In this article, you'll find the best jobs for 13-year-olds with no experience. Stepping into the world of employment can be both exciting and intimidating, especially for young teenagers eager to earn their own money and gain some independence. While the job market may seem challenging to navigate for those with minimal experience, there are plenty of opportunities tailored to the enthusiasm and fresh perspective that young teens bring to the table. Listed below are 11 of the best job opportunities for 13-year-olds with no experience.
- Babysitter
- Lawn Care Assistant
- Pet Sitter
- Household Helper
- Car Washer
- Tutor for Younger Kids
- Craft Seller
- Dog Walker
- Plant Caretaker
- Grocery Store Bagger
- Community Event Assistant
Table of Contents
1. Babysitter
Babysitting is a timeless first job for many teenagers, and at 13, it's an ideal way to step into the working world. Babysitting involves taking care of children while their parents are away, which can range from a few hours to an entire day. The job includes ensuring the children's safety, preparing meals, organizing activities, and sometimes putting them to bed.
Skills Required
- Responsibility
- Basic first aid knowledge
- Patience
- Creativity in planning activities
- Good communication skills
Salary Range
Between $10 - $15 hourly.
2. Lawn Care Assistant
A lawn care assistant helps with maintaining and beautifying gardens and yards. This role is perfect for teens who enjoy outdoor work and have a knack for gardening. Tasks include mowing lawns, raking leaves, and possibly assisting with planting flowers or vegetables.
Skills Required
- Physical stamina
- Basic knowledge of gardening tools
- Time management
- Attention to detail
Salary Range
Between $8 - $12 hourly.
3. Pet Sitter
For animal-loving teens, pet sitting is an excellent job option. This role involves taking care of pets while their owners are away. Duties can range from feeding, walking, playing with pets, and ensuring they are safe and healthy.
Skills Required
- Love for animals
- Understanding of basic pet care
- Reliability
- Ability to follow owners' instructions
Salary Range
Between $10 - $13 hourly.
4. Household Helper
A household helper aids in various chores around the house. This could include cleaning, organizing, doing laundry, and other tasks that help keep a home running smoothly. It's a good position for those who are detail-oriented and enjoy organizing.
Skills Required
- Good organizational skills
- Ability to follow directions
- Efficiency
- Discretion
Salary Range
Between $8 - $11 hourly.
5. Car Washer
Car washing is a straightforward job for teens looking to earn money. It involves cleaning vehicles, both inside and out, and can be done independently or as part of a local car wash business.
Skills Required
- Thoroughness
- Physical stamina
- Customer service skills
Salary Range
Between $7 - $10 hourly.
6. Tutor for Younger Kids
A tutor for younger kids helps them with subjects like reading, basic math, or even playing a musical instrument. It's suitable for teens who excel academically and can teach younger children.
Skills Required
- Expertise in the subject matter
- Patience
- Ability to explain concepts clearly
- Encouraging demeanor
Salary Range
Between $10 - $15 hourly.
7. Craft Seller
Crafty teens can turn their hobby into a job by selling handmade goods. This could be anything from jewelry to greeting cards. It often involves managing an online store on platforms like Etsy or selling at local craft fairs.
Skills Required
- Artistic ability
- Basic business knowledge
- Time management
- Customer service
Salary Range
Earnings vary widely, often project-based or profit from sales.
8. Dog Walker
Dog walking is a great job for teens who enjoy spending time with pets and being active. Responsibilities include taking dogs for walks, ensuring they get exercise, and sometimes feeding them or providing medication.
Skills Required
- Love for animals
- Punctuality
- Ability to control different dog breeds
- Awareness of pet safety and comfort
Salary Range
Between $10 - $15 per walk.
9. Plant Caretaker
For those with a green thumb, becoming a plant caretaker can be a fulfilling job. This role entails looking after plants in homes or small businesses, watering them, ensuring they have enough light, and sometimes repotting or pruning them.
Skills Required
- Knowledge of different plant species
- Regular scheduling
- Carefulness to handle plants properly
Salary Range
Between $8 - $12 hourly.
10. Grocery Store Bagger
Working as a grocery store bagger is a common first job. It involves assisting customers by bagging their groceries and sometimes helping to carry them to their cars. This role requires efficiency and a friendly attitude.
Skills Required
- Customer service skills
- Efficiency
- Attention to detail (e.g., separating cold items from non-perishables)
Salary Range
Between $7 - $10 hourly.
11. Community Event Assistant
Community event assistants help set up and take down for local events like fairs, festivals, or farmers' markets. Tasks may include arranging chairs and tables, decorating, and providing information to attendees.
Skills Required
- Organizational skills
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Good communication
Salary Range
Between $8 - $12 hourly.
Can 13-year-olds legally work in most industries?
No, 13-year-olds cannot legally work in most industries due to child labor laws. They can often work in more informal settings like babysitting or pet sitting. Child labor laws typically restrict the industries and hours that 13-year-olds can work, often limiting them to less formal roles such as babysitting, yard work, or pet care. It's important to check local regulations for specific rules in your area.
What should a 13-year-old consider when looking for a first job?
A 13-year-old should consider job safety, flexibility with school schedules, and whether they have an interest or skill in the job's activities. When seeking a first job, young teens should ensure that the work environment is safe and that employers understand the importance of balancing work with educational commitments. It's also beneficial if the job aligns with the teen's interests or talents to ensure a more enjoyable experience.
Are there online jobs for 13-year-olds?
Yes, there are online jobs for 13-year-olds, such as tutoring, selling crafts, or managing a social media account.While opportunities may be more limited due to age restrictions on many platforms, there are still possibilities for young teens to earn money online. These might include providing tutoring services, selling handmade items, or potentially managing a social media presence with parental guidance.
What skills can 13-year-olds gain from working?
13-year-olds can gain time management, responsibility, money management, and interpersonal skills from working. Early work experiences can be incredibly valuable for young teens, offering them a chance to develop key life skills such as effective communication, time management, responsibility, and financial literacy.