At 13, you can’t legally get a traditional job at most businesses, but you have plenty of real ways to earn money. Federal law restricts formal employment for anyone under 14, so your options center on neighborhood work, selling things you make or find, and a handful of online opportunities. The good news: several of these can pay surprisingly well, and you can start most of them this week.
Why Most Businesses Can’t Hire You Yet
The Fair Labor Standards Act prohibits employers from hiring anyone under 14 for standard nonagricultural jobs. That rules out restaurants, retail stores, grocery stores, and most other workplaces. The exceptions are narrow: delivering newspapers, acting, and working for a business entirely owned by your parents. Everything else needs to wait until you turn 14, when a work permit opens up limited hours at certain employers.
That restriction only applies to formal employment, though. It doesn’t stop you from doing work on your own, like mowing a neighbor’s lawn or walking someone’s dog. Those fall outside the FLSA because you’re not an employee of a covered business. That’s where most 13-year-olds find their earning opportunities.
Neighborhood Jobs That Pay Well
The most reliable money at your age comes from people in your own neighborhood or community who need help with everyday tasks. These jobs require no application, no interview, and no work permit. You set your own prices and schedule.
- Babysitting: One of the highest-paying options, averaging around $18 an hour. The rate goes up with more kids or longer hours. If you’ve never babysat before, start with families you already know, and consider taking a babysitting certification course through the Red Cross to build trust with new clients.
- Pet sitting and dog walking: Pet owners who travel or work long hours need someone reliable. Average pay runs about $17 an hour, and you can charge more for overnight stays or multiple pets. Start by offering to help neighbors and family friends, then spread the word through local social media groups your parents can help you access.
- Yard work: Mowing lawns, raking leaves, pulling weeds, watering gardens, and shoveling snow (depending on the season) all pay well. Solo jobs typically range from $50 to $250 depending on the size of the yard. Price by the job rather than by the hour, since a big lawn takes much longer than a small one. You can also reach out to local lawn care companies to see if they hire summer helpers.
- Car washing: Offering to wash cars in your neighborhood can earn $10 to $30 per vehicle. You need a bucket, soap, sponges, and a hose. Detailing the interior (vacuuming, wiping down surfaces) lets you charge more.
- Tutoring younger kids: If you’re strong in a subject like math, reading, or a musical instrument, parents of younger children will pay for tutoring sessions. This works especially well during the school year.
For all of these, the best marketing tool is word of mouth. Do a great job for one family and they’ll recommend you to others. You can also ask a parent to help you post in neighborhood apps or community groups.
Selling Things You Make or Own
You don’t have to trade hours for dollars. Selling items is another solid way to earn money at 13.
Start by looking at what you already own. Old video games, books, sports equipment, clothes you’ve outgrown, and collectibles (trading cards, for example) can all be sold. With a parent’s help, you can list items on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or similar platforms. Garage sales and school swap events work too.
If you’re crafty or creative, you can make things to sell. Handmade jewelry, custom stickers, artwork, baked goods, and seasonal items like holiday ornaments all have a market. Platforms like Etsy allow minors to sell with a parent managing the account. Local craft fairs and farmers’ markets are another option, though you’ll want a parent involved for setup and logistics.
Online Earning Options
A few online platforms are open to teens under 18, though most require a parent or guardian to create or co-manage the account. The earnings tend to be smaller than neighborhood jobs, but you can do them from home on your own schedule.
Survey sites like Swagbucks pay users to complete small tasks: watching short videos, answering questionnaires, or signing up for free trials. The pay per task is low (often just cents), so don’t expect to replace a babysitting income this way. Think of it as pocket money for downtime, not a primary earner.
If you have a skill like writing, graphic design, video editing, or coding, freelance platforms exist where you can offer services. Most of these require you to be at least 13 and have a parent help with the account setup and payment processing. The key is having a genuine skill to offer. A 13-year-old who can edit YouTube videos or design simple logos has a real edge here.
Starting a small content channel (YouTube, a blog, or a social media page focused on a topic you know well) can eventually generate income through ads or sponsorships, but this is a long game. It typically takes months of consistent posting before any money comes in. It’s worth starting now if you enjoy creating content, but don’t count on it for near-term cash.
How to Get Paid and Manage Your Money
Cash is the simplest option for neighborhood jobs. Someone hands you money when the work is done. But if you’re selling online or want to start saving in a more organized way, you’ll need a place to deposit and track your earnings.
Several banks and fintech companies offer debit cards and accounts designed for teens, all requiring a parent to set up. A few worth looking into:
- Chase First Banking: No monthly fee. Requires a parent who already has a Chase checking account. Includes spending limits and money request approvals that your parent controls.
- Capital One MONEY Teen Checking: No monthly fee, available to kids 8 and older. Your parent can lock or unlock the card and set up alerts.
- Axos Bank First Checking: No monthly fee and no overdraft charges, available to teens 13 to 17.
- Greenlight: Starts at $5.99 per month. Offers more detailed parental controls, including the ability to block specific spending categories.
Having a debit card also makes it easier for clients to pay you through apps like Venmo or Zelle (linked to your parent’s account), which some people prefer over carrying cash.
Do You Have to Pay Taxes?
Your age doesn’t exempt you from taxes, but the thresholds are high enough that most 13-year-olds won’t owe anything. For the 2025 tax year, a dependent (which you are if your parents claim you) doesn’t need to file a return unless earned income exceeds $15,750 or unearned income (like interest from a savings account) exceeds $1,350. If you’re mowing lawns and babysitting, you’d need to earn over $15,750 in a year before filing becomes required.
That said, it’s a good habit to keep a simple record of what you earn, even in a notes app. Tracking your income teaches you how money flows and helps if your earnings ever do reach a level that matters for taxes down the road.
Getting Your First Clients
The hardest part of making money at 13 isn’t the work itself. It’s finding people willing to pay you. Start with the easiest audience: your parents’ friends, relatives, and immediate neighbors. Ask your parents to mention your services when they talk to people. A simple printed flyer with your name, what you offer, and a parent’s phone number can go a long way when dropped off at nearby houses.
Set a fair price but don’t undercharge just because you’re young. If the going rate for babysitting in your area is $15 to $20 an hour, charging $8 sends the message that you’re not serious. Do good work, show up on time, and be polite. Reliability is the single biggest thing that separates kids who get called back from those who don’t.