Jobs for 13 Year Olds
Looking to earn your own money at 13?
Whether you’re saving for something big, starting to explore career skills, or just want extra pocket cash, there are plenty of ways to work safely and legally—even if you’re not quite old enough for a traditional job.
Here’s how you can start building your experience early.
Can You Legally Work at 13?
At 13, you’re below the minimum hiring age for most companies due to labor laws. That said, there are plenty of age-appropriate, flexible job opportunities—especially if you’re creative, responsible, and willing to work independently or for people you know. Some states allow 13-year-olds to work in limited capacities with a work permit, but many of the best opportunities are informal or freelance-style.
Best Jobs for 13 Year Olds – 10 Jobs You Can do
1. Babysitting
Babysitting is one of the most popular and trusted first jobs for young teens. If you’re responsible and good with kids, you can earn solid money while helping out local families. Consider taking a babysitting safety course to boost your skills and credibility.
2. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Love animals? Offer dog walking or pet sitting services to neighbors, especially during weekends or vacations. It’s flexible, pays well, and gives you regular outdoor time.
3. Lawn Mowing and Yard Work
You can offer to mow lawns, pull weeds, or rake leaves for neighbors and family friends. It’s physical work, but it builds discipline—and many people are happy to pay teens for yard help.
4. Car Washing
Start a mini mobile car wash service in your neighborhood. With just a bucket, sponge, and soap, you can offer a convenient and affordable service that people will appreciate.
5. Tutoring Younger Kids
If you’re doing well in school, offer to tutor younger students in subjects like math, reading, or writing. Parents are often willing to pay for affordable peer tutoring.
6. Selling Handmade Crafts
Creative teens can sell bracelets, candles, stickers, or baked goods either in-person or online (with parent supervision). Platforms like Etsy allow teen sellers with adult accounts.
7. Running Errands for Neighbors
Offer to help neighbors with simple errands like returning library books, walking their mail to the post office, or picking up groceries with an adult.
8. House Cleaning
Offer light house cleaning services to friends or family—vacuuming, sweeping, or wiping counters. Set fair rates and deliver good service for repeat business.
9. Tech Help
If you’re tech-savvy, help older adults or small business owners with setting up phones, organizing files, or simple social media tasks.
10. Creating Content
With a parent’s permission, you can start a blog, YouTube channel, or TikTok focused on hobbies, reviews, or tutorials. Over time, this can become a small income stream with ads or sponsorships.
How to Find Jobs as a 13 Year Old?
So, you’re 13, tired of being broke, and super ready to start making your own cash?
Good news: even though you can’t walk into a store and apply like older teens, there are still legit ways to earn money now — you just have to get a little creative (and maybe hustle a bit).
Here’s how you can start stacking dollars:
1. Let Everyone Know You’re Ready to Work
Tell your parents, your neighbors, your friends’ parents—seriously, anyone you trust. Say something like, “Hey! I’m 13 and trying to earn some extra money. Do you need help with anything?”
You could land gigs like:
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Raking leaves, pulling weeds, or watering plants
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Dog walking or pet-sitting while neighbors are out
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Babysitting (even just being a “mother’s helper” while an adult is home)
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Cleaning out garages, organizing basements, or helping move stuff
2. Make a Simple Flyer (or a Text) and Spread It Around
Write a short message like:
“Hi! I’m [Your Name], 13 years old, and I’m looking for small jobs in the neighborhood! I can help with yard work, pets, cleaning, tech setup, and more. I’m responsible and ready to work—message me if you need help!”
Have your parent or guardian help you send it to friends or post it in safe local groups.
3. Turn Your Skills Into a Side Hustle
Do you have a creative side or a hobby? Turn it into cash.
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Love drawing? Sell custom sketches or digital art.
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Good at crafts? Make friendship bracelets, keychains, or stickers.
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Bake like a boss? Offer cookies or cupcakes to family and neighbors.
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Got a camera? Take cute pet pics for people or film funny videos for your own YouTube or TikTok (with permission).
4. Help Around School or Sports Teams
Ask your teachers, coaches, or church leaders if you can help out. You might:
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Set up for events
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Clean up after games
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Organize supplies
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Hand out flyers
Some may even offer a small payment or a thank-you gift card (which still counts as getting paid).
5. Go Seasonal and Get Smart
Think about what people need right now.
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In summer? Offer cold drinks at park events.
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Around holidays? Wrap gifts or help put up lights.
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Got snow? Shovel driveways.
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Back-to-school time? Help families with organizing or carrying supplies.
How Much Can You Earn at 13?
Okay, real talk: you’re not going to make CEO money at 13 — but you can definitely earn enough to buy cool stuff, save up for a phone, or treat yourself to snacks without begging your parents.
💵 So how much are we talking?
It depends on the job and how often you do it. Here are some realistic examples:
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Dog walking – $5 to $10 per walk (more if you walk two dogs at once!)
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Lawn mowing – $10 to $30 per yard, depending on size
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Babysitting – $8 to $12 per hour (if you’re trusted and good with kids)
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House chores or cleaning – $10 to $20 for a few hours of work
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Selling crafts or baked goods – You set the prices! You could make $20+ per sale day if people love what you make
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Shoveling snow – $10 to $25 per driveway (depending on how deep the snow is)
Even just one or two of these jobs a week can start adding up fast. If you made $10 twice a week, that’s $80/month — and that’s just a start!
Why Start Working at 13?
You might be thinking, “I’m only 13… do I really need a job?” But honestly? Starting now gives you a serious head start. Here’s why getting into the game early is a big win:
✅ You get your own money
No more waiting for birthdays or asking your parents. Want snacks, games, or cool clothes? When you’re earning, you decide what to spend your cash on. Freedom = unlocked.
✅ You’ll learn life skills most adults still struggle with
Working teaches you how to talk to people, show up on time, solve problems, and stick to a schedule. These are skills that will help in high school, college, and even adult jobs later on.
✅ It boosts your confidence
There’s nothing like earning your first paycheck or getting your first customer to say, “Wow, great job!” You’ll feel proud — and more independent.
✅ Your future self will thank you
Even simple jobs at 13 look really good on future applications. Whether it’s for a part-time job at 16, a scholarship, or even your first internship, employers and teachers love seeing that you took initiative early.
✅ You might discover what you’re good at
Love dogs? Start walking them and maybe one day you’ll run a pet-sitting biz. Into baking? Your cookie hustle could become a side gig. The earlier you start, the faster you figure out what you enjoy — and what you’re great at.
Final Thoughts: Jobs for 13-Year-Olds
While you may not be ready for a traditional job yet, there are tons of creative, age-appropriate ways to start earning and building real-life skills. The key is being responsible, consistent, and open to learning.
Who knows?
A small side hustle at 13 could be the beginning of something big.
