For generations, teenagers earned their first money stacking shelves, babysitting, or waiting tables. But for today’s digital natives, work is increasingly moving online — and in many cases, paying more than traditional part-time jobs.

A recent survey of more than 1,600 teens found that 42% are already making money through digital channels such as social media, gaming, and online resale. That’s a higher share than the number of teenagers formally employed, suggesting the world’s youngest workers are leapfrogging the traditional economy altogether.

The sums aren’t trivial either. On average, teens earned the equivalent of €650 a year through online activity, while those aged 16–18 pulled in closer to €820. Even younger teens — as young as 12 — are finding ways to monetise their digital lives, typically through gaming or small-scale reselling, despite being below the legal age for formal work.

Then there are the outliers: one in every 600 teens surveyed earns more than €9,000 annually online. Scaled globally, that means tens of thousands of high-schoolers are generating income streams that rival adult salaries, often through influencer sponsorships, live-streaming, or e-commerce ventures.

Social media is at the heart of this new economy. One in three teenagers has either been approached by a brand for sponsorship, or knows someone who has. Around 8% earn money reviewing products, 7% through brand partnerships, and 6% via viewer donations. In some cases, teens are building serious personal brands — creating what is effectively a digital CV before they’ve even applied for a job.

Gaming is another major income stream. Almost one in ten teens has earned money streaming games, while another 9% reported winning prize money from tournaments. Competitive gaming and in-game economies are producing a new type of teenage entrepreneur, where dedication to a console can translate into real-world pay.

Meanwhile, e-commerce and clothing resale remain strong drivers. Around 15% of teens report reselling clothing or accessories online, and hundreds of thousands globally are generating four-figure sums annually by flipping trainers, apparel, or collectibles.

Taken together, these trends show how digital natives are reshaping what it means to “get a job.” For many teens, online activity is not only pocket money but also a potential career path. The boundaries between hobby, side hustle, and full-time work are blurring fast.

For parents, this raises new questions. Is a TikTok account just fun and games — or is it a portfolio that could one day attract a brand partnership? Should time spent gaming be seen as wasted hours, or as training in a growing digital economy?

One thing is certain: today’s teens are unlikely to settle for paper rounds and café shifts. Their workplaces are already online — and for many, the earnings are real enough to make adults take notice.