How to Make Money (for Kids)

Writing by Gia Miller and Serena Norr

Artwork by Justin Negard

Video games, clothes, movies, concerts — everything costs money. But you don’t have to be an adult to earn it. Here are some ways to earn money at various ages. 

(Note: Please check with your parents first and make sure you discuss payment terms before you begin a chore or job.)

Ages 5-7

You’re old enough to prove you’re responsible and take on some chores around the house. Start by offering to do the chore you think will be easiest for you. Once you’ve mastered the first chore, ask about adding another and making a little more money. Here are some ideas:

• Clean your room or other rooms
• Feed your pets
• Help your parents organize 
• Set the table
• Sort laundry

Ready to do something outside of your house? While a lot of kids set up lemonade stands in the summer, we encourage you to be more creative. Think about your special skills. For example, if your friends think you’re funny, you can set up a joke stand and sell a joke for $1. Do you enjoy painting rocks, making puppets or other crafts? Sell those!

Ages 8-12

You’re not quite a kid anymore, but you’re also not old enough to get a “traditional” gig. No need to stress; we have you covered with some fun ways to showcase your skills, make money and build your experience.

Parent helper: Older tweens can start their babysitting experience by watching local kids after school as a parent helper. Aim to work with kids around 5, 6 or 7 years old. This job can start as something you do a few hours a week, and it can lead to additional hours as you get older.

Tutoring (sixth grade and up): Are you a master at a particular subject? Similar to babysitting, you can work as a tutor to help kids with their homework, testing or problem-solving. 

Pet sitting or dog walking: Love pets? Try your hand at walking local dogs before or after school. You can also pet sit when your neighbors go out of town (after you check with your parents, of course).

Yard cleaning: Raking leaves, mulching beds, picking up garbage—offer your yard-cleaning services to local neighbors. 

Snow removal: Perfect for this time of year, gather your friends and go around to your neighbors, offering snow shoveling and/or cleaning snow off their cars.

Ages 13+

Once you turn 14, you’re legally old enough to work, but New York State has strict rules about the types of jobs you can have and how many hours you can work. At age 16, you can work a few more hours and more types of jobs, but there are still strict limits so you can focus on school. Those rules stay in place until you are 18 years old, when you can work full-time.

Aside from babysitting, working at a local store or waiting tables, you can also become an entrepreneur. While we always encourage teens to pursue their passions, be aware that starting your own business is a lot more work than working for someone else. You’ll need to do it all, from setting prices to finding your own clients. If this sounds exciting, here are some ideas to get you started. 

Get crafty: Does everyone compliment you on your knitting, jewelry making, paintings, etc? Set up an Etsy store with clear explanations about how long it will take for custom orders.

Odd jobs: This would be more fun with a friend or two. Pool your talents and start an “odd jobs” business, selling your assistance on everything from cleaning out a garage or shoveling snow to running errands or watering indoor plants when someone is on vacation.

Off the field: If you’re a star athlete and enjoy working with younger kids, offer to teach local elementary school students how to pitch, dribble, pass, etc.

Tech teaching & support: If you’re good with computers and phones, sell your services to peers and adults who struggle to do more than turn their devices on and off. 

This article was published in the November/December 2024 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.

To read other articles in this special 18 and under guide to surviving the holidays, click here.