As you transition from a tween to teen, you might feel ready to start working on your independence. And one way towards it is to earn your own cash. But how do you do that at only 13?!
Although your opportunities are limited at that age, there are plenty of fun and profitable ways that can help you earn more than just a few bucks.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make money as a 13-year-old by getting an actual job and offer you a few ideas on what you can do to earn a few extra dollars for yourself. You can choose between online or offline work, side hustles, or one-time gigs.
Read on!
How to Make Money at 13
Legally young teens cannot do regular full or part-time jobs until they’re at least 14 years old. Despite federal law restrictions, there are a few jobs young teenagers can apply for without doing them illegally.
The important thing is to remember that 13-year-olds are not allowed to work between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. or during school hours. Restrictions also apply to the number of hours they can work.
Jobs a 13-Year-Old Can Do to Earn Money Legally
Delivering newspapers
Children aged 12 and over can work as paperboys or papergirls and deliver newspapers on foot or by bicycle. The job requires you to wake up early as everyone wants their newspaper delivered to their doorstep bright and early, but it’s the closest you’ll get to a regular job. And it pays well.
Acting
The entertainment industry also offers legit and paying jobs for 13-year-olds. Pursuing a career at a young age as an actor or singer in commercials, television shows, and movies, or on the theatre stage, will earn you good money and may also set you up for success in the future.
Family business
If your parents own a business, there are no legal limitations on when you can start working there. This means that as long as the company operates in a safe environment, they can hire you to work for a limited number of hours on a Monday-to-Friday basis.
Fun Ways to Make Money as a 13-Year-Old
In addition to the above three legal ways, there are other, more creative ways to make money without violating labor laws and restrictions. Here are some of them:
Pet sitting and walking
If you have a passion for animals and experience caring for your pet, why not offer your services as a pet sitter? It’s not just an excellent opportunity for teens who love animals, but it’s also the easiest way to make money as a 13-year-old. Being around animals will also allow you to learn more about them and find out if it might be a hobby or career for you in the future.
Babysitting
As a teen with experience caring for younger siblings, children in your neighborhood, or relatives, you may be able to babysit as a 13-year-old. You can work as a babysitter when you are free from school.
However, you should know that you may not be allowed to do it overnight. Although laws vary per state, in most cases, only 16-year-olds or older may watch children overnight.
Selling homemade products
Other ways to make money at 13 include selling items you’ve made yourself. This can be pretty great if you’re someone who has a creative side. You can make and sell anything; jewelry, cosmetics, skincare, or even food-based items. You can sell these to friends, family, or neighbors.
Tutoring
If you are good at a particular subject, like math or English, why not make some extra cash by helping others learn? It’s one of the most satisfying ways for 13-year-olds to make money, and you’ll be practicing your teaching skills. You can advertise your services by posting a flyer in your school, or find tutoring opportunities through family and friends.
Landscaping
There’s nothing like good old yard work to make some extra cash. Whether you help with yard work, such as mowing, raking leaves, and trimming shrubs or hedges, landscaping is not just great for physical exercise, but it’s also one of the best ways to make money as a 13-year-old.
You can find jobs through your neighbors or ask your friends to help you by promoting your landscaping services to their colleagues.
Cleaning
Teenagers who are not afraid of hard work and know what it takes to keep a room clean and organized can offer their services as a cleaner. True, tidying up can be an overwhelming task, but it can also help you earn money at 13.
You can ask your parents and grandparents to clean their houses and charge them for it. Alternatively, you could assist busy moms or elderly individuals in your neighborhood.
Teaching people to use technology
A lot of people, especially the elderly, struggle with technology and need help to figure out how to use it. If you are tech-savvy, then why not help people in need to learn how to communicate with their loved ones?
13-year-olds can make money by teaching people how to use the internet, social media platforms, or even basic computer skills.
Designing T-shirts
This is something you can do yourself at home by using fabric paint, or you can design something on your computer and take it to a local shop for printing. It’s one of the unique ways for a 13-year-old to make money, and it’s pretty easy to do. Spread the word about your T-shirts by talking to family and friends, hosting a garage sale, or setting up a stall in front of your home.
Selling food and drinks
You can start with a lemonade stand, but if your business takes off, you can expand and add other drinks to the menu. In fact, you can change your product per season. Selling lemonade or homemade cookies can help you make money at age 13.
All you need to do is pick a spot with a lot of foot traffic. You can even try a local farmers market or amusement park and check if setting up a small stall there is possible.
Selling artwork
You don’t have to be an artist to make money by selling artwork. 13-year-olds can make and sell unique, one-of-a-kind pieces at local craft fairs or stores. This is a great way to make money if you enjoy making something with your hands, such as jewelry, sculptures, paintings, DIY projects, etc.
Summer Jobs for 13-Year-Olds That Make Good Money
Summer can be an ideal time to make some extra cash when you’re not in school. Thirteen-year-olds can do a few special jobs during the summer months that will allow them to make more money than they would have with other typical teen jobs. Here’s a list of some of the best summer jobs for you.
Golf caddy
Working as a golf caddy is one of the best summer jobs to get at 13. During the summer, golf courses often get very busy. As a result, most clubs require additional support – that’s where you can come in! Your responsibilities will be to carry clubs and help out on the course. What’s also great is you’ll be learning things you don’t know about this sport.
Car wash
If you’re a young teen who isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty, then a summer car wash job is just the opportunity for you to earn money as a 13-year-old. Car washes are usually very busy in the summertime and offer plenty of chances for any young student to make extra money by washing cars around your area.
Little league umpire
Anyone between 13 and 20 can become an umpire at local little league games. It’s one of the most exciting jobs for 13-year-olds to make money and possibly make their way into the Majors baseball and softball games.
You’ll need to know the rules of the game and complete the training to get certified by the Umpire-in-Chief and the Board of Directors, but if you’re really passionate about these sports, this should be easy.
Pool maintenance
Now, this is something every other house needs during the summer though it’s not exactly one of the easiest ways to earn money as a 13-year-old. So, in addition to removing leaves and debris from the pool’s surface, you’d also have to clean the filters and maintain the equipment – all of which require a certain level of knowledge. But if you’re willing to learn a new skill, go for it!
Junior camp counselor
Working as a junior camp counselor is an excellent way to make money and have fun at the same time. Especially if you enjoy working with children, you’ll get to help kids learn new skills and make friendships while earning your own money. And the best part is that it can help you up your leadership skills.
Ways for 13-Year-Olds to Make Money Online
Nowadays, more and more online opportunities are available for young teens to make money. From taking surveys or doing micro jobs to playing video games or writing articles – there is something out there for everyone. Here’s our roundup of the best jobs for young teens.
Online surveys
Even though this is not exactly a job, and doesn’t always pay cash, it’s still an option and will allow you to make money as a 13-year-old online. Many companies are offering money or gift cards if you agree to participate in one of their online surveys.
Typically this includes answering questions about new products or ones that are in development. Even though this is not exactly a job, and doesn’t always pay cash, it’s still an option and will allow you to earn as a 13-year-old online.
Launch a YouTube channel
It may sound accessible to you, but it’s actually something that requires great dedication and lots of patience. The downside is that it will not help you make money at the age of 13, but if you’re persistent and work on building up your followers, it might turn into a steady income.
Create an online store
If you have something to sell—be it handmade items, vintage items, or digital products—the internet is the perfect place for you to start making some money. Create a website, list your products and services, promote them on social media channels, and start selling!
Be a social media assistant
Another way that 13-year-olds can make money online is by assisting someone already working with social media management. This involves helping with tasks like posting, responding to comments, moderating content, and engaging with other users.
Write reviews for new songs and music videos
You can write reviews for new songs and music videos on online music streaming platforms. It’s a great way to make cash while having fun listening to and reviewing new music. If you are a music lover, then this may be something you’ll enjoy.
The Takeaway
It’s true that making money at only 13 is difficult, but it’s not impossible. Whether you’re saving for college, a new phone, or just some extra birthday cash, the options we’ve mentioned in this article are great strong starting points and will definitely help you find your very own side hustle as a 13-year-old. And the best part is that they can teach you skills such as responsibility, creativity, hard work, and perseverance—all critical qualities in becoming an adult.