12 jobs for 9-year-olds so they can earn extra cash

Teaching kids the value of a dollar early can set them up for future financial success. Instead of just telling them, you can show them by letting them earn their own money.

Of course, your 9-year-old child can’t go out and get a full-time job, but they can do odd jobs to earn extra cash. But what kind of jobs are suitable for a 9-year-old child to take on? 

12 jobs for 9-year-olds

Nine-year-olds can earn money by doing odd jobs for neighbors, being entrepreneurs, or helping out under the supervised eye of an adult. You can even assign and pay for chores or jobs right in the Greenlight app.

1. Vacuuming

Vacuuming is the perfect job for a 9-year-old who loves to clean, listen to music as they work, or just see instant results. Even if your child already vacuums their bedroom as part of their weekly chores, you can allow them to earn extra money by vacuuming other rooms in the house (which helps you out, too!). Or, they can sweep non-carpeted areas with a broom and dustpan.

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2. Dusting

Even though this is a relatively easy job, kids may need a little guidance at first to learn the right technique. For example, dust from top to bottom, and when to use furniture polish or a dusting wand.

3. Laundry

Laundry is a job your 9-year-old can do now to get a head start on important life skills. You’ll need to supervise them closely at first to ensure they use the right settings — so you don’t end up bleeding colors or shrinking clothes. 

If your child can’t reach the controls on the washer and dryer or they’re not ready to handle laundry from start to finish, you can give them jobs like sorting, folding, and putting away instead.

4. Yard work

A 9-year-old isn’t ready to take on lawn mowing. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids shouldn't operate a push mower until they are at least 12 (or a riding mower until they’re 16). However, there’s still a lot of other yard work that younger kids can handle with your supervision. Some ideas include weeding the flower bed, planting flowers, potting other plants, watering, or raking leaves.

5. Lemonade stand

Do you live near a popular park or on a street with a fair amount of foot traffic? Your 9-year-old can start a lemonade stand in your front yard and make extra cash. 

Help them purchase the supplies, such as lemons, sugar, cups, and bagged ice, and make the lemonade. Also, this is a great opportunity to teach kids about the costs of running a business. You could even have them repay you for the supplies from their earnings.

Make sure you have time to be out with them while they run the stand, and check for any local laws and ordinances about operating.

6. Car wash

Like with a lemonade stand, you may need to help kids purchase the initial supplies. 

Once they’re all set up, you can have them start with your cars and family members’ vehicles to get the hang of it. Later, they can offer to wash neighbors’ cars to earn more money. You can also have them pay you back for the supplies from their revenue so they start to understand the costs associated with running a business.

At this age, you’ll want to supervise to ensure they’re safe and doing a good job. Or join in with them and make it a bonding experience. 

Check out this list of summer jobs for even more ways your kids can get outside while earning extra cash!

7. T-Shirt design

Does your child have an artistic and creative side? They can use these skills to design T-shirts. Then, you can help them sell the shirts on sites like Etsy or Amazon. (You’ll need to set up the accounts due to age restrictions.) Consider starting with on-demand T-shirt printing services to avoid the upfront expense of stocking inventory; print and ship shirts as they’re ordered.

8. Baking

If your child loves to bake, this could be the perfect part-time job for them to earn extra money. They can make baked goods and sell them at a stand or to neighbors. Your tween can also take orders on social media with your help, bake the goods to order, and ship them out.

9. YouTube channel or blog

If your child has something they’re passionate about, such as unboxing toys or mastering the latest video game, they may make a good YouTube personality. With your help, a 9-year-old can launch a YouTube channel dedicated to their passion. They can monetize the channel through YouTube ads or even get outside sponsors. It’s also a job they can do online without leaving home.

Keep in mind that YouTube doesn’t allow kids under 13 to use its services without permission from their parents. So, you’ll need to help them set up the channel and operate it to remain within the bounds of YouTube’s rules.

If you prefer not to have your child make videos but still want to tap into their passion, an online blog is another option. With your help, they could earn money through advertisements or affiliate marketing. It’s relatively easy and affordable to set up a blog. Then you can have your child design it with templates and drag-and-drop tools from various online providers.

10. Supervised babysitting

While a 9-year-old isn’t ready to start babysitting on their own, they can help out with younger kids when an adult is present. For example, a busy work-from-home parent may need someone to play with their younger kids. 

This job could be a great way for your 9-year-old to gain experience and earn money babysitting without the risk of them being alone.

11. Helping in the kitchen

Does your child love helping out when it comes time to prepare meals for the family? Having your 9-year-old assist you in the kitchen is a great job for your aspiring chef. Under your supervision, they can stir food on the stove, cut vegetables (with a kid-safe paring knife), and help with plating. Your 9-year-old can even help with setting and cleaning up the table, loading and unloading the dishwasher, and wiping down the counters after mealtime.

12. Running errands

If you have elderly family members nearby or older neighbors who have difficulty getting out of the house regularly, your 9-year-old can assist by running errands for them. While they will need your help to drive and complete the errands, your child can communicate with the family member or neighbor, create a list of what they need, and deliver it to them after you go to the store together. Not only is this a fitting job for a 9-year-old, but it also helps them develop important skills like talking with adults, organizing lists, and assisting those in need.

If your 9-year-old has a birthday soon, check out jobs for 10-year-olds! 

Help your 9-year-old build savings with odd jobs

Child labor laws, fortunately, keep kids safe from dangerous working conditions, but there are plenty of jobs for 9-year-olds that are safe and can help them earn extra cash. Whether it’s running a lemonade stand, washing cars, or selling items online, your child can gain the satisfaction of earning their own money and learning the value of hard work.

As they start earning cash, your child will need a place to save it. The Greenlight all-in-one family money app includes an easy-to-use debit card and valuable features like cashback and savings rewards and financial literacy games. Your child can also learn to invest their cash with your guidance so they can start building wealth.

Ready to learn about the world of money? Sign up for Greenlight today!