Being an 11-year-old doesn’t mean you have to wait until you’re older to start making money. Whether you’re saving up for something special, learning the value of hard work, or just want to build a sense of financial independence, there are plenty of age-appropriate ways to make money as an 11-year-old.
While your options may be more limited than adults, there are still many opportunities to earn money legally and safely. Below are some ideas for ways an 11-year-old can make money, both online and offline.
1. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Why It’s Great:
If you love animals, offering pet sitting or dog walking services can be a great way to earn money. Many pet owners need help while they’re at work or on vacation, and they often prefer to hire someone local they can trust.
How to Get Started:
- Start by offering your services to friends, family, or neighbors. Let them know that you’re available to look after their pets or take dogs for walks.
- Make sure to set clear expectations for what you’ll do (e.g., feeding, walking, playing) and how much you’ll charge.
- Ask for recommendations or references once you’ve done a good job so that you can grow your business.
Earnings Potential:
Dog walkers typically charge $10–$20 per walk, depending on the length and number of walks. Pet sitting rates vary, but you could charge $15–$25 per day for looking after a pet.
2. Lawn Mowing and Yard Work
Why It’s Great:
Mowing lawns and doing basic yard work is a classic way for kids to earn money. It’s physical work, but it’s a valuable service that homeowners often need, especially during the spring and summer months.
How to Get Started:
- Ask your neighbors if they need help with mowing their lawns, trimming hedges, or raking leaves.
- Make sure to have the right tools (like a lawnmower and rake) and ask an adult for supervision if necessary.
- You can offer to rake leaves in the fall or shovel snow in the winter for additional opportunities.
Earnings Potential:
Lawn mowing can earn you anywhere from $10 to $25 per lawn, depending on the size and complexity of the job. Yard work, such as leaf raking, can bring in $10–$15 per hour.
3. Babysitting
Why It’s Great:
If you’re responsible and enjoy spending time with younger kids, babysitting can be an excellent way to make money. Many parents look for reliable sitters for a few hours during the evening or on weekends.
How to Get Started:
- Consider taking a babysitting course to learn safety basics, first aid, and how to interact with younger children.
- Offer your services to neighbors, family, or friends. If possible, start by helping out with your younger siblings to gain experience.
- Let people know you’re available and interested in babysitting, and always ask for feedback from parents to improve your skills.
Earnings Potential:
Babysitters typically make around $10–$15 per hour, depending on location, the number of kids, and the complexity of the job.
4. Online Surveys and Tasks
Why It’s Great:
If you have internet access, there are various websites that pay for completing simple surveys, tasks, or watching videos. While you won’t make a fortune, it can be a fun and easy way to make some pocket money.
How to Get Started:
- Look for websites that allow kids under 13 with parental permission (e.g., Swagbucks or InboxDollars). Some may have age restrictions, so make sure to check.
- Complete surveys, watch videos, or participate in small tasks like testing products. You can usually cash out your earnings for gift cards or PayPal payments.
Earnings Potential:
You won’t make huge amounts of money from surveys, but you can expect to earn $1–$5 for completing simple tasks. The more tasks you complete, the more you can earn, but be sure to do it with the approval of a parent.
5. Selling Crafts or Artwork
Why It’s Great:
If you’re creative, making and selling crafts, art, or jewelry can be a fun and rewarding way to earn money. Whether you enjoy drawing, painting, or making homemade bracelets, you can turn your talents into profit.
How to Get Started:
- Start by making a few items like friendship bracelets, paintings, or handmade cards.
- Offer your products to family, friends, or neighbors. You can also set up a small shop at local craft fairs or online platforms like Etsy (with parental permission).
- Use social media to showcase your products and attract buyers.
Earnings Potential:
The earnings depend on the price of the items you create. For example, homemade jewelry or art might sell for anywhere from $5 to $25 each, depending on the item’s complexity and materials used.
6. Car Washing
Why It’s Great:
Offering to wash cars is a great way to make money, especially if you live in an area where people’s cars get dirty quickly, such as near a busy road or in a suburban neighborhood.
How to Get Started:
- Start by asking your family, friends, or neighbors if they need their cars washed. Make sure to offer a good price and explain what your service includes (washing, waxing, vacuuming, etc.).
- You’ll need basic supplies like soap, sponges, towels, and a hose, and you can get started with minimal investment.
Earnings Potential:
A basic car wash can earn you around $10–$20 per car, with an additional charge for waxing or more detailed cleaning.
7. Organizing or Cleaning Homes
Why It’s Great:
Some people need help organizing or cleaning their homes, especially if they have busy schedules. If you enjoy tidying up and organizing spaces, this can be an excellent way to make money.
How to Get Started:
- Ask neighbors or family members if they need help organizing their rooms, garages, or storage spaces.
- You can also help with cleaning tasks like dusting, vacuuming, or washing windows.
- Make sure to do a good job and ask for referrals or positive reviews.
Earnings Potential:
For cleaning and organizing, you could charge $10–$15 per hour. If you’re organizing larger spaces, like garages or attics, you can charge a higher rate.
8. Offering Tech Help
Why It’s Great:
If you’re good with computers, smartphones, or other electronic devices, you could help people troubleshoot problems or teach them how to use new technology. Many adults and seniors aren’t as tech-savvy and would appreciate assistance.
How to Get Started:
- Offer your help to family members or neighbors who need assistance with their phones, computers, or setting up devices.
- You could also help teach basic skills, such as how to use social media, send emails, or organize files.
Earnings Potential:
You could charge around $10–$20 per hour for tech help, depending on the complexity of the task.
9. Recyclable Collections
Why It’s Great:
Recycling can help the environment, and you can make money while doing it! Many places offer cash for recycling certain items like cans, bottles, or scrap metal.
How to Get Started:
- Start collecting recyclables from your home, neighborhood, or local parks.
- You can take them to recycling centers that offer cash in exchange for recyclables like aluminum cans, plastic bottles, or old electronics.
Earnings Potential:
Earnings vary depending on what you’re recycling, but you can earn a few cents per item. Collecting large quantities of cans and bottles can add up, though, and you could earn $10–$30 a week depending on how much you collect.
Conclusion
Making money as an 11-year-old is not only about earning extra cash, but also about learning important lessons in responsibility, work ethics, and time management. Whether you’re walking dogs, selling crafts, or offering tech help, there are plenty of opportunities to start earning money in a way that suits your interests and skills.
Before starting any money-making venture, always make sure to discuss your ideas with a parent or guardian to ensure you’re doing it safely and legally. With a little creativity and effort, you can begin to build your financial independence at a young age!
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