Safe Starter Jobs and Money-Making Ideas for Kids Ages 11-17

Starting to earn your own money as a preteen or teenager is an exciting milestone. Whether you're saving for something special, learning financial responsibility, or just want some spending money, there are plenty of safe and age-appropriate ways to make money. This guide covers the best starter jobs and earning opportunities for young people ages 11 to 17.

Learning to earn money at a young age teaches valuable life skills that extend far beyond the paycheck. When kids and teens work, they develop time management, communication skills, responsibility, and a strong work ethic. These early experiences shape career readiness and financial literacy that will serve them throughout their lives.

At this age, traditional employment isn't typically available, but there are still excellent ways to earn money safely within your community and neighborhood.

Lawn care and yard work remains one of the most reliable ways for younger teens to earn money. Mowing lawns, raking leaves, weeding gardens, and watering plants are services neighbors consistently need. The work is straightforward, pays reasonably well, and allows you to set your own schedule. Starting with your own family's yard helps you build skills before approaching neighbors.

Pet sitting and dog walking appeals to animal lovers and provides a steady income stream. Many pet owners need reliable help, especially during work hours or vacations. Start by caring for pets of family friends where trust is already established. Always meet the pets with the owner present first, and make sure parents know your location when working.

Babysitting can begin around age 12 or 13, particularly if you've completed a babysitting safety course through organizations like the Red Cross. These courses teach essential skills including basic first aid, emergency procedures, and age-appropriate activities. Start by helping parents you know well with children you've already spent time around.

Tutoring younger students in subjects where you excel provides valuable help while reinforcing your own knowledge. Elementary students often need homework help or reading practice. Charge reasonable rates and work in public places like libraries or in the student's home with parents present.

Creating and selling crafts through local markets, school fairs, or with parental supervision online can turn hobbies into income. Handmade jewelry, artwork, baked goods, or seasonal decorations are popular items. Learning to price items appropriately and market your creations teaches entrepreneurial skills.

At 14, more formal employment opportunities become available, though labor laws still provide important protections about hours and working conditions.

Grocery stores and supermarkets often hire 14 and 15-year-olds for bagging groceries, cart retrieval, and stocking shelves. These positions offer consistent hours, proper training, and experience working as part of a team. The structured environment provides a safe introduction to workplace expectations.

Fast food restaurants frequently employ younger teens for counter service, food preparation, and cleaning duties. While the work can be fast-paced, these jobs teach customer service, multi-tasking, and working under pressure. Many chains have strong training programs and clear advancement paths.

Local ice cream shops, cafes, and family restaurants provide a more relaxed environment compared to large chain restaurants. These businesses often value enthusiastic young workers and may offer more flexible scheduling around school commitments.

Summer camps hire junior counselors and counselors-in-training, allowing teens to work with younger children in a supervised, structured environment. These positions develop leadership skills and often include valuable training in child development and safety.

Seasonal retail positions during holidays provide short-term employment with the possibility of continued work. Gift wrapping, stocking holiday merchandise, and customer service roles increase during peak shopping seasons.

At 16, employment options expand significantly as many labor restrictions ease.

Retail stores in shopping centers employ older teens in various roles including cashier positions, sales associates, and stockroom work. These jobs offer regular paychecks, employee discounts, and opportunities to develop professional communication skills.

Movie theaters provide a fun work environment with flexible evening and weekend shifts. Positions include concession sales, ticket sales, and ushering. The social atmosphere appeals to many teens while teaching responsibility and customer service.

Amusement parks and recreation centers offer seasonal employment with varied responsibilities. From operating rides to managing game booths, these positions combine work with an energetic environment.

Lifeguarding requires certification through programs like the Red Cross, but offers excellent pay and teaches life-saving skills. Pools, beaches, and waterparks need qualified lifeguards, and the certification process itself builds confidence and capability.

Technology services including computer repair, website design, or social media management for small businesses capitalize on skills many teens already possess. Marketing these services to family businesses or neighborhood shops can create flexible, well-paying opportunities.

Tutoring services for older teens can expand beyond elementary subjects to include test preparation, specific high school subjects, or music lessons. Rates increase with specialization and proven results.

The digital economy offers earning potential, but requires careful parental oversight and awareness of safety concerns.

Freelance writing or graphic design on platforms with parental accounts can work for talented teens. Always involve parents in setting up accounts, communicating with clients, and managing payments.

Content creation through YouTube, TikTok, or blogging can generate income, but requires significant time investment before seeing returns. Parents should be fully involved in content decisions and account management. Never share personal information or location details.

Online surveys and reward sites offer small payments but can supplement other income. Stick to legitimate, well-reviewed platforms and never provide sensitive personal information.

Regardless of the job, safety must come first. Always tell parents or guardians exactly where you're working, who you're working for, and when you expect to finish. For jobs at someone's home, parents should meet the employer first and have complete contact information.

Trust your instincts. If a situation feels uncomfortable or unsafe, leave immediately and tell a trusted adult. Legitimate employers will never ask you to keep secrets from parents, work in isolated areas alone, or do anything that makes you uncomfortable.

Research labor laws in your area, as regulations vary by location. Most places restrict the hours minors can work on school nights and limit late-night work. Employers should provide clear information about wages, payment schedules, and job expectations in writing.

Never accept jobs requiring upfront payment, promising unrealistic earnings, or lacking clear details about the work involved. Legitimate opportunities don't require you to buy starter kits or pay training fees.

Earning money is only part of the equation. Developing good financial habits now sets the foundation for future success. Consider dividing earnings into categories: savings for long-term goals, spending money for current wants, and perhaps a portion for charitable giving.

Opening a savings account with parental help teaches banking basics and earns interest on saved money. Many banks offer teen accounts with educational resources about money management.

Track your earnings and spending to understand where money goes. Simple apps or notebooks help identify spending patterns and saving progress.

The journey to financial independence starts with these first jobs and earning opportunities. Whether you're mowing lawns at 12, working retail at 15, or lifeguarding at 17, each experience builds skills and confidence. Start with opportunities that match your age, interests, and abilities. Prioritize safety, communicate openly with parents, and remember that the lessons learned often matter more than the money earned. These early work experiences shape not just your bank account, but your character, work ethic, and future success.

P.S. Parenting doesn’t come with a handbook—but you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Join our Parent Support Circle, a welcoming community of parents who share trusted advice, safe earning ideas for kids and teens, and real-world guidance on raising confident, responsible young people.

Connect with others who get it, ask questions without judgment, and gain support every step of the way. We’d love for you to be part of the circle. 🌱🤝11 to 17