There comes a time in every kid's life when they realize that their pocket cash can only take them up until now.
While there's no specific age when such a realization dawns, 11 to 12 is particularly notable because they're ages when kids start to yearn for more self-reliance.
If your preteen is at that stage in their life, you're most likely wondering whether there are any jobs for 11-12 year olds that pay decently. Wonder no more, as this post has you covered. We reveal 16 outstanding choices your child can attempt.
An Introduction of the very best Jobs for 11-12 Year Olds
Pet Sitting
Car Washing
Dog Walking
Modeling.
Raking Leaves.
Mowing Lawns.
Shovelling Snow.
Pool Cleaning.
Painting Fences.
Voice Acting.
Acting.
Video Game Testing.
Writing.
Taking Surveys.
Family Business.
Newspaper Delivery.
Types of Jobs for 11-12 Year Olds That Pay
There are a few methods you can categorize the types of jobs your preteen can do to earn additional money. They include:
Traditional Jobs: As the name recommends, these are the finest jobs for common character-building physical labor, like cleansing, snow shoveling, or yard mowing jobs. Less extreme tasks in this classification also consist of pet sitting.
Seasonal Jobs: These tasks are seasonal, but they can be a terrific method for your kid to start their own business, whether on a hot summer season's day (e.g. a lemonade stand or other summertime jobs) or in winter (hot chocolate stand, snow shoveling, and so on).
Online Jobs: Kids can do online jobs and create service concepts with just a computer and web connection. Examples include taking online studies, screening computer game, and so on.
Creative Jobs: These tasks take advantage of your kid's imagination. Activities like writing, working as a T-shirt designer, running a YouTube channel, and voice acting all qualify as innovative jobs.
Artistic Jobs: Modeling, acting, or voice performing can all be an outstanding outlet for your kid's creative side.
Best 16 Jobs for 11-12 Year Olds That Pay Well
The tasks talked about below are amongst the very best jobs for 11-12 year olds to make their own cash. A lot of them require little in the way of abilities or knowledge.
When they do require them, your child can either obtain the skills or tap into their natural skill.
1. Pet Sitting
One outstanding way your preteen child can make extra cash is to work as an animal sitter.
If a next-door neighbor or member of the family has a pet that needs looking after while they're away, they can leave their buddy with your kid.
The obligation of feeding the pet and keeping it safe lies with the preteen until their client returns from their trip.
What You'll Need for Pet Sitting
Pet sitting needs the following:
- A pet to care for.
- Pet products (pet food, leash, cage, toys, and so on).
Fortunately, the family pet's owner will provide whatever.
- Younger kids can develop nurturing abilities when taking care of pets.
- This task can establish a child's sense of responsibility.
- It's an inexpensive way for making cash.
Con
- This job isn't relevant to all animals (e.g., snakes, tarantula spiders, and so on).
Top Places to Find Pet Sitting Jobs
You can find pet caretaker roles online or by asking around your community.
2. Car Washing
If you walk your neighborhood, you'll likely see 2 or more cars that could do with a wash.
While some neighbors might be content with taking their cars to the local automobile wash, others may not have the time or disposition to drive down there or do the washing themselves.
Therein lies the opportunity for your 11 or 12 years of age. They can use to clean your next-door neighbor's cars in exchange for payment. And if they do an exceptional task, it could turn into a recurring gig.
What You'll Need for Car Washing
You'll require the following to clean cars:
- Car vacuum.
- Bin bags.
- Soap.
- A rag.
- A bucket.
You can procure all of the above at your local store (if they aren't currently lying around your house).
- One of the very best character-building jobs.
- It can be done alongside a school schedule.
- The task could get kids interested in cars.
Con
- This job needs care to avoid the cars and truck's paint job from peeling.
Top Places to Find Car Washing Jobs
A walk around your neighborhood should be enough. You can also visit regional companies to examine if they require assistance.
3. Dog Walking
Dog walking is among the leading family pet business ideas and is one of the finest tasks for 11 and 12 years of age who enjoy man's finest pal. If your hectic dog-owning neighbor needs someone to walk their dog, your kid can provide to go in their stead.
What You'll Need for Dog Walking
Your child will require the following when working as a pet dog walker:
- A pet dog.
- A leash.
- A poop scooper.
- Plastic bags.
Regarding the third and fourth products, your child will require to guarantee that they choose up after the pet when it completes doing its organization.
- One of the most uncomplicated tasks a preteen can do.
- It's a great way to let children care for pets.
- Kids can develop an interest in pet dogs and veterinary practice.
Con
- This task is only suitable for smaller sized and tamer pet dog breeds.
Top Places to Find Dog Walking Jobs
You can discover canine walking Jobs around your community or look online for local listings on classified sites.
4. Modeling
Is your 11 or 12 year old traditionally good-looking? You might desire to consider letting them work as a design in the fashion business.
This can be a fun task for fashion-conscious kids who like to dress up and are good in front of the video camera.
Even if you don't like the idea of your kid enhancing the runway, employment there are less-demanding modeling gigs they could try, like modeling for stock images and ads.
What You'll Need to Do Modeling
You'll require a kid with conventional appeal, an expert photography portfolio, and a contract with a modeling agency.
- It doesn't need a lot of skills.
- This job can be financially rewarding.
- The task can be an exceptional self-confidence booster.
Con
- It may involve pulling your kid out of school and homeschooling them.
Top Places to Find Modeling Jobs
You can begin your search on the sites of modeling firms like Elite Model Management and IMG Models.
5. Raking Leaves
In the fall, a month or more before the holiday, trees begin to lose their leaves, signifying winter season's approach.
Instead of view the phenomenon as an additional chore they'll have to do around your house, your preteen can generate cash by taking on a gig raking the leaves off your next-door neighbor's lawns.
What You'll Need to Do Leaf Raking
Leaf- raking requires the following tools and equipment:
- Warm clothes (consisting of gloves).
- A rake.
- A dustpan.
- Bin bags.
- (Optional) A little leaf-blower.
Depending on how far your kid will require to take a trip, they might take their bike.
- This job is an outstanding method to keep the kids busy for a few hours.
- It might be financially rewarding (depending on how many neighbors needs the service).
- Your child can contribute to keeping their environment neat.
Con
- The job needs that your kid operate in the cold.
Top Places to Find Leaf Raking Jobs
Your kid can find these sort of tasks in their regional neighborhood.
6. Mowing Lawns
When life gets too hectic, usually beautiful yards end up being neglected, providing a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurial kids.
During summer break, your kid can provide to mow your next-door neighbors' yards in exchange for money.
What You'll Need to Do Lawn Mowing
Here's what's required to mow lawns:
- A lawn mower.
It's most likely your neighbor's will have theirs, but if they do not, you can supply the one from your house.
- The tough work involved teaches kids monetary obligation.
- It can be a gratifying way to generate income throughout summer season getaway.
- Your kid gets to improve their neighborhood.
Con
- Particularly neglected lawns may house creepy crawlies and small animals.
Top Places to Find Lawn Mowing Jobs
The very best location to find lawn mowing jobs is within the area.
7. Shoveling Snow
If the holiday occurs to be a snowy one this year, your 11 or 12 years of age can generate income shoveling snow off your next-door neighbors' sidewalks and lorries.
What You'll Need to Do Snow Shoveling
You'll require:
- Warm clothing.
- A shovel.
Shoveling Snow is yet another one of those jobs for 11 year olds where the client supplies the devices.
- Seasonal Jobs like this are an outstanding way for 11 and 12 years of age to make cash before returning to school.
- Your kid begins the new year productively.
- This task keeps the environment safe.
Con
- It involves working in the cold.
Top Places to Find Snow Shoveling Jobs
Kids can find this kind of task in their neighborhood.
8. Pool Cleaning
Pool cleansing is another among those character-building tasks for 11 and 12-year-olds. Your kid can assist your next-door neighbors clean their pools in the summertime.
This isn't the kind of swimming pool with severe chemicals done commercially, however rather a way to keep the swimming pool clean in between those cleansings.
What You'll Need for Pool Cleaning
Pool cleaning needs the following items:
- Cleaning brush
- Detergent
- A swimming pool web
The consumer can offer the above-listed utensils.
- It'll keep your kids busy during the summertime
- Your kid might learn a thing or 2 about pools
Con
- It's one of the most lengthy tasks for 11 years of age.
Top Places to Find Pool Cleaning Jobs
The finest location to find a pool cleaning task remains in your neighborhood.
9. Painting Fences
If you stroll through your community, employment you'll see a couple of homes whose fences could do with a brand-new lick of paint.
Your preteen can knock on a few doors to learn whether their next-door neighbors want to pay them to paint their fences.
What You'll Need for Fence Painting
Painting fences requires the following tools:
- Paint
- Paint container
- Paint brush/roller
- Apron
With the exception of the paint, your child can get the majority of the above from your home.
- Your child can help restore their community's beauty
- The act of painting can make kids interested in DIY and home restoration
- It's a fun way to keep kids busy
Con
- This job isn't appropriate for kids with breathing problems
Top Places to Find Fence Painting Jobs
Your kid can find fence painting chances in their neighborhood.
10. Voice Actor
Does your child have a clear speaking voice? They may have the makings of a voice star.
They can get voice acting roles in radio commercials, animations and animated movies, audio books, and so on.
What You'll Need for Voice Acting
Voice acting requires the following:
- A clear speaking voice
- The capability to create funny or significant voices (optional).
Please keep in mind that the kind of voice acting functions you look for figure out the skills required.
- Voice acting is among the higher-paying tasks for 11 year olds and above.
- It might become a life-long profession.
- It's fun.
Con
- This job may be hard to protect.
Top Places to Find Voice Acting Jobs
You can check websites like Bunny Studio and Filmless to find voice acting tasks
11. Acting
Does your child have a flair for theatrics? You may be raising the next Jennifer Lawrence or Bradley Cooper.
Acting can provide your kid a satisfying outlet for their efficiency, so it deserves having a look at if they're talented enough.
What You'll Need for Acting
Getting an acting career off the ground will need skill and an agent.
- It can be a fulfilling profession.
- There's no limit to the mediums your child can appear in (motion pictures, TV series, short-form content online ... etc).
- It can be financially rewarding (depending upon your child's star power).
Con
- The shift from child star to full-fledged actor/actress can be challenging.
Top Places to Find Acting Jobs
A few of the best websites to look for acting jobs include Backstage, Actors Access, and Casting Networks.
12. Video Game Testing
Your kid can earn money to play video games by testing computer game online.
This job lets them play games and offer their feedback on what the games solve and wrong. Therefore, it's one of the most enjoyable tasks for 11-year-olds and above.
What You'll Need to Do Computer Game Testing
Computer game screening requires the following:
- A stable web connection.
- A laptop or PC.
- A PayPal account (or other methods of accepting payments online).
You might require to help your child set up this task and also keep an eye on the video games they test.
- It's a fun way for them to generate income.
- Your kid may establish an interest in computer game advancement.
- It doesn't need excessive in the way of resources to begin.
Con
- It needs parental guidance.
Top Places to Find Video Game Testing Jobs
You can do video game screening on websites like Rewarded Play and Bubble Cash.
13. Writing
Does your child have a method with words and an active creativity? They can get paid to write prose like short stories, blog posts, and more.
Please note that your child's capability to do this job depends on their aptitude for reading and writing.
What You'll Need to Do Writing
You'll require the following to get writing tasks:
- An exceptional command of English.
- A laptop computer or computer with a word processing program.
- Internet connection.
- A mode of payment (PayPal, etc).
It's likewise worth investing in a tool for spelling and grammar checks (e.g., Grammarly).
- This task can assist enhance your child's writing skills.
- Your kid can get paid to develop stories utilizing their imagination.
- It can be rewarding if they write a hit book or story.
Con
- Writing is among the most challenging tasks for 11-year-olds to do.
Top Places to Find Writing Jobs
There are numerous sites like Upwork where you can get writing commissions. However, if your kid is going the story path, you'll be much better off searching for literary agencies online.
14. Taking Surveys
Among the most unconventional tasks for 11 years of age your child can try is taking studies.
That said, they can answer short online questionnaires and make a little additional money to supplement their spending money. Have a look at our list of high paying surveys to get your kid off to a roaring start.
What You'll Need to Do Surveys
You'll require the following to take online surveys:
- A web connection.
- A laptop or computer system.
- An approach for gathering payments.
Ensure you keep track of the kinds of surveys your kid takes when they do this job.
- Your child can do it from the comfort of their home.
- It's a straightforward job anyone can do.
- Some studies take no longer than 5 minutes to complete.
Con
- This job needs parental supervision.
Top Places to Find Survey Jobs
You can go to sites like Swagbucks to find survey tasks.
15. Family Business
One of the simplest methods for kids aged 11-12 to find work is to operate in their family's organization. It could come from their parents, other household members, or perhaps family good friends.
In any case, they can start getting important work experience and the cash that includes it.
What You'll Need to Do a Family Business Job
This job requires a family-owned service for the preteen to work for.
- You can be sure that your child remains in a safe environment.
- The child gets to learn the ins-and-outs of their family's business.
- It's an outstanding method to prepare a beneficiary to take over the business.
Con
- It might not provide the kid the opportunity to meet new individuals.
Top Places to Find a Household Business Job
If you don't own a service your family runs, you can contact immediate and extended household members who do and require an additional set of hands.
16. Newspaper Delivery
Finally, among the earliest tasks kids in the US do to make money is paper shipment.
Kids can deliver papers before going to school and it's exceptional for building character and establishing an excellent work ethic.
What You'll Need to Do Newspaper Delivery
This task requires a bike with a compartment for saving the papers.
Pros
- A paper route can give kids much-needed workout.
- Kids that deliver documents could develop an interest in their community's goings-ons.
- This task can assist to improve their sense of instructions.
Con
- It needs getting up in the early hours of the early morning.
- Many news agencies are going paperless, reducing the number of readily available papers.
Top Places to Find a Paper Delivery Job
You can discover a paper delivery function by searching in the phone book or online for the local newspaper's Circulation Department.
Can an 11-Year-Old Work for a Business?
No. According to the US Department of Labor, kid labor laws (Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938) restrict the minimum age of employment to 14. All the tasks in this article avoid actual employment and are mainly easy tasks a preteen can do.
What's the Easiest Job for 11-12 Year Olds?
Raking leaves is the easiest job an 11-12 year old can do. It doesn't require any equipment, skill, or ability. And chances are that the child in concern does it as a chore in their home, anyhow.
Which Jobs for 11 Year Olds are one of the most Difficult to Get?
Modeling and acting roles are amongst the most challenging tasks to get. Your child needs to be exceptionally talented or attractive before firms can with confidence gamble on them.
Finishing up
As the article reveals, there are plenty of tasks an 11 or 12 year old can do to earn some extra pocket cash. The ones we have actually curated should not contravene of child labor laws and are easy enough for children at that age to do.
So what do you think about these tasks? Would you let your kid attempt any of them? Let us understand in the remarks below and share this with a buddy who has a preteen trying to find extra cash on the side!
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The Very Best Jobs for 11 12 Year Olds that Pay well In 2025
Abbie Cairns edited this page 3 days ago