The Best Jobs for 11-12 Year Olds that Pay well In 2025
There comes a time in every child's life when they recognize that their pocket money can only take them so far.
While there's no specific age when such a realization dawns, 11 to 12 is particularly notable since they're ages when kids start to yearn for more independence.
If your preteen is at that phase 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 exceptional choices your child can try.
A Summary 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 couple of methods you can categorize the types of tasks your preteen can do to make extra money. They include:
Traditional Jobs: As the name recommends, these are the very best jobs for typical character-building physical labor, like cleaning, snow shoveling, or yard mowing tasks. Less intense tasks in this category also consist of family pet sitting.
Seasonal Jobs: These tasks are seasonal, however they can be a great way for your kid to begin their own service, whether on a hot summer season's day (e.g. a lemonade stand or other summer tasks) or in winter season (hot chocolate stand, snow shoveling, and so on).
Online Jobs: Kids can do online tasks and create business concepts with simply a computer and internet connection. Examples consist of taking online studies, screening video games, and so on.
Creative Jobs: These tasks use your kid's imagination. Activities like writing, working as a Tee shirts designer, running a YouTube channel, and voice acting all certify as creative tasks.
Artistic Jobs: Modeling, acting, or voice performing can all be an excellent outlet for your kid's artistic side.
Best 16 Jobs for 11-12 Year Olds That Pay Well
The tasks discussed listed below are amongst the best tasks for 11-12 years of age to make their own money. A lot of them require little in the method of abilities or knowledge.
When they do require them, your child can either acquire the skills or use their natural talent.
1. Pet Sitting
One excellent way your preteen kid can cash is to work as a pet sitter.
If a neighbor or member of the family has a family pet that needs taking care of while they're away, they can leave their companion with your child.
The responsibility of feeding the animal and keeping it safe lies with the preteen up until their client returns from their journey.
What You'll Need for Pet Sitting
Pet sitting needs the following:
- A family pet to take care of.
- Pet products (animal food, leash, cage, toys, and so on).
Fortunately, the animal's owner will provide whatever.
- Younger kids can establish nurturing skills when taking care of family pets.
- This job can develop a child's sense of obligation.
- It's an inexpensive method for earning money.
Con
- This task isn't applicable to all family pets (e.g., snakes, tarantula spiders, etc).
Top Places to Find Pet Sitting Jobs
You can find pet caretaker functions online or by asking around your community.
2. Car Washing
If you stroll around your area, you'll likely see 2 or more cars and trucks that might do with a wash.
While some neighbors may be content with taking their cars to the regional cars and truck wash, others may not have the time or disposition to drive down there or do the washing themselves.
Therein lies the chance for your 11 or 12 year old. They can offer to wash your next-door neighbor's automobiles in exchange for payment. And if they do an outstanding job, it could become a recurring gig.
What You'll Need for Car Washing
You'll require the following to wash automobiles:
- Car vacuum.
- Bin bags.
- Soap.
- A rag.
- A bucket.
You can acquire all of the above at your regional shop (if they aren't currently lying around the home).
- One of the finest character-building jobs.
- It can be done along with a school schedule.
- The job could get kids thinking about autos.
Con
- This task needs care to avoid the cars and truck's paint job from peeling.
Top Places to Find Car Washing Jobs
A walk around your community need to suffice. You can also check out regional services to check if they require help.
3. Dog Walking
Dog walking is among the leading animal service ideas and is among the finest tasks for 11 and 12 years of age who enjoy man's buddy. If your busy dog-owning neighbor requires somebody to walk their dog, your kid can offer to go in their stead.
What You'll Need for Dog Walking
Your child will need the following when working as a pet walker:
- A dog.
- A leash.
- A poop scooper.
- Plastic bags.
Regarding the third and fourth products, your child will need to make sure that they get after the pet when it ends up doing its company.
- One of the most straightforward jobs a preteen can do.
- It's a great way to let children care for pet dogs.
- Kids can develop an interest in dogs and veterinary practice.
Con
- This job is only suitable for smaller sized and tamer pet dog types.
Top Places to Find Dog Walking Jobs
You can discover pet dog walking Jobs around your community or look online for regional listings on categorized sites.
4. Modeling
Is your 11 or 12 years of age conventionally good-looking? You might desire to consider letting them work as a model 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 cam.
Even if you don't like the idea of your child gracing the runway, there are less-demanding modeling gigs they might attempt, like modeling for stock images and advertisements.
What You'll Need to Do Modeling
You'll need a kid with conventional appeal, an expert photography portfolio, and an agreement with a modeling agency.
- It doesn't need a lot of abilities.
- This task can be lucrative.
- The task can be an outstanding self-confidence booster.
Con
- It may include pulling your child out of school and homeschooling them.
Top Places to Find Modeling Jobs
You can start your search on the sites of modeling firms like Elite Model Management and IMG Models.
5. Raking Leaves
In the fall, a month or 2 before the holiday, trees start to lose their leaves, representing winter season's approach.
Rather than view the phenomenon as an additional chore they'll need to do around the home, your preteen can rake in cash by handling a gig raking the leaves off your neighbor's lawns.
What You'll Need to Do Leaf Raking
Leaf- raking needs the following tools and gear:
- Warm clothing (including gloves).
- A rake.
- A dustpan.
- Bin bags.
- (Optional) A small leaf-blower.
Depending on how far your kid will need to take a trip, they may take their bike.
- This job is an exceptional way to keep the kids hectic for a few hours.
- It could be financially rewarding (depending on the number of next-door neighbors needs the service).
- Your child can add to keeping their environment neat.
Con
- The task needs that your child work in the cold.
Top Places to Find Leaf Raking Jobs
Your child can discover these type of tasks in their local community.
6. Mowing Lawns
When life gets too hectic, generally gorgeous lawns end up being neglected, providing a profitable opportunity for entrepreneurial kids.
During summer season break, your child can offer to cut your next-door neighbors' yards in exchange for cash.
What You'll Need to Do Lawn Mowing
Here's what's needed to mow yards:
- A lawn mower.
It's likely your next-door neighbor's will have theirs, but if they don't, you can offer the one from your home.
- The hard work included teaches kids monetary responsibility.
- It can be a satisfying way to earn money throughout summer holiday.
- Your kid gets to improve their area.
Con
- Particularly unkempt yards may house scary crawlies and small animals.
Top Places to Find Lawn Mowing Jobs
The finest location to find yard mowing tasks is within the neighborhood.
7. Shoveling Snow
If the holiday takes place to be a snowy one this year, your 11 or 12 years of age can make cash shoveling snow off your 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 customer provides the devices.
- Seasonal Jobs like this are an outstanding way for 11 and 12 year olds to make money before returning to school.
- Your kid begins the brand-new year proficiently.
- This task keeps the environment safe.
Con
- It involves working in the cold.
Top Places to Find Snow Shoveling Jobs
Kids can discover this kind of task in their neighborhood.
8. Pool Cleaning
Pool cleaning is another among those character-building jobs for 11 and employment 12-year-olds. Your child can assist your next-door neighbors clean their swimming pools in the summer.
This isn't the kind of pool cleansing with severe chemicals done commercially, but rather a way to keep the swimming pool clean in between those cleansings.
What You'll Need for Pool Cleaning
Pool cleansing needs the following items:
- Cleaning brush
- Detergent
- A swimming pool net
The consumer can provide the above-listed utensils.
- It'll keep your kids hectic throughout the summertime
- Your kid might discover a thing or 2 about pools
Con
- It's one of the most time-consuming jobs for 11 years of age.
Top Places to Find Pool Cleaning Jobs
The best place to discover a pool cleansing task is in your community.
9. Painting Fences
If you walk through your neighborhood, you'll see a number of houses whose fences could do with a brand-new lick of paint.
Your preteen can knock on a couple of doors to find out whether their neighbors want to pay them to paint their fences.
What You'll Need for Fence Painting
Painting fences requires the following tools:
- Paint
- Paint pail
- Paint brush/roller
- Apron
With the exception of the paint, your kid can get the majority of the above from your home.
- Your kid can help restore their neighborhood's charm
- The act of painting can make kids thinking about DIY and home restoration
- It's a fun method to keep kids busy
Con
- This job isn't ideal for kids with breathing problems
Top Places to Find Fence Painting Jobs
Your kid can find fence painting opportunities in their area.
10. Voice Actor
Does your child have a clear speaking voice? They might have the makings of a voice star.
They can get voice acting roles in radio commercials, animations and cartoon animations, audio books, and so on.
What You'll Need for Voice Acting
Voice acting needs the following:
- A clear speaking voice
- The ability to produce funny or remarkable voices (optional).
Please keep in mind that the kind of voice acting roles you look for determine the skills needed.
- Voice acting is among the higher-paying tasks for 11 years of age and above.
- It could become a life-long profession.
- It's enjoyable.
Con
- This task may be tough to protect.
Top Places to Find Voice Acting Jobs
You can examine websites like Bunny Studio and Filmless to discover voice acting jobs
11. Acting
Does your child have a style for theatrics? You might be raising the next Jennifer Lawrence or Bradley Cooper.
Acting can give your child a fulfilling outlet for their performance, so it deserves taking a look at if they're talented enough.
What You'll Need for Acting
Getting an acting profession off the ground will require talent and a representative.
- It can be a satisfying profession.
- There's no limitation to the mediums your kid can appear in (films, TV series, short-form content online ... etc).
- It can be profitable (depending on your child's star power).
Con
- The transition from child star to full-fledged actor/actress can be tough.
Top Places to Find Acting Jobs
A few of the very best websites to look for acting jobs include Backstage, Actors Access, and Casting Networks.
12. Computer Game Testing
Your kid can get paid to play video games by screening computer game online.
This task lets them play games and provide their feedback on what the games solve and wrong. Therefore, it is among the most enjoyable tasks for 11-year-olds and above.
What You'll Need to Do Computer Game Testing
Computer game testing needs the following:
- A stable web connection.
- A laptop or PC.
- A PayPal account (or other ways of accepting payments online).
You may need to help your kid set up this job and employment also keep track of the video games they test.
- It's a fun way for them to earn money.
- Your kid may develop an interest in computer game development.
- It doesn't need excessive in the method of resources to begin.
Con
- It requires parental guidance.
Top Places to Find Video Game Testing Jobs
You can do computer game screening on websites like Rewarded Play and Bubble Cash.
13. Writing
Does your child have a way with words and an active imagination? They can make money to write prose like narratives, blog posts, and more.
Please note that your kid's capability to do this task depends on their ability for reading and writing.
What You'll Need to Do Writing
You'll require the following to get writing jobs:
- An exceptional command of English.
- A laptop or computer system with a word processing program.
- Internet connection.
- A mode of payment (PayPal, and so on).
It's also worth buying a tool for spelling and grammar checks (e.g., Grammarly).
- This task can assist improve your kid's composing skills.
- Your kid can get paid to develop stories using their creativity.
- It can be rewarding if they write a hit book or story.
Con
- Writing is among the most challenging jobs for 11-year-olds to do.
Top Places to Find Writing Jobs
There are various sites like Upwork where you can get writing commissions. However, if your child is going the story path, you'll be much better off searching for literary agencies online.
14. Taking Surveys
One of the most unconventional tasks for 11 years of age your child can attempt is taking studies.
That said, they can address short online questionnaires and earn a little extra money to supplement their pocket cash. Have a look at our list of high paying studies 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 computer or computer system.
- A technique for gathering payments.
Ensure you keep track of the kinds of surveys your kid takes when they do this task.
- Your child can do it from the comfort of their home.
- It's a straightforward job anybody can do.
- Some surveys take no longer than five minutes to complete.
Con
- This task requires parental guidance.
Top Places to Find Survey Jobs
You can go to sites like Swagbucks to discover survey jobs.
15. Family Business
Among the most convenient methods for kids aged 11-12 to discover work is to operate in their family's company. It might belong to their parents, other household members, or even household good friends.
In either case, they can begin getting valuable work experience and the cash that features it.
What You'll Need to Do a Family Business Job
This task needs a family-owned company for the preteen to work for.
- You can be sure that your child is in a safe environment.
- The kid gets to learn the ins-and-outs of their family's business.
- It's an exceptional method to prepare a successor employment to take control of business.
Con
- It may not provide the child the opportunity to fulfill new people.
Top Places to Find a Family Business Job
If you do not own an organization your family runs, you can get in touch with immediate and extended family members who do and require an extra pair of hands.
16. Newspaper Delivery
Finally, among the oldest jobs kids in the US do to earn money is newspaper delivery.
Kids can deliver papers before going to school and it's outstanding for developing character and developing a good work principles.
What You'll Need to Do Newspaper Delivery
This job needs a bike with a compartment for saving the papers.
Pros
- A paper route can give kids much-needed workout.
- Kids that provide papers might establish an interest in their community's goings-ons.
- This job can assist to improve their sense of direction.
Con
- It needs getting up in the early hours of the early morning.
- Many news firms are going paperless, minimizing the variety of offered newspapers.
Top Places to Find a Newspaper Delivery Job
You can find a paper delivery role by searching in the telephone directory or online for the local newspaper's Circulation Department.
Can an 11-Year-Old Work for a Company?
No. According to the US Department of Labor, child labor laws (Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938) restrict the minimum age of employment to 14. All the jobs in this article avoid real work and are mostly 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 does not require any equipment, skill, or ability. And chances are that the kid in question 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 extremely skilled or attractive before agencies can confidently take a possibility on them.
Finishing up
As the post reveals, there are lots of tasks an 11 or 12 year old can do to earn some additional pocket money. The ones we've curated shouldn't contravene of child labor laws and are simple enough for kids at that age to do.
So what do you think about these tasks? Would you let your kid attempt any of them? Let us know in the comments below and share this with a friend who has a preteen searching for additional money on the side!