Ready, set, earn: 13 best jobs for 13-year-olds

You’re growing up, and every day you’re learning new skills and proving yourself to be more responsible. It’s time for that to be rewarded with new ways to make some extra cash 💰

There's a world full of opportunities awaiting 13-year-olds who are ready to get out there and start working. These side hustles and summer jobs will help you to build character, work experience, and your bank account. But you’ll need to figure out a gig that’s right for you first. 

In this blog, we're going to highlight different jobs for 13-year-olds — from classic neighborhood jobs like babysitting and odd jobs for neighbors to more modern opportunities like making money online.

How to get a job as a 13-year-old 

Figuring out how to land a job as a minor can be a bit challenging, especially at 13. There are labor laws for your safety and to make sure you’re well-rested and productive during school hours 📚 That means full-time jobs and even some traditional part-time jobs aren’t available to you yet. 

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of jobs for 13-year-olds to do. In fact, there are a lot of awesome jobs for 13-year-olds out there that involve helping out neighbors, creating content online, and sharing your skills with others. 

To get a job as a 13-year-old, you just need to find out what people need that you can provide (this blog is a great starting point), discuss it with your parents, and then go out and give it a try!

Top 13 jobs for 13-year-olds

To find the right job for you, think about what you already have experience or interest in. Do you take care of the family pets? Does your family come to you for all their tech advice? Do you like to write, even when it’s not for school? 

Think about what you enjoy as you read about these 13 jobs 13-year-olds can do to make some extra money. 

1. Babysitter 👶

One of the most popular jobs for teens is babysitting younger kids. If you have younger siblings or cousins that live nearby, it could be a great way for you to gain experience. 

As with any job though, there are ways for you to stand out above the rest. The Red Cross offers a babysitting certification to people ages 11 and up. Certification could make you a better babysitter, and you’ll even learn first aid skills. Leveling up your skills could make more people want to hire you, and you could even charge a little more. 

2. Online jobs 🖥️

The internet is filled with people who need to get things done. Many of them are willing to pay for help with online jobs. If you have permission to use your parent’s account on a website like Fiverr, you could do some of those jobs — just make sure you comply with their rules for minors. 

You could transcribe audio, try voice work, offer proofreading services, or do data entry. The best part is you can do this work right from home. 

3. Housekeeper 🧹

Some people really enjoy the zen of house cleaning. Others would rather spend their time doing something else. If you make cleaning your room an artform, you might enjoy doing some light housekeeping after school for family or friends. 

This could include laundry, cleaning windows, loading the dishwasher, or just picking up around the house.

4. Dog walker 🐕

Did you grow up with dogs? You’ve probably developed some skills that are in high demand right now. With pet ownership on the rise, the need for experienced pet sitters, dog walkers, and dog trainers is increasing.

If you have a way with animals, this might be the perfect job for you. 

5. eBay reseller 🛍️

In the first quarter of 2023 alone, over $270 billion worth of new and used goods were sold online. Some of these sales were made by third-party sellers on websites like eBay, Amazon, and Etsy. These giant marketplaces offer people the opportunity to earn income. 

If you like shopping at thrift stores, yard sales, or discount stores and have an eye for a deal, there may be some money in it for you too. Before you stock up on products, do your research to find out how much the items could sell for. Also, check the terms of service wherever you decide to sell from. Since you’re not 18 yet, you will need your parents to open and oversee the account. 

6. Landscaper 🌱

Like house cleaning, yard work is something a lot of people need help with. Whether it’s weeding, raking leaves, or lawn mowing, you can offer these services to your neighbors. Plus, in the winter in many states, you can switch to shoveling snow. Build up a big enough list of clients and you can start to recruit your friends to work as well – now that’s entrepreneurship!

7. Blogger or Vlogger 💻

You have a unique and valuable perspective of the world. If you also have a knack for writing, you may want to start a blog. (Or you might even consider a vlog if writing isn’t your thing.) A blog or vlog can be about anything — your favorite tv shows, a hobby, or even your experience with your new pet-sitting business. 

There are many ways to use a blog or vlog to pad your bank account. You can show ads, get sponsors, or sell your own products related to your topic. Before getting started, make sure you meet the minimum age requirements for the blogging platform. Then, grab your parents, and go over our internet safety guide with them.

8. Camp counselor ⛺

Ever been to summer camp? How about being a camp counselor? While most summer camp counselors need to be at least 14 years old, there are some that have counselor-in-training programs that start as early as 12. 

Being a camp counselor teaches you all kinds of important life skills like leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem solving. It can also be a lot of fun!

9. Youth sports referee ⚽

How about getting paid to hang out on the field? If you’re an observant sports fan and a stickler for the rules, youth sports referee is an excellent part-time job for 13-year-olds like yourself. 

Depending on your sport of choice, the organization you’d referee for, and the state you live in, the minimum age requirement could vary. You also may need to take a course or pass a test before you get started. 

10. Social media manager 📣

A social media presence is becoming more important for businesses of all kinds. A lot of local businesses are great at providing a product or service but not so good at keeping up with Instagram. If you’re social media savvy, businesses might be willing to pay you to keep their customers engaged with their brand.  

11. Errand runner 🛒

Do you have busy or elderly neighbors that could use help with their errands? You can lend a hand and earn some extra money by going to the store or post office, washing cars, sorting recyclables, or doing other odd jobs for them.

12. Coder 🧑‍💻

Do you know how to code? As the world becomes more digital, it continues to need more coders and programmers. The amazing thing about this valuable skill is that there’s no age requirement to learn. You can teach yourself right from home or learn it in school.

As a coder, you can offer your expertise to someone else for money or build your own app or video game that you can sell to others.

13. Instructor 🎶

One of the best jobs for 13-year-olds who have spent years learning a skill is to become an instructor. Whether you've been taking piano lessons, dance classes, or any other activity for a few years, you probably know a few things that other people would pay to learn.

Teaching helps you learn the subject better and build many other skills, like time management, empathy, and adaptability. 

Build your money skills with Greenlight

There is no shortage of jobs for 13-year-olds who want to make some extra money and grow their skillset. If you’re trying to figure out which jobs to start with, look at what you already have experience in. Experience gives you the confidence to stand out from the crowd so more people will pay you money for your work. 

Knowing what to do with that money is just as important as earning it. Luckily, Greenlight makes that part fun and easy. If you want to become a money master, tell your parents about Greenlight. With our app and debit card, you’ll learn real money skills, like saving and investing in no time.