what jobs can you get at 13

[Charlie]

If you're 13 and looking for a job, the good news is there are plenty of legal and safe options to earn your own money while building valuable skills. The key is to focus on self-employment, neighborhood services, and family-run businesses because most formal employment laws restrict hiring minors under 14 or 15. Here's a clear answer: you can get jobs like babysitting, pet walking, lawn mowing, tutoring younger kids, helping with farm or garden work, and delivering newspapers or flyers. Some grocery stores, ice cream shops, or family-owned restaurants might hire you for light tasks like bagging or cleaning, but you'll need a work permit in many states and strict hour limits apply.

I've been doing this since I was 12, and I've learned that reliability and a friendly attitude matter more than experience. Start by asking neighbors, relatives, and family friends if they need help with chores or errands. You can also create a simple flyer or use community boards (like Nextdoor or local Facebook groups) to advertise your services. Always check your local labor laws — for example, in the U.S., the Fair Labor Standards Act sets rules for 13-year-olds: you can't work during school hours, and maximum hours vary by season. Below is a quick comparison of common jobs for 13-year-olds, typical pay rates, and legal considerations:

Job Type	Typical Pay (per hour or task)	Legal Notes
Babysitting	$10–$20/hour	No formal restrictions; parent permission recommended
Pet walking / sitting	$10–$15 per walk	Safe, independent; limited liability
Lawn mowing / gardening	$15–$30 per yard	Own equipment; avoid heavy machinery
Tutoring (elementary subjects)	$10–$25/hour	Must be knowledgeable; no certification needed
Newspaper delivery	$0.10–$0.50 per paper	Often requires a bike; check age limits
Farm/ranch help	$10–$15/hour	Light tasks only; parental consent required

The most important thing is to communicate clearly with adults about your availability, rates, and boundaries. You'll also want to track your earnings for tax purposes if you make over $400 a year (though most 13-year-olds won't). Remember, this is your first step into the working world — so focus on gaining responsibility, punctuality, and people skills rather than just the money.

[MacDakota]

I’m a parent of two teens, and I’ve seen how starting early with simple jobs builds confidence and a sense of responsibility. For a 13-year-old, I’d recommend babysitting or pet sitting because they’re flexible, safe, and teach time management. I help my kids set up a shared calendar so they don’t overbook and neglect homework. Word-of-mouth from neighbors is the best way to find these gigs — just make sure you have a clear contract about hours and pay. Also, never work without a parent aware of the location and contact person. It’s all about learning the basics of work ethic without risking safety.

[Kendall]

As someone who spent years mentoring young teens, I’ve seen that the best jobs at 13 are those that teach you how to interact with adults and manage money. Lawn mowing and leaf raking are classics because they’re physical, straightforward, and you can set your own schedule. Another great option is helping elderly neighbors with small tasks like grocery shopping or cleaning — it builds empathy and communication skills. Don’t underestimate the value of a simple “help wanted” sign at a local farm or community garden. The real benefit isn’t the cash; it’s learning to be dependable and proud of your work.

[StAnna]

I own a small landscaping business, and I’ve hired a few 13-year-olds to help with weeding, raking, and watering plants during summer breaks. They’re usually eager and learn fast. I recommend asking local business owners directly if they have any light tasks — many will say yes if you seem responsible. **One tip: always show up on time and