Last Updated on September 28, 2022
If you’re a 13 year old looking for a job, you came to the right place. There are jobs for 13 year olds that can pay well, and we’ll take a look at them in this article.
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Jobs for 13-Year-Olds
Okay, you might be wondering, “Can a 13-year-old work?” Technically, the answer is “yes.” However, the rules can be pretty strict.
According to labor laws, most traditional non-agricultural jobs are no-goes. That includes most retail positions that teens often use as stepping stones into the labor force.
Even with agricultural jobs, where the rules are often looser, the requirements are stringent. Younger teens can’t be around a range of hazards, so operating many kinds of equipment or working close to specific animals isn’t allowed.
Along with job limitations, there are strict rules regarding when 13-year-olds are allowed to work. During school hours isn’t usually permitted unless it’s a break or summer vacation. Additionally, there can be laws about start and end times, as well as how many hours they can work in a day.
Finally, 13-year-olds might need an age certification. The rules vary by state, so it’s critical to review local requirements to determine what young teens are allowed to do work-wise.
17 Jobs For 13 Year Olds To Get Into That Pay Well
Here are 17 of the best jobs for 13-year-olds.
1. YouTube Content Creator
Once a child turns 13, they’re allowed to have their own account on YouTube and post videos. Whether the content is designed to be entertaining, informative, or anything else, it could potentially turn into an income stream with enough time and attention.
While creating content as a 13-year-old is allowed, monetizing a channel is difficult if you’re under 18. For example, Adsense has a minimum age of 18. Since that’s the case, a younger YouTuber will need help from a parent if they want to add ads to their channel.
How much YouTubers make varies dramatically. Some earn between $2 and $12 per 1,000 views. However, that isn’t guaranteed.
2. House Cleaning
Since 13-year-olds usually can’t find traditional jobs, gig work can be an ideal alternative. House cleaning is a great option, particularly for those looking for summer jobs for 13-year-olds. It usually takes just a few hours to clean a house, and it’s got a low startup cost, particularly if the households have their own cleaners and equipment.
As for pay, something near $13.84 per hour isn’t out of the question. However, 13-year-olds that provide their own cleaners and equipment may be able to charge more, especially if they go with safe, natural, or organic options.
3. Video Game Streamer
For 13-year-olds, playing video games for a living might be incredibly appealing. Sites like Twitch allow 13-year-olds to have their own accounts, and they can even monetize with a parent’s support once they meet the other requirements. This makes video game streaming one of the best online job options for teens.
How much streamers make varies a ton. While top streamers may earn tens of thousands of dollars monthly, something closer to $0.01 to $1 per viewer per hour is likely a more reasonable expectation in the beginning.
4. Garage Cleaning
During the spring and summer, many households want to get their garage straightened up. However, many homeowners don’t’ have the time, so they might be open to hiring a 13-year-old to tackle the project.
5. Pet Sitter
One of the quintessential jobs for 13-year-olds, pet sitters care for another person’s pets while they’re away from home. Usually, it focuses on feeding and watering, though walking and playing can also be part of the mix. In some cases, you may even give a pet medication, though this isn’t as common.
Pay rates can vary depending on the number of pets and exactly what you need to do. However, something in the ballpark of $12.68 per hour is the norm.
6. Babysitter
Another one of the classic 13-year-old jobs is babysitter. Once you’re 13, you’re legally allowed to babysit in nearly every state, though some areas may require CPR and first aid certification.
Babysitting is straightforward. You keep an eye on kids, ensuring they’re safe and cared for while the parents are away. When it comes to pay, $10 to $20 per hour is pretty typical. However, the rate may vary depending on several factors, including the number of kids and their ages.
In most cases, this is a time when you’ll bid a flat rate for the entire job. Generally speaking, you can likely get a rate that breaks down to around $13.84 per hour, which is pretty great for a 13-year-old.
7. Academic Tutor
For 13-year-olds who are great at a particular school subject, working as an academic tutor might be a great fit. They can help another student improve their understanding, all while earning a pretty penny (usually around $17.53 per hour).
This also works as an online job for 13-year-olds. Essentially, it relies on the same equipment and software as anyone else would need for video calls, making it a solid choice if a teen needs to work from home.
8. Hobby Coach
Academics aren’t the only thing that a 13-year-old can teach someone. If they’re musically inclined, a solid artist, excellent at a sport, or anything similar, they may be able to earn money as a hobby coach.
You’ll spend your time teaching someone else, allowing them to improve their skill level based on your guidance. In most cases, the pay is similar to other kinds of tutors, coming in near $17.53 per hour. However, you may be able to get a bit more if you’re offering something that’s both desirable and in short supply.
9. Junior Camp Counselor
While many camps focus on older teens when looking for counselors, some may hire 13-year-olds as junior counselors. This is especially true if the teen previously attended as a camper, as they’re familiar with the environment and activities. Obviously this is a great summer job option.
In most cases, junior camp counselors earn around $13.66 per hour. However, there might be nice perks – like free meals – to make it even more lucrative.
10. Model
Modeling is one job that doesn’t come with age restrictions. Companies need teens for advertisements in a number of product categories, including clothing, accessories, toys, electronics, and more.
Now, modeling is a competitive field, so it isn’t guaranteed to work out. But if it does, earning around $20.40 per hour is typical.
11. Tech Support
While a 13-year-old can’t work for a tech support company, that doesn’t mean they can’t offer their services to neighbors for a fee. Tech-savvy teens could potentially assist with smartphone setups, Wi-Fi connections, and a range of other common household tech needs in exchange for a fee.
This is one of those options where what you charge may vary significantly based on the type of project and time commitment. However, something in the $10 to $20 per hour range is likely appropriate in most cases.
12. Elderly Helper
Many elderly adults can benefit from having company on a regular basis. Plus, some may require assistance with basic household tasks, like simple cooking and cleaning. In these cases, a 13-year-old may be able to work as an elderly helper, providing support to a member of their community on a regular basis, all while earning around $14.31 per hour.
13. Artist
A 13-year-old with artistic talent may be able to leverage their skills to earn some cash. Practically anyone can sell arts or crafts if the quality is there and the pieces are appealing, making this a solid choice for younger teens.
Now, a 13-year-old might need a parent’s support if they’re using online platforms to sell, as most of those have age restrictions. However, it’s a path worth considering.
As for earning potential, it all depends on the items themselves. In most cases, your best bet is to research what people charge for similar pieces and use that as a baseline.
14. Skateboard or Bike Mechanic
For active 13-year-olds that know a thing or two about maintaining a bike or skateboard, offering their services as a mechanic could be a fun gig. Essentially, they could handle repairs or maintenance for others in the neighborhood in exchange for a fee.
What you would charge for this service depends on the work involved. If you’re handling parts and labor, you might charge $20 for a simple, low-cost fix or several hundred for more complex tune-ups. Check local rates at stores in your area to see what they charge, then aim slightly below that, particularly if you’re building your reputation.
15. Car Washer
An excellent option for anyone seeking summer jobs for 13-year-olds is car washer. Usually, you can find opportunities in your neighborhood. In exchange for a fee, you ensure another person’s vehicle is sparkling and clean.
Usually, you’ll need to provide your own cleaning supplies. However, water is generally provided by the vehicle owner, as you typically handle the work in their driveway.
What you charge may depend on how dirty the vehicle is and its overall size. In most cases, if you aim for around $20 to $40 per wash, you’ll likely be in the right zone.
16. Voiceover Actor
Another one of the online jobs for 13-year-olds, voiceover actors can work from home if they have the right equipment. Generally, the work involves recording lines provided by a company based on its requirements.
Pay rates can depend on the kind of work involved. However, the median is $23.48 per hour, which is incredibly good for a 13-year-old.
17. Produce Picker
Since agricultural jobs can have looser age requirements, 13-year-olds might want to look into produce picker opportunities. Usually, it’s a manual position involving picking fruits or vegetables, though there may be some basic tools or equipment involved, too.
Most produce pickers make around between $10 and $15 per hour. However, it may be higher depending on the minimum wage in your area and the availability of reliable labor.
Here are jobs for 13 year olds to get into that pay well. However, while looking for a job, it is important you create a balance between school and work hours. Don’t forget you are a teenager that needs to rest.
So go through this article and discover which job opportunity suits you. And when you do, go ahead, apply, get the job and start earning!