How to Make Money as a 13 Year Old (43 Legit Ways that Actually Pay High) {2021}

A Detailed Guide on How to Make Money at 13 + All the Best Jobs for 13 Year Olds

Are you a 13 year old trying to figure out how you can make your own money? Perhaps you’re the parent of a teen looking for ways for a 13 year old to make money.

Listen, I get it. I’ve been looking for ways to earn extra money from the moment I could walk. But there aren’t very many places willing to hire kids and teens, are there?

No doubt about it, there are a limited number of ways for a 13 year old to make money. But this doesn’t mean that there aren’t options. In fact, I’ve got quite a list of ideas for how to make money as a 13 year old!

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If you’re a 13 year old looking for ways to earn your own money, hats off to you! That go-getter attitude of yours will definitely get you far.

As you grow into an adult, you’ll notice that finding creative ways to make extra money will help you achieve all your financial goals – from staying debt free to affording all of life’s luxuries!

It’s important, however, to remember the value of budgeting and having a plan for your money, no matter how little it is. When you receive your wages, take the time to allocate some for spending and some for saving.

According to a report on The Motley Fool, over 40% of teenagers follow a budget. This can definitely set the stage for healthy financial habits from a young age!

Combine making extra money with a good budget plan and you are truly off to a good start! Now let’s dive right in to how to make money at 13!

How to Make Money as a 13 Year Old

The internet has made it super easy for teenagers to start making their own money. Aside from the typical babysitting or lawn mowing jobs, your 13 year old can now earn money without ever leaving the comfort of your home!

There are legit online sites that will pay your teenager to complete surveys and play games. If your teen is creative, crafting to sell may be another great option.

If you prefer to stick to the traditional babysitting and pet sitting gigs, don’t worry, I’ve put together a list of those too!

For easy browsing, I’ve separated the lists into online jobs for 13 year olds and offline real-world jobs for 13 year olds. Whatever your preference, there’s an option that will work perfectly for you and your needs!

How to Make Money as a 13 Year Old (Online)

1. Complete Surveys

As a 13 year old, you probably spend a good portion of your day scrolling on your phone, right? Why not get paid for that scrolling habit by using your “screen time” to complete surveys online?

In addition to completing surveys, sites like Swagbucks will pay you for doing your usual everyday activities like searching the web, watching videos and even playing games! 

That sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me! You can choose to cash out your points are gift cards or as cash via PayPal. In fact, Swagbucks boasts that most of their users can earn anywhere from $50 – $200 per month! 

If this sounds like something that’s up your alley, be sure to grab this $10 sign up bonus when you get started!

2. Watch Videos

How does getting paid to watch videos sound? Too good to be true? Well it isn’t! This is such a fun and legit way for a 13 year old to make money – right from the comfort of your home!

Just like Swagbucks above, many sites offer the option to watch videos for money. It’s part of the legit list of tasks you can do to get paid! 

If you want to give these a try, you can sign up to get started with Survey Junkie.

And here’s a tip for ya… Combine your video sessions with other tasks like completing surveys, searching the web and referring friends. This will increase your earnings and help you cash out faster! And to give you a head start, grab this $10 sign up bonus when you get started with Survey Junkie!

3. Play Games 

Did you know you can make money playing games? 

Why yes, it’s quite true! And in my opinion, this is one of the easiest ways for a 13 year old to make money! 

It can be as simple as using legit apps and sites to get paid to play games or as elaborate as earning an income for your hardcore gaming habit via Steam. 

4. Become a Vlogger

These days everyone wants to start a YouTube channel – including my kids (lol)! Maybe if I had given in to their requests years ago, they may have been millionaires by now! Darn it.

The point is, if you want to pursue your dream of becoming a YouTuber, the time to start your channel is yesterday. You may still need Mom or Dad to manage certain aspects especially when it comes to monetizing and sponsorships, but I’m pretty sure that Mom will pass that money down to you, or straight into your bank account. After all, you will be the one doing all the hard work!

If you’re trying to crack the code on how to make money as a 13 year old, this one has got to be a great option! Isn’t it?

5. Start a Money Making Blog

If you’re more of an introvert (like me!) and you don’t want your face plastered all over social media, starting a blog may be a better option for you.

Like a YouTube channel, your parents may need to manage monetization such as ads and affiliates. If you’re a great writer and you work hard, you can potentially earn a six figure income! What a perfect job for a 13 year old!

Check out my step by step guide on how to start a money making blog!

6. Make Crafts to Sell

These days, hand-made items can sell for big bucks! If you’ve got the skills, don’t let it go to waste. When I was younger, I actually made personalized embroidered pillows to sell. I used a Facebook page to market my products and my profits funded some epic shopping trips to the mall!

Hot sellers include items like personalized tumblers, resin crafts and even jewelry. As your business expands, you can look into purchasing a Cricut to offer more products. If you’re not sure how to get started with crafting, YouTube offers some of the most detailed tutorials, or you can check for free Udemy courses.

As you get better, you’ll see by how much and how quickly your clientele will grow! You can choose to conduct your business via social media, or you can open an Etsy store. Just let Mom handle any financial paperwork/requirements that is necessary. 

If you’re in need of some inspo, check out these 47 hot craft ideas to sell for extra money. 

7. Create Printables to Sell

On the same note of using your creativity to make money, how about creating printables to sell? Creating printables is quite similar to crafting – without the headache and hassle of having to figure out shipping details.

That’s right, printables are digital files that will be delivered instantly. CLICK, CLICK, DONE!

Another advantage is that you’ll do the work once and can get paid forever. Once you create your digital printable, and launch it to be sold, hundreds (or thousands) of people can buy that same digital file! The more of it you sell, the more money you’ll make. 

You can use your time to make more and more printables for your business. There are various platforms that can be used to set up your Printables Shop, but Etsy is probably one of the easiest, user-friendly avenues to choose!

8. Sell your Used Books

Do you have old textbooks or novels in storage or lying around your house? Ask Mom if you can sell these to make some extra money! 

People are always looking for good deals and cheaper prices on used items. And you can use this to your advantage! A perfect place to advertise would be Facebook Marketplace.

Just remember to practice safety smarts like never divulging personal information. Get your parents’ help if you need to meet to deliver the items, or use a local courier service for a small fee.

9. Tutor Online

Are you good at Math? Science? You may find that you can put this to good use by becoming a tutor! You are never too young to teach someone!

It may be a little cousin, a younger sibling, or even a little kid in your neighborhood. Strike up a deal and offer your services for a small fee. Plus teaching online makes it safe for all parties involved!

10. Sell used Clothes

Remember how we spoke about selling used books? Well why not apply this same idea to clothes and shoes? Help Mom declutter and ask her if you can advertise some of your used clothes for sale!

Maybe even ask Mom to help you set up a Poshmark store. This is one of the easiest ways for a 13 year old to make money!

11. Become an Online Retailer

Once you get the hang of selling used stuff, you can graduate to selling new goods and products! Simply decide on your niche and get some quotes from wholesalers.

Mom or Dad may need to help you conduct your transactions, but you’ll be doing all the work such as listing the merchandise, advertising, tracking stock and shipping out.

This is a great idea for almost all 13 year olds. Just stick to what you know and enjoy. Like playing video games? Then dabble in acquiring games and gaming equipment for sale! Are you into fashion and beauty? You should consider selling clothes, jewelry or makeup!

12. Set up a Drop shipping Business

Still wondering how to make money as a 13 year old? Well this option may be perfect for you! Technically, a drop shipping business is quite similar to becoming an online retailer – just better! 

When you’re a retailer selling merchandize online, it may be difficult to know exactly how many of each item you want to keep in stock. You definitely don’t want to spend a whole lot of money upfront to stock products, with the risk of it never selling – especially as a 13 year old!

As a 13 year old, it’s also understandable that you may not have funds upfront to invest in obtaining stock for an online business. This is why drop shipping is such a perfect option!

Drop shipping allows you to provide products to a customer without ever needing to stock it yourself! You advertise a product (using photos from the manufacturer), the customer places their order, you inform the manufacturer, and the manufacturer is responsible for shipping this item directly to the customer. How simple is that?!

Your customer never even knows there’s a middle man! All they know is that they are purchasing a product from you – they pay you, they receive item. 

There’s a drop shipping company for almost any type of product(s) that you wish to sell! Get more information from this drop shipping guide. Again, your parents may need to help with any financial paperwork.

13. Flip Items to Sell

This is yet another option for all the creative 13 year olds looking to make some extra cash! You can take almost anything that is old, used or even broken, and breathe new life into it! 

Flipping items for profit is such a lucrative business that many adults actually make a living doing this. And if you don’t believe me, just one episode of HGTV’s Flea Market Flip will show you how $30 items can be flipped to be sold for $400+! 

So if you love styling and designing, give flipping a try! Flipping clothes, jewelry and even small furniture pieces may be one of the most interesting ways for a 13 year old to make money!

14. Rent your Stuff

If you love your stuff and don’t quite want to lose it forever, you may want to consider renting it out for some extra cash! If it’s sitting in the garage, or in storage unused, you’re leaving money on the table!

There are so many things people are willing to rent these days – bicycles, photography equipment, hiking gear, video games. Sit for fifteen minutes and think about all the things you own that can be rented out. Now come up with a good rental plan, and watch that money start rolling in!

15. Become an Instagram Influencer

If you already have the OK from your parents to be on social media, why not use it to make money? If you post regularly and build and grow your audience, companies will be begging to collab with you to get their brand out there!

You have the audience and they’re willing to pay to get in front of it. As with all other options, Mom or Dad may need to step in for any financial transactions. 

16. Search the Web

Get paid to search the web? SAY WHAT?!

Yes, you can get paid to do something you usually do every day! Companies are very interested in learning the real-life behaviors of people and they’re willing to pay to find out. They do this through companies like Survey Junkie.

Companies need this insight so that they can make changes and improvements to their current products, as well as launch new products that people want. Getting paid to search the web won’t get you rich, but combined with some of the other tasks on the site, a few extra hundred dollars a month can do a lot!

If you’re wondering how to make money at 13, this is it! Don’t forget to get a head start with a $10 Survey Junkie sign up bonus!

17. Become a Freelancer

A freelancer is a person who offers his or her service for money. A freelancer is basically self-employed and gets paid for his or her skill.

For example, if you’re a good writer, you can offer your services online and get paid to write. If you’re a good graphic artist, someone may hire you to design a logo. Think about what skill you possess and decide if you’d like to get paid for it.

You can advertise your skills on social media or get started on a site like Fiverr. Ensure that you have samples of your work ready to showcase your talent. And remember that all work needs to be original!

Also, by now, you’re well aware that Mom may need to help with any financial transactions!

18. Bake to Sell

Are you good at baking cakes, cookies and other yummy treats? Most people are willing to pay big money for these items. Add the fact that you’re an ambitious 13 year old trying to start a successful business, and people will be flooding your DMs to place their orders!

19. Sell Plants

Got a green thumb? Love plants and gardening? You can use seeds and cuttings to sow and grow plants for sale. Because this costs little to no money to get started, you can actually sell at competitive prices.

This can be done right from home so your overhead costs will be very minimal. Set up a social media profile, offer sweet deals and wholesale packages, and watch your business take off beyond your wildest dreams!

20. Review Music

Reviewing music online is yet another legit job for 13 year olds looking to make some extra money. Believe it or not, your opinion and taste in music can influence companies and artists!

21. Be a Voiceover Artist

 If you’re wondering how to make money as a 13 year old, definitely consider voice acting! This option is especially awesome for teens who have a great voice and also have the ability to express emotions using their voice.

22. Be a Transcriptionist

You can actually get paid to type! You may be a bit too young to be hired on by transcription companies but there’s no reason why you can’t set up your own little business and offer your services at competitive rates.

23. Test Websites

You spend a good portion of your day online, right? Why not put some of this time to good use by reviewing and testing websites? There are many sites and apps that are willing to pay you for this service!

24. Review Recorded Calls

Reviewing recorded telephone calls is yet another easy way for a 13 year old to make money! All you’ll have to do is listen in on recorded phone calls and provide feedback on the company’s CSR.

Was the CSR helpful? How was his tone? Did he help the customer solve the problem? Provide your feedback and get paid for it!

How to Make Money as a 13 Year Old (Offline Real World Jobs)

25. Start Babysitting

Babysitting is pretty much the go-to way for teenagers to make money. Honestly, 13 years might be a bit too young to be left alone with really young kids so you can probably start off by asking Mom or an aunt to let you watch younger siblings or cousins for short periods of time. 

26. Walk Dogs

Dog walking for your neighbors is a legit way for a 13 year old to make money! You can also use an app like Rover to widen your clientele!

27. Housesit for Friends and Family

When friends, relatives or neighbors have to go on vacation, this is the perfect opportunity for you to step in to offer your housesitting services!

Sometimes all you need to do is make a quick stop, water the plants and check that everything is okay. It’s such an easy way for a 13 year old to make money!

28. Pet Sit

Similarly, you can offer pet sitting services for friends and relatives when they need to be away. The Rover app may also come in handy here! I mean, getting paid to play with dogs? YES PLEASE!

29. Mow Lawns & Do other Yardwork

There’s no reason why a hardworking and ambitious 13 year old cannot offer lawn mowing and landscaping services to the neighbors. At the end of each month, use your weekend to mow some lawns and rake in (pun totally intended!) some extra cash!

30. Wash Cars

If you want to make some extra cash, car washing and detailing is a pretty good option! You can even offer different services for different prices.

Use social media to get the word out there, and you’ll see how many people are willing to support a 13 year old entrepreneur with a go-getter attitude!

31. Paint

There’s almost always someone in the neighborhood who needs some painting done, either inside or outside the house. Make yourself available and you can have some extra cash in your pockets!

32. Power Wash

Borrow your parents’ power washer and offer your power washing services to relatives and neighbors. Let’s face it, adults are busy. This means they are willing to pay for tasks like these!

33. Shovel Snow

Much like power washing, shoveling snow is often a job that adults try to avoid. If they can pay someone to take this off their hands, they will. Take advantage of this!

34. Rake Leaves

When it’s not winter, and no one needs snow shoveled, you can be certain that they will need their leaves raked up. Offer this service for a small fee and you’ll have people begging you to take the job off their hands!

35. Bathe Dogs

Bathing dogs is yet another option on our list of jobs for 13 year olds that can be done for some extra cash!

36. Deliver Newspapers

Find out if your neighborhood has a paper route and sign up to do delivery. Many teens have started making money by doing this task!

37. Become a Youth Referee

Some sports allow for youths to be able to referee games. If you’re already on a sports team, or you’re part of a particular club, see if you can sign up to do this for some extra cash! 

38. Become a Golf Caddy

Similarly, if you’re a golf fan, you can actually become a golf caddy. Simply go to your local golf course and apply!

39. Have a Garage Sale

If you don’t want to sell your used stuff online, why not set up a garage sale instead? In this way, people can see first hand what they’d like to buy. Often, they purchase several things at once, increasing your sales and making you more money!

40. Get paid to do chores

Strike up a deal with Mom and Dad and get them to pay you for extra chores. Does Mom need the basement cleaned? Does Dad need help with handiwork around the house? Offer to do it for a small sum!

41. Ask for a job at your family’s business

Does any family member own a business? They may be able to hire you on and pay you to work for them! Most companies cannot hire 13 year olds but a family business may be able to do so. This is a great way for you to make some extra cash!

42. Get paid to dress up for parties

Moms are always looking for dressed up characters for their little kids’ parties. Whether it be a clown, Minnie Mouse, or Elsa, these dress up gigs are a pretty easy way for 13 year olds to make money!

The best part is that once you’re dressed and in costume, no one will even know it’s you under there! 

43. Set up a Refreshment Stand

You’ll need to sell more than just lemonade to be able to make a decent profit. But a refreshment stand with a variety of drink options and even simple sandwiches may be a big hit!

If you don’t want to set up an actual stand, you can always advertise online, take orders and ask Mom to help you do deliveries!

Whatever option you have chosen to make some extra cash, always remember to be safe, never divulge personal information, be wary of strangers and always ask permission from your parents! 

Remember to never compromise your safety for some extra cash!

Additional FAQs on How to Make Money at 13

– What jobs can hire at 13?

No company can hire a 13 year old due to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) which limits the minimum age for employment as 14 in most states. 

However, there are still some jobs that youths of any age (including 13 year olds) can do! These include delivering newspapers, performing in TV, radio and theatrical productions, working in parent-owned businesses, babysitting and performing minor jobs around private homes.

Feel free to check out the U.S. Department of Labor Website or your local state Department of Labor for more information.

– Can you hire a 13 year old?

You can only hire a 13 year old if the job includes delivering newspapers, performing in TV, radio and theatrical productions, working in parent-owned businesses, babysitting and performing minor jobs around private homes. 

– How much money can a 13 year old make?

It depends. How much money you make will depend on what “jobs” you do and how much you work. Some jobs will pay per hour, and so the longer you work, the more money you’ll make.

On the other hand, businesses like baking, planting and online retailing can make much more with a great effort.

A 13 year old can make anywhere from $10 to thousands of dollars depending on their attitude and dedication!

Related Posts on How to Make Money as a 13 Year Old

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23+ Games that Pay Instantly to PayPal

Final Thoughts on How to Make Money at 13

Now that you know all of the best jobs for 13 year olds, choose one (or two!) that suits your schedule and preferences. Before you know it, you’ll see your bank account growing, and you would have your very own stash of cash for new games, new shoes, or that new outfit that you’ve been eyeing in the mall!

Remember to budget and save too!

Do you know of any other ways for a 13 year old to make money? Share with us in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!

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How to Make Money as a 13 Year Old