High school is fast approaching and so is another year in your child’s life. The time has come when your son or daughter wants to start earning his or her own money. Where to begin? The good news is that there are many jobs 12 year olds can get. From online work, paid cash jobs and freelancing opportunities, the possibilities are endless.
Read on to learn about the top jobs 12 year olds can get and start now.
Can a 12 Year Old Get an Actual Job?
Firstly, can a 12 year old get a job? The simple answer is “Yes.” While 12-year-olds are usually too young to officially go on an employer’s payroll, they are still able to do odd online and in-person jobs. There are many different jobs your child can do. Your son or daughter can choose a job that aligns with his or her skills and interests. Additionally, another great aspect of unofficial work: flexibility. Freelance jobs can be done on your child’s schedule – either before or after they finish their homework.
While there are many different jobs 12 year olds (or even 10 or 11 year olds) can get, be sure to check with your local labor laws to find out:
- Where your child is allowed to work
- Limits on hours of work
- Any taxes you’ll owe based on their freelance employment income
Benefits of Starting a Job at 12 Years Old
Aside from the obvious benefit of generating income, there are several other benefits to getting a job at the age of 12 years old:
Developing Time Management Skills
While you may think that loading a job onto your child’s already busy schedule may cause them to suffer in their schooling and personal life, the opposite is usually true. When your child has one more task to add to their already busy schedule, it will help them prioritize what’s important. For example, let’s say that your child currently has roughly 6 hours between the time they finish school and the time they go to bed. If your child only has one hour of homework to do, he or she may procrastinate and watch TV or partake in another sedentary activity instead of being productive.
On the other hand, if your child has a two-hour job or part-time gig, your child will be forced to make the most of their time. When your child has less time to spend in front of screens or laying around, they’ll become more productive and will find meaning in their daily life.
As your child gets older, he or she will carry the time management skills they learned when they were younger well into adulthood, when they’ll need to balance their job, family life and hobbies.
Learning How to Interact With People of Different Ages
As a 12-year-old, your child has likely had limited interaction with people of different generations. Aside from parents, grandparents and their teacher, they may only interact with children their own age. When your child takes on a job interacting with middle-aged to older adults, he or she will learn how to speak professionally with others.
Practicing Delayed Gratification
If you’ve given your child an allowance for the past while, they’ve likely already developed an understanding of the value of money. However, earning money instead of being handed it is completely different. When your child understands how long it takes to earn a dollar, he or she will think twice before spending. Your child may be tempted to go out and buy a few chocolate bars instead of saving up for the latest and greatest toy. After they realize that once the money is gone, it’s gone, they’ll learn how to save money over a longer period of time.
The Best Jobs 12 Year Olds Can Get In-Person
The Best Seasonal Jobs 12 Year Olds Can Get
There are many easy jobs for 12 year olds that can be started within days – specifically, seasonal work that can be done in your neighborhood! Help your child advertise their services by putting up flyers in the neighborhood, knocking on doors and posting ads on Facebook Marketplace. While there is a lot of upfront effort in sourcing clients, seasonal work is a great way for a 12 year old to dip their toes into working and earning. Here are the top seasonal jobs 12 year olds can get.
1. Gardening and Lawn Care
What better way to stay active, get some fresh air and lend a helping hand to the neighbors than lawn and garden care? This side hustle is an ideal job for 12 year olds who live in a suburban area with large lawns. Help your child invest in some bags, gloves and weeding tools. Teach your child the basics of weeding and gardening.
2. Raking Leaves
If you live in an area that experiences leaves falling from the trees during the autumn season, raking leaves is one of the top neighborhood jobs for 12-year-olds. Your son or daughter can get exercise and help their family and friends with a task most people don’t like to do. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of raking leaves. It’s a lot of work and it’s tiring. On the other hand, this gig is a perfect chance for an energetic 12-year-old to get some exercise and take this task off a neighbor’s plate. All they’ll need is gloves, a rake and large paper bags.
3. Washing Cars
Washing cars is another fantastic job for kids with lots of energy in the spring and summer. Why not get a few of your child’s friends or siblings together and advertise a neighborhood car wash? Each child who participates in the car wash will receive an even share of the profits. When your child’s friends or all your kids participate in the car wash event together, it won’t feel like they’re working!
Make the car washing event even more fun by ending it with a water balloon fight and a backyard BBQ. If you’re up to it, take your car-washing event to the next level by selling hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks to carwash participants.
4. Shovelling Snow
Shovelling snow is another one of those mandatory tasks that nearly no one likes to do. Another great job for energetic 12 year olds, all they’ll need is a shovel. Be sure your child is shovelling properly so they don’t strain their back.
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The Top Year-Round Jobs 12 Year Olds Can Get
1. Babysitting
No list of jobs 12 year olds can do is complete without babysitting. Babysitting is an ideal way for your child to determine whether or not they like working with kids. Your child may be a little bit too young to watch kids, so check with the parents to see if they want you to accompany your child to the babysitting gig. Alternatively, offer to host the kids at your house.
Once your child turns 13, 14 or older, they’ll be able to watch child(ren) on their own.
2. Walking Dogs
Does your child love pets? Walking dogs is another fun job for 12 year olds. This gig gets your child off their computer screen and out into nature. Additionally, walking dogs is great for their mental health as pups are loving and interactive. Taking care of a dog is rewarding and will teach your child responsibility.
3. Pet Sitting
Similar to walking dogs, pet sitting is another job for kids who love animals. So long as you don’t mind hosting a pet for one nights, two nights or more at your place, this is a great chance for your child to learn responsibility. If your child finds pet sitting tiring, maybe they’ll stop asking “When can we get a dog?” – a relief for you if you’re not so keen on owning a pet!
4. Helping a Senior Neighbor or Family Friend
Many seniors need help with everyday tasks such as cleaning, grocery shopping and cooking. Additionally, they are often lonely in their old age – maybe their family members live far away an don’t have any close friends. Your child can visit their home and help out with daily tasks. You’ll need to be involved by accompanying them to the grocery store for any errands. If you’re willing to do this, helping a senior is a wonderful way for your child to learn how to:
- Shop for ingredients
- Cook
- Clean
- Interact with other generations
The Top Jobs 12 Year Olds Can Get Online
“My child doesn’t have time to get a job.” Is that what you think? Think again! In this day and age, there are many different opportunities for your child to make some cash without leaving home. Here are the top jobs for 12 year olds online that pay. Since you child is under 18, you will need to be involved in creating accounts and handling messages on your child’s behalf. However, if you have the time and are willing, these jobs are excellent ways for your child to learn and earn.
1. Participating in Paid Market Research Studies
What Are Paid Market Research Studies?
First on my list of online jobs for 12-year-olds: paid market research studies. Companies spend a lot of money making and improving their products and services. They’d rather invest money upfront designing products and services that people will actually buy or use. Companies do this by hosting interviews with participants within their target demographic of the product or service they’re working on. Platforms such as Respondent and User Interviews let you create an account, review and sign up for survey screeners. Researchers will review your application and determine whether or not you’re a good fit.
If you’re a good fit and there are enough spaces, the researcher will send you an invitation to sign up for an interview slot. During this time, the researcher(s) will spend some time interviewing you either over the phone or on camera. They’ll ask for information that can be anything fromt:
- Their career background, hobbies and interest
- How long they’ve been using the product or service the company is working on
- If they haven’t been using the product or service, what other similar products they are using
Additionally, researchers often provide a demo for participants to walk through while their screen is recorded. Participants give their live, honest feedback on the product.
Be sure to sign up as soon as possible as studies fill up on a first-come, first-serve basis. Try setting aside 2 or 3 times per day to sign up for studies. That way, you won’t miss out on any opportunities. Choose a designated time every day so you get into the habit of applying for studies. Consistency is key!
How Can My 12-Year-Old Participate in Studies?
While your child is too young to sign up for their own account, you can sign up for one. Apply for studies you think they’ll be a good fit for. Companies will provide an excerpt that will help you determine whether or not you’re a good fit for a study so you don’t waste time applying.
Do Studies Pay Well?
Paid online market research studies top my list for a reason. When you’re selected for a study, you’ll choose an interview time that aligns with your schedule. Additionally, studies pay well, usually between $50 USD up to $250 USD or more for an hour.
2. Completing Online Surveys
If you’re looking for easy jobs for 12-year-olds, look no further than completing online surveys. While not as lucrative as paid market research studies, they are another flexible way to make money. Platforms such as SurveyJunkie and Opinion Outpost are a fun way to make a few extra dollars here or there. Studies won’t fund your child’s education account, but are a great replacement or supplement to an allowance.
3. Tutoring Students Online
Is your child bright in a certain school subject and is patient and helpful? Help your child create an account on Fiverr or Preply where they can advertise their tutoring services. Do keep in mind that these platforms charge often very large commissions. Alternatively, you can post services on Facebook Marketplace.
Additionally, check with your child’s school and the local library and community centre. Oftentimes, these places allow customers to put up flyers or advertise in the school paper. Call each organization and find out if it’s possible to do so. It never hurts to ask!
4. Selling Photography or Digital Prints
Does your child have a creative streak? Taking photos or making and selling digital prints on Canva or Etsy is a fantastic way for your child to be introduced to the world of passive income. While there’s a lot of effort involved in designing products and marketing, if your child can generate a steady clientele, this is a great way to make money while they sleep. Your child can:
- Sell stock photos on Shutterstock or another platform
- Create, advertise and sell digital products on Etsy or Redbubble – for example, they can create a logo and have it made into t-shirts, mugs, sweaters and posters
Selling prints isn’t a guaranteed source of income. However, if developing skills is the primary reason for getting a job and money is secondary, this is a great way for your child to:
- Hone their creativity skills
- Develop patience and resilience
- Improve their graphic design skills
A Final Word on the Top Jobs 12 Year Olds Can Get
The top jobs for 12 year olds span both online and in-person opportunities. There are so many different ways for your child to dip his or her toes into the working world during the summer or year-round. If your child doesn’t like a certain job, no worries! There are always other jobs to try out. Start out with one or two jobs, then try a third (time-permitting).
Most of all, make sure your child is having fun learning and earning. After all, your child has their whole life ahead of them to work. Be sure to balance making money and learning valuable life skills!
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Janita is a frugal living expert and owner of Frugal Fun Finance. With over five years of personal experience finding and trying out the best ways to make and save more money, she's eager to share her knowledge. Janita's strategies have helped her save thousands of dollars for funding investments and traveling to over 20 countries.
Janita completed training in personal finance at The University of Western Ontario and McGill University, two prestigious Canadian universities. Her expertise has been shared on GoBankingRates, Yahoo Finance, and NASDAQ.com.
