By Jeff Gillis

Most 13-year-olds would love to have their own spending money. Since that’s the case, they might start hunting for jobs for 13-year-olds to see what options are available.

While traditional jobs that hire at 13 are few and far between, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some solid opportunities. Here is a look at the hurdles younger teens face when looking for work, along with 22 jobs for 13-year-olds to make money.

Jobs for 13-Year-Olds

Alright, you might be wondering, “Can a 13-year-old work?” Technically, the answer is “yes.” However, the rules can be pretty strict.

According to labor laws, most traditional non-agricultural jobs are no-goes. That includes most retail positions that teens often use as stepping stones into the labor force.

Even with agricultural jobs, where the rules are often looser, the requirements are stringent. Younger teens can’t be around a range of hazards, so operating many kinds of equipment or working close to specific animals isn’t allowed.

Along with job limitations, there are strict rules regarding when 13-year-olds are allowed to work. During school hours isn’t usually permitted unless it’s a break or summer vacation. Additionally, there can be laws about start and end times, as well as how many hours they can work in a day.

Finally, 13-year-olds might need an age certification. The rules vary by state, so it’s critical to review local requirements to determine what young teens are allowed to do work-wise.

So, if the answer to “Can you get a job at 13?” is “yes,” what about competition for jobs? Are 13-year-olds going to have a tough time landing an opportunity?

Well, whether competition is a factor depends on the types of jobs a 13-year-old goes after. If they’re aiming at a role with a company, they aren’t just facing off against other 13-year-olds; older teens or even adults might want the position, too. In that case, a 13-year-old may have a hard time standing out simply because they’re younger and likely have little – if any – experience.

For jobs that are specifically designed for 13-year-olds, that’ll depend on how many other teens are actively looking for opportunities. Many younger teenagers aren’t interested in having a job yet, even if they wish they have spending cash. Additionally, most younger teens need a parent’s permission to work, something that not all of them will get.

When it comes down to it, it isn’t necessarily easy for 13-year-olds to find work. However, the limited number of opportunities is typically the biggest factor.

22 Best Jobs for 13-Year-Olds

In many cases, younger teens need to think outside of the box a bit if they want to work. If they’re willing to do that, then there are plenty of opportunities to be had.

Here are 22 of the best jobs for 13-year-olds.

1. Pet Sitter

One of the quintessential jobs for 13-year-olds, pet sitters care for another person’s pets while they’re away from home. Usually, it focuses on feeding and watering, though walking and playing can also be part of the mix. In some cases, you may even give a pet medication, though this isn’t as common.

Pay rates can vary depending on the number of pets and exactly what you need to do. However, something in the ballpark of $12.68 per hour is the norm.

2. Babysitter

Another one of the classic 13-year-old jobs is babysitter. Once you’re 13, you’re legally allowed to babysit in nearly every state, though some areas may require CPR and first aid certification.

Babysitting is straightforward. You keep an eye on kids, ensuring they’re safe and cared for while the parents are away. When it comes to pay, $10 to $20 per hour is pretty typical. However, the rate may vary depending on several factors, including the number of kids and their ages.

3. YouTube Content Creator

Once a child turns 13, they’re allowed to have their own account on YouTube and post videos. Whether the content is designed to be entertaining, informative, or anything else, it could potentially turn into an income stream with enough time and attention.

While creating content as a 13-year-old is allowed, monetizing a channel is difficult if you’re under 18. For example, Adsense has a minimum age of 18. Since that’s the case, a younger YouTuber will need help from a parent if they want to add ads to their channel.

How much YouTubers make varies dramatically. Some earn between $2 and $12 per 1,000 views. However, that isn’t guaranteed.

4. House Cleaning

Since 13-year-olds usually can’t find traditional jobs, gig work can be an ideal alternative. House cleaning is a great option, particularly for those looking for summer jobs for 13-year-olds. It usually takes just a few hours to clean a house, and it’s got a low startup cost, particularly if the households have their own cleaners and equipment.

As for pay, something near $13.84 per hour isn’t out of the question. However, 13-year-olds that provide their own cleaners and equipment may be able to charge more, especially if they go with safe, natural, or organic options.

5. Gardener

While a 13-year-old usually can’t work for a landscaping company unless it’s wholly owned by a parent, they may be able to get some gardening gigs. Whether it’s lawn mowing, weeding, or planting, it’s a great option for spending time outdoors and helping your neighborhood look its best.

In most cases, people charge by the job for gardening services. However, the average rate typically breaks down to about $15.98 per hour, just to give you an idea.

6. Fence Painter

Similar to the option above, fence painting is typically something a 13-year-old can handle. It doesn’t require a ton of equipment, and it’s a project option they may be able to find locally. Plus, the work is incredibly self-explanatory. Just make sure you get solid coverage and an even result, and you’re likely golden.

Overall, painters generally earn around $12.56 to $25.92 per hour. As a 13-year-old, it’s likely better to focus on the lower end of the spectrum until you build a reputation and gain experience.

7. Video Game Streamer

For 13-year-olds, playing video games for a living might be incredibly appealing. Sites like Twitch allow 13-year-olds to have their own accounts, and they can even monetize with a parent’s support once they meet the other requirements. This makes video game streaming one of the best online job options for teens.

How much streamers make varies a ton. While top streamers may earn tens of thousands of dollars monthly, something closer to $0.01 to $1 per viewer per hour is likely a more reasonable expectation in the beginning.

8. Garage Cleaning

During the spring and summer, many households want to get their garage straightened up. However, many homeowners don’t’ have the time, so they might be open to hiring a 13-year-old to tackle the project.

In most cases, this is a time when you’ll bid a flat rate for the entire job. Generally speaking, you can likely get a rate that breaks down to around $13.84 per hour, which is pretty great for a 13-year-old.

9. Academic Tutor

For 13-year-olds who are great at a particular school subject, working as an academic tutor might be a great fit. They can help another student improve their understanding, all while earning a pretty penny (usually around $17.53 per hour).

This also works as an online job for 13-year-olds. Essentially, it relies on the same equipment and software as anyone else would need for video calls, making it a solid choice if a teen needs to work from home.

10. Hobby Coach

Academics aren’t the only thing that a 13-year-old can teach someone. If they’re musically inclined, a solid artist, excellent at a sport, or anything similar, they may be able to earn money as a hobby coach.

You’ll spend your time teaching someone else, allowing them to improve their skill level based on your guidance. In most cases, the pay is similar to other kinds of tutors, coming in near $17.53 per hour. However, you may be able to get a bit more if you’re offering something that’s both desirable and in short supply.

11. Yard Sale Helper

When it comes to summer jobs for 13-year-olds, yard sale helper is often an overlooked option. Usually, this works best for teens in residential neighborhoods where they know their neighbors well. In that case, they might be able to earn cash – typically around $10 per hour – helping with set up, tear down, and customer service.

12. Junior Camp Counselor

While many camps focus on older teens when looking for counselors, some may hire 13-year-olds as junior counselors. This is especially true if the teen previously attended as a camper, as they’re familiar with the environment and activities. Obviously this is a great summer job option.

In most cases, junior camp counselors earn around $13.66 per hour. However, there might be nice perks – like free meals – to make it even more lucrative.

13. Model

Modeling is one job that doesn’t come with age restrictions. Companies need teens for advertisements in a number of product categories, including clothing, accessories, toys, electronics, and more.

Now, modeling is a competitive field, so it isn’t guaranteed to work out. But if it does, earning around $20.40 per hour is typical.

14. Tech Support

While a 13-year-old can’t work for a tech support company, that doesn’t mean they can’t offer their services to neighbors for a fee. Tech-savvy teens could potentially assist with smartphone setups, Wi-Fi connections, and a range of other common household tech needs in exchange for a fee.

This is one of those options where what you charge may vary significantly based on the type of project and time commitment. However, something in the $10 to $20 per hour range is likely appropriate in most cases.

15. Elderly Helper

Many elderly adults can benefit from having company on a regular basis. Plus, some may require assistance with basic household tasks, like simple cooking and cleaning. In these cases, a 13-year-old may be able to work as an elderly helper, providing support to a member of their community on a regular basis, all while earning around $14.31 per hour.

16. Artist

A 13-year-old with artistic talent may be able to leverage their skills to earn some cash. Practically anyone can sell arts or crafts if the quality is there and the pieces are appealing, making this a solid choice for younger teens.

Now, a 13-year-old might need a parent’s support if they’re using online platforms to sell, as most of those have age restrictions. However, it’s a path worth considering.

As for earning potential, it all depends on the items themselves. In most cases, your best bet is to research what people charge for similar pieces and use that as a baseline.

17. Skateboard or Bike Mechanic

For active 13-year-olds that know a thing or two about maintaining a bike or skateboard, offering their services as a mechanic could be a fun gig. Essentially, they could handle repairs or maintenance for others in the neighborhood in exchange for a fee.

What you would charge for this service depends on the work involved. If you’re handling parts and labor, you might charge $20 for a simple, low-cost fix or several hundred for more complex tune-ups. Check local rates at stores in your area to see what they charge, then aim slightly below that, particularly if you’re building your reputation.

18. Car Washer

An excellent option for anyone seeking summer jobs for 13-year-olds is car washer. Usually, you can find opportunities in your neighborhood. In exchange for a fee, you ensure another person’s vehicle is sparkling and clean.

Usually, you’ll need to provide your own cleaning supplies. However, water is generally provided by the vehicle owner, as you typically handle the work in their driveway.

What you charge may depend on how dirty the vehicle is and its overall size. In most cases, if you aim for around $20 to $40 per wash, you’ll likely be in the right zone.

19. Organizer

Many people struggle with organization. That creates opportunities for 13-year-olds with strong skills in that area. If you enjoy categorizing and ensuring every item has its place, you can turn that into a service-based business.

Most organizers charge by the project. However, it usually comes out to around $18.46 per hour, which is really solid.

20. Voiceover Actor

Another one of the online jobs for 13-year-olds, voiceover actors can work from home if they have the right equipment. Generally, the work involves recording lines provided by a company based on its requirements.

Pay rates can depend on the kind of work involved. However, the median is $23.48 per hour, which is incredibly good for a 13-year-old.

21. Produce Picker

Since agricultural jobs can have looser age requirements, 13-year-olds might want to look into produce picker opportunities. Usually, it’s a manual position involving picking fruits or vegetables, though there may be some basic tools or equipment involved, too.

Most produce pickers make around between $10 and $15 per hour. However, it may be higher depending on the minimum wage in your area and the availability of reliable labor.

22. Farmhand

Like produce picker, 13-year-olds might be able to work as farmhands if the position follows the rules regarding equipment and animals. Often, the job is manual labor, making it a great way to get some exercise while helping a farm or ranch run smoothly. Plus, pay rates are usually near $13.89 per hour, which is respectable.

Putting It All Together

So, if you were wondering, “What jobs hire at 13?” you’ve probably got a solid idea now. While opportunities aren’t as plentiful as they are for older teens and young adults, there are some options out there. Just make sure to review local laws before seeking out jobs for 13-year-olds. Rules vary by state, so it’s best to check those out before diving into a search.

P.S. You can land a job interview pretty quickly after applying for one of these jobs, so it pays to be prepared for your interview. That’s why we’ve created an amazing free cheat sheet that will give you word-for-word answers for some of the toughest interview questions you are going to face in your upcoming interview.

Click below to get your free PDF now:

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You may also be interested in our other “Teen Jobs Articles”:

• 19 Best Jobs For 12 Year Olds That Pay
• 18 Best Jobs For 14 Year Olds
• 20 Best Jobs For 15 Year Olds
• Top 20 Best High Paying Jobs For 16 Year Olds
• Top 15 Jobs For 17 Year Olds That Pay Well

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