Turning 13 marks an exciting milestone when many teens start thinking about earning their own money. While most traditional businesses cannot legally hire someone this young due to labor laws, there are still legitimate ways for 13-year-olds to earn income through specific types of work.

The opportunities available to 13-year-olds typically include informal jobs like babysitting, lawn care, pet sitting, tutoring, and creative online ventures, along with limited formal employment in entertainment and agriculture under specific conditions. Many of these jobs for 13-year-olds help young teens gain valuable work experience while earning spending money.

I've compiled a comprehensive guide covering the most practical and accessible job options for 13-year-olds. From traditional neighborhood services to modern online opportunities, you'll discover realistic ways to start earning money at this age while understanding the legal requirements and safety considerations involved.

Key Takeaways

• Most formal businesses cannot hire 13-year-olds, but informal jobs like babysitting, pet care, and yard work remain accessible options
• Online opportunities including content creation, tutoring, and small entrepreneurial ventures allow 13-year-olds to earn money from home
• Understanding labor laws, work permits, and money management skills helps young teens build responsible work habits early

Understanding Job Options for 13-Year-Olds

Federal and state regulations significantly limit where 13-year-olds can work, but numerous opportunities exist outside traditional employment that allow young teens to earn money while developing valuable skills.

Legal Restrictions and Child Labor Laws

The Fair Labor Standards Act sets strict guidelines about employment for minors under 14 years old. Under federal law, 13-year-olds cannot work in most traditional retail, food service, or office environments.

I've found that child labor laws prevent 13-year-olds from getting many conventional jobs, which means traditional part-time positions at restaurants or stores aren't available. The FLSA does include specific exemptions that allow young teens to work in certain industries.

Permitted work categories include:

• Newspaper delivery
• Babysitting and childcare
• Acting and entertainment
• Work for parents in their non-hazardous business

State laws may impose additional restrictions beyond federal requirements. Some states require work permits even for informal employment arrangements. I recommend checking your local Department of Labor website to understand specific state regulations that apply to jobs for 13-year-olds in your area.

Common Types of Jobs for Young Teens

Most jobs for 13 year olds fall into informal or entrepreneurial categories rather than traditional employment. Neighborhood services represent the largest category of opportunities available at this age.

Popular job options include:

• Pet care services - Dog walking, pet sitting, and feeding animals while owners are away
• Yard work - Lawn mowing, leaf raking, weeding, and garden maintenance
• Household help - Cleaning, organizing, and basic household chores for neighbors
• Tutoring - Helping younger children with homework or teaching skills like music or art
• Digital services - Social media management, basic graphic design, or content creation

Many teens find success with seasonal opportunities like snow shoveling in winter or pool cleaning in summer. Online platforms now offer age-appropriate ways for young teens to sell handmade crafts, offer virtual tutoring, or create digital content with parental supervision.

Considerations for Parents and Guardians

Parents should actively participate in evaluating whether jobs for teens are safe and appropriate. I believe supervision becomes essential when a 13-year-old starts working, even in informal arrangements.

Key safety factors to assess:

• Physical environment and potential hazards
• Transportation to and from work locations
• Background of adults the teen will interact with
• Appropriate work hours that don't interfere with school or sleep

Setting reasonable expectations about earnings helps prevent disappointment. Most 13-year-olds earn between $5 and $15 per hour for informal work, depending on the task complexity and local market rates.

I recommend starting with smaller commitments to gauge reliability and interest. A trial period helps determine if the teen can balance work responsibilities with schoolwork and other activities. Parents should also discuss money management, including savings goals and appropriate spending habits, to maximize the educational value of early work experiences.

Best Jobs That Hire at 13

Traditional employers rarely hire 13-year-olds due to labor laws, but informal work opportunities through neighbors, family friends, and local community members remain accessible. These positions allow young teens to earn money while developing responsibility and work skills.

Babysitter and Babysitting Jobs

Babysitting stands out as one of the best jobs for 13-year-olds who demonstrate maturity and responsibility. Parents often prefer hiring responsible teens from their neighborhood or social circles to watch younger children for short periods.

I recommend starting with families you already know or getting referrals from parents who trust you. Many 13-year-olds begin as a mother's helper, assisting parents while they work from home or handle household tasks. This builds experience before taking on full babysitting responsibilities.

Key skills needed:

• Basic childcare knowledge
• CPR and first aid certification (optional but valuable)
• Ability to handle emergencies calmly
• Engaging children with activities and games

Rates typically range from $8 to $15 per hour depending on location, number of children, and experience level. Building a reputation as a reliable babysitter creates steady income and valuable references for future jobs.

Dog Walker and Pet Sitter Roles

Pet care offers flexible opportunities for 13-year-olds who love animals and want to work independently. Dog walking involves taking neighborhood pets for regular walks while owners are at work or away.

Pet sitting extends beyond walks to include feeding animals, changing water bowls, and providing companionship. I find this work particularly suitable for young teens since it requires minimal equipment and can fit around school schedules.

Starting rates for dog walking range from $10 to $20 per walk, while pet sitting assignments pay $15 to $30 per visit. Many pet owners need daily services, creating consistent income opportunities. Building trust with pet owners leads to repeat clients and word-of-mouth referrals throughout the neighborhood.

Yard Work: Mowing Lawns, Gardening, and Fence Painting

Outdoor maintenance work provides substantial earning potential for physically capable 13-year-olds. Mowing lawns remains the most common yard work job, with homeowners paying $20 to $40 per lawn depending on size and complexity.

Gardening tasks include weeding flower beds, planting seasonal flowers, spreading mulch, and watering plants. These jobs require less physical strength than mowing but demand attention to detail and plant care knowledge.

Fence painting and other outdoor painting projects offer higher pay rates of $12 to $20 per hour. I suggest starting with smaller fences or deck railings to build painting skills before tackling larger projects.

Common yard work services:

• Weekly lawn mowing and edging
• Seasonal leaf raking and removal
• Garden bed maintenance and weeding
• Light landscaping and mulching
• Fence staining or painting

Many elderly homeowners appreciate hiring young helpers for these physically demanding tasks. Building a regular client base through quality work creates reliable summer income.

House Cleaning and Car Washing

Home maintenance services allow 13-year-olds to earn money through straightforward tasks that require minimal specialized skills. House cleaning typically involves basic chores like vacuuming, dusting, organizing rooms, and cleaning bathrooms under homeowner supervision.

Car washing provides an easy entry point into entrepreneurial work. I can set up a car wash service in my driveway or offer mobile washing at clients' homes. Basic exterior washes earn $10 to $20 per vehicle, while detailed cleaning with interior vacuuming commands $25 to $40.

Many families hire young teens for household tasks they lack time to complete themselves. These jobs teach time management, attention to detail, and customer service skills. Elderly helpers particularly value assistance with routine cleaning tasks that become physically challenging. Combining multiple services like house cleaning and yard work for the same clients maximizes earning potential while building lasting relationships in the community.

Creative and Entrepreneurial Opportunities

Thirteen-year-olds can pursue entrepreneurial ventures and creative side hustles that allow them to work independently while developing business skills. These opportunities range from traditional neighborhood businesses to modern digital content creation.

Running a Lemonade Stand

A lemonade stand remains one of the most accessible businesses for young teens to start with minimal investment. I recommend setting up in high-traffic areas like near parks, sports fields, or during neighborhood events when foot traffic peaks.

The startup costs typically include lemons, sugar, cups, ice, and a basic table setup. Pricing should account for these expenses while remaining competitive, usually between $1 to $3 per cup depending on the location and customer base.

Key success factors include:

• Choosing busy locations with permission from property owners
• Creating eye-catching signage with clear pricing
• Maintaining cleanliness and food safety standards
• Offering variations like flavored lemonades or snacks

Running a lemonade stand teaches fundamental business concepts like inventory management, customer service, and profit calculation. Weather conditions and local regulations may affect operations, so I suggest checking neighborhood rules before setting up.

Junior Camp Counselor and Camp Helper

Many summer camps hire 13-year-olds as junior counselors or counselor assistants to help with younger campers. These positions typically involve supporting lead counselors with activities, supervising groups during designated times, and helping maintain a safe environment.

Camp counselor jobs usually require completing a training program before the camp season begins. Responsibilities might include setting up craft stations, leading games, assisting with snack distribution, and helping campers with daily activities.

I find these positions valuable because they develop leadership skills and responsibility. Most camps pay between $8 to $12 per hour for junior positions, though some operate on a volunteer basis with community service credit.

Day camps, religious organizations, and recreational centers often have junior counselor programs specifically designed for younger teens. The work schedule typically runs during summer months with full-day or half-day shifts.

Young Youtuber and Starting a YouTube Channel

Young YouTubers can start a YouTube channel focused on topics they're passionate about, from gaming and tutorials to product reviews and educational content. YouTube requires users to be at least 13 years old, and channels owned by minors need parental supervision and consent.

Creating consistent, quality content takes time before monetization becomes possible. Channels need 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours within 12 months to qualify for the YouTube Partner Program.

Successful channel types for teens include:

• Gaming walkthroughs and commentary
• DIY crafts and hobby tutorials
• Educational content on school subjects
• Age-appropriate product unboxings and reviews

I recommend starting with basic equipment like a smartphone camera and free editing software before investing in expensive gear. Building an audience requires regular uploads, engaging titles, and understanding what viewers want to watch.

Creating Digital Products and Reviewing Music

Creating digital products allows tech-savvy 13-year-olds to sell items like custom graphics, printable planners, digital stickers, or simple templates online. Platforms like Etsy allow teen sellers with parental accounts to create digital products that customers download instantly after purchase.

Music reviews can be published on personal blogs, YouTube channels, or submitted to teen-focused music websites. While reviewing music rarely generates immediate income, it builds writing portfolios and can lead to paid opportunities as skills develop.

Digital product creation requires learning design software like Canva or basic graphic design tools. Popular items include printable chore charts, study guides, bookmark designs, and social media templates that appeal to specific audiences.

I suggest starting with free design tools and validating product ideas before investing time in larger inventories. Marketing through social media platforms helps reach potential customers without advertising costs.

Best Online Jobs for 13-Year-Olds

Online opportunities allow 13-year-olds to earn money from home with flexible schedules. These positions range from sharing opinions through surveys to helping others with homework and managing digital content.

Taking Online Surveys: Swagbucks, Branded Surveys, and Survey Apps

Several survey platforms accept 13-year-olds and pay for completing questionnaires about products and services. Swagbucks allows teens aged 13 and up to earn points by taking surveys, which can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal cash. The platform also offers additional earning methods beyond surveys.

Branded Surveys accepts users at 13 years old in most countries and pays in cash or gift cards. I find that survey length typically ranges from 5 to 20 minutes, with earnings between $0.50 and $3.00 per survey.

MyPoints operates similarly to Swagbucks, rewarding users for surveys and online activities. YSense provides another option for 13-year-olds to complete surveys and micro-tasks for payment.

Payment thresholds vary by platform but generally start around $5 to $10 minimum. Most sites pay through PayPal, gift cards, or direct deposit.

Making Money Watching Videos and with Slicethepie

Some platforms pay users simply for watching videos or reviewing music. Several apps compensate teens for viewing advertisements, movie trailers, and other video content. Honeygain offers a passive income option where users share their internet connection, though earnings are modest.

Slicethepie stands out as a platform that pays users to review music, fashion, and other creative content. I've found it accepts 13-year-olds and compensates reviewers based on the quality and length of their written reviews. Users listen to short music clips and provide feedback to artists and labels.

Typical earnings per review:

• Music reviews: $0.02 to $0.20
• Fashion reviews: $0.03 to $0.15
• Payment threshold: $10 via PayPal

The quality of reviews directly impacts payment rates. More detailed, constructive feedback earns higher compensation than brief comments.

Managing Social Media Accounts and Becoming a Virtual Assistant

Businesses and entrepreneurs need help managing their online presence, creating opportunities for tech-savvy teens. Managing social media accounts involves creating posts, responding to comments, and scheduling content across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

As a virtual assistant, 13-year-olds can handle tasks such as email management, data entry, calendar scheduling, and basic administrative work. These positions typically require reliable internet access and basic computer skills.

Common responsibilities include:

• Creating and scheduling social media posts
• Responding to messages and comments
• Organizing digital files and documents
• Entering data into spreadsheets

Finding these jobs often happens through family connections, local small businesses, or online platforms that connect freelancers with clients. I recommend starting with businesses owned by family friends or community members who can provide references for future work.

Tutoring and Homework Help Online

Academic skills can translate into income through online tutoring platforms. Teens who excel in specific subjects can help younger students with homework, test preparation, and understanding difficult concepts. Virtual tutoring requires strong communication skills and patience.

Some platforms connect student tutors with elementary and middle school students needing assistance. Subjects in high demand include math, reading, science, and foreign languages. Tutoring sessions typically occur via video calls using Zoom or similar platforms.

Popular subjects for teen tutors:

• Elementary mathematics
• Reading comprehension
• English grammar and writing
• Beginning foreign languages

Setting rates depends on experience and subject matter, but beginner tutors often charge $10 to $20 per hour. Building a client base takes time but referrals from satisfied students and parents help grow the business.

Earning and Managing Money as a 13-Year-Old

Once you start earning money, you'll need secure places to keep it and tools to manage it effectively. Financial institutions now offer accounts specifically designed for teens, along with digital payment options that make handling earnings safer and more convenient.

Opening Teen Checking and Investment Accounts

I recommend looking into teen checking accounts as your first step toward financial independence. Many banks offer accounts designed for 13-year-olds that require a parent or guardian as a joint account holder. These accounts typically have no monthly fees and include features like mobile banking apps that let you track your spending.

Teen investment accounts provide an opportunity to grow your money over time. Acorns Early is one platform that allows parents to open custodial investment accounts for minors. These accounts let you invest small amounts regularly, teaching you about compound interest and long-term financial planning.

Most teen checking accounts come with debit cards, online banking access, and educational resources. Some institutions also offer savings accounts with competitive interest rates to help you build an emergency fund or save for larger purchases.

Using Prepaid Debit Cards for Kids

Prepaid debit cards for kids function like regular debit cards but aren't connected to a traditional bank account. I find these particularly useful when you're just starting to handle money digitally. Parents can load specific amounts onto the card and monitor transactions through companion apps.

These cards help you learn budgeting without the risk of overdraft fees. Popular options include Greenlight, GoHenry, and BusyKid, each offering parental controls and spending limits. You can use them for online purchases, in-store shopping, and receiving payments from digital platforms.

Many prepaid card services include educational features like savings goals, chore tracking, and spending analytics. The apps show you exactly where your money goes, making it easier to develop good financial habits early.

Safe Banking and Digital Earnings

When earning money online or through digital platforms, I prioritize security measures to protect my earnings. Always use accounts that offer two-factor authentication and never share login credentials with anyone besides your parents.

For online payments, stick to established platforms like PayPal (with parental permission), Venmo (available at 18+), or direct deposit into your teen checking account. Avoid clicking suspicious links or responding to unsolicited payment requests.

Keep records of all earnings, especially if you're doing freelance work or running a small business. This helps you track income and prepares you for potential tax obligations once your earnings reach certain thresholds. Most banks provide monthly statements that make record-keeping straightforward.

Summer and Seasonal Jobs for 13-Year-Olds

Warm weather months open up specific work opportunities that align with school breaks and community needs. These positions often provide flexible schedules and chances to work outdoors or in recreational settings.

Summer Jobs and Camp Opportunities

Summer jobs for kids create ideal entry points into the workforce during school vacations. Day camps and recreational programs frequently hire young teens as junior counselors or counselor assistants. These positions involve supervising younger children during activities, helping with arts and crafts, and assisting senior staff members.

Camp counselor jobs typically require completion of training sessions before the summer season begins. I find that many programs prefer 13-year-olds who demonstrate responsibility and enthusiasm for working with children. Some camps offer junior positions specifically designed for this age group.

Common summer camp roles include:

• Junior counselor assistant
• Activity helper
• Sports program aide
• Arts and crafts assistant

Pay rates vary by organization, but positions often provide valuable experience in leadership and childcare.

Part-Time and Family Business Work

Family-owned businesses offer flexible summer employment that accommodates age restrictions. Many 13-year-olds find their first jobs helping relatives with tasks like filing, organizing inventory, or customer service under direct supervision.

Seasonal businesses such as ice cream shops, farm stands, and tourist attractions sometimes hire young teens for specific roles. These might include handing out samples, restocking supplies, or basic cleaning duties. I notice that employers appreciate young workers who show punctuality and willingness to learn.

Agricultural work presents another seasonal option. Berry picking, vegetable harvesting, and farm stand assistance allow teens to earn money while working outdoors during peak growing seasons.

Additional Odd Jobs and Opportunities

Neighborhood services expand during summer months when homeowners need extra help. Lawn mowing becomes a consistent income source, with many 13-year-olds building regular client lists throughout their communities.

Popular seasonal odd jobs:

• Yard work and weeding
• Pet sitting for vacationing neighbors
• Car washing services
• Lemonade stands at community events

Holiday seasons beyond summer also create opportunities. Halloween brings demand for decorating assistance, while winter holidays generate needs for gift wrapping, snow shoveling, and seasonal decoration installation. These jobs for 13-year-olds teach basic business skills like pricing services and managing customer relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Young teens have specific employment options that differ from older workers, with legal restrictions determining where and how long they can work. Understanding the requirements and available positions helps families navigate early job opportunities.

What types of positions are available to 13-year-olds?

The most accessible positions for 13-year-olds fall into informal work categories rather than traditional employment. Babysitting, pet sitting, and dog walking represent common starting points that allow teens to work independently within their neighborhoods.

Yard work and lawn care services provide outdoor opportunities for physically active teens. Many 13-year-olds also find success with tutoring younger students in subjects where they excel academically.

Online opportunities include content creation, such as starting a YouTube channel or helping with social media management for family businesses. Some teens develop skills in graphic design or digital art that they can monetize through freelance platforms with parental supervision.

Which places offer jobs for 13-year-olds?

Most traditional jobs like cashiers and fast-food workers are not available to 13-year-olds due to federal labor laws. Instead, opportunities exist primarily through family connections, neighbors, and local community members.

Family-owned businesses sometimes hire young teens for basic tasks like filing, organizing, or light cleaning. Local farms may allow 13-year-olds to help with harvest activities or farm stand operations in some states.

Community centers, religious organizations, and summer camps occasionally hire 13-year-olds as junior counselors or assistants. These positions typically involve helping supervise younger children under adult oversight.

What are the legal requirements for 13-year-olds to work?

Federal law under the Fair Labor Standards Act generally prohibits traditional employment for 13-year-olds. The legal requirements for working at age 13 focus on protecting minors from hazardous conditions and ensuring education remains the priority.

When 13-year-olds can work in permissible employment, they face strict hour limitations. During school days, minors can work no more than 3 hours, and no more than 18 hours in a school week.

State regulations often add additional restrictions beyond federal rules. Some states require work permits or parental consent forms before a 13-year-old can begin any type of paid work.

How can 13-year-olds find local after-school job opportunities?

I recommend starting with direct outreach to neighbors and family friends who might need help with household tasks or childcare. Creating simple flyers or door hangers that list available services helps spread the word within walking distance of home.

Local community bulletin boards at libraries, grocery stores, and recreation centers often have postings for small jobs. Nextdoor and similar neighborhood apps allow parents to post their teen's availability for babysitting or yard work.

School connections provide another avenue for finding opportunities. Teachers, coaches, and administrators often know families looking for reliable help with tutoring or pet care.

Are there specific industries or companies known for hiring 13-year-olds?

Most major retail chains and restaurant franchises have minimum age requirements of 14 or 15, making direct employment with large companies uncommon for 13-year-olds. Entertainment and creative industries offer more flexibility for young teens.

Some newspapers still hire young teens for paper routes, though this opportunity has decreased significantly with digital media growth. Acting, modeling, and entertainment work remains available for 13-year-olds with proper work permits and parental involvement.

Agricultural work provides exceptions to some federal restrictions, allowing 13-year-olds to work on farms outside school hours with parental consent. Individual state laws determine the specific agricultural activities permitted for this age group.

What are some tips for 13-year-olds to get their first job?

I suggest focusing on reliability and building a reputation within your immediate community first. Starting with one or two regular clients and doing excellent work leads to referrals and expanded opportunities.

Setting clear expectations with both parents and employers prevents misunderstandings about hours, pay, and responsibilities. Writing down agreed-upon terms, even for informal jobs, helps everyone stay on the same page.

Developing basic professional skills like punctuality, communication, and following through on commitments sets 13-year-olds apart. These habits create a foundation for gaining experience and responsibility that benefits future employment opportunities.