15 easy ways your kids and teens can earn money
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Key Takeaways
Instead of handing over $20 the next time your child asks for money to go see a movie, think about how they can earn that money instead. Offering a mix of chores, jobs, and other ways for kids and teens to start earning money is a great way for them to discover that they can create income, not just receive it. Along with learning how money is earned and managed, earning money helps kids and teens build confidence and independence while learning that rewards come from effort and consistency.
Once they start making money, you can use tools like Greenlight, the #1 family finance and safety app, to make it all click. The all-in-one debit card for kids lets parents automate allowances, set spend controls, and allow friends and family to send money. As they use it, kids can start learning how to save, spend, and even invest* wisely.
Here are some of the best jobs your kids can do to start earning and leveling up their money know-how.
Kids (12 and under)
1. Take care of the pets
How much should they earn?
$2–$5 a week for young children to water and feed
$5–$10 a week for older children to take on the main duties, including walking and bathing
Why it matters: Among Greenlight families, taking care of pets is consistently one of the top five chores. Caring for a pet on a schedule teaches kids how it feels to have another being depend on them and helps them see themselves as a vital, contributing part of the family.
2. Start a business
How much can they earn?
It varies, but a simple formula is to charge at least double what your supplies cost
Here are some kidpreneurs to help you get inspired:
Henry H is an eight-year-old who runs a cookie dough business
Brynn is a 12-year-old on a mission to make masks and donate her profits to charitable causes
Why it matters: Making change, counting earnings, and tracking costs are vital math skills that stick because they're attached to something the child genuinely cares about. What's more, they learn that money is a tool, not just a reward, and that they are capable of creating and organizing an endeavor.
3. Help with recycling
How much should they earn?
Directly recycling cans for money varies, but a ballpark estimate is about $15 for 1,000 cans and $.05–$.20 per glass bottle
$1 to $3 per week if kids are collecting household recycling to be picked up, you can include it in their chore list
#1 family finance and safety app.
Why it matters: Collecting and returning cans, bottles, and other recyclables is a great way for kids to earn money because it requires nothing more than time, a little effort, and a wagon or bag to collect them. It also shows kids that taking care of the world around them matters in many ways.
4. Start a garden
How much should they earn?
$1–$3 for watering
$2–$6 for watering, weeding, and harvesting
$3–$10 for full help, including planting and mulching
A cut of the profits if you sell your produce
Why it matters: For green thumbs and eco-conscious kids, starting and maintaining a garden teaches children patience and responsibility. It also builds a deep appreciation for where food comes from and a sense of accomplishment.
How to get started:
Pick out fruit, veggies, or herb plants as a family
Earn money in Chores and Allowance app every time they water the garden
Bonus: If your produce thrives, consider selling it at the local farmer's market
5. Earn Parent-Paid Interest
How much should they earn?
A simple way is to pay your child 10% (or whatever amount works for you) of whatever they have saved at the end of each month. If they have $20 saved, you pay them $2, and if they grow it to $50, you pay them $5.
Help kids save and earn while teaching the power of compound growth. In addition to Cash Back** and Savings Rewards***, Greenlight also gives you the option to allot Parent-Paid Interest. The best part? It's automatic and straightforward.
Why it matters: Kids feel rewarded and motivated by watching their money grow and learn about compound interest.
6. Help the neighbors with odds and ends
How much should they earn?
Collecting mail/packages: $2–$5 per day
Watering neighbor's plants: $2–$5 per day
Watching/feeding a pet: $5–$10 per day
Shoveling a small driveway: $10–$20 per job
Raking leaves: $10–$20 per job
Pulling weeds: $10–$15 per job
Why it matters: Kids looking for a feel-good chore can ask the neighbors if they want help with outdoor jobs and learn what it means to be consistent and reliable in the process. For ongoing tasks while a neighbor is away, they can offer a package deal for several chores.
Teens (13-19)
7. Write a book (and sell it!)
How much should they earn?
Up to 50% for each book sold
Why it matters: Does your child have a way with words? Try writing a book. Don't take it from us — take a page out of 13-year-old Stephen M.'s book. He wrote an inspiring 33-page story about stuttering, and it's selling on Amazon!
8. Get a part-time job
How much should they earn?
$12–$15 average
While the federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, 29 states have minimum wages trending at $15+ an hour
Why it matters: Part-time jobs can teach hard work, time management, and responsibility. Not to mention, teens get interviewing experience at a young age.
Get inspired:
9. Help cook dinner
How much should they earn?
$3–$10
Age and effort matter. A 5-year-old setting the table or a 10-year-old helping chop veggies is different from a 16-year-old making a full meal from scratch
Why it matters: Helping prepare dinner teaches kids basic self-sufficiency and practical life skills like following instructions, measuring, and food safety.
Teens can lend a hand in the kitchen in exchange for a “paycheck” using Greenlight’s . It works for any chores around the house — running errands, laundry, the list goes on.
10. Become a babysitter or pet sitter
How much should they earn?
$8–$12 an hour for how much to charge for babysitting
$5–$20 per visit for pet sitting
Why it matters: Up for a little more responsibility? How about taking care of little critters … or little humans!
To babysit, consider getting certified with the Red Cross
Pet sitting doesn’t usually warrant a certification, but it does require a love for animals and comfort with messes
11. Create and sell
How much can they earn?
It varies depending on upfront costs, but they should be aiming for at least 50% profit
Why it matters: Kids learn that they are capable of creating something from nothing, which builds a confidence and entrepreneurial mindset that can take them far in life.
If your family's closets are overflowing with gently used clothes, try having a sale.
Look to brands like Poshmark, Depop, or thredUP for reselling clothes
Teens with graphic skills can also design their own clothes to sell on CafePress or Zazzle
Or, organize a family or neighborhood yard sale designed to make money
12. Offer help as an assistant
How much can they earn?
$10+ per hour or task
Why it matters: Kids or teens may need a job they can do from home or nearby, and helping as an assistant can fit the bill. Helping someone manage their life shows kids how to be reliable and trustworthy while building organizational and prioritization skills.
Ask your friends and family members what they need help with, or like this.
13. Yard work
How much can they earn?
$12–$15 an hour for general tasks
Charge slightly less than a professional would, but not so little that the work feels undervalued
Why it matters: Outdoor maintenance jobs can be an excellent way for teens to earn some extra money while developing a strong work ethic, and learning that even though work isn’t always glamorous or fun, there’s a sense of pride in a job well done.
14. Cleaning the nooks and crannies
How much can they earn?
$10–$15/hr, which is below what a professional cleaning service charges
Why it matters: Every house has areas that need cleaning but are often forgotten. Deep cleaning and organizing teach kids attention to detail, doing a job thoroughly, and the satisfaction of making a space tidy and clean.
Kids can offer seasonal or deep-cleaning for things like:
Baseboards
Blinds
Appliances (like the refrigerator!)
Windows
Cabinet and pantry sorting
Decluttering
15. Other odd jobs
How much should they earn?
$15–$25 for 2 hours of work for a mix of odd jobs done in one session
Breaking down boxes for recycling: $2–$5 per session, or $1–$2 per large load
Moving items around the house: $5–$10 depending on how much heavy lifting is involved
Organizing garages and sheds: $15–$30 total or $10–$15 per hour
Dusting and vacuuming: $10–$20 for the whole house or $5–$10 per room
Sorting and folding laundry: $3–$5 per load or $8–$10 per hour
Why it matters: Kids learn that a well-run home takes real effort and that everyone plays a role in keeping shared spaces functional and clean. They also build habits of orderliness and follow-through.
Learning valuable lifelong lessons and skills
Earning money is the start of a lifetime of lessons about finances and being a functional, contributing human in the world. With tools like direct deposit and flexible allowance options, Greenlight puts kids way ahead of the pack on their journey to financial independence.
Teach the value of hard work. Assign chores and allowances, track progress, and help kids learn to earn and manage money with Greenlight. Try Greenlight.
FAQs
What’s the best way for a kid under 13 to earn money outside the home?
The best jobs are ones that can be done for friends and neighbors close to home with parental supervision, such as lemonade stands, selling baked goods, walking dogs, or doing yard cleanup.
What age can kids start earning money?
They can start as young as 5–6 years old through simple tasks they can handle safely and confidently.
How do I help my kid manage the money they earn?
An app like Greenlight can automate allowances, set spending limits, and empower you to help your kids learn how to save, spend smartly, and take their first steps into investing.
*Available with Greenlight Max and Infinity plans.
**Greenlight Max, Infinity, and Family Shield families can earn 1% cash back on spending monthly. To qualify, the Primary Account must be in Good Standing and have a verified ACH funding account. See Greenlight Terms of Service for details. Subject to change at any time.
***Greenlight Core families can earn 2% per annum, Greenlight Max families can earn 3% per annum, Greenlight Infinity families can earn 5% per annum, and Greenlight Family Shield families can earn 6% per annum on an average daily savings balance of up to $5,000 per family. To qualify, the Primary Account must be in Good Standing and have a verified ACH funding account. See Greenlight Terms of Service for details. Subject to change at any time.
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