How to Make Money at 13 [27 Legit Ways for a 13-Year-Old to Earn Cash]
Making money at a young age can teach valuable lessons in responsibility, time management, and financial independence. As a 13-year-old, there are numerous legitimate ways to earn cash that can be both fun and rewarding. Whether you're saving up for something special or simply looking to learn how to manage money, here are 27 ways for a 13-year-old to make money, along with their earning potential.
1. Online Surveys for Teens
Earning Potential: $1–$5 per survey
Description: Many websites allow teens to participate in surveys and earn rewards in the form of cash or gift cards. Sites like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Survey Junkie offer simple ways to earn money by sharing opinions on products and services.
Tips: Sign up for multiple platforms to maximize earnings.
2. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Earning Potential: $10–$25 per hour
Description: If you love animals, pet sitting and dog walking are great ways to make money. Pet owners often need help with daily walks or sitting when they are away. This job allows you to work flexibly while earning decent cash.
Tips: Promote your services in local Facebook groups or community boards.
3. Babysitting
Earning Potential: $10–$20 per hour
Description: Babysitting is a classic job for teens. Parents are often looking for reliable babysitters for their kids. If you enjoy spending time with children, this job can be both fun and rewarding.
Tips: Get certified in CPR and first aid to boost your appeal to parents.
4. Lawn Care and Yard Work
Earning Potential: $10–$50 per job
Description: Mowing lawns, raking leaves, or shoveling snow can bring in steady cash. Many people need help with yard work, and this job allows you to work outdoors while making money.
Tips: Offer a package deal for regular clients to build long-term relationships.
5. Selling Handmade Crafts
Earning Potential: $5–$50 per item
Description: If you have a knack for crafting, selling handmade goods like jewelry, art, or keychains can be profitable. You can sell your creations on Etsy, eBay, or at local craft fairs.
Tips: Invest in quality materials and focus on creating unique, marketable products.
6. Selling Used Items
Earning Potential: $5–$100 per item
Description: Selling used items such as books, clothes, or toys online is a great way to earn money. Platforms like Depop, Mercari, and Poshmark allow you to sell your pre-loved items.
Tips: Take high-quality photos and write compelling descriptions to attract buyers.
7. YouTube or TikTok Content Creation
Earning Potential: $0–$100+ per month (depending on views and sponsorships)
Description: If you love making videos, starting a YouTube or TikTok channel could eventually lead to earning money through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
Tips: Stay consistent with your content, and focus on a niche that interests you.
8. Freelance Writing
Earning Potential: $5–$50 per article
Description: If you're good at writing, freelance writing is a great way to make money. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork allow teens to offer writing services, whether it’s blog posts, website copy, or product descriptions.
Tips: Start by writing samples and building a portfolio to attract clients.
9. Photography
Earning Potential: $50–$200 per session or photo sale
Description: If you have a passion for photography, you can sell your photos on stock photo websites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock, or offer portrait photography services.
Tips: Invest in a decent camera and practice your photography skills to capture high-quality images.
10. Tutoring
Earning Potential: $10–$30 per hour
Description: If you're particularly good at a subject, tutoring younger students can be a rewarding way to earn money. Parents often seek tutors to help with math, science, or reading.
Tips: Advertise your tutoring services at school or on social media.
11. Car Washing
Earning Potential: $10–$25 per car
Description: Washing cars is another straightforward job that pays well. You can offer car washing services to neighbors or set up a mobile car wash service.
Tips: Offer a package deal for regular customers, like monthly car washes.
12. Tech Support and Computer Help
Earning Potential: $10–$25 per hour
Description: If you're tech-savvy, helping people with computer problems or providing tech support can be a great way to earn money.
Tips: Advertise to family, friends, and neighbors who may need assistance.
13. Errand Running
Earning Potential: $10–$20 per hour
Description: Offer to run errands for people who are too busy, such as grocery shopping, picking up dry cleaning, or taking packages to the post office.
Tips: Promote your services locally to busy professionals or elderly people.
14. Virtual Assistant
Earning Potential: $10–$20 per hour
Description: Virtual assistants help with administrative tasks like scheduling, email management, or data entry. Websites like TaskRabbit or Freelancer allow you to find clients looking for assistants.
Tips: Learn the basics of time management and organization to be effective.
15. Selling Digital Products
Earning Potential: $10–$100 per item
Description: If you have graphic design skills, you can create and sell digital products like printables, planners, or templates on platforms like Etsy.
Tips: Focus on creating high-quality designs that people will want to buy.
16. Gaming
Earning Potential: $0–$500+ per month (depending on popularity)
Description: If you’re a passionate gamer, you can make money by streaming your gameplay on Twitch or YouTube. You can also earn through sponsorships or donations.
Tips: Stay consistent with your streams and interact with your audience to build a following.
17. Affiliate Marketing
Earning Potential: $5–$500+ per month
Description: Promote products through affiliate links on your blog, website, or social media. When someone buys the product using your link, you earn a commission.
Tips: Focus on promoting products you genuinely like and believe in.
18. Designing T-Shirts
Earning Potential: $5–$20 per shirt
Description: If you have a creative flair, designing custom T-shirts and selling them online can be a profitable venture. Platforms like Teespring or Redbubble handle production and shipping.
Tips: Focus on creating trendy or niche designs that people would want to wear.
19. Flipping Furniture
Earning Potential: $50–$200 per item
Description: Flipping furniture involves buying old or worn furniture, refurbishing it, and selling it for a profit. If you're handy and creative, this can be a fun and profitable venture.
Tips: Look for furniture at garage sales or thrift stores that has potential for an upgrade.
20. Social Media Management
Earning Potential: $10–$30 per hour
Description: Many small businesses need help managing their social media accounts. If you're good at Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, offer your services to businesses or individuals.
Tips: Stay updated with trends and tools to help businesses grow their online presence.
21. Vlogging
Earning Potential: $0–$500+ per month
Description: Vlogging on platforms like YouTube allows you to share your life and interests. Once you build a following, you can make money through ads, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing.
Tips: Stay consistent and try to engage with your audience to increase views.
22. Voice Over Work
Earning Potential: $20–$50 per project
Description: If you have a clear voice, voice-over work can be a fun way to make money. Offer your services for commercials, audiobooks, or online content.
Tips: Create a demo reel to showcase your skills and attract clients.
23. Renting Out Equipment
Earning Potential: $10–$50 per day
Description: If you have equipment like bikes, cameras, or sports gear, you can rent them out to people in your community. Websites like Fat Llama allow you to rent your gear online.
Tips: Keep your equipment in good condition to ensure customers have a positive experience.
24. Mystery Shopping
Earning Potential: $10–$25 per shop
Description: Mystery shopping involves visiting stores or restaurants to assess customer service and report back. Many companies hire teens for mystery shopping jobs.
Tips: Sign up for legitimate mystery shopping sites to ensure you're paid for your work.
25. Online Store for Reselling
Earning Potential: $10–$100+ per item
Description: You can start an online store to resell items you buy at a lower price. Platforms like eBay and Poshmark are great places to start selling.
Tips: Research popular items to sell and ensure competitive pricing.
Conclusion
As a 13-year-old, there are numerous opportunities to start making money and gaining valuable experience. From online surveys and tutoring to pet sitting and digital product sales, the key is to explore what you're passionate about and commit to your work. The earning potential varies depending on the job, but with dedication and creativity, you can make a significant income while building useful life skills.
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