Summer Jobs for Young Teens

By

Madison DuPaix

Updated on 11/20/19

In most states, the legal age to begin working is 14, but a 13-year-old can still perform many part-time jobs, from taking care of younger kids to tending gardens.

No set pay scale exists for most of these jobs, but a little research can help you figure out what the going rate is in your community. While there is no limit to how much a 13-year-old can earn, many states set a restriction on the number of continuous hours a child this age can work.

01

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Babysitter

Babysitting is a year-round job that can be even more lucrative for kids during the summer months: They have more availability, being out of school, and there's often more opportunity, as regular sitters go on vacation or take summer jobs.

The Red Cross is one of several organizations that offers babysitting classes to prepare 11- to 15-year-olds, training them in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid.

Babysitters can also connect with people in their area by registering with Care.com.

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Lawn Mower

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During the summer months, a 13-year-old who knows how to handle a lawnmower can make a steady income taking care of yards around the neighborhood.

Doing extra yard work like raking clippings and pulling weeds can add value to your child's lawn-care services. Other tasks may include raking leaves, spreading mulch, or planting flowers.

Be sure to determine if your child will use your mower or the homeowner's mower.

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Dog Walker

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Dogs need to get out for exercise all year long, but in the summertime, children have extra time to walk them.

By age 13, most kids may be able to handle more than one dog at a time. If she doesn't have a pet of her own, make sure that your child feels comfortable with canines before she takes them for a walk.

Your child can start researching by visiting the website Care.com, which lists the going rate for dog walkers according to zip code.

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Pet or House Sitter

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Looking after a neighbor's house while the family is out of town is an ideal job for a conscientious kid.

Responsibilities typically include feeding the family dog or cat a few times a day, watering plants, and bringing in newspapers, mail, or other deliveries.

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Tutoring

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Over the summer, parents often engage tutors for offspring who need some remedial help or who want to get ahead for the upcoming school year. For kids who excel in a particular subject, tutoring can be a way to earn some good money while helping other students.

To help your child find students, have her register with your zip code as a tutor on Care.com.

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Washing Cars

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Washing cars is a good warm-weather activity that a young teen can do pretty easily, as long as she doesn't mind getting wet.

It's a good idea to give her a trial run on your own car to build up her confidence and teach her how to be thorough.

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Junior Counselor

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Many summer camps that cater to the under-12 age group are glad to offer programs for "junior counselors" (sometimes called counselors in training or CITs).

Junior counselors may or may not actually get paid for their work, but either way, they gain valuable experience and references that can pave the way to future employment.