Earning money is a key milestone in any young person’s life. It provides not only financial independence but also a sense of accomplishment. Many 13 year olds are excited about the prospect of earning their own money, whether to buy their favorite gadgets or contribute to their family’s income. Fortunately, there are many opportunities available to young teenagers to earn money. They can choose from various options, including odd jobs, babysitting, working at a local business, or doing online tasks. For many teens, working is a great way to develop new skills and gain valuable experience. Parents play a crucial role in guiding their children and helping them choose the right opportunities based on their interests. In this article, we’ll explore some options for 13 year olds to earn money and discuss the importance of teaching them about financial responsibility.
Odd jobs
One of the easiest ways for 13 year olds to earn some money is by doing odd jobs for friends, neighbors and family. Here are some examples of odd jobs that young teens can consider:
- Mowing lawns or raking leaves
- Watering plants or gardening
- Shoveling snow or clearing junk
- Babysitting for younger siblings or neighbors
- Dog walking or pet-sitting for neighbors who go out of town
Most of these services might not be as lucrative as a traditional part-time job but they are easy to do and don’t require a lot of experience. They can also build valuable skills such as good communication, time management, and customer service. Websites such as Taskrabbit can help young teens connect with people nearby who need help with odd jobs.
Can you make money doing odd jobs?
Yes, you can make money doing odd jobs, especially with the rise of gig economy and freelance websites. Here are some popular websites to find odd jobs:
| Websites | Description |
|---|---|
| TaskRabbit | An online and mobile marketplace that matches freelance labor with local demand, allowing consumers to find immediate help with everyday tasks, including cleaning, moving, delivery and handyman work. |
| Fiverr | An online marketplace for freelance services that offers small jobs, or gigs, in areas such as writing, marketing, graphic design, video editing, and programming. |
| Craigslist | An online platform where people can post and find odd jobs in their local area, such as lawn care, cleaning, pet-sitting, and handyman work. |
Other ways to find odd jobs include offering services to friends and family, advertising your services on social media, and posting flyers in your local community. Keep in mind that rates will vary depending on the type of job and the local market demand.
Online Tasks
Another effective way for 13-year-olds to earn an income is by doing online tasks, such as taking surveys, playing games, and participating in focus groups. Here are some ways to earn money online:
- Swagbucks – Sign-up and get paid for watching videos, completing surveys, and playing games.
- Toluna – Earn cash rewards for taking surveys, and testing products.
- User Testing – Test out websites and get paid $10 per test, which usually takes 20 minutes.
- Fiverr – Sell services such as content writing, web design, graphic design, voice-over, and earn money.
Online tasks can be lucrative, especially if you sign up with multiple platforms. However, there are some drawbacks, some websites can be scams, and it can take time to earn a high level of income. In most cases, the average earnings are $10-$20 for every hour of work done.
| Name of Website/Product | Type of Work | Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Swagbucks | Watching videos, completing surveys and playing games | Cash, points, gift cards |
| Toluna | Taking surveys and testing products. | Cash and Gift cards |
| Fiverr | Content writing, web design, graphic design, voice-over, and others | Cash and sometimes tips |
How can I earn real money online?
Here are some ways to earn real money online:
- Freelancing: You can offer your skills on websites like Upwork, Freelancer and Fiverr.
- Online surveys: You can get paid for completing online surveys on websites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie.
- Selling products: You can sell products on websites like Amazon, Etsy or your own website.
- Affiliate marketing: You can earn commission by promoting products on your website or social media.
- Investing in stocks: You can invest in stocks through online trading platforms like E-Trade and Robinhood.
Remember, earning real money online takes time, effort and dedication. Do your research, find what works best for you and stay consistent.
Traditional Jobs
For those who are interested in more traditional jobs, there are ample opportunities available. Here are some of the best options for 13-year-olds:
- Babysitting – Parents are always in need of reliable babysitters. The pay rates may vary based on location and demand, but it is an excellent way to earn cash.
- Dog walking/pet sitting – Younger children can help out their neighbors by walking their dogs or looking after their pets while they are at work.
- Grocery Stores – Many grocery stores offer jobs to younger teens because they are willing to work for lower pay.
- Restaurants/ Ice-cream parlors – These are excellent options for teens who enjoy fast-paced environments and working with people.
Before applying for traditional jobs, 13-year-olds need to know their rights and restrictions, and employers need to be aware of the legal restrictions surrounding employment. For example, in most US states, minors must get a work permit before beginning work. Also, there are restrictions on the number of hours and the type of work that minors can perform. It’s crucial to check with the state your living to see what restrictions apply.
| Job Title | Job Description | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Babysitting | Taking care of children while parents are away. | $10-$20 per hour |
| Dog walking/pet sitting | Walking dogs, feeding and playing with cats, etc. | $8-$15 per hour |
| Grocery Stores | Stocking shelves, bagging groceries, etc. | $7-$10 per hour |
| Restaurants/ Ice-cream parlors | Waiting tables, taking orders, kitchen prep, bussing tables, cleaning, etc. | $7-$12 per hour plus tips |
Online Tasks
Another option for 13-year-olds to earn money is by doing online tasks. Here are some websites that offer online tasks for younger individuals:
- Swagbucks – This website allows users to earn points by taking surveys, watching videos, and playing games. Points can be redeemed for gift cards or cash through PayPal.
- Toluna – Teens can participate in surveys, writing opinions, and testing products. The rewards can be exchanged for cash or gift cards.
- Survey Junkie – The website offers users to complete surveys and get paid for their opinions. Surveys can be filtered by age, among other things, so 13-year-olds will find a suitable survey and start making money online.
Some of the benefits of doing online tasks include flexibility, being able to work from home, and not having to commit to regular hours. However, it is essential to be cautious when searching online for work opportunities. Be wary of scams and websites that require users to pay a fee to access work. It’s important to research any website or service before using it.
Top Websites to earn money for children/U18:
| Website | Description | Minimum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Swagbucks | Earn points by watching videos, taking surveys, shopping online, and more. | 13 years old |
| Toluna | Take surveys, participate in product testing, and build up points that can be exchanged for cash or gift cards. | 13 years old |
| Survey Junkie | Earn cash rewards by answering surveys and providing consumer feedback. | 16 years old |
How can I make money by doing tasks online?
There are several ways to make money by doing tasks online. Some of the most common ways include:
- Taking online surveys
- Watching videos and advertisements
- Testing websites and apps
- Doing micro-tasks like data entry and transcription
- Becoming a virtual assistant
- Freelance writing, graphic design or programming
You can find online tasks on websites such as:
| Website | Description |
|---|---|
| Amazon Mechanical Turk | A marketplace for tasks requiring human intelligence |
| Swagbucks | An online rewards program for surveys, watching videos and searching online |
| Fiverr | A freelance platform for offering services starting at $5 |
| Upwork | A freelance platform for finding clients and jobs in various fields |
| Gigwalk | A mobile platform for doing small gigs like mystery shopping and market research |
Make sure to research each website before signing up and only work with reputable companies that pay fairly and on time.
Important Considerations
It’s important to keep in mind that there are certain legal considerations when it comes to minors earning money. Here are some factors to consider before accepting a job offer as a 13-year-old:
- Parents must give permission before their child can work.
- Child labor laws in the US prohibit minors from working during school hours or before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m. during the school year.
- There may be restrictions on the number of hours a minor can work each day or each week.
It’s also important that 13-year-olds communicate with their parents about their job and earnings. This will help ensure that they are aware of any tax obligations and can teach them how to manage their finances responsibly. Some other important considerations may include:
- The importance of being punctual, responsible, and cautious.
- Understanding how to manage money and savings
- Being honest and ethical in dealing with employers and customers
By keeping these considerations in mind, 13-year-olds can develop good work habits and attitudes that can benefit them in the future.
Do Minors Have to Report Earnings?
Yes, minors have to report their earnings if they earned more than a certain amount. The specific amount varies by state and country. However, as a general guideline, in the United States, minors who earn more than $400 in a year from self-employment must report their income on their tax return.
Here are some additional points to keep in mind:
- If a minor is employed by someone else, their employer will report their earnings and deduct taxes accordingly.
- Minors who earn less than the required amount are not required to file a tax return but it’s always good practice to document your income.
- Parents or legal guardians may need to include their child’s income on their own tax return if the child is under 19 and earns more than a certain amount.
If you have specific questions about reporting a minor’s earnings, consult a tax professional and visit the IRS website for more information.
Conclusion
Earning money as a 13-year-old can be an exciting opportunity to gain independence, learn about the workforce, and develop important life skills. Whether it’s by doing odd jobs for neighbors or babysitting for families in the community, there are many options available to them. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that minors have certain restrictions and legal requirements when it comes to earning money.
Parents should always be involved in the process, guiding and teaching their children about important values such as responsibility, ethics, and financial management. By encouraging them to be hardworking, honest, and to develop good work habits, parents can help them to build a strong foundation for their future careers.
Overall, it’s important to remember that earning money at a young age can be a rewarding experience, but it’s also important to prioritize safety, education, and personal growth. With the right mindset and guidance, 13-year-olds can develop the skills and values that can help them succeed in life.
