
Many 13-year-olds are at a point where they want to earn pocket money. This is where student jobs come into play; they are an excellent opportunity to learn work ethic while making some money on the side.
Since child labor laws prevent 13-year-olds from working for employers, they can’t work traditional jobs like cashiers and fast-food workers.
However, most preteens have other options to earn money, like helping a neighbor or a family member.
Here are the best options for 13-year-olds based on criteria like safety, fun, and flexibility.
1. Pet sitter
Pet sitters take care of pets while their owner is on vacation. Pet sitting tasks include cleaning litter boxes and feeding the pet.
It is a great job for 13-year-olds who love dogs, cats, birds, fishes, and reptiles.
Requirements
- An extensive amount of hands-on experience with the animal in question.
- Preferred: pet first aid and CPR training.
Information
- Salary: $15 per hour (on average).
- Training time: a few hours.
- Workload: as much as you want.
2. Yard worker
Yard workers take care of backyards: they spread mulch, pull weeds, plant flowers, etc.
Many tasks in the backyard do not require potentially dangerous tools like a lawnmower or snowblower. This is a great opportunity to make money as a 13-year-old.
Requirements
- Having a neighbor or family member with a yard.
Information
- Salary: $12 per hour (on average).
- Training time: a few hours.
- Workload: as much as you want.
3. Dog walker
Dogs need to walk to get mental stimulation, exercise, and take a “potty break.”
However, many dog owners are busy and do not have the time to walk their own dogs. This is where you can propose your service as a dog walker. It is a great opportunity to make side money while taking a quick walk in the park.
Requirements
- An extensive amount of hands-on experience with dogs.
Information
- Salary: $14 per hour (on average).
- Training time: a few hours.
- Workload: as much as you want.
4. Tutor
Tutoring is all about sharing the beauty of a subject with people who have a hard time understanding it.
Some 13-year-olds get paid to assist their schoolmates with homework and test preparation.
Requirements
- Good grades.
Information
- Salary: $20 per hour (on average).
- Training time: a few hours.
- Workload: as much as you want.
5. Babysitting smaller kids
Mature 13-year-olds can convince a family member or a neighbor to take care of their children for a few hours. They usually get compensated for their care.
Requirements
- Check whether the 13-year-old is mature, responsible, and knows how to call the parents in case of emergency.
Information
- Salary: $18 per hour (on average).
- Training time: a few days.
- Workload: as much as you want.