Buzz
There are many ways to start earning money, even when you’re just 13 years old.
Ready to earn some extra cash at 13? You're in the right place! There are plenty of opportunities to make money, whether you're stuck at home or just can’t drive yet. Many options are available online, but don't forget about ways to earn in your local neighborhood too. Keep reading to explore the best ways to start making money today.
Steps
Online Surveys
Make money or earn gift cards by completing online surveys. Swagbucks allows users as young as 13, with parent consent, to start earning. You'll need an email address and PayPal to receive your earnings. Once you complete surveys, you'll earn points that can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.
- Other great survey sites for 13-year-olds include MyPoints, Survey Junkie, MySoapBox, SurveySavvy, PaidViewpoint, and FreeCash.
- Sign up for multiple survey sites using the same email, and make sure to check your email regularly. If you're chosen for a survey, you'll get notified.
- Survey sites select participants based on your demographic information, such as age, gender, and interests. The more sites you join, the more survey opportunities you'll have!
Online Freelancing
Monetize your skills and offer services online. Are you good at creating logos, designing graphics, or basic web development? You can sell those talents online for money! While most freelance platforms require users to be at least 18, Fiverr allows users as young as 13 (with parental permission). Start by creating a gig and offer your services to the world!
- Don’t have tech skills? No worries! You could write, organize tasks, or even record vocals or videos. Whatever you're good at can be turned into a money-making skill.
Social Media Influencing
Grow your audience and get paid to promote brands. If you have a popular Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube account, you could turn it into a cash stream! Brands will pay you or send you free products in exchange for promoting them on your page. This is a great option if you're already active on social media.
- Post high-quality content regularly that highlights your unique skills—that’s the best way to gain attention.
- If you have a popular YouTube channel, it's one of the easiest ways to earn money. Once you have a solid number of subscribers, you can monetize your channel by showing ads on your videos and earn money every time someone watches them.
Self-Publishing
Transform your story ideas into a published book. If you love writing stories or poems, you can compile them and self-publish your book on Amazon. Promote your book on social media, talk about it at school, or share it with your community to get the word out, and watch your book soar off those virtual shelves!
- If you have a local independent bookstore nearby, consider reaching out to them about stocking your book. They may be more inclined if your book has a local connection, like stories set in your hometown.
- You could also start a blog, though keep in mind it might take over a year before you start earning money from it.
Make and Sell Crafts
Launch an Etsy shop to sell your crafts. If you're skilled in arts and crafts, create an account on Etsy and start selling your handmade creations. Whether it's jewelry, cards, bags, or artwork, the options are endless! Make sure your prices reflect the cost of materials and the time spent crafting, so you can sell for a profit.
Online Auctions
Sell your old items for a profit. Platforms like eBay are great for selling things like old clothes, toys, and games. Just take a photo, write a description, and post your item for sale. If you have collectibles in good condition, you could make a lot of money this way.
- This doesn’t have to be online only. Ask your parents to take you to a second-hand or consignment shop and see if you can sell items there.
- If you enjoy vintage finds, visit yard sales and local thrift stores for bargains that you can flip online for a profit.
Yard Sales
Team up with family or neighbors to sell your unwanted stuff. If online sales aren’t your thing, host a yard sale right outside your house! You’ll need your parents’ permission and assistance for this, as it does require some prep work. Ask your family members if they have items they want to contribute—more stuff means more chances to earn.
- Advertise your sale in advance by posting signs around the neighborhood and on social media at least a week or two ahead.
- Consider having neighbors pitch in and offering them a share of the earnings for their contributions.
Odd Jobs
Offer to help with chores and projects around your home and neighborhood. Simple tasks like washing dishes, vacuuming, or dusting can earn you some cash! You could also set up a regular schedule and charge a weekly rate for specific chores. Find out which chores people dislike most, then offer to do them at a price they find fair.
- Don't hesitate to suggest bigger jobs, like cleaning out the garage, gutter cleaning, or weeding the garden.
- Go door-to-door or distribute flyers in your neighborhood listing the tasks you can do, along with suggested prices.
- Always be cautious when doing work for strangers, especially in their home. If you ever feel unsafe, leave immediately and talk to your parents about the situation.
Agricultural Work
Pick or harvest crops if you live in a rural area. While most part-time jobs have an age requirement of at least 14 in the US, agricultural work is an exception. In some states, you can start working as young as 10. If you live in a rural or semi-rural area, reach out to local farmers to see if they need help.
- Farmers often hire younger workers to pick smaller fruits, like strawberries.
Newspaper Delivery
Start delivering newspapers by foot or bike. If there’s still a local newspaper in your town, visit or call the newspaper office to see if they’re looking for delivery people. While it’s an old-fashioned job, many towns still offer this opportunity.
- If they’re not hiring right now, ask if they’d keep your application on file and encourage you to check back. Newspaper delivery jobs often see a lot of turnover, so showing persistence can help you land the job.
Family Business
Work for your parents if they have their own business. In most places like the US, you need to be at least 14 to work a part-time job—unless you're helping out in a family-run business. If your parents own a business, you can take on non-hazardous tasks. Plus, both you and your parents can benefit from significant tax breaks, making it a great deal for everyone.
- For instance, if your parents run a restaurant, you could manage the cash register, clean tables, or wash dishes.
Tutoring
Assist younger students in subjects you're skilled at. Many kids need extra help with their schoolwork! Reach out to your former teachers and ask if they can recommend you to parents looking for a tutor. You can earn decent money working just an hour or so after school several days a week.
- If you're great at math, for example, you could teach younger kids basic multiplication or division.
- You could also assist kids who speak a different native language, helping them excel academically in general.
Babysitting
Distribute flyers to kickstart a babysitting business. Create a basic flyer that highlights your rates and the age groups you feel most comfortable working with. Connect with parents in your neighborhood to attract clients—and don’t forget to network with local religious groups and community centers!
- If there's a park nearby where parents often bring their kids, consider it a prime spot to promote your services. Better yet, show up and speak with moms directly.
- Your community center probably offers a CPR certification course for babysitters. It's a good idea to take it! It'll reassure parents knowing you’re trained.
- Ask your regular clients for referrals—you could offer a discount or bonus for successful recommendations.
Dog-walking
Walk neighborhood dogs to earn money and get exercise. Many people would love to have someone walk or check in on their dogs during the day while they’re at work. If you’re not into babysitting, why not take care of some furry friends instead? It’s also a great way to stay active while you earn cash!
Pet- or House-sitting
Care for pets and plants while people are on vacation. For many people, making sure their mail is collected and plants are watered while they’re away is a hassle. Plus, boarding pets can be pricey! You can step in to help by looking after these things and earning extra money while you’re at it.
Mobile Car Wash
Grab a wagon and offer car washes in your neighbors’ driveways. Go door-to-door and ask if anyone would like their cars washed. This is a great way to build regular clientele because they don’t need to leave their home for the service.
- If your parents have a vacuum cleaner, offer to clean the car's interior for an extra charge. The more services you can offer, like waxing or wheel detailing, the more you can potentially earn.
- Encourage your customers to book regularly. For example, offer a discount if they commit to weekly washes for a month. Just make sure to honor your commitment!
Yardwork
Help neighbors with yard maintenance and earn some extra money. If you can pull weeds and mow lawns, this is a simple way to make money in the warmer months. But the work doesn't stop in summer—you can rake leaves in the fall or shovel snow in the winter.
- Feel free to expand your services. If you're comfortable using a ladder, offer to clean gutters—a job most people avoid and are happy to pay for.
Running Errands
Help neighbors with their to-do lists and errands. Do people in your neighborhood have tasks they've been putting off, like taking donations to Goodwill or picking up dry cleaning? These small errands are perfect opportunities to earn a little extra cash.
- Consider picking up groceries or restaurant takeout orders too. Just make sure not to overload yourself, especially if you're walking.
- It’s easier in big cities with public transportation or small towns where everything is nearby.
- If you have an older sibling who can drive, ask them to help with transportation in exchange for a cut of your earnings.
Youth Sports Referee
Monetize your knowledge of sports by becoming a referee. Youth leagues often hire 13-year-olds to referee or umpire games for younger kids. This is a great way to stay involved with your favorite sport while gaining experience in rules and strategies.
- Contact local community or youth leagues to find available opportunities. You’ll need to show your understanding of the game, but if you’ve played on a team, you’ll be set.
Refreshment Stand
Set up a stand to sell snacks and drinks in busy areas. A lemonade stand might seem old-fashioned, but it can still be a great way to earn some pocket money! Get creative and offer other snacks too. A local park or a busy street on a hot day is perfect for this.
- When the weather gets colder, switch it up with a hot chocolate stand. Everyone will appreciate a warm drink on a chilly day!
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Turn any service you offer into a business—if you attract enough clients, you could even hire other kids to help out!
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Instead of receiving gifts for birthdays or holidays, ask for cash that you can save or use to invest in your business ventures.
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Once you've saved up some money, talk to your parents about opening a brokerage account. By investing, you can make your money work for you!
Warnings
- Be careful when making deals with people you don’t know. It’s always a smart idea to discuss the details with your parents first.
- Run any business ideas past your parents and get their approval before moving forward. They'll be more likely to support you if you keep them involved in your plans.
