What jobs hire at 13? It’s a question many 13-year-olds ask as they seek to earn money, gain skills, and explore first jobs for teens. Parents, too, want to guide their kids toward safe, rewarding opportunities that fit within legal boundaries. While federal and state laws limit formal teen employment, there’s a wealth of informal jobs, online gigs, and a few formal roles perfect for young teens.
Legal Considerations for 13-Year-Olds
Understanding what jobs hire at 13 begins with the legal framework. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) generally prohibits 13-year-olds from non-agricultural jobs covered by the law, but exceptions exist for roles like newspaper delivery, acting, or casual babysitting jobs. Family-owned businesses can employ 13-year-olds in non-hazardous tasks, such as filing or customer service, though state laws may impose limits on hours or require parental consent. For example, some states restrict work to non-school hours, while others mandate work permits.
State laws vary widely, so checking local regulations is essential. The U.S. Department of Labor’s state child labor page provides detailed guidance. In states like California, rules are stricter, but others offer flexibility for family businesses. Informal jobs, like pet sitting jobs or yard work, are typically unregulated, making them ideal for earning money at 13 without legal hurdles. Parents should verify local laws to ensure compliance and safety for teen employment.
Job Opportunities for 13-Year-Olds
The job market for 13-year-olds in 2025 is vibrant, with informal and online jobs offering ample opportunities for part-time jobs for minors. Below are 25 job ideas, categorized into informal, online, and formal roles. These jobs are accessible, skill-building, and tailored to teens’ abilities.
Informal Jobs
Informal jobs are the cornerstone of jobs for teens, offering flexibility and minimal legal oversight. Here are 15 ways to make money as a 13-year-old:
Online Jobs
Online jobs for teens are booming, especially for those interested in teen entrepreneurship. Here are eight ideas for earning money at 13 online:
| Job Title | Description | Requirements/Skills | Potential Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Content Creation | Create YouTube videos, TikTok content, or blogs on hobbies like gaming or crafts. | Basic tech skills; parental guidance for monetization. | Varies (ads, sponsors) |
| Freelance Services | Offer graphic design, writing, or voiceovers on Fiverr with parental oversight. | Specific skills; parental account management. | $5–$50/gig |
| Online Tutoring | Teach subjects like math or language on kid-friendly platforms. | Subject expertise; communication skills. | $10–$20/session |
| Virtual Assistant | Perform tasks like organizing files or scheduling for small businesses. | Basic tech skills; parental supervision. | $5–$15/hour |
| Social Media Management | Manage social media for local businesses or influencers. | Social media knowledge; parental approval. | $10–$20/task |
| Writing Reviews/Articles | Write reviews or articles for kids’ websites or blogs. | Writing skills; parental oversight. | $5–$20/piece |
| Craft Selling on Social Media | Sell crafts via Instagram or TikTok shops. | Creativity; parental account management. | Varies by sales |
| Starting a Mini-Cookbook | Create and sell digital cookbooks with kid-friendly recipes. | Cooking knowledge; basic design skills. | $5–$20/sale |
Formal Jobs (Limited)
Formal jobs hiring at 13 are rare due to legal restrictions, but a few options exist for first jobs for teens:
| Job Title | Description | Requirements/Skills | Potential Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newspaper Delivery | Deliver newspapers in local areas, if available. | Reliability; early morning availability. | $5–$15/route |
| Family Business Work | Perform non-hazardous tasks like filing in a parent-owned business. | Compliance with state laws; basic skills. | Varies by role |
Finding Jobs
Figuring out how to make money as a 13-year-old requires proactive strategies. Here’s how to find part-time jobs for minors:
- Networking: Ask family, friends, or neighbors for babysitting jobs, pet sitting jobs, or yard work. Personal connections are key to trusted gigs. Learn more about building connections to succeed.
- Flyers and Posters: Create flyers advertising services like dog walking or tutoring and post them in community centers, libraries, or local shops.
- Online Platforms: With parental supervision, explore Fiverr for freelance gigs or Etsy for selling crafts. Learn how to find remote work for tips on online jobs for teens.
- Community Programs: Summer jobs for 13-year-olds, like assisting at camps, community centers, or festivals, are often advertised on local bulletin boards or through youth organizations.
- Word of Mouth: Tell teachers, coaches, or family friends you’re seeking work. They might connect you with tutoring or event assistance opportunities.
- Volunteering as a Stepping Stone: Volunteering at local events or charities can lead to paid roles and build your reputation in the community.
Persistence is key. Even if you dealing with rejections, keep exploring—every “no” is a step closer to a “yes.”
Benefits of Working Young
Starting teen employment at 13 offers more than just cash. Here are the key benefits of first jobs for teens:
- Responsibility: Fulfilling job duties builds a strong work ethic, preparing teens for future challenges.
- Financial Literacy: Managing earnings teaches budgeting and saving.
- Time Management: Balancing work, school, and hobbies sharpens organizational skills, essential for academic and career success.
- Confidence and Independence: Earning money at 13 fosters self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.
- Career Exploration: Trying different jobs helps teens discover interests, potentially igniting a passion for teen entrepreneurship in fields like creative arts or tech.
- Social Skills: Interacting with clients or peers hones communication and teamwork, valuable for future job searches.
To sustain these skills, teens can use tools like the Career Maintenance Checklist to stay on track as their careers grow.
Safety Considerations
Safety is critical when exploring what jobs hire at 13. Here are tailored tips for teen employment:
- Babysitting Jobs: Enroll in a Red Cross babysitting course to learn first aid and emergency protocols. Keep emergency contacts handy and avoid sharing personal details.
- Online Jobs for Teens: Protect personal information by using secure platforms. Parents should review agreements and ensure no sensitive details are shared.
- Physical Jobs: Use proper equipment (e.g., gloves for gardening, sturdy shoes for shoveling) and avoid overexertion. Stick to familiar, safe neighborhoods.
- General Safety: Share job details (location, client, duration) with parents before starting. Meet clients in public or supervised settings, and trust your instincts if something feels off.
- Parental Oversight: Parents should verify clients’ trustworthiness, especially for jobs involving strangers, and monitor online activities to ensure safety.
Safety training boosts confidence and professionalism, making jobs like pet-sitting jobs or babysitting more secure.
Time Management
At 13, school is the top priority, so time management is crucial for balancing part-time jobs for minors. Informal jobs offer flexibility, allowing teens to work around classes and extracurriculars. Creating a simple schedule—allocating specific hours for work, homework, and relaxation—helps maintain balance. For example, a teen might reserve Saturday mornings for pet-sitting jobs and weekday evenings for online tutoring.
Understanding work schedules prepares teens for future responsibilities. While 13-year-olds don’t typically work full weeks, learning about work weeks can aid planning.
Current Job Market
In 2025, the job market for 13-year-olds is dominated by informal and online jobs due to legal restrictions, but opportunities are thriving. Pet sitting jobs and dog walking are in high demand, driven by widespread pet ownership, which has fueled teen entrepreneurship through craft sales and digital products. Online jobs for teens, like content creation on YouTube or TikTok, offer monetization potential for creative teens.
Summer jobs for 13-year-olds, such as assisting at camps, community centers, or local festivals, are popular for earning money at 13 and gaining experience. Formal jobs remain scarce, with family businesses as the primary avenue for structured teen employment. The gig economy’s growth has made platforms accessible for teens with skills in design, writing, or tech, though parental oversight is essential. The market favors flexible, low-commitment roles, aligning well with teens’ schedules and legal constraints.
Engaging Teens and Parents
To make teen employment rewarding, teens should choose jobs that match their interests. Animal lovers might thrive in pet-sitting jobs, while creative types could excel in crafting or content creation. Parents can support by:
- Researching Legalities: Verify state laws to ensure compliance for jobs hiring at 13.
- Ensuring Safety: Review clients, platforms, and job environments to protect teens.
- Encouraging Balance: Help teens manage time to avoid burnout and keep the work-life balance in shape.
- Fostering Skills: Encourage teens to take courses (e.g., Red Cross babysitting) or learn basic business skills for teen entrepreneurship.
Success stories inspire action. For example, a 13-year-old in Texas started a dog-walking business, earning $500 monthly by networking with neighbors. Another teen sold handmade bracelets on Etsy, building a small brand with parental help. These examples show how to make money as a 13-year-old with creativity and effort.
Parents should discuss financial goals with teens, whether saving for a gadget or learning to budget. This builds financial literacy early, a skill that pays dividends later. Engaging both teens and parents ensures a positive experience in first jobs for teens.
Final Thoughts on What Jobs Hire at 13
Exploring what jobs hire at 13 reveals a world of opportunities for teens eager to start their work journey. Informal roles like babysitting jobs, pet sitting jobs, and yard work, alongside online jobs for teens like content creation and freelancing, offer flexibility and skill-building. Formal jobs, such as newspaper delivery or family business work, are limited but viable in specific cases.
By understanding legal constraints, prioritizing safety, and using strategies like networking and online platforms, teens can dive into teen employment with confidence. Parents play a vital role in guiding teens, ensuring safety, and fostering balance. Whether it’s a summer job or a weekend gig, earning money at 13 builds responsibility, independence, and a bright future. So, grab a rake, start a TikTok, or help a neighbor—your first job awaits!
Hlib is the owner and the chief editor of Made for Lives. He’s passionate about personal growth and development. So, Made for Lives has become his place his of own inspiration.