Jobs for 13 Year Olds: A Complete Guide
Introduction: Can 13 Year Olds Work?
Many young teens wonder, “Can 13 year olds work?” The answer is yes but with some restrictions. While 13 is below the legal hiring age for most official businesses, there are still plenty of safe and legal ways to start earning money.
At this age, most opportunities are neighborhood-based, family-supported, creative, or online jobs for 13 year olds. These flexible options give teens the chance to earn income while still respecting labor laws.
So, what jobs hire at 13? Instead of traditional retail or fast-food positions, younger teens often take on roles like babysitting, pet sitting, dog walking, lawn mowing, house cleaning, or tutoring younger kids.
Many also explore jobs for 13 year olds online, such as online content creation, video editing, photography, or crafting and selling handmade items on Etsy. With parental supervision, these online jobs 13 year olds can be both safe and rewarding.
As teens grow older, opportunities expand. By 14, more formal roles become available, and many ask, “What jobs can you get at 14?” The good news is that there are companies hiring 14 year olds in certain industries.
Common jobs at 14 include working at grocery stores, ice cream shops, movie theaters, or community centers. Teens can also explore online jobs for 14 year olds such as tutoring, digital freelancing, or creative work that builds on skills learned earlier. These early jobs prepare teens for bigger opportunities at 15 and beyond, when jobs that hire 14 year olds grow into part-time employment with more hours and responsibilities.
At 13, most teens are beginning to crave independence, and having their own source of income provides that freedom. Whether it’s through online jobs for 13 year olds, neighborhood chores, or preparing for jobs at 14, the possibilities are wider than many people think.
Starting early helps teens build responsibility, improve time management, and gain valuable experience that will serve them for life.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
A full list of jobs for 13-year-olds (traditional, online, and creative).
The benefits of working at 13, including earning money, responsibility, and skill-building.
The best summer jobs for teens age 13, including working at local camps or community centers.
How to find a job for 13-year-olds and how to apply for jobs as a 13-year-old.
The restrictions that apply, like work permits, work hour limits, and hazardous jobs teens must avoid.
How to manage money safely using tools like the Modak Makers app, Modak Visa® debit card, direct deposit, payment links, Walk to Earn, and MBX reward system.
By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to help a 13-year-old start earning safely, smartly, and responsibly.
Benefits of Working at 13
Starting work at 13 provides much more than just pocket money. It sets the foundation for important life skills that will benefit a teenager well into adulthood.
Earning Money
The most obvious benefit is being able to earn money. For many 13-year-olds, this is the first time they’re truly responsible for their own income. Instead of constantly asking parents for allowance, they begin to see the value of hard work and reward. Whether it’s babysitting, lawn mowing and yard work, pet sitting, or online jobs for 13-year-olds, every dollar earned feels like a big achievement.
Gaining Experience
Work experience at 13 may not sound like much, but it matters. Employers in the future respect candidates who have been hustling since their early teens. Even small jobs like dog walking and pet sitting show commitment and responsibility. A teen who works at 13 is more likely to land better summer jobs for teens and part-time positions at 14 and 15.
Building Responsibility
When a teen agrees to babysit, they take responsibility for another person’s well-being. When they mow a lawn, they commit to finishing the task properly. These jobs help build accountability an important trait for school, sports, and future employment.
Improving Time Management
Balancing school, hobbies, and part-time work is not easy. Teens learn to manage their schedules, prioritize tasks, and respect deadlines. A 13-year-old who handles summer jobs for 13 year olds learns how to juggle fun with responsibility.
Exploring Profession
Jobs at 13 allow teens to test out different profession. For example, a teen who enjoys art may explore crafting and selling handmade items on Etsy. Someone who loves technology may experiment with online content creation, photography, or video editing. These experiences can spark long-term passions and even career paths.
Traditional Jobs for Kids with No Experience
Even though 13-year-olds are often too young to be officially hired by big companies, there are still many traditional jobs they can do without needing prior experience. These jobs usually involve helping families, neighbors, or local communities. They are flexible, easy to start, and perfect for earning money while learning responsibility. Below is a detailed look at the most common jobs for 13 year olds in this category.
1. Babysitting
Babysitting remains one of the most popular jobs for 13-year-olds. Parents often wonder, “How old do you have to be to babysit?” While the legal age varies by location, many families are comfortable hiring a responsible 13-year-old to watch younger children for short periods of time.
Babysitting is more than just keeping kids entertained it requires patience, quick thinking, and responsibility. A babysitter needs to know how to handle small challenges like calming a crying toddler, preparing simple snacks, or organizing fun activities. Some parents may also require babysitters to complete a basic babysitting course, which teaches safety and first aid skills. This extra training not only makes teens more confident but also increases their chances of getting hired.
For a beginner, working as a babysitter assistant alongside an older teen or adult can be a great first step. This allows a 13-year-old to gain experience without being completely in charge, while still earning money and learning valuable skills. Babysitting jobs also pay fairly well compared to other small chores, making it a top choice for teens.
2. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking 
Animal lovers can turn their passion into income through pet sitting and dog walking. Neighbors often need someone to feed, walk, or play with their pets while they are at work, running errands, or traveling. This job teaches consistency and care, since pets need regular attention at specific times of day.
Dog walking is especially popular because it also gives the teen exercise while earning money. Many families are happy to pay $10–$20 for daily walks, especially for energetic dogs that need longer outings. Pet sitting can include tasks like feeding animals, cleaning litter boxes, or simply keeping pets company.
This type of job is flexible and doesn’t usually require formal training, although having a natural love for animals and patience is essential. It’s also a great way for a 13-year-old to build trust with neighbors and potentially get regular, ongoing work.
3. Lawn Mowing and Yard Work
Lawn mowing and yard work are classic neighborhood jobs for young teens. These tasks can include mowing grass, raking leaves, pulling weeds, trimming bushes, or shoveling snow in the winter. Because yard maintenance is always in demand, a reliable 13-year-old can quickly build a steady customer base.
The best part about yard work is that it usually pays well. Many neighbors are willing to pay $20–$40 per job depending on the size of the yard and the amount of work involved. During summer, this type of work becomes especially popular because lawns grow quickly, and families want to keep their yards neat.
This job is also physically active, making it a healthy way to stay fit while earning money. A teen can start by helping family members, then move on to offering services to neighbors or posting flyers around the community.
4. House Cleaning
Helping with house cleaning is another simple but effective way for 13-year-olds to earn money. Many parents and neighbors are willing to pay for extra help around the home, especially for chores that take time and energy. Tasks may include vacuuming, dusting, organizing closets, wiping down counters, or cleaning garages.
While this may not sound exciting, house cleaning teaches responsibility and attention to detail. A neat and organized home is something most people value, so being thorough and reliable can lead to repeat jobs. This option is especially good for teens who are already used to doing chores at home. By expanding those skills to help neighbors or relatives, they can start earning extra cash.
5. Babysitter Assistant
For younger teens who are not quite ready to babysit on their own, working as a babysitter assistant is a smart first step. In this role, the 13-year-old helps an older teen or adult with childcare responsibilities. They may assist with preparing snacks, playing with children, or helping during outings.
This type of job provides valuable experience without the full pressure of being in charge. It builds confidence, shows parents that the teen is dependable, and prepares them to take on independent babysitting jobs in the future. Over time, a babysitter assistant can transition into a full babysitter role once parents trust their skills.
Final Thoughts on Traditional Jobs for 13-Year-Olds
Traditional jobs like babysitting, pet sitting, dog walking, lawn mowing, yard work, house cleaning, and babysitter assistant roles are some of the most accessible and reliable ways for 13-year-olds to earn money. These opportunities don’t require formal experience, only responsibility, trustworthiness, and a willingness to work hard. They also help build a strong foundation for bigger jobs at ages 14 and 15, when more formal employment opportunities become available.
Conclusion
Absolutely. While 13-year-olds are not yet old enough for most official jobs in retail, fast food, or corporate settings, there are still plenty of safe and legal opportunities to start earning money. These roles may not look like traditional employment, but they give young teens valuable experience and extra income.
For instance, there are many online jobs for 13 year olds that allow them to be creative and productive. From content creation on YouTube or TikTok, video editing for small creators, photography projects, to crafting and selling handmade items on Etsy, teens today have more options than ever before.
With parental guidance, these digital opportunities can be both safe and rewarding.
On the other hand, traditional neighborhood roles remain some of the best starting points. A 13-year-old can offer babysitting, dog walking, pet sitting, lawn mowing, yard work, or house cleaning services for family, friends, and neighbors.
These jobs may seem small, but they teach reliability, communication, and responsibility all skills that will be useful later in life.
As teens grow older, their opportunities expand. At 14, many start to wonder, “What jobs can you get at 14?” or “Where are places hiring 14 year olds?” While laws vary by state, some businesses begin to open their doors to younger workers.
Common jobs at 14 include bagging groceries at supermarkets, working concessions at movie theaters, scooping ice cream at parlors, or helping at community recreation centers. In addition to these, teens can explore more advanced online jobs for 14 year olds, such as tutoring younger students, freelance writing, or even offering affordable design or editing services.
These early roles are more than just a way to earn money. They act as stepping stones, giving teens experience and confidence that will prepare them for part-time jobs at 15 and beyond, when even more companies begin hiring 14 year olds and older teens. Medium
By starting early, young workers not only learn how to handle responsibility, but also begin building a foundation for future independence.
In the end, whether it’s through jobs for 13 year olds online, neighborhood chores, or preparing for jobs at 14, the opportunities are out there. Starting young helps teens develop essential life skills, explore their interests, and build the confidence needed to succeed in school, work, and beyond. Financialeage
FAQs
Q1: What jobs hire at 13?
Jobs that hire at 13 usually include informal or neighborhood-based work like babysitting, pet sitting, dog walking, lawn mowing, yard work, and house cleaning. Teens can also explore online jobs for 13 year olds, such as content creation or tutoring, with parental guidance.
Q2: What jobs can you get at 14?
At 14, opportunities expand. Teens can find jobs at grocery stores, fast-food restaurants (in some states), movie theaters, and community centers. There are also plenty of online jobs for 14 year olds, including freelancing, tutoring, and digital content creation.
Q3: Are there jobs for 13 year olds online?
Yes, jobs for 13 year olds online include starting a YouTube channel, blogging, photography, video editing, and crafting to sell on platforms like Etsy. These online jobs 13 year olds provide flexible earning options.
Q4: Who is hiring 14 year olds?
Many companies are hiring 14 year olds for entry-level roles such as bagging groceries, scooping ice cream, or working at local recreation centers. Availability depends on state labor laws.
Q5: Are online jobs safe for 13 and 14 year olds?
Yes, as long as parental supervision is involved. Teens should stick to age-appropriate platforms and avoid sharing personal information. Safe online jobs for 13 year olds and online jobs for 14 year olds include tutoring, content creation, and creative freelancing.