Best jobs for 12-year-olds: How to make money as a kid?

Modak
January 9, 2025

Main takeaways

šŸ’» Explore 9 potential jobs, including one you can do for free every day.

šŸ’¼ Kids can begin formal work at 13, while 12-year-olds rely on informal work.

šŸ’”On average, children can earn between $5 and $15 per hour.

Are you a parent of a 12-year-old looking for ways for your child to earn some extra money? Whether they want to save up for something special or just have some spending money, there are plenty of suitable tasks and activities out there. But finding the right one can be challenging. Keep reading to discover the best activities for 12-year-olds that pay, how to get your child started, and some tips to ensure their success.

Also, weā€™ll dive into how kids can earn money using the Modak Makers app and how they can use their Visa debit cardĀ¹, designed for kids and teens, to receive payments for jobs or allowances without any monthly subscription feesā“.Ā 

Can a 12-year-old legally work in the US?

Children can start part-time jobs at 13, so 12-year-olds typically have to rely on informal work. This includes assisting their parents or doing small tasks for relatives, friends, and neighbors. Although this might seem discouraging, it doesnā€™t mean that 12-year-olds canā€™t find ways to earn money through various odd jobs.

Why encourage your kid to participate in activities outside school hours?

Encouraging your child to participate in chores and activities after school can help them learn skills like responsibility, time management, and money management. Plus, it can be a fun and rewarding experience that gives them a sense of independence. So, what kind of activities are suitable for a 12-year-old?

Managing Earnings with Modak

šŸ’³ Get a VisaĀ® Debit Card to manage your earnings with no monthly fees.4

šŸ«°šŸ» Receive direct deposits from your side-hustles with Modakā€™s custom payment link.

šŸ’° Earn MBX, our in-app reward system, and convert them to pocket money.2

Start your financial journey now!Ā 

Everything you need, fast, safe, and simple.

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What are some jobs for a 12 year old kid?Ā 

When looking for a job for your child, it's important to consider what they enjoy doing and what they are capable of. Here are some great options for a 12-year-old kid:

1. Babysitting

Babysitting is a classic activity for young teens. If your child enjoys spending time with kids and is responsible, this could be a great fit. Make sure they take a babysitting course to learn the basics and get some practice before starting or teach them yourself.

Courses often cover essential skills like child safety, first aid, and how to handle emergencies. Babysitting can be done during evenings and weekends, making it easy to balance with school activities.

2. Pet sitting and dog walking

If your child loves animals, pet sitting or dog walking can be a perfect option. They can offer to take care of pets while their owners are away or take dogs for walks. A fun way for them to spend time with animals and earn money!

3. Gardening and lawn mowing

Helping neighbors with yard work and gardening can be a great way for your child to earn money, especially in the spring and summer. They can mow lawns, rake leaves, water plants, and more. These tasks are perfect for kids who enjoy being outdoors and don't mind a bit of hard work.

4. House cleaning

Some people need help keeping their homes clean and tidy. Your child can offer to do chores like vacuuming, dusting, washing dishes, and more. A simple way for them to earn money and help out their neighbors at the same time.

House cleaning can also help your child develop good habits and a strong work ethic. They can start with small tasks and gradually take on more responsibilities as they gain confidence.

Teenage Girl Sweeping The Floor

ā€5. Car washing

Washing cars is another good option for kids. Your child can set up a car wash station in your neighborhood and offer to clean cars for a fee. Make sure they use the right cleaning products and do a thorough job to keep customers happy.This job is ideal for the warmer months and can be a social activity if it involves friends or siblings. Additionally, they can offer packages that include exterior and interior cleaning for extra earnings.

6. Lemonade stand

A lemonade stand is a classic summer job that can teach kids the basics of running a small business. They can set up a stand in a busy area and sell refreshing drinks to passersby. This job helps them learn about costs, pricing, customer service, and profit. Plus, it's a fun way to spend a sunny afternoon and meet new people in the neighborhood.

7. Tutoring

If your child is good at a subject, they can help younger kids or classmates by tutoring them. Students can do tutoring after school or on weekends, and they can find it extremely rewarding. Your child can help others improve their grades while reinforcing their own knowledge. This also enhances their communication and teaching skills.

8. Online content creation

In the digital age, many young people are finding success with online content creation. If your child likes making videos, writing, or creating art, they can start a YouTube channel, blog, or social media page. They can share their interests, teach others, or simply entertain. Over time, they can monetize their content through ads, sponsorships, or merchandise sales. This activity requires creativity, consistency, and the ability to engage an audience.

9. Earn some extra cash using Modak

While your kid does any of these tasks, with the Modak app, they can earn an extraĀ  $36.5 a year just by walkingĀ³. This feature combines perfectly with jobs that require greater physical movement such as walking dogs or doing garden work.Ā 

However, this may be a side hustle that any 12-year-old can do while incorporating the healthy habit of walking 5,000 steps a day. Modakā€™s ā€œWalk to Earnā€ feature rewards kids with MBX points, which convert to dollars. By reaching daily walking goals, your child can earn up to 70 MBX per weekĀ². A sum that impacts a child's savings over time.

Jobs for 12-year-olds that pay: How much can you earn?

ā€The amount of money your child can earn depends on the type of activity and how much time they can dedicate to it. Here are some average earnings for the jobs we've mentioned:

  • Babysitting: $5-$10 per hour
  • Pet Sitting/Dog Walking: $10-$20 per visit or walkĀ 
  • Yard Work/Gardening: $10-$15 per hour
  • House Cleaning: $10-$15 per hour
  • Car Washing: $5-$10 per car
  • Lemonade Stand: $10-$30 per day
  • Tutoring: $10-$20 per hour

Remember, these are just averages. Your child might earn more or less depending on where you live and the specific activity they do.

ā€How to find good jobs for kids

ā€Searching for a job for your 12-year-old may present a challenge, but here are some tips to help them get started:

ā€Talk to family and friends

ā€Let your family and friends know that your child is looking for ā€œworkā€. They might have tasks for them or know someone who does. Word of mouth is a powerful tool!

ā€Create a flyer or business card

ā€Help your child make a flyer or business card with their name, age, the services they offer, and their contact information. Distribute them in your neighborhood and always make sure to properly vet any potential 'employers' to ensure the safety of your child.

ā€Use social media

ā€If you're comfortable with it, use social media to let people know your child is looking for a side hustle. Platforms like Facebook can be a great way to reach a lot of people quickly. Remember, make sure to vet properly any potential "employers" to ensure your child's comfort and safety.

Mum and son using social media

Be professional

Teach your child to be professional when they find a job. They should arrive on time, do their best work, and be polite and respectful. This will help them build a good reputation and get more activities in the future.

Tips to succeed in your first job as a 12-year-old

Here are some additional tips to help your child succeed in their job search and make the most of their work:

Start small

When they're just starting, encourage them to take on small tasks to build their experience and confidence. As they gain more skills, they can take on bigger and more challenging tasks.

Set goals

Help your child set specific financial goals for what they want to achieve with their job. This could be saving a certain amount of money or learning a new skill. Having clear goals will keep them motivated and focused.

Manage your time

Balancing school, activities, and other tasks can be challenging. Teach your child to manage their time well so they can do everything they need to without feeling overwhelmed.

Save and spend wisely

When your child starts earning money, it's important to teach them to save and spend wisely. Consider setting up a savings goal for something they truly want. This will help them learn good money management habits that will benefit them in the long run.

How can Modak help?Ā Ā 

While traditional jobs can help kids earn money, modern technology also offers valuable opportunities. At Modak Makers, our app teaches kids essential money management skills and rewards them for completing everyday activities, making learning about finances engaging and fun.

A modern solution for money management

Modak helps teens handle their money wisely by offering a VISA Debit CardĀ¹ with no monthly subscription feesā“ and 24/7 customer support. The app is designed to be safe and easy for kids to use, with parental oversight. Parents can set up chores, create savings goals, and monitor transactions, while kids learn valuable money management skills.

Earn MBX points with Modak

With the Modak app, kids can earn MBX points by completing challenges, including financial challenges and our "Walk to Earn" feature. By reaching walking goals, children can earn up to 70 MBXā½Ā²ā¾ā½Ā³ā¾ per week.

These points can be converted to dollars and added directly to their Modak debit card, giving them real money to spend. This means they can earn up to $36.4 in a year just by walking!Ā³

Get started with Modak today

 Kid with her Modak VISA debit card

If you're looking for a fun and educational way for your child to earn and manage money, the Modak app is a great option. Get started today using the code HUB_JOBS12 earn $10 and help your child take control of their financial future!5

Encouraging them to take initiative and be proactive in seeking opportunities will also be beneficial. By taking these steps, your child will be well on their way to building a strong foundation for their future success. Happy job hunting!

FAQs: How to make money as a 12-year-old and build skills

How can 12-year-olds make cash?

12-year-olds can make cash through informal jobs or tasks within their communities. While formal employment typically starts at age 13, younger kids can still earn money by helping neighbors, friends, and family with tasks. Options include pet sitting, babysitting, lawn mowing, and other small chores. Another way to earn extra cash is by using the Modak Makers app, which rewards kids for daily activities like walking. This can be a great supplement, especially for those looking to save or learn money management skills through their own efforts.

What job is suitable for a 12-year-old?

Jobs suitable for 12-year-olds include tasks that are manageable, safe, and align with their skills and interests. Common options include babysitting for family friends, pet sitting, gardening, or even setting up a lemonade stand in the summer. For tech-savvy kids, online content creation, like starting a YouTube channel or tutoring peers, can be rewarding. The Modak Makers app can also be a valuable tool, helping them earn money through regular activities like walking, with parental guidance and a secure Visa debit card designed for teens and kids.

ā€

  1. Modak is a financial technology company and not a FDIC-insured bank. Checking account and the Modak VisaĀ® debit card issued by Lewis & Clark Bank, Member FDIC. Funds deposited into checking account may be eligible for up to $250,000 of FDIC insurance. The FDICā€™s deposit insurance coverage only protects against the failure of an FDIC-insured depository institution.
  2. 100 MBX = $1(as of June 2024). This is an approximation and not a guaranteed result. Click here for more information on MBX
  3. Walking 5,000 steps a day gives users 10MBX (as of June 2024). This is subject to change at Modakā€™s discretion
  4. Fees for expedited or premium services may apply. Find out more in our Cardholder agreement.
  5. Referal Program Terms and conditions apply, find more about them here.

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