At 13 years old, earning money can be a fun and rewarding experience. Whether you want to save up for something special, learn financial responsibility, or explore your entrepreneurial skills, there are plenty of ways to make money safely and legally. This guide provides practical, engaging, and age-appropriate methods for teens to earn money, along with tips on budgeting and saving.
Best Ways for a 13-Year-Old to Make Money
| Method | Estimated Earnings | Skills Required | Effort Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawn Mowing & Yard Work | $15 – $40 per job | Physical effort, responsibility | High |
| Babysitting | $8 – $15 per hour | Patience, responsibility | High |
| Pet Sitting/Dog Walking | $10 – $20 per job | Animal care, time management | Medium |
| Selling Handmade Crafts | $10 – $100 per item | Creativity, crafting skills | High |
| Car Washing | $10 – $30 per wash | Physical effort, attention to detail | Medium |
| Online Surveys | $1 – $5 per survey | Basic computer skills | Low |
| Writing & Blogging | $10 – $100 per article | Writing skills, creativity | Medium |
| YouTube Content Creation | Varies | Video editing, speaking skills | High |
| House Chores for Neighbors | $10 – $25 per task | Cleaning, organizing | Medium |
| Recycling for Cash | $0.05 – $0.10 per item | Environmental awareness | Low |
Must read this also: How to Make Money as a 11-Year-Old
1. Lawn Mowing & Yard Work
During the summer, many homeowners need help with their lawns. If you have access to a lawnmower, offer to mow lawns for neighbors.
Tips:
- Charge between $15 and $40 per job.
- Offer additional services like pulling weeds or watering plants.
- Always ask for parental supervision before using a lawnmower.
2. Babysitting
If you enjoy spending time with younger kids, babysitting can be a great way to make money. Many parents are looking for a responsible and reliable person to help watch their kids for a short period.
Tips:
- Start with family friends or neighbors who trust you.
- Take a babysitting certification course for added credibility.
- Charge a fair rate ($8 to $15 per hour).
3. Pet Sitting & Dog Walking
If you love animals, offering pet sitting or dog walking services can be both fun and profitable.
Tips:
- Charge around $10 to $20 per walk or pet visit.
- Make sure you understand pet needs, like feeding times and exercise.
- Create a flyer or ask your parents to post about your services on social media.
4. Selling Handmade Crafts
If you’re creative, consider making and selling crafts such as jewelry, paintings, or DIY gifts.
Tips:
- Sell through local markets, online platforms (with parental supervision), or at school events.
- Price your items based on materials and effort.
- Promote your business using word-of-mouth or social media.
5. Car Washing
Offering to wash cars for family, friends, or neighbors is a great way to make extra cash.
Tips:
- Charge between $10 and $30 per car.
- Provide additional services like interior cleaning for extra earnings.
- Use eco-friendly car wash products for sustainability.
6. Completing Online Surveys
Some websites allow teens (with parental permission) to take surveys for small amounts of money.
Tips:
- Stick to safe, teen-friendly survey sites.
- Expect to earn $1 to $5 per survey.
- Avoid giving out personal information online.
7. Writing & Blogging
If you enjoy writing, start a blog or contribute to websites that pay for content.
Tips:
- Write about topics you love, such as gaming, books, or hobbies.
- Monetize with ads (under parental supervision).
- Earn $10 to $100 per article, depending on the website.
8. YouTube Content Creation
Starting a YouTube channel can be fun and profitable, but it requires effort.
Tips:
- Choose a niche like gaming, DIY crafts, or educational content.
- Monetize with ads and sponsorships (parental help required).
- Stay consistent and post regularly.
9. House Chores for Neighbors
Helping neighbors with small tasks like taking out the trash, cleaning garages, or washing windows can bring in extra money.
Tips:
- Charge $10 to $25 per task.
- Be reliable and do a great job to get repeat customers.
- Offer seasonal services (e.g., shoveling snow in winter).
10. Recycling for Cash
Collecting recyclables like aluminum cans and plastic bottles can be an eco-friendly way to make money.
Tips:
- Research local recycling centers for buyback rates.
- Involve friends or family to gather more recyclables.
- Store items properly to keep them clean and undamaged.
How to Save & Manage Money
Once you start earning money, it’s important to manage it wisely. Here’s a simple saving plan:
| Category | Percentage |
| Savings | 50% |
| Spending | 30% |
| Giving/Charity | 10% |
| Investment (e.g., piggy bank, small business) | 10% |
Money-Saving Tips:
- Open a savings account with your parents.
- Set a goal for big purchases.
- Keep track of your earnings and expenses in a notebook or app.
Must read this also: How To Make Money As A 12-Year-Old
Conclusion
Making money as a 13-year-old is possible through creativity, hard work, and responsibility. Whether it’s through babysitting, dog walking, or starting a YouTube channel, there are plenty of opportunities to earn and learn valuable skills. Most importantly, always have parental permission and supervision when necessary, and enjoy the process of earning and saving!
By following these strategies, young entrepreneurs can start their financial journey while having fun. Happy earning!