14 Best Jobs for 13-Year-Olds: A Guide for Parents and Teens
Introduction
Earning money getting a job at 13, but it’s actually one of the best ways for teenagers to gain independence, responsibility, and real-world experience early in life. Many parents encourage their children to explore small jobs because it teaches them valuable lessons like how to manage money, interact with others professionally, and balance schoolwork with other commitments. For a 13-year-old, jobs don’t just provide pocket money; they open the door to discovering personal interests and even future career paths.
However, it’s important to recognize that 13-year-olds are still legally restricted in terms of employment. Most traditional jobs, like working in a fast-food restaurant or retail store, require workers to be at least 14 or 15. That doesn’t mean teens are out of luck. There are plenty of safe, age-appropriate ways for them to earn money while staying within the law.
Parents also play a critical role in this journey. Not only do they provide permission and support, but they also help their kids navigate safety concerns, especially in jobs that involve online interactions or working outside the home. By taking on small but meaningful responsibilities, teens can start to build confidence and learn the value of hard work lessons that will serve them for the rest of their lives.
In this guide, we’ll cover quick facts about working at 13, explore the 14 best jobs for 13-year-olds, and share practical tips for parents and teens to make the most out of these opportunities. Whether you’re looking for summer jobs for 13-year-olds, jobs that pay, or simply wondering where can you work at 13, this article has all the answers you need.
Quick Facts About Working at 13
Before diving into the job options, it’s important to understand the rules and realities of working at 13. Many parents and teens are surprised to find that child labor laws are strict in the United States (and many other countries). But these laws are there for a reason to protect kids from unsafe work environments and ensure school remains the top priority.
Here are a few key points:
Age Restrictions and Child Labor Laws
In most places, teens under 14 cannot be employed in traditional workplaces like retail stores, restaurants, or offices.
Exceptions often exist for family businesses, agricultural work, or entertainment jobs.
Parental Consent and Supervision
Most jobs for 13-year-olds, especially informal ones like babysitting or lawn care, require parents’ approval.
Parents often help supervise, provide transportation, or monitor safety.
Work Permits and Regional Differences
Some states require work permits for children under 16. These can usually be obtained from schools or local government offices.
The exact rules vary depending on where you live, so it’s always best to check your local labor laws.
Balancing Work with School
At 13, school is the priority, so jobs should never interfere with homework or extracurricular activities.
Part-time or flexible jobs are the best options since they allow kids to work in short bursts while keeping their academics on track.
Understanding these facts helps parents and teens choose the right opportunities. With this foundation in place, let’s explore the best jobs available for 13-year-olds today.
14 Best Jobs for 13-Year-Olds
Babysitting 
Babysitting is often the first job that comes to mind when thinking about jobs for 13-year-olds that pay. It’s not only one of the most common options but also one of the most rewarding. Babysitting teaches responsibility, patience, and problem-solving skills qualities that are valuable in almost every career.
Many 13-year-olds start babysitting by watching younger siblings or cousins. Once they gain confidence, they can begin offering their services to family friends or neighbors. Parents looking to hire babysitters typically prefer kids who are responsible, trustworthy, and have some training. That’s where the Red Cross Babysitting Certification comes in. This program, available for ages 11 and up, teaches safety, first aid, and childcare basics, which can help boost credibility and make parents more likely to trust you.
Earnings vary depending on the area, but most babysitters can expect to make between $10 to $15 an hour, with the potential to earn more if they take care of multiple children or work during evenings and weekends. Babysitting is also flexible it can fit into weekends, summer breaks, or after-school hours without interfering with school.
Another benefit of babysitting is that it helps teens build strong relationships with families in their community. Parents are always in need of reliable sitters, so once a teen proves themselves, they’ll likely have steady work for years to come. For many, babysitting is the gateway to even bigger opportunities in childcare, teaching, or healthcare later in life.
Pet Care and Dog Walking
For animal lovers, pet care is one of the best summer jobs for 13-year-olds. Pets need care year-round, but demand is especially high during summer vacations when families travel. Services can range from walking dogs after school to feeding cats while neighbors are away.
Dog walking is particularly popular because it combines exercise with income. Teens can set their own schedule and even walk multiple dogs at once to increase earnings. In some neighborhoods, dog walkers can earn $10–$20 per walk, depending on the length and the number of dogs.
Caring for pets also teaches responsibility and builds trust within the community. Parents usually feel more comfortable with their child walking dogs or feeding cats for people they already know, so networking through family friends and neighbors is a great place to start.
One of the biggest perks? Pet care often feels more like fun than work. Playing fetch, cuddling with cats, and going for walks can be enjoyable and rewarding. For teens who dream of working with animals in the future, pet care is an excellent first step.
Lawn Care and Landscaping
When it comes to jobs for 13-year-olds that pay well, lawn care is near the top of the list. Mowing lawns, trimming hedges, planting flowers, or shoveling snow are all in-demand services that require little more than hard work and reliability. Teens can start by offering services to neighbors, gradually expanding their client base through word of mouth.
One of the best things about lawn care is that it offers year-round opportunities. In the summer, there’s mowing and gardening; in the fall, raking leaves; in the winter, shoveling snow. This means steady income throughout the year instead of just seasonal work.
Payment depends on the size of the yard and the type of service, but teens can often make $15–$30 per job, sometimes more. As they gain more experience, they can even hire friends to help, turning a simple side hustle into a small business.
On top of the money, lawn care also provides great exercise and teaches valuable entrepreneurial skills. Managing multiple clients, keeping a schedule, and handling payments are all real-world experiences that prepare teens for future jobs.
House Cleaning
House cleaning might not sound glamorous, but it’s one of the most practical and consistent jobs for 13-year-olds. Many busy families appreciate having extra help with chores like vacuuming, dishwashing, laundry, or dusting. Teens can start small, helping parents or relatives, and then expand to neighbors who need assistance.
This type of work usually pays per hour or per task, and teens can set their own rates based on the job. Some families might pay $20 to have their garage swept and organized, while others might pay $10–$15 per hour for light cleaning.
What makes house cleaning an excellent job is the skill set it develops. Teens learn responsibility, attention to detail, and time management. Plus, it builds a strong work ethic something every employer values later in life.
House cleaning is also highly flexible. Teens can work on weekends or after school, and the tasks are usually simple enough that they don’t require special equipment. It’s a straightforward way to earn money while providing real value to the community.
eBay Reselling
For entrepreneurial teens, reselling items online (with parental supervision) is a fantastic opportunity. Sites like eBay allow kids to learn about pricing, marketing, and customer service while turning old items into cash.
The process is simple: find items around the house that are no longer used, or shop at thrift stores and garage sales for undervalued products, then resell them online for profit. Parents should oversee the account and handle transactions, but teens can help with taking photos, writing descriptions, and packaging orders.
While it requires effort, reselling can be surprisingly profitable. A $5 thrift store find could sell for $20 or more online, and profits add up quickly. Teens who enjoy shopping, researching, or entrepreneurship will especially thrive in this field.
eBay reselling also teaches valuable business skills like negotiation, customer service, and financial management. For 13-year-olds interested in business or marketing, this job is both fun and educational.
Camp Counselor (Junior Roles)
Being a camp counselor is one of the most exciting summer jobs for 13-year-olds because it combines fun, learning, and leadership development. While most camps hire older teens or young adults as full counselors, many offer “junior counselor” or “counselor-in-training (CIT)” positions specifically designed for 13-year-olds. These roles often come with little or no pay, but the real value lies in the experience gained.
Junior counselors assist with activities, help younger campers, and learn from older staff. They might supervise games, lead arts and crafts, or ensure safety during swimming and hiking trips. This role builds confidence, communication skills, and leadership abilities, all while creating lasting friendships.
Even if the position is unpaid, parents should consider the long-term benefits. Camp experience looks fantastic on future job and college applications. Plus, many camps offer discounts on tuition for families of CITs, or they may transition successful junior counselors into paid roles once they’re older.
For teens who love the outdoors, enjoy working with kids, and thrive in a team setting, being a junior camp counselor is the perfect way to spend a summer.
Junior Sports Referee
If your 13-year-old loves sports, becoming a junior referee or umpire is a great way to combine passion with profit. Many youth leagues, especially for soccer, basketball, and baseball, hire young teens as referees for younger age groups. These jobs typically require certification, but the training is short and affordable.
Refereeing teaches responsibility, decision-making, and leadership. Imagine being the one who calls the shots during a game it builds confidence and commands respect. On top of that, referees often earn $15–$30 per game, which adds up quickly over a weekend of matches.
Another bonus is flexibility. Refereeing usually happens on weekends, which leaves weekdays free for schoolwork and other activities. It’s also a physically active job, making it a great way for teens to stay healthy while earning money.
For sports-loving teens, this job is more than just work it’s an exciting opportunity to stay close to the game while learning valuable life skills.
Social Media Manager for Small Businesses
In today’s digital world, many small businesses struggle to keep up with social media. This opens the door for tech-savvy 13-year-olds to step in and help. Teens already spend time on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, so why not put those skills to good use?
With parental guidance, a 13-year-old can help local businesses create posts, manage comments, or even brainstorm content ideas. While some business owners might hesitate to hire a teen, many are grateful for affordable, creative help especially if the teen is already a customer.
This job doesn’t just pay (rates vary, but even $25–$50 per week can be a great start); it also provides valuable experience in digital marketing, communication, and branding. These are skills in high demand across all industries, making this an especially smart job choice for the future.
Of course, safety is crucial. Teens should always work under parental supervision, use separate business accounts, and avoid oversharing personal details online. With the right guidance, social media management can be one of the most modern and rewarding jobs for 13-year-olds.
Errand Runner for Neighbors
Running errands may sound simple, but it’s a surprisingly useful service for busy families and elderly neighbors. At 13, teens can’t drive, but they can still help with smaller tasks such as:
Walking to the local store for groceries
Dropping off mail at the post office
Carrying bags for elderly neighbors
Assisting with household tasks like watering plants
These tasks may not always be glamorous, but they’re helpful and people are willing to pay for them. Teens can charge per task or per hour, with rates depending on the level of effort.
Errand running teaches responsibility, time management, and organization. It also builds a strong sense of community because it allows teens to directly help the people around them.
Safety is important here too teens should stick to familiar neighborhoods, let parents know their whereabouts, and only run errands for trusted individuals. With clear boundaries in place, being an errand runner can be a safe and steady way for a 13-year-old to earn money.
Coding and Tech Services
For tech-savvy teens, coding is one of the most valuable skills they can start learning early. At 13, kids can take free or low-cost courses in programming languages like Python, JavaScript, or HTML. Once they build confidence, they can create simple websites, apps, or even video games.
Coding jobs for 13-year-olds usually start small, such as:
Designing websites for family members or local businesses
Creating fun apps or tools to sell online
Offering to fix minor tech issues for neighbors
While it may take time to develop skills, coding is one of the few opportunities where teens can start young and eventually grow into high-paying careers. Even at 13, a motivated teen can charge $20–$50 per project, depending on complexity.
The best part is that coding doesn’t just teach technical skills it also boosts problem-solving, creativity, and persistence. Teens who stick with coding may find themselves years ahead of their peers when it comes to career opportunities.
Teaching and Tutoring
At just 13, many teens already have valuable knowledge and skills they can share with younger children. Whether it’s math, reading, music, or even dance, tutoring and teaching are fantastic ways to earn money while reinforcing their own abilities.
For example, a 13-year-old who excels in math could tutor elementary school students in multiplication and fractions. A teen who plays guitar, piano, or violin could teach beginner lessons to kids who are just starting out. Even skills like art, dance, or chess can be taught in informal settings, either one-on-one or in small groups.
Tutoring jobs usually pay quite well compared to other teen-friendly opportunities. Parents are often willing to pay $15–$25 an hour for tutoring, depending on the subject. Music lessons may pay even more, especially if the teen has strong experience or has taken lessons for several years themselves.
Aside from the income, teaching builds communication skills, patience, and confidence. It also provides a sense of accomplishment, since helping someone learn and grow is deeply rewarding. For teens who want to pursue teaching, coaching, or mentoring in the future, this job provides early hands-on experience.
Blogging or Vlogging
For creative 13-year-olds, blogging and vlogging can turn hobbies into income. Teens who love to write, draw, play video games, or review books can create blogs or YouTube channels to share their passions with the world. While building an audience takes time, once a channel or blog gains followers, it can generate money through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.
For example:
A teen who loves video games could post gameplay tutorials or reviews.
A bookworm could share book reviews or reading tips.
A budding artist could create drawing tutorials on YouTube.
Starting a blog is inexpensive (sometimes even free), and YouTube only requires a phone or computer to begin. While income isn’t immediate, many successful online creators started as teens. Some even turned their channels into full-time careers later in life.
Blogging and vlogging also teach digital communication, creativity, and branding. They help teens develop technical skills like video editing, web design, and SEO, which are all valuable in today’s job market. With consistent effort and parental guidance for safety, blogging or vlogging can be one of the most exciting jobs for 13-year-olds.
Organization Specialist
Believe it or not, some people will gladly pay someone to help them get organized and 13-year-olds can be surprisingly good at it. Teens who naturally enjoy tidying up, sorting, and arranging can turn that skill into a paying job.
Opportunities include:
Organizing closets or pantries
Helping neighbors clean garages or storage spaces
Sorting through old toys, clothes, or books
Even digital organization, like setting up folders or labeling photos on a computer
This job not only pays (around $10–$20 per hour, depending on the project), but it also provides life skills that benefit teens personally. Organization teaches planning, efficiency, and attention to detail skills that will be useful in school, work, and beyond.
What makes this job unique is that it doesn’t require special tools or training. All a teen needs is motivation and a willingness to work hard. By helping families reclaim their space, organization specialists can make a real difference while earning a steady income.
Car Washing
Car washing is another classic job for 13-year-olds that pays well, especially during the warmer months. Teens can set up a small car wash station at home, partner with friends to serve more customers, or offer mobile services for neighbors who prefer convenience.
This job requires very little startup cost just some soap, sponges, and buckets. Teens can charge $10–$20 per car, depending on whether they offer a simple wash or a more detailed clean (like vacuuming the inside).
Car washing is great because it combines teamwork, responsibility, and physical activity. Teens also gain entrepreneurial experience by learning how to market their services, set prices, and manage time. Adding extras like offering wax, tire cleaning, or air fresheners can boost profits even further.
It’s also a fun, social job. Many teens team up with friends, turning car washing into both a business and a hangout activity. During the summer, it can even become a mini neighborhood event, with signs, music, and lots of energy.
For 13-year-olds looking for seasonal income, car washing is one of the easiest and most rewarding jobs out there.
Safety Tips for 13-Year-Old Workers
No matter which job a 13-year-old chooses, safety must always come first. At this age, kids are still developing judgment and experience, so parents play an important role in setting boundaries and guidelines. Here are some essential safety tips:
Get Parental Approval for All Jobs
Teens should always talk to parents before accepting any job, no matter how small. Parents can help check if the opportunity is safe and appropriate.Work in Familiar Areas
Stick to neighborhoods, schools, or community spaces where the teen already feels comfortable. Avoid working in unfamiliar areas or with strangers.Keep Personal Information Private
For online jobs like blogging, vlogging, or social media management, never share personal details such as address, phone number, or school name.Stay in Contact
Teens should let parents know where they’ll be, who they’ll be with, and when they’ll be home. Regular check-ins provide peace of mind for everyone.Trust Your Instincts
If something feels wrong or unsafe, it probably is. Encourage teens to speak up immediately and walk away if necessary.Work With Trusted Individuals
Babysitting, pet care, and errands should start with neighbors, family friends, or people the family knows well.
By following these guidelines, 13-year-olds can safely explore the world of work, build independence, and learn valuable skills without unnecessary risks.