Side hustle jobs for 13 year olds

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

What side hustles can 13 year olds legally start?

At 13, federal and state child labor laws generally prevent formal employment in many businesses, but several side hustles remain open and suitable. Babysitting younger siblings or neighbors, dog walking, lawn care, tutoring younger children, and selling homemade crafts or baked goods are all age-appropriate jobs that usually don’t require work permits. These activities are often considered informal and allow you to set your own schedule.

To get started, ask family members, neighbors, or family friends if they need help with any of these tasks. For example, say, “I’m looking to help with dog walking in the neighborhood after school.” Always talk with your parents or guardians first to ensure your safety and legal compliance, and check if your state requires any permits or paperwork for certain tasks. Starting by helping people you know builds your reputation and confidence.

How do you get started with babysitting or pet sitting?

Babysitting and pet sitting are popular and rewarding ways to earn money at 13. Begin by letting family and close neighbors know you’re available. You might say, “I can babysit your kids after school or watch your pets while you’re out.” Mention any experience you have, like watching your younger siblings, and be clear about the hours you are free.

Taking a babysitting safety course, such as one from the Red Cross or local community centers, can provide you with important skills in first aid and child care, and also reassure parents. For pet sitting, learn about feeding routines, exercise needs, and how to spot signs of pet distress, so you can care confidently. Start with shorter, easier jobs to build trust, and always discuss payment before you begin. Sample wording: “I charge $10 an hour for babysitting and $8 per visit for pet sitting. Does that work for you?”

How can you make money by dog walking or lawn care?

Dog walking and lawn care are in-demand because many busy adults want help with these chores. To begin, create a simple flyer or handwritten note that includes your name, age, the services you offer, your prices, and how to contact you. For example:

Distribute these flyers door-to-door in your neighborhood, post them in community centers, or ask local businesses if you can leave them on bulletin boards. When you get your first clients, set up a regular schedule to keep things organized. For instance, you could say, “I can walk your dog every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday after school.” Keep a notebook or app calendar to track appointments and payments.

If you notice your clients are happy and payments are on time, you can consider expanding your services to include other yard work like raking leaves or watering plants. Always communicate clearly about your rates and any changes.

What about selling crafts or baked goods?

Selling crafts or baked goods is a creative way to make money. Start by making small batches of items like friendship bracelets, painted rocks, or cookies, and share them with family and friends for feedback. Ask questions like, “Would you buy this if I sold it?” or “What do you think about this design?” to improve your products.

Once you have items you’re proud of, look for local events such as school fairs, community markets, or sports games where you could sell your creations with adult supervision. Before selling baked goods in public, check if your area requires any permits or health safety rules. Always use clean utensils and store your products safely.

Pricing is important: calculate your costs (ingredients, supplies) and add a reasonable profit. For example, if cookies cost $5 to make, consider selling them for $8 to $10. Keep track of which items sell best and focus on those to grow your side hustle.

How can tutoring younger kids be a successful side hustle?

If you’re strong in a subject like math, reading, or science, tutoring can be a great way to earn money and help others. Start by offering your help to younger siblings, cousins, or neighbors. You might say, “I’m available to help with math homework for kids in grades 1 to 5.”

Prepare simple lesson plans or review materials to make your sessions structured and productive. For example, create a list of common spelling words or math problems to practice. Schedule tutoring sessions at convenient times, such as after school or on weekends, and keep them to 30 or 60 minutes to match attention spans.

Ask parents for feedback and track the student’s progress with small quizzes or by reviewing homework assignments together. Happy parents and students are likely to recommend your services to others, helping your tutoring side hustle grow.

What are some simple and safe online side hustles for 13-year-olds?

While many online jobs require you to be at least 18 years old, there are safe ways for 13-year-olds to earn money online with adult supervision. For instance, you can create digital art or graphics to sell, write short stories or poems for blogs, or help local businesses by designing flyers or managing simple social media posts.

Begin by asking a trusted adult to help set up any accounts or payment methods. Never share personal information such as your home address or phone number on public sites. Use platforms that allow minors to participate with parental permission. Start with small projects, like creating a flyer for a local club or posting weekly updates for a community group.

Always communicate clearly with your clients about deadlines, payment terms, and the scope of work. Make sure you deliver what you promise to build a good online reputation.

Which side hustle should you start with and how?

To decide your first side hustle, consider what you enjoy and your schedule. For example:

• If you love kids, start with babysitting or tutoring.
• If you enjoy animals, try dog walking or pet sitting.
• If you like being outdoors, lawn care or garden clean-up may suit you.
• If you’re creative, explore crafts or baking.

Once you choose, begin by offering your services to people you already know. Use clear wording like, “I’m offering dog walking services in our neighborhood after school. I’m responsible and love animals.” Set a fair price by asking neighbors what they usually pay or researching local rates. Be open to feedback and adjust your schedule as needed to balance school and rest.

How do you know if your side hustle is working for you?

To evaluate your side hustle:

1. Track your earnings: Write down how much you make and how many hours you work.
2. Consider your enjoyment: Do you like the work, or does it feel like a chore?
3. Listen to client feedback: Are they happy? Do they ask for you again or recommend you?

If you find you’re not making enough money, or you don’t enjoy the work, you can try a different side hustle or improve how you promote yourself. For example, handing out more flyers or asking satisfied customers to spread the word can bring more clients.

What safety tips should 13 year olds follow when working?

Safety is a top priority. Always:

• Tell your parents or guardians where you’re going and who you’re meeting.
• Avoid going to unfamiliar places alone; bring a parent or friend if possible.
• Never share personal details like your home address or phone number without adult approval.
• For online work, use parental controls and only work on websites your parents trust.
• Have clear agreements with clients about your job duties and payment to prevent confusion.

Following these precautions helps ensure your side hustle is safe and enjoyable.

How can you manage your side hustle money wisely?

Managing your money well is as important as earning it. Keep a simple record like this example:

Ask a parent or guardian to help you open a savings account to keep your money safe. Set goals, like saving for a new gadget or a special event. You can also divide your earnings into three parts: save, spend, and share (for charity or gifts). This good habit helps you learn budgeting and planning.

Frequently asked questions

Can 13-year-olds work in retail or food service jobs?

Most retail and food service jobs require workers to be at least 14 due to labor laws. At 13, focus on side hustles like babysitting, dog walking, or lawn care that you can do informally and safely.

How do I find clients for my side hustle?

Start by telling family, friends, and neighbors about your services. Use flyers, community bulletin boards, or social media with parental permission. Doing good work often leads to referrals, which help you find more clients.

Do I have to pay taxes on the money I earn?

You should keep records of your earnings. Usually, small amounts earned by 13-year-olds aren’t taxed, but it’s smart to ask a parent about tax rules and keep track of your income.

How do I set fair prices for my services?

Research what others charge locally for similar services. Start with reasonable rates based on how much time and effort tasks take. Always explain your prices clearly before starting the job.

Can I do more than one side hustle at once?

Yes, you can, but make sure you manage your time well so schoolwork and rest aren’t affected. Prioritize the side hustles you enjoy most and that pay best.