Want to earn your own money as a 12 year old? It’s totally achievable! Getting your first job is a fantastic way to learn responsibility, gain new skills, and have some extra cash for the things you enjoy. Whether you’re saving up for a new video game, want to hang out with friends, or are just eager to experience the world of earning, there are plenty of age-appropriate and fun jobs for 12 year olds. Let’s explore some of the best options and get you started on your path to financial independence.
Awesome Job Ideas for 12 Year Olds
Finding the right job as a 12 year old is about matching your interests and abilities with opportunities around you. Here are some top job ideas that are perfect for your age group:
1. Become a Babysitting Pro
If you’re great with younger kids and have a responsible attitude, babysitting is a classic and reliable way to make money. Parents are often looking for trustworthy babysitters for evenings or weekends.
To become a sought-after babysitter, consider taking a babysitting course. These courses teach you essential skills like child safety, basic first aid, and how to handle different situations. Having these qualifications will not only make you more confident but also reassure parents that their children are in safe hands. Start by letting family friends and neighbors know you’re available – word of mouth is powerful!
2. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking for Animal Lovers
Do you adore animals? Pet sitting or dog walking could be your dream job! Many pet owners need help caring for their furry, scaled, or feathered friends when they’re at work or traveling.
Offer services like dog walking, feeding pets, playing with them, and even cleaning litter boxes or cages. You can tailor your services to fit the needs of different pet owners. Post flyers in your neighborhood or use social media (with your parents’ help) to advertise your pet-sitting or dog-walking business. Make sure to highlight your love for animals and your responsible nature.
3. Gardening and Lawn Care Services
For 12 year olds who enjoy being outdoors and don’t mind physical activity, gardening and lawn care are excellent options, especially during spring and summer.
Offer services like lawn mowing, weeding, watering plants, raking leaves, and helping with general garden upkeep. You can go door-to-door in your neighborhood or ask family and friends if they need help with their yards. Simple tools like a lawnmower (with adult supervision), rake, and gardening gloves are usually all you need to get started. This is a great way to get exercise, enjoy the fresh air, and earn money at the same time.
4. House Cleaning Help
Many busy households could use an extra pair of hands to keep things tidy. If you’re organized and detail-oriented, offering house cleaning services can be a great way to earn money.
Tasks can include dusting, vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, washing dishes, and tidying up rooms. Start by offering your services to neighbors or family friends. You can create a simple checklist of tasks and agree on a price beforehand. House cleaning helps you develop responsibility and a good work ethic, plus you’re providing a valuable service to people in your community.
Teenage Girl Sweeping The Floor
5. Car Washing Crew
Washing cars is another fantastic job idea, particularly during warmer months. People love having clean cars but don’t always have the time to wash them themselves.
You can set up a car wash service on weekends or after school. Gather supplies like buckets, sponges, car-wash soap, and towels. You can offer different packages, such as basic exterior wash or a more detailed interior and exterior cleaning. Promote your car wash service around your neighborhood – word-of-mouth and even simple signs can attract customers. It’s a fun, social activity that can be even better with friends!
6. Lemonade Stand Entrepreneur
Running a lemonade stand is a classic summer job that’s not only fun but also teaches you basic business skills.
Set up your stand in a high-traffic area like a park, near a community event, or even on your street if it’s busy. You’ll learn about setting prices, managing costs, providing customer service, and making a profit. Get creative with your lemonade flavors and decorations to attract more customers. It’s a great way to learn about entrepreneurship while enjoying the sunshine.
7. Tutoring Younger Students
If you excel in a particular subject at school, you can use your knowledge to help younger students or classmates by offering tutoring services.
Subjects like math, reading, or science are always in demand. You can tutor after school or on weekends, either in person or even online. Tutoring not only helps others improve their grades but also reinforces your own understanding of the subject matter. It’s a rewarding experience that enhances your communication and teaching skills.
8. Online Content Creator
In today’s digital world, creating online content can be a fun and potentially profitable way for 12 year olds to make money.
If you enjoy making videos, writing, drawing, or have other creative talents, consider starting a YouTube channel, blog, or social media account. You can share your hobbies, teach skills, review products, or simply entertain an audience. Over time, as your audience grows, you might be able to monetize your content through ads, sponsorships, or selling merchandise. This path requires creativity, consistency, and parental guidance, especially when navigating the online world.
9. Earn Rewards for Walking with Modak
Did you know you can earn money just by walking? The Modak app offers a “Walk to Earn” feature that rewards you for your daily steps.
While you’re doing other jobs that involve walking, like dog walking or gardening, or even just going about your day, you can earn extra. Modak rewards you with MBX points for reaching daily walking goals, which you can then convert to dollars and add to a Modak debit card. It’s a simple way to supplement your earnings while promoting a healthy habit.
How Much Can a 12 Year Old Earn?
The amount you can earn as a 12 year old depends on the jobs you do and how much time you dedicate to them. Here are some average hourly or per-job earnings to give you an idea:
- Babysitting: $5 – $10 per hour
- Pet Sitting/Dog Walking: $10 – $20 per visit or walk
- 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 (weather dependent!)
- Tutoring: $10 – $20 per hour
Keep in mind these are averages and can vary based on your location, the specific tasks, and your negotiation skills!
Finding Jobs: Getting Started
Finding your first job might seem daunting, but here are some effective ways to get started:
Spread the Word
Tell everyone you know – family, friends, neighbors – that you’re looking for work. Let them know the types of services you offer. Word-of-mouth is a powerful tool, and people you know are more likely to trust and hire you.
Create Flyers or Business Cards
Design simple flyers or business cards with your name, age (optional but can build trust), the services you offer, and your contact information (parent’s phone number or email with permission). Distribute these in your neighborhood, community centers, and local businesses (where permitted).
Utilize Social Media (With Parent Supervision)
With your parents’ help, use social media platforms to announce your job search. Platforms like Facebook or neighborhood groups can reach a wide audience quickly. Remember to always prioritize safety online and offline.
Mum and son using social media
Be Professional
When you get a job, act professionally. Be punctual, do your best work, be polite and respectful to your clients. Building a good reputation early on will lead to more job opportunities in the future.
Tips for Job Success as a 12 Year Old
Here’s how to make the most of your first job experiences:
Start Small and Build Up
Begin with smaller, manageable tasks to gain experience and confidence. As you become more comfortable and skilled, you can take on bigger and more challenging jobs.
Set Financial Goals
Decide what you want to do with the money you earn. Are you saving for something specific? Setting financial goals will keep you motivated and help you manage your earnings wisely.
Time Management is Key
Balancing school, activities, and work requires good time management. Plan your schedule to ensure you can fulfill your job responsibilities without getting overwhelmed or letting your schoolwork suffer.
Save and Spend Smart
Learn to save a portion of your earnings and spend the rest wisely. This is a great time to learn about budgeting and responsible money management. Consider using tools like the Modak app to help track your earnings and savings.
Modak: A Modern Tool for Money Management
Beyond traditional jobs, modern technology like the Modak app can be incredibly helpful for 12 year olds learning about money. Modak teaches essential money management skills in an engaging way and even rewards you for everyday activities.
Modern Money Management for Teens
Modak provides a VISA Debit Card¹ with no monthly subscription fees⁴ and 24/7 customer support, making it a safe and user-friendly tool for teens. With parental oversight, you can learn to manage your money, set savings goals, and track transactions.
Earn MBX Points and Real Money with Modak
With the Modak app, you can earn MBX points by completing challenges and using the “Walk to Earn” feature. Earning up to 70 MBX⁽²⁾⁽³⁾ per week by walking can add up to real dollars on your Modak debit card – potentially $36.4 a year!³ It’s a fun and practical way to see your efforts turn into tangible earnings.
Ready to Get Started?
Kid with her Modak VISA debit card
If you’re looking for a modern, educational way to manage and grow your money, and even earn just by walking, check out the Modak app. Get started today using the code HUB_JOBS12 to earn $10 and take charge of your financial future!5
Taking initiative and being proactive is key to finding opportunities and succeeding in your first jobs. With these ideas and tips, you’re well on your way to making money as a 12 year old and building valuable skills for the future. Happy job hunting and money earning!
FAQs: Earning Money and Building Skills at 12
How can 12-year-olds make cash?
12-year-olds have many avenues to earn cash, primarily through informal jobs in their communities. While formal employment is limited, opportunities like pet sitting, babysitting, lawn mowing, and household chores are readily available. Leveraging apps like Modak Makers to earn rewards for everyday activities, such as walking, provides another accessible method to accumulate earnings. These diverse options empower young individuals to start building financial literacy and independence early on.
What is a good first job for a 12-year-old?
A suitable first job for a 12-year-old is one that is safe, manageable, and aligns with their skills and interests. Babysitting for known families, pet sitting, and gardening are excellent starting points. For those inclined towards technology, online content creation or offering peer tutoring can be rewarding. Incorporating the Modak Makers app into their routine can also be a beneficial first step, as it allows them to earn through regular activities under parental guidance, while learning financial responsibility with a secure Visa debit card.
What are the legal rights for a 12 year old worker?
While 12-year-olds can engage in certain types of work, it’s important to be aware of child labor laws. Generally, at 12, employment is limited to informal jobs like babysitting, dog walking, and sometimes within family-owned businesses, with restrictions on hours and types of tasks to ensure safety and prioritize education. For detailed information on federal and state regulations, resources like the U.S. Department of Labor website provide comprehensive guidelines.
- Modak is a financial technology company and not a FDIC-insured bank. Checking account and the Modak Visa® 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 FDIC’s deposit insurance coverage only protects against the failure of an FDIC-insured depository institution.
- 100 MBX = $1(as of June 2024). This is an approximation and not a guaranteed result. Click here for more information on MBX
- Walking 5,000 steps a day gives users 10MBX (as of June 2024). This is subject to change at Modak’s discretion
- Fees for expedited or premium services may apply. Find out more in our Cardholder agreement.
- Referal Program Terms and conditions apply, find more about them here.
