How to Make Money as a Pre-Teen

Pre-teens earning their own money learn fundamental financial principles, understanding income, expenses, and the satisfaction of achieving goals through personal effort. Age-appropriate work cultivates responsibility and a sense of accomplishment. This experience provides practical lessons in managing resources, laying a foundation for future financial well-being.

Identifying Age-Appropriate Earning Opportunities

Numerous practical and safe avenues exist for pre-teens to earn money, often involving services needed within their local community. Pet care is a popular option, ranging from dog walking to pet sitting. For dog walking, hourly rates can fall between $20 and $40 for a 30 to 60-minute walk, varying by location and the number of dogs. Pet sitting, caring for animals in their owners’ homes, might command an average hourly rate of around $16.05, with ranges from $7.45 to $21.88, depending on responsibilities and duration.

Yard work presents another accessible category of jobs, encompassing tasks like raking leaves, watering plants, or basic lawn mowing. Teenagers typically charge between $10 and $15 per hour for general yard work, while professional services can cost significantly more, often exceeding $60 per hour. For mowing a lawn, teens might charge $18 to $24 per hour, or a flat rate depending on the yard size and complexity.

Household chores offer additional opportunities, particularly for older pre-teens. Babysitting is a common choice, with average hourly rates in the United States around $17.62, though this can range from $9.13 to $23.80 based on experience, number of children, and location. For multiple children, rates often increase by an additional $2 to $5 per hour per child. Other household tasks such as car washing, organizing, or basic cleaning can also be compensated.

Creative endeavors also provide a pathway for earning, allowing pre-teens to monetize their talents. This could involve making crafts, such as handmade cards, jewelry, or baked goods, to sell to neighbors or at local events. Selling unwanted items, like old books or toys, through supervised online platforms or garage sales, represents another way to generate income.

Approaching Potential Clients and Opportunities

Securing earning opportunities requires a proactive approach and clear communication. Starting with trusted individuals in your immediate circle, such as family, friends, and neighbors, is often the most effective initial step. Informing them about your services, like pet care or yard work, can lead to your first jobs through word-of-mouth referrals. Clearly defining the specific tasks you are willing and able to perform helps manage expectations.

Creating simple promotional materials, such as flyers or digital posts, can broaden your reach, always with parental supervision and approval. These materials should clearly state the services provided and how potential clients can contact you. When discussing responsibilities, outline the scope of work, expected duration, and any specific requirements, ensuring mutual understanding before beginning a task.

Setting fair rates involves considering the effort, time, and what similar services cost in your area. For instance, while professional dog walkers might charge $30-$45 for a 30-minute walk, a teenager could reasonably charge $20-$25. Researching local rates for services like lawn mowing helps determine a competitive price point.

Discussing payment terms upfront is crucial, whether it’s an hourly rate, a flat fee per job, or a recurring payment schedule. Confirming how and when you will be paid helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures a smooth transaction.

Managing Your Earned Money

Earning money provides an opportunity to develop financial literacy by learning to manage funds effectively. A fundamental aspect involves understanding potential tax obligations. If a pre-teen earns income, they may have a federal tax filing requirement, particularly if their earned income exceeds the standard deduction for dependents. For the 2025 tax year, this deduction is generally the greater of $1,350 or the sum of $450 plus the individual’s earned income, up to a maximum of $15,750.

Income earned from self-employment, such as babysitting, dog walking, or yard work, can trigger self-employment tax if net earnings are $400 or more in a year. This tax covers Social Security and Medicare contributions, totaling 15.3% of net earnings. Even if a tax return isn’t strictly required due to income levels, filing one may be beneficial to claim a refund if taxes were withheld from pay.

Beyond tax considerations, establishing habits for saving and spending is paramount. Setting clear financial goals, such as saving for a specific item or experience, provides motivation and direction for earned funds. This involves distinguishing between needs and wants, prioritizing essential spending, and allocating a portion of earnings towards savings goals. Many financial experts suggest saving a percentage of all earned income, even a small amount, to build the habit.

Tracking earnings and expenses is a simple yet effective way to manage money, whether using a basic notebook or a digital application. This practice helps pre-teens see where their money comes from and where it goes, promoting informed spending decisions. Opening a youth savings account can introduce them to banking, allowing them to see their money grow, sometimes with interest, and providing a secure place for their funds. These early money management practices contribute significantly to long-term financial well-being.