13 Great Job Opportunities for 11-Year-Olds to Earn Money

Are you curious about the best jobs for 11-year-olds?

Many children are eager to earn some money, but finding jobs suitable for their age can be challenging.

Jobs for 11-year-olds can help teach them about the value of money and the importance of hard work. These experiences also provide opportunities to learn new skills and gain valuable experience for the future.

I still remember the excitement of earning my first few dollars babysitting as a child. It instilled in me feelings of responsibility and an appreciation for the money earned through work—lessons that stay with you for life!

Recommended reading: 23 Best Business Ideas For Kids To Make Extra Money

Can an 11-year-old work legally?

Children can have jobs, but there are regulations in place to ensure their safety and well-being. In the U.S., kids under 14 are generally prohibited from regular work, though exceptions exist. They may be able to babysit, deliver newspapers, or even participate in acting.

Government regulations also dictate how long children can work. For instance, during school days, they’re typically limited to 3 hours, while on weekends or holidays, they may work up to 8 hours. These rules ensure children have enough time for school, rest, and leisure activities. It’s wise to check local child labor laws, as they can vary. A good starting point is to visit the U.S. Department of Labor Child Labor website.

It’s essential to prioritize safety while earning money. Always:

Ensure parents or guardians are informed about the child’s activities.
Have them work with trusted individuals.
Keep a trusted adult nearby.

Another important aspect is to ensure the child knows they can always turn to their guardian or parent for help without feeling embarrassed or frightened. This helps create an open environment for discussing any concerns. If they ever feel uncomfortable about their job, they should feel free to ask questions or stop the work.

Remember, education comes first! Jobs should not interfere with school or sleep.

Best Jobs for 11-Year-Olds

Here are some of the best jobs for 11-year-olds.

1. Babysitter

Babysitting is an excellent job for 11-year-olds, especially if they start by looking after younger siblings or cousins under adult supervision.

As they gain confidence and experience, they may find opportunities to babysit for neighbors or family friends. Many parents look for responsible pre-teens who can watch their children for short periods.

Always establish clear expectations with parents regarding duties and pay rates. Typically, 11-year-old babysitters charge between $5 to $10 per hour.

Babysitting is often an ideal first job for kids, especially if they have younger siblings or cousins to care for. When I began babysitting at a young age, it taught me about responsibility and the pride of earning my own money.

2. Pet Sitter

Pet sitting is a fun job for 11-year-olds who love animals. They can earn money by taking care of dogs, cats, and other pets in the neighborhood.

Pet sitters are responsible for feeding the animals, providing water, cleaning up after them, and playing with them.

This job teaches kids about responsibility and animal care, and it’s a great way to gain experience if they hope to work with animals in the future.

It’s advisable for kids to start by offering their services to family friends or neighbors, as pet owners may feel more comfortable letting a child care for their pets if they know them.

3. Dog Walker

Dog walking can also be a great job for 11-year-olds who enjoy being around animals. Kids can start by offering to walk local dogs in the neighborhood.

I recommend starting with shorter walks and ensuring that the child is comfortable with the dog’s breed and energy level. Some dogs might be too large or energetic for an 11-year-old to walk safely, so it’s essential to consider this.

I recently saw a flyer in my neighborhood from a young person offering dog walking services. They charged about $5 for a 30-minute walk, and their parent accompanied them to ensure safety. It was a clever way for the child to gain experience in earning money while staying safe!

4. Paper Route

A paper route can be a fulfilling job for 11-year-olds, where they deliver newspapers to local homes. This job fosters responsibility and allows kids to earn money.

Individuals with paper routes often wake up early to deliver papers before people leave for work. It’s a good way to start the day with some exercise, whether walking or riding a bike.

While most papers are now delivered by adults using vehicles, you could check with local newspaper companies to see if they have opportunities for children to deliver papers.

When I was younger, a friend’s family managed a paper route as a means of earning extra money. She would assist with deliveries and earn some for herself. It was more of a family endeavor where everyone helped out together.

best jobs for 11 year olds - lawn mowing

5. Yard Work

Yard work represents a great opportunity for 11-year-olds to earn money by offering services like mowing lawns, raking leaves, and more to their neighbors.

These tasks are suitable for 11-year-olds and do not require specialized skills. Kids can begin by asking their parents if they need assistance with gardening chores.

They might charge $10 to $15 for mowing a small lawn. Raking leaves can earn between $10 to $50 per yard, while watering plants or pulling weeds might pay around $5 per hour.

Yard work is ideal for active kids who don’t mind getting a little dirty. When I used to help my neighbors with simple tasks like raking leaves and pulling weeds, it was an excellent way to earn extra money and boost my confidence. Starting small with family or nearby neighbors provides a safe environment to learn responsibility while enjoying fresh air.

6. Gardener’s Helper

There are various ways an 11-year-old can support gardening activities.

They may help with planting flowers or vegetables, watering plants, and pulling weeds to maintain healthy gardens.

Some people may require assistance with spreading mulch. If they are capable, they could even move small rocks or bags of soil—just be careful not to lift anything too heavy.

Encourage your child to ask neighbors or family friends if they need help in their gardens. They could even create flyers to advertise their services.

7. Car Washer

Washing cars can be an enjoyable and simple way for an 11-year-old to earn extra money. They might start by practicing on family cars before offering their services to neighbors.

To begin, they’ll need basic supplies like car soap, sponges, towels, and a garden hose. You can assist in gathering these items and instructing them on proper usage.

When it’s time to wash, they can start by rinsing the car with water, followed by using soapy water and a sponge to clean the exterior, focusing primarily on dirtier sections like the wheels.

After that, they should rinse off the soap and dry the car using towels. If you have a vacuum, they can also clean the interior surfaces by vacuuming and wiping them down.

Emphasize the importance of being cautious around cars as they are valuable, and encourage them to make quality efforts. Remind them to ask you or another adult for help if they’re uncertain about anything.

what jobs can an 11 year-old get with no experience - lemonade stand

8. Lemonade Stand

A lemonade stand is a classic way for an 11-year-old to make money and is likely the first idea that comes to mind when thinking of ways for children to earn an income. It’s a fun project that imparts valuable life skills. They can set up the stand on a hot day when people are likely parched.

To start, they will require lemons, sugar, water, cups, a table, chairs, and a sign. Adding some decorations can enhance the stand’s appeal and make it more enjoyable for them to set up.

You can help them choose a good location, like a busy street corner or near a park, ensuring it is safe and allowed in your area.

Lemonade is typically priced affordably—perhaps between 50 cents and $1 per cup.

Introducing varieties like strawberry or peach may also attract customers.

Assist them in tracking their sales and expenses so they can understand their earnings, providing them with a basic understanding of running a small business!

The lemonade stand serves as a memorable initial job that teaches kids about earning money while having fun. I fondly recall setting up my own stands during hot summer days; it was a fun way to spend time with friends.

9. Neighborhood Helper

Being a neighborhood helper allows an 11-year-old to earn money while remaining close to home. They can offer to complete small tasks for nearby residents, such as bringing in mail, gift wrapping, laundry assistance, washing dishes, decluttering, watering plants, taking out trash cans, and helping with yard clean-up.

This type of job enables them to work safely within their neighborhood and fosters positive relationships with residents.

To begin, assist them in creating flyers to distribute among neighbors listing the services they offer.

Recently, I noticed a parent in a local Facebook group promoting a job for their child. The child earned $2 for bringing trash cans to the curb and returning them after emptying each week. The neighborhood had specific rules about trash cans being put out on the morning of trash day and returned by evening. This clever child found a simple way to make money, as many residents appreciated this service. For just $8 to $10 a month, the child signed up many neighbors, reportedly making $8 to $10 per house each month with minimal effort!

10. Plant Watering Service

Starting a plant watering service is another fantastic way for an 11-year-old to earn extra money. Many people own plants but may struggle to keep them adequately watered, which is where your child can step in to help!

They can offer their watering services to neighbors, family friends, or local businesses. It’s a straightforward job that requires little time and effort and also provides an opportunity to learn about various plants.

To assist, help them get the word out by creating flyers or using social media. A reasonable price could range from $5 to $10 per visit, depending on how many plants need care.

11. Pick Up After Dogs

Picking up dog waste in the neighborhood can be an interesting job for an 11-year-old, as many pet owners are busy and may not have time to maintain cleanliness in their yards.

This task is relatively simple and requires basic supplies such as plastic bags, gloves, and a scoop. Your child can walk around and pick up any waste they find in people’s yards.

They can charge per visit or weekly, with rates generally ranging from $10 to $20 per yard, depending on the yard’s size and the number of dogs.

Always remind them to wash their hands thoroughly after each job, wear closed-toe shoes, and seek permission before entering any yard.

I remember my dad telling me that this was one of his first jobs as a kid—cleaning up dog waste in local backyards!

12. YouTuber

Becoming a YouTuber can be a fun way for an 11-year-old to explore their interests and potentially earn some money online. While there’s no guarantee of profit, this career path is highly popular among children today.

So why not let them try it out while they’re young? They can create videos about their hobbies, whether it’s toys, games, or crafts.

To start, they will need a camera or smartphone and some basic video editing skills. You can assist them in setting up a YouTube channel and ensure they stay safe online—supervision is advisable due to the potential risks of the internet.

As their channel grows, they could earn money from ads on their videos, and many well-known child YouTubers even secure sponsorships from companies.

It’s crucial to remember that building a successful YouTube channel takes time and effort. They should post videos regularly and engage with their audience. Be sure they adhere to YouTube’s guidelines for kids and receive your permission for any activities on the platform.

Recommended reading: How Much Do YouTubers Make?

13. Shovel Snow

Snow shoveling can be an excellent way for an 11-year-old to earn money during the winter, especially if they enjoy being outdoors and don’t mind the cold.

They can offer to clear driveways, sidewalks, and porches for neighbors, as snow removal is often in high demand following a snowstorm. Many people are willing to pay for this assistance.

To get started, they will need a sturdy snow shovel and warm, appropriate clothing. You can help them find clients within your neighborhood and recommend a fair charge of about $10 to $15 for each driveway or sidewalk cleared.

I recall bundling up and helping neighbors clear their paths after a snowfall; it was tough work but rewarding, especially when I was paid!

Frequently Asked Questions

There are numerous ways for 11-year-olds to earn money. Let’s address some common questions regarding jobs for this age group.

How can kids make money at 11?

Babysitting younger children in the neighborhood is a fantastic option for an 11-year-old who enjoys being around kids. They can also consider pet sitting, especially if they love animals. Additionally, offering yard work services, such as mowing lawns or raking leaves, can help them assist neighbors with outdoor tasks.

What is the best job for an 11-year-old?

The best job for an 11-year-old depends on what they enjoy. If they love caring for children, babysitting could be ideal. For animal enthusiasts, dog walking or pet sitting might be enjoyable jobs. A paper route would suit those who prefer being outdoors and don’t mind early mornings.

What jobs can an 11-year-old get with no experience?

Jobs suitable for an 11-year-old without prior experience include starting a lemonade stand or helping a neighbor with yard maintenance.

What are some ideas for jobs for 11-year-olds online?

Some options for earning money online for an 11-year-old include starting a YouTube channel or selling handmade crafts on Etsy.

How can an 11-year-old earn money during the summer?

Summer provides an excellent opportunity for kids to operate a lemonade stand or offer car washing. They may also provide plant watering services to neighbors away on vacation. Additionally, babysitting often sees increased demand when schools are out, offering another avenue for 11-year-olds to earn extra income.

Best Jobs for 11-Year-Olds – Summary

I hope this article has helped you discover the best jobs for 11-year-olds.

If you have an 11-year-old who is eager to start earning money, there are numerous safe and straightforward job options that can help them build confidence and a sense of responsibility.

While traditional 9-to-5 jobs are not suitable for this age group, they can partake in part-time or seasonal work (such as summer babysitting or helping with gift wrapping).

From pet sitting to running a lemonade stand, these age-appropriate activities can impart valuable skills, including money management and a solid work ethic, all while allowing children to have fun and remain close to home. Each choice presents an opportunity for them to learn and grow, fostering the independence and financial savvy they’ll carry with them for years.

Personally, I began earning money at a young age, and it significantly shaped my understanding of finances, bolstered my confidence, and instilled in me a robust work ethic!

What do you think are the best jobs for 11-year-olds?

Recommended reading: