18 Best Jobs For 13 Year Olds To Make Money

18 Best Jobs For 13 Year Olds To Make Money

When a teenager turns 13, they grow not just physically but also financially. Summer employment or part-time jobs during school can introduce them to work.

Getting a job at this age teaches teens about money and responsibility. It’s a chance to learn skills like time management and teamwork.

For young workers, a job is a big learning experience. It shows them the value of money and the need for hard work. Whether it’s a summer job or a part-time job during school, there are many options.

Key Takeaways

• Early employment helps build financial literacy.
• Part-time jobs teach valuable life skills.
• Summer employment is a great way to introduce teens to the workforce.
• Young workers can develop a strong work ethic.
• Job opportunities for teens promote independence.

Why 13-Year-Olds Should Consider Working

Starting to work at 13 can be a big step for a teenager. It offers many benefits that go beyond just getting paid. At this age, young teens start to see the value of money and the need for responsibility.

Building Financial Literacy Early is a key benefit of working young. By earning money, 13-year-olds learn to manage their finances. They make smart spending choices and start saving for the future. This early start in financial management can help them become entrepreneurs and stay financially stable later on. For example, they can open a youth savings account to save their earnings.

Building Financial Literacy Early

Earning their own money helps teenagers understand budgeting and saving. They learn to split their earnings into spending, saving, and giving. This builds a healthy money relationship from a young age.

Developing Responsibility and Work Ethic

Working at 13 helps young teens develop a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility. By having a job, they learn to be on time, follow instructions, and do their best. These skills are very important as they grow older and take on bigger roles.

Gaining Valuable Life Skills

Working at a young age also gives teenagers valuable life skills. They improve their communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. These skills are key for success in both personal and professional life.

By starting to work at 13, young teens can pave the way for a more secure, responsible, and successful future.

Legal Considerations for Young Workers

If you’re 13 and want to start working, it’s important to know the laws. You need to understand labor laws, working hour rules, and when you need parental permission. Knowing these helps you start your job without any legal issues.

Federal and State Labor Laws for Minors

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) has rules for child labor. It includes age limits, jobs you can do, and how many hours you can work. But, state laws might be stricter. So, it’s key to know both federal and state rules. Some states even need a work permit for kids.

Working Hour Restrictions

Both federal and state laws limit how many hours minors can work. For example, 14- and 15-year-olds can work outside school hours. But, they can’t work more than 3 hours on a school day or 18 hours in a school week. Knowing these rules helps you balance work and school.

Age	Max Hours on School Days	Max Hours on Non-School Days
14-15 years	3 hours	8 hours
16-17 years	Varies by state	Varies by state

Parental Permission Requirements

Many states need minors to get work permits or certificates before starting a job. These permits often need parental consent. This makes sure parents know and agree to their child’s job. It also protects young workers and makes sure they follow the laws.

Key Takeaways:

• Federal and state labor laws regulate child labor.
• Working hour restrictions vary by age and state.
• Parental permission is often required for minors to work.

18 Best Jobs For 13 Year Olds To Make Money

Being 13 and having a job is a great way to earn money and learn new things. You’re probably looking for jobs that are fun and teach you something. There are many jobs for teens out there, from part-time jobs to summer jobs.

Overview of Job Categories

Jobs for 13-year-olds fall into several categories. You can babysit, mow lawns, take care of pets, or help neighbors. You could also try online surveys or sell your crafts. These options let you find a job that fits your interests and skills.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Job

When picking a job, think about your schedule, skills, and what you like. If you like being outside, lawn care or yard work might be perfect. If animals are your thing, pet sitting could be the way to go. Also, think about if you want a summer job or something longer.

Realistic Earnings Expectations

How much you can earn varies by job. Babysitting can pay $10 to $15 an hour, while lawn care might bring in $20 to $30 per lawn. It’s important to know that these jobs are about more than just money. They help you gain experience and grow as a person.

Babysitting

Babysitting is a great way for 13-year-olds to make money and learn important skills. It teaches them responsibility, patience, and how to communicate well. These skills are essential for life.

Getting Started as a Young Babysitter

To start, talk to family friends or neighbors who might need help. Creating a simple flyer or posting on social media can also help. It’s important to mention any experience with younger siblings or pets.

Safety Considerations and Training

Safety is always the first thing to think about. Taking a certified babysitting course is a good idea. It teaches basic first aid, CPR, and how to keep children safe.

Setting Your Rates

When setting rates, research what others charge in your area. “Pay rates can vary significantly depending on location, experience, and the number of children being cared for,”

an experienced babysitter says. It’s smart to talk about rates with parents before starting to make sure everyone agrees.

By following these steps, 13-year-olds can start their babysitting career. They’ll earn money and gain valuable life experiences.

Lawn Mowing and Yard Work

Lawn mowing and yard work are great summer jobs for young teens. As the weather warms up, more people need lawn care. 13-year-olds can make money by helping out neighbors and family friends.

Equipment Needed

To start, teens need a lawn mower, rake, and gardening tools. It’s important to choose safe, age-appropriate equipment. Keeping equipment in good shape is key for safety and doing the job well. Some families might already have what you need, saving you money.

Finding Customers in Your Neighborhood

Getting customers is easy. Just knock on doors or tell family and friends. You can also make flyers or use social media (with a parent’s help). Being known for great service is important.

Seasonal Opportunities

Lawn mowing is mostly for summer, but yard work can be year-round. You can rake leaves in fall and shovel snow in winter. Being open to different jobs in different seasons can help you earn more. A young lawn care pro said, “Success comes from hard work and being ready to change with the seasons.”

Dog Walking and Pet Sitting

As a 13-year-old, you can make money by walking dogs and sitting for pets. Many pet owners pay for someone to take care of their pets when they’re away.

Building Trust with Pet Owners

To do well in dog walking and pet sitting, you must gain the trust of pet owners. Be reliable, keep pets safe, and tell them how their pets are doing. Ask a family member or neighbor who has a pet for a reference.

Setting Up a Schedule

It’s important to have a schedule for your pet care work. Pick the days and times you can walk dogs or sit for pets. Make sure to tell pet owners about your schedule. Use a planner or digital calendar to stay on track.

Expanding Your Pet Care Services

After you get some experience, you can offer more services. This could be feeding, giving medicine, or grooming pets. More services can bring in more clients and more money.

Service	Description	Potential Earnings
Dog Walking	30-minute walk	$15-$20
Pet Sitting	Overnight stay	$50-$75
Pet Feeding	Daily feeding service	$10-$15 per day

Online Surveys and Market Research

Today, teens can earn extra cash by taking online surveys and market research. They get to share their thoughts on different products and services. This helps companies learn more about their audience.

Legitimate Survey Sites for Teens

There are many websites where teens can find real survey opportunities. Some top choices include:

• Swagbucks: This site rewards users with points for surveys, videos, and online shopping.
• Survey Junkie: It offers points for surveys, which can be exchanged for cash or e-gift cards.
• Pinecone Research: A trusted site that pays for surveys and product testing.

It’s important to check reviews and understand the terms of each site before joining.

Safety Tips for Online Work

To stay safe online, teens should remember these tips:

Safety Tip	Description
Use Strong Passwords	Always create unique and strong passwords for your accounts.
Be Cautious with Personal Info	Avoid sharing sensitive personal information on survey sites.
Verify Site Legitimacy	Research the site before signing up to ensure it’s reputable.

Maximizing Your Earnings

To earn more from online surveys, try these strategies:

1. Sign up for multiple survey sites to increase opportunities.
2. Be honest and consistent in your survey responses.
3. Regularly check for new surveys and participate promptly.

By using these tips, teens can get the most out of their online survey work.

Selling Handmade Crafts

Young teens can earn money by selling their handmade crafts. This venture boosts creativity and teaches important skills. It covers production, marketing, and managing money.

Popular Craft Ideas for Teen Sellers

Teens can make many crafts that people like. Some popular ideas are:

• Jewelry making
• Candle crafting
• Customized phone cases and accessories
• Hand-painted or decorated items for the home
• Knitted or crocheted goods like scarves, hats, and blankets

Where to Sell Your Creations

After making your crafts, you need to decide where to sell them. Popular options are:

• Online marketplaces like Etsy (with parental supervision)
• Social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook
• Local craft fairs and markets
• School or community events
• Word-of-mouth and personal networks

Pricing Your Items

Setting the right price is key to making a profit. Think about the cost of materials, the time spent making each item, and what similar items cost. Start with lower prices to attract customers and build your reputation.

By following these steps, young teens can turn their crafting hobbies into successful teen entrepreneurship ventures. They’ll learn a lot about business and finance.

Car Washing Services

Starting a car washing service is a great way for 13-year-olds to make money. It’s a job that needs some effort but is very rewarding. You’ll learn important skills like paying attention to detail and how to serve customers well.

Basic Supplies Needed

To start, you’ll need some basic supplies. These include:

• A bucket
• Car wash soap
• Soft sponges or mitts
• A hose with a spray nozzle
• Microfiber towels for drying
• Optional: tire cleaner, wheel cleaner, and wax for extra services

Using good quality supplies will help you give a better service. This will attract more customers.

Marketing Your Car Wash Service

Marketing is key to starting your car washing service. Here are some ways to do it:

Marketing Method	Description	Potential Reach
Neighborhood Flyers	Distribute flyers in your neighborhood and nearby areas	Local households
Social Media	Use platforms like Facebook or Nextdoor to advertise	Community members, friends, and family
Word of Mouth	Encourage satisfied customers to spread the word	Personal networks

Providing Professional Results

To build a good reputation, you need to provide professional results. This means:

• Paying attention to detail, such as cleaning wheel wells and tires
• Using the right cleaning products to avoid damaging cars
• Drying cars thoroughly to prevent water spots
• Being punctual and courteous to customers

By following these tips, you can start a successful car washing service. It will attract and keep customers, helping you earn money and gain valuable experience.

Tutoring Younger Students

Tutoring younger kids is a great way to help and teach responsibility. As a 13-year-old tutor, you can share your knowledge. This helps younger students understand subjects you love.

Identifying Your Academic Strengths

To be a great tutor, start by identifying your academic strengths. List the subjects you’re good at and enjoy teaching. This helps you focus on where you can help your students the most.

Finding Students to Tutor

After finding your strengths, it’s time to find students to tutor. Offer your services to family friends, neighbors, or classmates. You can also make flyers or post on social media with your parents’ help.

Creating Effective Lesson Plans

To be a good tutor, you need to create lesson plans for your students. First, check what they know about the subject. Then, make a plan to help them get better. Break down hard topics into easy parts and use different teaching methods to keep them interested.

Subject	Skills Required	Potential Earnings
Math	Problem-solving, patience	$15-$25/hour
Reading	Communication, comprehension	$12-$20/hour
Science	Knowledge, experimentation	$15-$25/hour

House Sitting and Plant Watering

House sitting and plant watering are great ways for teens to show they’re responsible. They take care of someone’s home by watering plants, collecting mail, and watching the property.

Responsibilities and Expectations

Being a house sitter means being reliable and trustworthy. Homeowners want you to keep their home looking good and everything in order. This includes watering plants, checking for damage, and sometimes bringing in newspapers.

Building a Trustworthy Reputation

To be seen as trustworthy, be on time, follow instructions, and communicate well with homeowners. Sending regular updates or photos can show that you’re taking good care of their home.

Here are some tips to build trust:

• Be on time for your scheduled visits.
• Follow the instructions provided by the homeowner.
• Keep the homeowner updated on the condition of their home.

Combining with Other Services

House sitting can be paired with other services like pet sitting or lawn care. This not only boosts your earnings but also offers a more complete care solution for homeowners.

Service	Description	Earning
House Sitting	Taking care of the home, watering plants, collecting mail.	$10-$20 per visit
Pet Sitting	Feeding, walking, and caring for pets.	$15-$30 per visit
Lawn Care	Mowing lawns, trimming bushes, and maintaining yard appearance.	$20-$50 per session

By mixing these services, young entrepreneurs can offer a valuable package to homeowners. This boosts their earnings and helps their community.

Snow Shoveling in Winter

For 13-year-olds, snow shoveling is a great way to make money in winter. It’s hard work but very rewarding. You’ll earn money and help neighbors and family members.

Safety Precautions

Before you start shoveling snow, think about safety first. Wear the right clothes, like warm, waterproof layers and gloves. This helps prevent frostbite.

Know your limits and take breaks to avoid getting too tired. Use the right lifting techniques to avoid injuries.

Pricing Based on Driveway Size

The price for snow shoveling depends on the driveway size. Prices usually range from $20 to $50 per driveway. Make sure to talk about the price with the customer before you start.

Expanding to Sidewalks and Walkways

To make more money, consider clearing sidewalks and walkways too. This is very helpful for elderly neighbors with icy paths. Talk about this in your initial price discussion to offer a full service.

Helping at Family Businesses

Family businesses are a great way for 13-year-olds to learn important skills. Working with family members lets them get hands-on experience in different business areas.

Learning Valuable Business Skills

Working in a family business helps 13-year-olds learn key business skills. They can learn about management, customer service, and money management. For example, they might help with keeping track of inventory, showing them how to manage stock and supplies.

Appropriate Tasks for 13-Year-Olds

13-year-olds can do many tasks in a family business, depending on the business and their skills. Some common tasks include:

• Assisting with daily operations
• Managing social media accounts
• Helping with customer service
• Participating in marketing efforts

Task	Description	Skills Learned
Daily Operations	Assisting with opening or closing procedures	Time management, responsibility
Social Media	Managing social media accounts, creating posts	Communication, creativity
Customer Service	Interacting with customers, handling inquiries	Interpersonal skills, problem-solving

Balancing Work and School

It’s important for 13-year-olds working in a family business to balance work and school. By setting priorities and managing their time well, they can keep their work from affecting their schoolwork.

Working in a family business helps young teens develop a strong work ethic. They also gain valuable experience that will help them in the future.

Managing and Saving Your Earnings

As a 13-year-old entrepreneur, managing your money well is key to success. It’s not just about making money. It’s about making smart choices with your finances. Learning to manage your money helps you develop good habits for life.

Opening a Youth Savings Account

One important step is to open a youth savings account. This account is for minors and keeps your money safe while it grows. Many banks have special accounts for teens. It’s a good idea to compare them to find the best one for you.

Setting Financial Goals

Setting financial goals is vital to using your money wisely. You might want to save for college, a car, or something big. Having clear goals helps you stay focused on saving.

Learning Basic Budgeting

Basic budgeting is a key skill for managing your money. Start by tracking your income and expenses. This helps you see where your money goes. Then, divide your earnings into saving, spending, and giving to use your money wisely.

By following these steps, you’ll learn to manage your money well. This will help you make the most of your earnings.

FAQ

What are the best jobs for 13-year-olds to make money?

For 13-year-olds, jobs like babysitting, lawn mowing, and dog walking are great. Selling handmade crafts is also a good option. These jobs help earn money and gain work experience.

 

Are there any laws regulating the number of hours 13-year-olds can work?

Yes, there are laws about how many hours minors can work. These laws differ by state. It’s important to check the laws in your area.

 

Do 13-year-olds need parental permission to work?

Yes, most of the time, 13-year-olds need permission from a parent or guardian to work. Getting permission is a must before starting a job.

 

How can 13-year-olds manage their earnings effectively?

To manage money well, 13-year-olds can open a youth savings account. They should set financial goals and learn basic budgeting. This helps make the most of their earnings and develops good financial habits.

 

Are online surveys a legitimate way for 13-year-olds to earn money?

Some online survey sites are okay for 13-year-olds. But it’s important to research the site well. Make sure it’s reputable and safe.

 

What are some safety considerations for 13-year-olds who want to start a babysitting or dog walking business?

Starting a babysitting or dog walking business requires safety. 13-year-olds should get necessary training and stay aware of their surroundings. They should also have a plan for emergencies.

 

Can 13-year-olds work in family businesses?

Yes, 13-year-olds can work in family businesses. It’s a great way to learn and gain experience. But they must balance work and school.

 

How can 13-year-olds price their services or products correctly?

To price right, 13-year-olds should research their competition and consider costs. They should set prices that are fair and competitive.

Conclusion

Exploring jobs at a young age is very valuable for 13-year-olds. This article has talked about 18 jobs that teens can do. These jobs help them earn money, learn new skills, and understand money better.

Jobs like babysitting, lawn mowing, dog walking, and tutoring are great for teens. They match their interests and schedule. These jobs also teach them to work hard and be responsible.

Working at a young age helps teens learn important life skills. It improves their understanding of money and sets them up for future careers. Encouraging teens to try these jobs can really help them grow.