By age 13, most children will always find things they want to buy, whether that's sweets, toys or clothes. At this age, children might also want to start saving for bigger items, such as a bike, makeup or a new piece of tech. This raises the question of how to make money at 13. If you're looking for ways for your kids to earn some extra pocket money, here are our top ideas.
Related: How to make money as a teenager
Top 10 jobs for 13 year olds
- Chores
- Make and sell things
- Online surveys
- Washing cars
- Fruit picking
- Pet sitting
- Teach people to use technology
- Tutoring
- Odd jobs
- Test websites
Can you work when you are 13?
Once someone turns 13, they can have a part time job, though there are limits and rules on this. For example, 13 year olds can’t work in jobs that could be harmful to their health, such as in a factory. There are also limits on how many hours can be worked. Kids can work no more than 12 hours per week during term time, and no more than 25 hours per week during the school holidays. These laws change when people turn 16, but there are still plenty of ways to make money when you're 13.
How can 13 year olds find jobs?
The easiest way to find jobs for 13 year olds is to ask around. Parents sometimes have lists of things that need doing, or neighbours might need odd jobs done. There are also opportunities to help parents of other kids at school.
Wondering how can a 13 year old make money online? A lot of websites help people find odd jobs that need to be done, or you can offer services online easily.
Ways to make money for 13 year olds
Looking for ideas for how to earn money at 13? Try these:
Chores
While most kids have weekly chores they have to do by age 13, there might be additional chores that can be done for a bit of extra pocket money. For example, mowing the lawn or helping to weed, or cleaning the windows. Many of these chores can be made fun with a bit of creativity.
Related: The best chores for teens
Make and sell things
There are lots of options for making and selling things, including craft fairs, websites such as Etsy and eBay, and advertising to friends and relatives. Handicrafts can be popular, along with greetings cards and other simple handmade items, though it's important to weigh up the material cost and the selling price to make sure there is a profit.
Related: Ways teens can make money online
Sell stock photos
Stock photos are a great way to make passive income as a kid. This means that once you take the photos and upload them to a stock photo website, multiple people can buy the rights to use it, without you having to do additional work. While each photo might only earn you a small amount of money, there is usually no limit to how many stock photos someone can put up for sale.
Become a tutor
If there's a subject your kid is good at, tutoring can be a great way for them to earn some money.
Related: High paying jobs for teens
Pocket money
One of the main ways that kids get money is through pocket money given by their parents. If your child wants more pocket money, you can talk about extra boosts that they might get for good behaviour, doing extra housework, or getting good grades at school.
Find jobs on Fiverr
Fiverr is a site where people advertise services and buyers can hire them. This can be anything from proofreading text, to doing artwork, or anything else digital. However, it's worth making sure that your child knows how to stay safe online before using an online platform like this.
Become a golf caddy
Golf caddying is rather simple. If your family friends golf, they might be willing to pay your child to help out. Though make sure that your child can handle the golf bag safely, as clubs can be heavy.
Sell old items
Selling old books, clothes and toys either online or at car boot sales can be a great way to boost income.
Take online surveys
Many companies offer money or gift cards in exchange for answering online surveys about new products.
Become a YouTuber
It takes a while to build up a following, but doing videos on YouTube can earn kids a bit of extra money.
Pet sitting
This can include feeding pets, giving them attention, and playing in a garden with them. If your neighbours go away, they will probably need someone to pet sit.
Related: Small business ideas for teens
Test or create websites
A lot of kids are very tech-savvy, so testing the basic functions of websites can be pretty simple.
Manage social media
If anyone you know has a business but isn't familiar with social media, this can be a great way for kids to use their technical know-how to earn some extra cash.
Teaching others how to use technology
Kids know technology better than a lot of adults, and if a relative needs to know how to use their computer, this can be a great chance for kids to get some extra income.
Offer to do odd jobs for the neighbours
This could be anything from watering plants, caring for chickens, mowing lawns, and more - and getting a bit of money is a great way to motivate kids to do these chores for people.
Wash cars
Another age-old job for kids, as long as they can hold a sponge, kids can get some extra money from washing cars.
Treasure hunt
This includes looking for rare coins. Kids can even get their pocket money turned into certain coins at the bank and look through them for any that are worth selling.
Babysit Siblings
A lot of new parents need a bit of extra help around the house, and a 13 year old could help keep an eye on younger siblings while the parents are getting on with errands at home.
Fruit picking & seasonal work on a farm
Fruit picking can be hard work, but it can also be a great way to make some extra money, especially if you live near fruit farms.
Ways 13 year olds can get paid
The main ways for kids to get paid are cash or bank transfer. While cash is more traditional, it's also easier to lose, and it can't be used online. A bank transfer can go straight into your teens' GoHenry account so that they can spend the money online or in a shop using their prepaid debit card for teens. Teens can also easily set savings goals and request money from family and friends with parental oversight. Plus, our in-app Money Missions will make sure that your kid knows everything they need to know about how to handle their money, with fun bite-sized lessons about jobs & earning, spending wisely, and saving habits.
GoHenry makes it easy for kids to get paid for the jobs they do:
“I've been doing babysitting and caring for my neighbour’s plants. I babysat for my aunt and she said, “I heard you have this new online debit card, can I somehow deposit some money in there for the babysitting?” And she used the GoHenry gift link to pay me. It was just so cool! They are now my preferred payment method now because it’s so easy.” ~ Ella, 15 (Trustpilot)
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