15 Odd Jobs Kids Can Do to Earn Real Money

Allowance is great, but there's a special feeling that comes from money you earned yourself. Somebody needed a job done, you did it, and they paid you.

Here are real jobs kids do for neighbors, family friends and relatives, with what they usually pay and how to get started.

First, the golden rule: ask a parent before you offer any job. A grown-up should know where you're working and who you're working for, and should help you pick neighbors you already know.

Outdoor jobs

1. Washing garbage cans

Trash cans get gross, and almost nobody wants to clean them. With a hose, a scrub brush, some dish soap and a bucket, you can rinse, scrub and dry a can in about 15 minutes. If a parent helps with a pressure washer, it goes even faster. Typical pay: $5–$10 per can. Offer a monthly visit and you have repeat customers.

2. Mowing lawns

The classic kid job. Only use a mower after a parent has shown you how and says you're ready. Typical pay: $15–$40 per lawn, depending on the size.

3. Pulling weeds and raking leaves

No machines needed, and every yard needs it. Typical pay: $10–$20 per hour, or a set price per bag of leaves.

4. Watering plants and gardens

Perfect for when neighbors go on vacation. Typical pay: $5–$10 per visit.

5. Washing cars

A bucket, soap, a sponge and a towel for drying. Team up with a sibling or friend to finish faster. Typical pay: $10–$20 per car.

6. Shoveling snow

If you live where it snows, driveways and sidewalks need clearing fast. Typical pay: $15–$30 per driveway.

7. Taking bins to the curb

Some neighbors, especially older ones, would love help rolling their trash and recycling bins out and back each week. Typical pay: $5–$10 per week.

Pet and people helper jobs

8. Dog walking

Start with calm dogs you already know. Typical pay: $5–$15 per walk.

9. Pet sitting

Feeding cats, refilling water bowls, cleaning a litter box while a family is away. Typical pay: $10–$20 per day.

10. Mother's helper

Playing with younger kids while a parent is home but busy. It's great practice before babysitting. Typical pay: $5–$12 per hour.

Around-the-house jobs

11. Organizing a garage or closet

Sorting, stacking and hauling boxes. Typical pay: $10–$15 per hour.

12. Washing windows

Inside windows and ground-floor outside windows only. Typical pay: $2–$5 per window.

Selling things

13. A lemonade or snack stand

Buy supplies, set a price, and see what's left over after costs. That leftover amount is called profit, and it's the most important number in any business.

14. Selling crafts

Bracelets, drawings, painted rocks, slime: things you make can sell to family, friends and at school fairs (if your school allows it).

15. Selling things you've outgrown

With a parent's help, sell old toys, books and sports gear at a yard sale.

How much should you charge?

• Ask around. Find out what other kids nearby charge, and pick a price close to that.
• Charge by the job, not by the hour, for small tasks. "$8 per trash can" is easier for customers to say yes to.
• Show up on time and do a careful job. Neighbors tell other neighbors, and that's how one customer becomes five.

Keep track of what you earn

Money disappears fast when nobody writes it down. If your family uses KidCash, a parent can record each job's pay as it comes in, with a note like "washed the Garcias' trash cans". You can then watch your balance grow and set a savings goal for the thing you're working toward. Seeing "$47 of $120 saved" makes the next job feel a lot more worth it.

Want ideas for your exact age? See our lists of ways kids can earn money by age, from 8-year-olds to 16-year-olds.

Now go find your first customer.