Chores for money ideas for teens

Teens 13–17 · Tips · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What are good chores for teens to earn money at home?

At home, start with chores that match your abilities and help your family. These might include cleaning your room, washing dishes, vacuuming, doing laundry, or taking out the trash. Pet care, such as feeding, walking, or grooming dogs or cats, is another helpful chore that can earn you money. To begin, ask your parents or guardians which chores they’d be willing to pay for and explain why you want to earn money. You might say, “I want to help more around the house and save money for something important to me. Could we agree on a fair payment for this?” Make a list of chores and ask if payment can be tied to completing them well.

Track how long each chore takes and how much you earn. If washing dishes takes 30 minutes and you get $5, that’s about $10/hour. If it feels fair, keep at it. If a chore is too time-consuming for the money, discuss adjusting the payment or switching chores. Offer to take on extra tasks during busy times, like helping with garden work or organizing family areas.

For more ideas tailored to your age, check out chore suggestions for middle and high school teens [,].

How can teens find chores for money outside the home?

Neighborhood chores are a great way to earn extra money and gain independence. Look for seasonal jobs like raking leaves in fall, shoveling snow in winter, or watering plants during summer. Offer to wash neighbors’ cars, clean garages, or help with moving heavy items. Babysitting younger kids or pets can also pay well but may require you to take a safety or CPR class first.

To get started:

1. Identify chores you can do confidently and safely.
2. Make a simple flyer or post on community boards/social media, stating what you offer and contact info. For example: “Hi, I’m [Name], and I offer yard work, pet care, and car washing services. Call or text [number] for affordable help!”
3. Ask family friends or neighbors if they need help and would pay for it.
4. Agree on payment before starting the job. For example, “Would $15 for mowing your lawn sound fair?”
5. Keep a notebook or app to track your jobs, hours, and pay.

If a neighbor asks for a chore you’re unsure about, politely say, “I’m still learning how to do that. Can I help with something else?” Being honest builds trust. For more ideas on outside chores, see tips for students making money [].

What chores for money are free or low-cost for teens to start?

Many chores require no tools or money upfront, making them ideal for teens without spending money first. Cleaning rooms, organizing closets, pet sitting, and dog walking usually need only your time and effort. If you want to mow lawns but don’t have a mower, ask family or neighbors if you can borrow one or suggest other yard work like raking or planting flowers. Babysitting can also be low-cost; free online safety courses are available through community centers or the Red Cross.

When you start:

• Pick chores you can do with supplies you already have.
• Offer to help family or neighbors with these chores. For example, say, “I’d like to help by walking your dog a few times a week. Would you pay me for that?”
• Keep track of how long chores take and how much you earn to see what’s best.

This no-cost approach helps you start earning quickly without investment. For more free chore ideas at home, see chores teens can do without extra expenses [].

How can teens ask their parents or guardians to pay for chores?

Asking for payment can feel awkward but being clear and respectful helps. Here’s a way to start the conversation: “Mom/Dad, I want to take on more responsibility and save some money. Can we agree on payment for chores I do well, like cleaning or pet care?”

Suggest specific chores and fair payments, for example:

• “I can do laundry and vacuum the living room for $10 each time.”
• “How about $5 for washing dishes after dinner?”

Agree on how often you’ll be paid — after each chore or weekly. Write down chores and payments in a notebook or app to avoid confusion. If a chore takes longer than expected, ask, “Would it be okay to adjust the payment for this bigger task?”

Parents often appreciate honesty and responsibility. Follow through on chores to build trust and keep earning. For more on discussing chores and money with family, see advice on chores for teens [].

What chores for money can high school students do to earn more?

As a high schooler, you can take on chores that require more skill and pay better. Examples include:

• Painting rooms or fences
• Helping with home repairs or assembling furniture
• Tutoring younger students in subjects you’re good at
• Running errands, like grocery shopping or picking up dry cleaning
• Seasonal decorating for holidays or garden planting

To start, make a list of chores you feel confident doing and ask family or neighbors if they need help. For example: “I can paint your fence this weekend for $50.” “I’d like to tutor your younger kids in math for $15 an hour.”

Agree on payment and schedule before starting. Track your earnings and how often you get work. If a chore pays well and you enjoy it, offer to do it regularly. These chores build skills and savings for college or other goals. See chores examples for 15-year-olds and older teens [].

How do teens know if their chores-for-money plan is working?

Track your chores and earnings to see if your plan is effective. Here’s a simple way:

1. Write down each chore done, date, time spent, and money earned.
2. Calculate your hourly rate for each chore (Money earned ÷ Hours worked).
3. Review which chores pay best and how much time they take.
4. Ask those who pay you for feedback on your work.
5. If a chore takes too long for the money or is stressful, try swapping or negotiating payment.
6. Set savings goals and track progress to stay motivated.

If you find chores aren’t paying enough or you’re too busy, adjust your schedule or ask for fewer tasks. Keeping records shows responsibility and helps you plan better. For more money management tips for teens, see guides on managing earnings [].

What chores help teens develop skills for future jobs?

Chores that teach responsibility, communication, and problem-solving build skills for future jobs. For example:

• Budgeting grocery shopping teaches money management.
• Planning family events or helping with scheduling improves organization.
• Babysitting builds trust and communication skills.
• Lawn care and home repairs teach physical skills and attention to detail.
• Tutoring or mentoring younger kids develops leadership and teaching skills.

To benefit:

• Choose chores that challenge you to learn new skills.
• Ask to take on extra tasks with clear goals, like managing a small project.
• Reflect on what you learn and write it down for job or college applications.

These chores prepare you for work and life beyond school. For more on chores that build life skills, see ideas for young adults [].

How can teens balance chores for money with school and activities?

Balancing chores with schoolwork and activities is key to success. Try this approach:

• Create a weekly schedule including school, extracurriculars, and chores.
• Prioritize important chores early in the week to avoid last-minute stress.
• Choose chores that fit your available time, like 20-minute tasks after school.
• Communicate with family about your schedule and payment expectations.
• Use planners or apps to track deadlines and chores.
• If chores interfere with school, ask for fewer tasks temporarily or swap chores.

This way, you maintain good grades, enjoy activities, and still earn money. For tips on managing time and earnings as a student, see side hustle lesson plans for teens [].

How can teens keep themselves safe when doing chores for money?

Safety should always come first when doing chores for money. Follow these tips:

• Tell a trusted adult where you will be and who you’ll be with.
• Avoid chores that involve dangerous tools or chemicals unless supervised.
• Babysitters should have emergency contacts and know basic first aid.
• When working for neighbors, keep your phone with you and avoid going inside alone.
• Set clear boundaries about what chores you will and won’t do.
• Trust your instincts—if a situation feels unsafe, leave and tell an adult.

If you ever feel in danger or overwhelmed, contact a trusted adult or call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988). For more on safety and avoiding scams, see guidance on teen scams and fraud [].

Frequently asked questions

How much money should I ask for when doing chores?

Think about how long the chore takes and how hard it is. For example, if washing dishes takes 30 minutes, asking for $5-$7 is reasonable. Always talk with your family or clients beforehand to agree on payment and be open to adjusting it if the chore is bigger or smaller than expected.

Can I make money doing chores if my family doesn’t pay?

Yes, find chores outside your home like yard work, pet care, or babysitting for neighbors or family friends. Start small, build trust, and ask people if they’d pay for your help. Advertising your services politely helps you find paying jobs.

How do I keep track of my chores and earnings?

Use a notebook, spreadsheet, or an app to write down each chore, date, time spent, and money earned. This helps you see which chores pay best, manage your savings, and show responsibility when asking for payment.

What if I don’t like doing a chore anymore?

Talk with your parents or whoever pays you and suggest swapping chores or doing that chore less often. Trying different chores can keep you motivated and make earning money more enjoyable.

Are there chores that teach skills beyond earning money?

Yes, chores like budgeting grocery shopping, tutoring, or helping with organizing teach important skills useful for jobs and life. Taking responsibility for these tasks helps build communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

How can I avoid scams when looking for chores or jobs?

Work only for people you or your family know or can trust. Never pay upfront or share personal info like your Social Security number. If a job sounds suspicious, tell a trusted adult or check resources on scams targeting teens.