. 

National average hourly pay: $11.88

Movie theater

If you love movies, then consider getting a job at your local movie theater. As a movie theater associate, you might be asked to man the cash register, collect tickets, sell concessions, set up displays, or clean up the theater. 

National average hourly pay: $11.82

Side hustles for teens

A side hustle is a small job you can do to make extra cash. It usually requires just a few hours of your time a week, unlike a full-time job. You usually get paid quickly, and some of the jobs fluctuate by season. For example, shoveling snow for neighbors is an excellent way to make extra money during the winter. 

It’s a good option for teens because it teaches them how to earn money, helps them build a good work ethic, and improves their level of responsibility. Plus, it gives them the opportunity to try a lot of different things and find something they might want to pursue on a more full-time basis. 

Here are some of the best side hustles for teens:

Babysitter

Babysitting can be a good side hustle for teens if you like to work with children. You can find clients through friends and relatives, by putting up flyers around your neighborhood, or by creating a profile on Care.com. 

If you’re reliable, your clients may recommend you to other families — resulting in more business for you. 

National average hourly pay: $8 to $18, depending on age and experience

Mow lawns

You can earn cash by offering landscaping services, like lawn-mowing, around your neighborhood. Mowing lawns is an activity that many homeowners don’t like doing because it’s time-consuming and labor-intensive. Most lawns need to be mowed every one to two weeks, so this can be steady work. 

National average hourly pay: $10 to $15

Rake leaves

Another landscaping service that can make for a good side hustle is raking leaves in the fall. Similar to mowing lawns, it’s something many homeowners don’t like doing — so they’re usually happy to hire a teen to do the work. 

National average hourly pay: $10 to $15

Shovel snow

If you live in a colder area, consider shoveling snow in the winter. People usually dislike having to clean the snow out of their driveways and front sidewalks since it’s labor-intensive — and potentially dangerous for older homeowners — so this can be a steady side hustle for teens in the colder months. 

National average hourly pay: $10 to $15

Walk dogs

Walking dogs can be a good side hustle for teens, especially if you like animals. Dogs need to be walked every day, sometimes multiple times a day — and pet-owners often need help with this while they’re at work. 

As with babysitting, you can find dog-walking clients by putting up flyers or asking friends and family to recommend you. You can also download an app like Wag! or Rover to find dog-walking and dog-sitting gigs in your area. If you’re reliable, you may be able to grow your business by word of mouth. 

National average hourly pay: $10 to $25

Summer jobs for teens

If you don’t have time to work during the school year but would like to make some extra money during the summer, there are plenty of seasonal gigs you can get. 

Some government agencies also collaborate with businesses to offer summer work programs. States may use funds from community block grants to create a summer jobs program. Check with your local social service agency to learn more.

Check out these popular summer jobs for teens:

Concession stand worker

One of the most popular summer jobs for teens is working at a concession stand. Places like amusement parks, sports arenas, swimming pools, and concert venues have concession stands that sell foods like hot dogs, popcorn, and cotton candy. As a concession stand worker, you may be asked to take orders, handle payments, or greet and serve guests. 

National average hourly pay: $11.28

Lifeguard

Working as a lifeguard at your local pool can be a great summer job for teens. Just keep in mind that becoming a lifeguard requires special training. You’ll need to get certified, which you can do through an organization like the YMCA or Red Cross. Training involves passing a pre-swimming skills test and getting certified to do CPR. Certification costs are usually in the $100 to $200 range. 

Because working as a lifeguard requires certification and comes with a lot of responsibility, you can usually earn more than minimum wage at this seasonal job. 

National average hourly pay: $14.28

Camp counselor

Working as a camp counselor during the summer can be a fun way to earn money as a teen. As a camp counselor, you may be asked to supervise a group of kids and participate in activities, like swimming, sports, and arts and crafts, with them.

National average hourly pay: $10.23

Golf caddy

Golf courses often hire teens as golf caddies during the summer months. As a golf caddy, you may be asked to carry a golfer’s bag and clubs around the golf course, keep their clubs clean, and locate their golf balls. This is one of the better-paying summer jobs for teens. 

National average hourly pay: $19 (Ziprecruiter)

Amusement park employee

An amusement park could be another fun place to get a summer job, especially if you love rollercoasters. As an amusement park employee, you may be asked to operate rides, issue and collect tickets at the front gate, work a concession stand, or man the cash register in the gift shop.

National average hourly pay: $14.73

Ice cream shop

You can make money over the summer by scooping ice cream at your local ice cream shop. As an ice cream shop employee, you may be asked to greet and serve customers, suggest flavors to customers, and collect payments at the cash register. 

National average hourly pay: $11.91

Farm help

If you enjoy doing physical labor and don’t mind working in the heat, then you might like working on a farm in the summer. As a teenage farm worker, you may be asked to feed and/or milk animals, plow fields, clean animal stalls, sow seeds, and harvest crops. 

National average hourly pay: $15

Online jobs for teens

Unlike traditional jobs for teens — which have set hours you have to commit to — online jobs for teens can be a lot more flexible since you can do them from home on your own time. 

Web designer

If you know how to do graphic design, then you may be able to get work as a web designer. You can also teach yourself about web design by taking a free course online, like this free web design tutorial from Udemy.  

You can advertise your services and find clients on a platform like Fiverr. You can also reach out to local businesses to see if they need help with their websites. 

National average hourly pay: $15 to $20 for entry-level jobs, $30+ with more experience

Social media assistant

If you’re a whiz at social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, you can get paid for it. Many small businesses need help managing their social media accounts. As a social media assistant, you may be asked to create and schedule posts for a company’s social media accounts. 

Similar to web design, you can find clients by advertising your services on Fiverr or reaching out to local businesses.

National average hourly pay: $8 to $12, $20+ with more experience

Virtual assistant

Another online job for teens is working as a virtual assistant. In this role, you’ll help someone with various administrative tasks. These tasks might include scheduling meetings, organizing and replying to emails, arranging travel, and keeping track of finances. 

You can find clients by advertising your services on a platform like Fiverr.

National average hourly pay: $10 to $27 per hour, depending on experience

Freelance writer

Freelance writing can be a good way to earn money as a teen if you’re a talented writer. Many businesses publish articles on their websites and need help creating content. You may also be able to find freelance opportunities for copywriting and creative writing. 

You can advertise your services on Fiverr to find clients. Once you have a portfolio, you may be able to grow your business and get higher-paying gigs. 

National average hourly pay: $24.74

Online tutor

If you like the idea of helping younger students improve their grades, consider becoming an online tutor. 

With reliable internet, a laptop, and a good mic/speaker, you can advertise on Fiverr or apply to work for a site like Tutorpeers, which accepts tutors as young as 13 years old to help fellow students with subjects like math, English, science, and history.

National average hourly pay: $24.59

Data entry jobs for teens

With strong attention to detail, a comfort level with typing, and an ability to stay focused while completing repetitive tasks, you could be the perfect fit for a data entry job. 

You’ll find a variety of data entry jobs on sites like Indeed. You can also look on Upwork (but you must be 18 to create a free account). You can also advertise your data entry services on Fiverr.

National average hourly pay: $20.09

Start a YouTube channel

If you have a smartphone or access to a computer, you can start a YouTube channel for free. You can create a channel based on a hobby, knowledge you want to share (like teaching other teens how to cook), or talk about your daily life (vlogging). As your content grows, learning how to edit video clips effectively can help make your videos more engaging and professional.

If you meet YouTube requirements, you can apply to be a paid YouTube partner (reach 1,000 subscribers, 4,000 hours of videos watched, no copyright claims, account in good standing).

National average hourly pay: $28.85

Teen hobbies that make money

You can turn certain hobbies, like photography and playing music, into money-making activities. Here’s how to get paid for the things you like to do:

Photograph events

Love snapping pictures? You could make money as a teenager by photographing events like birthday parties and family gatherings. 

You can get started by asking family, friends, neighbors, or local businesses if they have any upcoming events they’d like photographed. Once you build up a portfolio, you may be able to grow your business through word of mouth and earn higher-paying gigs like weddings.

National average hourly pay: $11 to $58, depending on experience

Get gigs for your band

If you know how to play an instrument, sing, or you’re in a band, you can earn money by booking live gigs. To get started, reach out to local venues and organizations to see if they have any upcoming events where you could perform. For example, some towns have summer fairs and may pay your band to play (an audition process may be involved). 

You can promote your band on social media to help get more gigs and grow your business. Most bands get paid on a per-gig basis, and how much you’ll be able to make will vary based on your experience and what kind of event you’re playing. Musicians can make anywhere from $50 to $1,000 a night, depending on the gig. 

Sell clothes on Poshmark

Poshmark is an online marketplace where people buy and sell new or gently-used clothing. 

If you have a closet full of clothes you rarely or never wear, you can sell them on Poshmark to earn money. How much money you’ll be able to make on Poshmark depends on what you’re selling. 

You may be able to make anywhere from $100 to $2,000 a month on Poshmark, depending on the clothing brands and types of items you’re selling. Make sure to tag your items with relevant keywords and take high-quality photos so people can find them. 

While Poshmark is free to join, keep in mind that the company takes a $2.95 commission for items that sell for under $15 and a 20% commission for items that sell for over $15. 

Sell services on Fiverr

Fiverr is an online marketplaces for freelancers where you can advertise your services and find clients. Some of the popular categories on Fiverr are graphic design, virtual assistant, and writing. After signing up (it’s free), you can create a profile and list your services and how much you charge. Clients can then find your profile and hire you for work.

How much money you make on Fiverr depends on your experience and the services you offer. According to a report from Earnest, the average Fiverr user earns $103 per month. 

How to make money as a teen FAQs

How to make money as a teenager without a job?

There are a lot of different ways to make money as a teenager without a job. You can look for a flexible side hustle like babysitting or dog walking, do freelance work like writing or graphic design online, sell your clothing on Poshmark, or even turn hobbies such as photography into cash. 

Good jobs for 14 year olds?

If you’re looking into how to make money as a 14 year old, ask if family, neighbors, or local businesses need help with things like babysitting, dog walking, or creating social media posts. These are flexible side hustles that can be great for younger teens. 

You can also look for online jobs such as a virtual assistant or freelance writer. Teens 13 years and older can use Fiverr, an online marketplace for freelancers. Just note that if you’re under 18, you can only use an account set up by a parent or legal guardian with their permission. 

You can also get a traditional part-time job working at a restaurant or fast food establishment as a 14 year old. However, keep in mind that you’ll be limited to 18 hours of work total during the school week, per the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). You can work up to 40 hours a week when school isn’t in session. 

Good jobs for 15 year olds?

If you want to know how to make money as a 15 year old, you can find any number of side hustles, from babysitting to mowing lawns and shoveling snow. Start by asking neighbors, friends, or family members if they, or anyone they know, need help with these tasks. 

You can also get paid to do work like graphic design or freelance writing online. You can sign up for Fiverr as young as 13 years old (as long as you have permission from a parent or legal guardian) to advertise your services and find clients.

You can also get a traditional part-time job at a restaurant or fast food chain. Per the FLSA, 14 and 15 year olds are limited in how many hours they can work one of these traditional part-time jobs. You can work 18 hours max during the school week and up to 40 hours a week when there’s no school. 

How to become rich as a teenager?

Want to know how to get rich as a teenager? There are some jobs for teens that pay more than others. For example, online jobs like web designer, freelance writer, and virtual assistant can earn you over $20 per hour, depending on your experience. 

Babysitting and dog walking, meanwhile, can be lucrative side hustles if you build up a client base. These flexible side hustles can net you $20 or more per hour based on experience. 

You can also turn certain hobbies, like photography and playing music, into money-making activities. If you photograph events or play live gigs with your band, you could potentially earn $50 or more per hour. You can even sell your clothes on Poshmark and potentially make $100 per month or more, depending on the kinds of items you have to sell. 

Finally, you can find a summer job to make a lot of money. Popular summer jobs for teens include lifeguard, golf caddy, camp counselor, and amusement park employee. You may be able to make between $13 and $20 an hour working one of these summer jobs — if you work eight hours a day, five days a week, that money will add up. 

How to make $1,000 as a teenager?

If you’re trying to find out how to make $1,000 as a teenager, focus on landing higher-paying gigs. You can typically earn a lot by working full-time hours over the summer. Lifeguarding and golf caddying are two summer jobs that pay well. 

For example, the average lifeguard makes $14.28 per hour  — if you work eight hours a day, five days a week, you’ll take home around $570 a week. If you work eight weeks during the summer, that’s over $4,500 for the season.  

You can also earn $1,000 over time by finding a flexible side hustle or online gig. For example, as a dog walker, you could make up to $25 per hour. If you walk dogs for 10 hours a week, that’s $250 per week. As a virtual assistant, meanwhile, you could make up to $27 per hour. If you work 10 hours a week, that’s $270 per week.

Monetizing your hobbies could also net you $1,000 over time. You can potentially earn $50 an hour or more photographing events or playing a live gig with your band. And If you have a lot of clothes in your closet you don’t wear, you can sell them on Poshmark and potentially earn upwards of $100 per month. 

• 15 remote entry-level jobs that pay at least $50 per hour
• 15 remote entry-level jobs that pay at least $40 per hour
• 15 Remote Entry-Level Jobs Paying $50+ an Hour
• Remote entry level jobs that pay at least $75,000 per year
• “Dull” remote jobs that pay at least $70,000 a year and employers can’t fill fast enough

Bottom line: There are so many ways to make money as a teen

When it comes to making money as a teenager, you have a lot of options.

Whether you want to work a traditional job for teens like working in a restaurant, pick up a side hustle like babysitting, or find an online job like freelance writing, there are many different ways to earn money as a teenager.

There are a number of hobbies that make money. Think about what skills you have, what interests you, and what works best with your schedule to find the right job for you.

Quick question — what comes to mind when you hear the term “dumpster diving?” 

A sketchy stranger in the night, feeling down on their luck, scrounging around in desperation for someone’s grimy box of leftover French fries? 

Well, that’s one way to think of it. But in reality, dumpster diving can be a way to score premier goods and even make some great money — and those in the know aren’t always willing to share their secrets…

Much like the practice of dumpster diving itself, you’ve gotta be willing to do a little digging to get the good stuff. 

For me, it all started when I joined a social media group for dumpster divers, hoping to gain some insight for this article. 

As soon as I posted my query, however, the (very unexpected) response was a mob of angry dumpster divers, chastising me for daring to spill their secrets:

“We have to wait in line to get to the dumpsters now!”

“You are ruining this for the longtime divers!”

“Wonderful [Insert sarcasm emoji]!”

Fortunately, I was able to connect with two of the best divers out there, who shared their tips for successful dumpster diving:

What is dumpster diving?

Is dumpster diving illegal?

What is an example of dumpster diving?

What are the best stores to dumpster dive at?

How do you dumpster dive safely?

Can you make money dumpster diving?

Is it worth it to dumpster dive?

What is dumpster diving?

The term “dumpster diving” has been around since the early 1980s, when Life Magazine coined the term in a piece about two guys rummaging for food in a trash bin. 

By its simplest definition, dumpster diving is the practice of obtaining unwanted items from dumpsters or other trash receptacles. That can include food, clothing, household items, electronics, and other practical and luxury items. Reasons people choose to dumpster dive include financial necessity and a desire to live a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle. 

While dumpster diving might not be for everyone, its appeal is more practical than ever:

For one, we waste a whopping 40% of the food produced in the United States each year, according to the FDA². That’s the equivalent of every person in the country throwing away 650 apples annually. 

The EPA³ reported that landfills received 11.3 million tons of textiles in 2018. That figure includes discarded clothing, furniture, carpets, tires, footwear, sheets, towels, and other nondurable goods (products with a lifetime of less than three years).

Pair all of this with the ability to make money — like one New York couple, who rakes in $3,000 in additional income each month through dumpster diving¹ — and the thought of diving into a heap of trash sounds a lot more appealing.

Is dumpster diving illegal?

No, dumpster diving is not illegal, according to federal law. Once something is discarded and considered trash, it becomes fair game and is not subject to fourth amendment protection⁵ — that’s the amendment that protects you and your belongings from unreasonable searches and seizures. 

But not so fast. Even though you’re in the clear as far as Uncle Sam and the 50 states are concerned, certain counties, towns and cities still have laws about dumpster diving, so you should check those out before you plunge into the nearest trash receptacle. 

You can find local codes and ordinances by searching the name of your county or municipality followed by the word “ordinances.” You can also check with your local public library or clerk of court. 

Keep in mind that individual businesses might have signs posted to keep the public away from their dumpsters. In these cases, you can get yourself in a heap of trouble even if you’re just throwing something away – it happened to me once, at an Eagles Beachwear store next to a rental beach house, where I was innocently trying to discard a bag of garbage. 

A guy came barreling out, demanding I take my personal trash elsewhere. It was a harrowing lesson I haven’t forgotten. 

A woman named Tiffany, better known as @dumpsterdivingmama on TikTok, shares tips for dumpster diving with her 2 million+ followers. She confirms you have to be careful choosing where to dumpster dive.

“You can’t raid dumpsters that have either a ‘No Trespassing’ sign or a ‘Private Property’ sign displayed on them,” she says. “Other than that, you’re good to go!” 

Maricela, a single mother of four who shares her dumpster diving adventures on TikTok under the name @sweetthriftlife, suggests anyone who is curious about dumpster diving call the non-emergency phone number in their area to verify it is legal.

What is an example of dumpster diving?

In theory, dumpster diving is fairly simple: First you make sure it’s legal in your area, pick a dumpster that doesn’t have any signs telling you not to be there — then get to diving. 

You can check out this YouTube video from a “Dumpster Diving Momma of 2” located in Pennsylvania, who regularly donates her findings to those in need:

These thrilled ladies got a “haul” from a local Dollar General dumpster filled with “food, drinks and more” during a thunderstorm.

Why do stores throw away merchandise?

It sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Stores throwing away perfectly good stuff? So why does it happen, anyway? 

Well, believe it or not, sometimes it’s more cost-effective to throw items away than to inspect and reshelve them. In an interview with NPR⁴, journalist Adria Vasil explains how returned items can actually cost a company more than they’re worth. 

According to Vasil, companies have to foot the bill for inspecting a product once you return it. So in some situations, it’s actually easier and cheaper just to trash the item than to actually put it back on shelves.

So what about groceries? Yes, some items in dumpsters are close to their sell-by date, but items are often tossed just because of defective packaging or overstocked shelves. 

Plenty of savvy dumpster divers have scored big — one Whole Foods diver⁶ was able to feed her entire community with discarded meat that was kept “refrigerated” in 33-degree winter weather. 

What are the best stores to dumpster dive at?

Think about all of your prized possessions — electronics, beauty products, clothing, whatever they might be. The stores where you’d find those products are great places to start your dumpster diving journey. 

As far as the best places to dumpster dive, online members of the dumpster diving community⁷ cite the following hot spots: 

1. Bakeries and grocery stores
2. Corporate retail store chains
3. Pet stores
4. Electronic stores 

“I honestly love Bath & Body Works because I like candles,” Tiffany says. “But if you’re just starting out, I would suggest CVS or Five Below. They typically throw a lot of the good stuff into huge bags, and it’s easy to spot!”

Maricela suggests scoping out and checking dumpsters often until you learn their “dumping schedules,” That might involve stopping by on different days and times to learn when items are discarded. 

And what places should novice divers avoid? 

These might seem like no-brainers, but Redditers recommend staying away from thrift stores (they only throw out the bottom of the barrel), hospitals (no thanks) and restaurants. Stick to grocery stores and bakeries instead.

Comment
byu/spoopy_elliot from discussion
inDumpsterDiving

How do you dumpster dive safely?

If you’re reading this and feeling excited but a little apprehensive about dumpster diving, don’t worry. These are some tips to stay safe during your dumpster dive:

1. Take a buddy with you, especially at night. Not only is there safety in numbers, but you might need an extra set of hands. 

2. Have “getaway” transportation just in case. “I always park right in front of the dumpster that I’m checking,” Tiffany says. 

3. Wear old clothing, and protect your skin as needed. While protective gloves might not be necessary — both Tiffany and Maricela say they don’t bother with gloves or “grabbing” tools — definitely don’t wear your nicest outfit. 

4. Bring supplies to clean the items and yourself. Maricela suggests bringing along hand sanitizer.
   
5. Check expiration/sell-by dates on any food items or pet food, and make sure none of the items have been recalled, Maricela says. 

Can you make money dumpster diving?

Yes! You can definitely make some money dumpster diving. While you can always keep your haul or donate items you don’t need, plenty of people make actual money diving. 

Maricela says she makes decent money for herself and her kids selling found items.

“I started selling items off the curb initially, making anywhere from $500 to $1000 doing just that,” she says. 

“On @sweetthriftlife, I sell items that I find to my followers and list part [of the haul] online and sell some stuff at my yard sales.”

She says she once found a Baby Jogger City Select double stroller and sold it for $300. She also regularly finds Wallflowers plug-in air freshener refills at Bath & Body Works, which she sells in bundles for up to $75. She also once found a stroller and carseat combo and sold it for $175. 

If you have items you want to unload (whether you got them from a dumpster or not), check out our post on how to thrift. You can also sell items on consignment, at pawn shops, and through online resale sites like Mercari, Thredup, or Poshmark.

Tiffany says when it comes to a dumpster diving side hustle, your “business overhead” is quite low. 

“It’s all profit,” she says. “Besides gas and time!”

How much time? It depends, Tiffany says, on how much you’d like to commit. 

“I usually dive while the kids are in school, so maybe three or four hours at a time,” she shares. “And how many days I go really depends on what all I have going on that week. Sometimes two days, sometimes every day!”

Dumpster diving tips

Here are a few tips that will help you score exactly what you’re looking for: 

Dumpster diving for food

Here are a few food-diving tips from Tiffany:

• Panera Bread (and other similar bakeries) throw out a lot of still-tasty baked goods daily. 
• Low-cost grocery store chain Aldi is a good option for finding food.
• CVS is a good place to find packaged snacks. 

Dumpster diving for electronics

Best Buy isn’t a place to dumpster dive because they use trash compactors, Tiffany says, but she suggests trying places like Burlington Coat Factory and Five Below, which both carry some electronic items. 

Dumpster diving for scrap metal

The best way to get valuable scrap metal, including scrap gold? Wait until stores renovate, Tiffany says. “They usually have a big roller dumpster that they dump old scrap parts into.” 

Dumpster diving for toys

Again, Tiffany recommends Burlington and Five Below to find toys for the kids.

“I don’t even remember all the stuff I’ve found,” she says. “Everything from baby dolls, trucks, play foods, and Legos to play makeup, art kits, and bathtub toys.”

Bottom line: Is it worth it to dumpster dive?

Dumpster diving is absolutely worth it if you want to save — or even make — some money. Of course, you have to be willing to put in the effort and potentially get a little dirty. 

A lot of businesses throw away perfectly good food and merchandise, and dumpster diving is an economical and sustainable way to ensure it doesn’t go to waste. Here’s one example of what Anna Sacks (@trashwalker on TikTok) found.

If you’re struggling with money, we put together a list of resources for low-income individuals and families:

SOURCES

1. businessinsider.com/how-a-new-york-couple-makes-3000-month-dumpster-diving-2021-7
2. fda.gov/food/consumers/food-loss-and-waste
3. https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/textiles-material-specific-data
4. npr.org/2019/12/29/792146756/report-many-returned-products-thrown-out-instead-of-resold
5. constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-4/
6. thetakeout.com/1000-dollars-whole-foods-groceries-found-dumpster-diver-1847900353
7. quora.com/What-are-some-stores-that-you-can-go-for-dumpster-diving