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

Teaching your kids the value of a dollar at a young age 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? Continue reading to learn more about a range of jobs for 9-year-olds.

10 jobs for 9-year-olds

There are a range of ways that 9-year-olds can earn money. 

One common way is to give your child opportunities to earn by completing jobs around the house or in the yard. You may choose to pay them an allowance for regular chores, or you can assign them one-off jobs around the house with varying monetary rewards. You can even assign and pay for chores or jobs right in the Greenlight app.

Other ways for 9-year-olds to earn money include doing odd jobs for neighbors, being an entrepreneur, or helping out under the supervised eye of an adult.

Let’s take a look at specific jobs for 9-year-olds that fall within these different categories.

1. Vacuuming

Vacuuming is a job your 9-year-old can tackle around the house. Even if your child already vacuums their bedroom as part of their weekly chores, you can give them an opportunity to earn extra money by vacuuming other rooms in the house. 

Alternatively, your child can sweep non-carpeted areas with a broom and dustpan.

2. Dusting

Dusting is another task your 9-year-old can do around the house to make money. Even though this is a relatively easy job, your child may need a little guidance at first to learn the right technique. You can choose whether you want them to use furniture polish or a dusting wand.

3. Laundry

Laundry is another job your 9-year-old can be responsible for at home to earn extra pocket money. You’ll need to supervise them closely at first to ensure they are using 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 aren’t 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, as they shouldn’t use a push mower until they are 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 some extra cash. 

Help them purchase the supplies needed, such as lemons, sugar, cups, and bagged ice, and make the lemonade. Also, this is a great opportunity to teach them about the costs associated with being entrepreneurs by having them repay you for the supplies you helped them purchase from their revenue.

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

6. Car wash

Another outdoor job you can consider helping your 9-year-old launch is a car wash. Like the lemonade stand, you may need to help them purchase the necessary supplies initially. 

Once they are all set up, you can have them start with your cars and family members’ cars to get the hang of it. They can then start washing some of the neighbors’ cars to earn even more money. You can also have them pay you back for the supplies from their revenue so they start understanding the costs associated with having their own business.

To ensure they are doing a good job and are being safe, you will want to be there with them while they wash cars. Or maybe you join in with them and make it a bonding experience. 

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.) With on-demand T-shirt printing services, there won’t be the upfront expense of stocking inventory because shirts will be printed and shipped as they are 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 kid 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 then monetize the channel through YouTube ads or even get outside sponsors.

Not only will a YouTube channel allow your child to use their creativity, 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 making videos but still want to tap into their passion, maybe an online blog is a great option for them. You can help them set up a blog with relative ease and a low cost, then have them help design it with templates and drag-and-drop tools from various online providers.

With your help, they can earn money through advertisements or affiliate marketing.

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.

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 and a way to access it. This is where the Greenlight app can help. It features an easy-to-use debit card and valuable features, such as savings goals and financial literacy games. Your child can also learn to invest their cash with your guidance so they can start building wealth. Give the Greenlight app a spin, and get your first month on us!