Are you an 11-year-old eager to make some pocket money, or a parent looking for safe, fun job ideas for your child? Starting to earn money at a young age is not only exciting but also a fantastic way to learn about responsibility, financial literacy, and hard work. As someone who vividly recalls the joy of earning my first dollars through small neighborhood tasks, I can attest to how these early experiences shape a strong work ethic and confidence that lasts a lifetime.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share 15 creative and age-appropriate jobs for 11-year-olds in 2025. These ideas are designed to be safe, engaging, and educational, helping kids develop skills while having fun. From classic gigs like lemonade stands to modern ventures like creating online content, there’s something for every interest. I’ve also included practical tips, safety advice, and answers to common questions to ensure a rewarding experience. Let’s dive in and explore how young entrepreneurs can start their money-making journey!
Why Jobs for 11-Year-Olds Matter
Before we explore specific job ideas, let’s talk about why working at 11 is so valuable. Earning money teaches kids:
- Financial Responsibility: Understanding the value of money and how to save or spend wisely.
- Time Management: Balancing school, fun, and work builds organizational skills.
- Confidence and Independence: Completing tasks and earning rewards boosts self-esteem.
- Problem-Solving: Navigating challenges, like difficult customers or tasks, fosters creativity.
However, there are legal and safety considerations. In the U.S., child labor laws under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) restrict kids under 14 from most formal employment, but they can engage in certain jobs like babysitting, newspaper delivery, or informal tasks with parental oversight. Always check local regulations, as rules vary by state. For example, the U.S. Department of Labor outlines that 11-year-olds can work limited hours (e.g., 3 hours on school days, 8 hours on non-school days) in specific roles. Safety is paramount—parents should supervise, ensure trusted clients, and prioritize school.
Top 15 Jobs for 11-Year-Olds in 2025
Here are 15 engaging and practical job ideas for 11-year-olds, each with detailed steps, potential earnings, and tips to maximize success. These jobs are tailored to be safe, local, and suitable for young kids, with a mix of traditional and modern opportunities to spark interest.
1. Babysitter’s Assistant
What It Involves: Helping watch younger siblings, cousins, or neighbors’ kids under adult supervision. Tasks include playing games, reading stories, or helping with snacks.
Why It’s Great: Builds patience and responsibility while being fun for kids who enjoy younger children.
How to Start: Practice with family members, then offer services to trusted neighbors. Parents can help set expectations (e.g., duties, hours).
Earnings: $5–$10/hour, depending on the area and responsibilities.
Tips: Take a basic first-aid course (online or local) to boost credibility. Always have a parent nearby for safety.
Personal Note: My first babysitting gig at 11 involved watching my cousins during family gatherings. It was a safe way to learn, and the $5 I earned felt like a fortune!
2. Pet Sitter
What It Involves: Feeding, watering, and playing with pets like cats, dogs, or fish for neighbors or family friends.
Why It’s Great: Perfect for animal lovers, teaching care and empathy.
How to Start: Offer services to people you know. Create simple flyers with services and rates.
Earnings: $5–$15 per visit, depending on tasks (e.g., feeding vs. playtime).
Tips: Start with low-maintenance pets like fish or cats. Learn basic pet care (e.g., how much to feed) to avoid mistakes.
3. Dog Walker
What It Involves: Taking small, friendly dogs for short walks in the neighborhood.
Why It’s Great: Combines exercise with earning money, ideal for active kids.
How to Start: Ask neighbors with small dogs if they need help. Parents should confirm the dog’s temperament.
Earnings: $5–$10 for a 20–30-minute walk.
Tips: Stick to familiar routes and avoid large or aggressive dogs. A parent can join initially for safety.
Example: A local 11-year-old I know charges $6 for 20-minute walks, with his mom nearby. He’s built a loyal client base of five neighbors!
4. Newspaper or Flyer Distributor
What It Involves: Delivering local newspapers, community flyers, or small business ads.
Why It’s Great: Teaches punctuality and navigation while getting kids outdoors.
How to Start: Contact local papers or businesses for opportunities. Some areas still have kid-friendly routes.
Earnings: $10–$20 per route, depending on size and frequency.
Tips: Use a bike for efficiency, and always deliver on time to build trust.
5. Yard Work Helper
What It Involves: Raking leaves, mowing small lawns, or pulling weeds for neighbors.
Why It’s Great: Physical work builds strength and discipline, and it’s in high demand.
How to Start: Offer services to family or close neighbors. Use basic tools like rakes or hand mowers.
Earnings: $10–$20 per job (e.g., $15 for a small lawn, $10 for raking).
Tips: Wear gloves and sunscreen, and avoid heavy equipment. Start with small tasks to build confidence.
Personal Note: Raking leaves for my neighbor at 11 was my first paid job. The $10 I earned bought my favorite comic book!
6. Gardener’s Assistant
What It Involves: Helping plant flowers, water gardens, or spread mulch.
Why It’s Great: Teaches kids about nature and teamwork.
How to Start: Ask green-thumbed neighbors if they need help. Offer to water plants during vacations.
Earnings: $5–$10/hour or per task.
Tips: Learn basic plant care (e.g., not overwatering). Create a schedule to track clients.
7. Car Wash Crew
What It Involves: Washing cars for family or neighbors using soap, sponges, and hoses.
Why It’s Great: Fun, hands-on work that delivers visible results.
How to Start: Practice on family cars, then advertise with flyers. Gather supplies (soap, buckets, towels).
Earnings: $5–$15 per car, depending on size and detail.
Tips: Work in pairs for efficiency, and avoid scratching cars by rinsing dirt first.
8. Lemonade or Snack Stand
What It Involves: Selling lemonade, cookies, or snacks on busy days (e.g., weekends, sports events).
Why It’s Great: A classic entrepreneurial venture that teaches business basics.
How to Start: Pick a high-traffic, safe spot (e.g., near a park). Decorate a stand with colorful signs.
Earnings: $0.50–$2 per item, potentially $20–$50 per day.
Tips: Offer unique flavors (e.g., mint lemonade) or bundle deals. Track costs to understand profits.
Trend Alert: In 2025, eco-friendly stands using reusable cups or compostable straws are a hit with customers!
9. Neighborhood Task Helper
What It Involves: Doing small chores like taking out trash, fetching mail, or organizing garages.
Why It’s Great: Flexible and builds community connections.
How to Start: Post in local Facebook groups or distribute flyers listing services.
Earnings: $2–$10 per task (e.g., $3 for trash duty).
Tips: Offer weekly subscriptions (e.g., $8/month for trash). Be reliable to retain clients.
Example: An 11-year-old in my area earns $200/month by managing trash cans for 25 homes—genius!
10. Plant Watering Service
What It Involves: Watering indoor or outdoor plants for neighbors, especially during vacations.
Why It’s Great: Low-effort and educational, teaching kids about plant care.
How to Start: Advertise to neighbors or businesses with plants. Create a checklist for each client.
Earnings: $5–$10 per visit.
Tips: Take photos of plants to show clients they’re thriving. Avoid overwatering by researching plant needs.
11. Dog Waste Cleanup
What It Involves: Cleaning up pet waste in yards using gloves, bags, and scoops.
Why It’s Great: Fills a need for busy pet owners and requires minimal skills.
How to Start: Offer services to dog-owning neighbors. Use basic supplies for hygiene.
Earnings: $10–$20 per yard, weekly or per visit.
Tips: Wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly. Charge more for larger yards or multiple dogs.
12. Content Creator (YouTube/TikTok)
What It Involves: Making videos about hobbies (e.g., crafts, gaming) for platforms like YouTube or TikTok.
Why It’s Great: Taps into 2025’s digital trend and lets kids express creativity.
How to Start: Use a phone to record, edit with free apps (e.g., CapCut), and post with parental supervision.
Earnings: Varies widely; ad revenue starts at $0.01–$0.03 per view after monetization.
Tips: Focus on niche content (e.g., toy reviews). Follow platform rules and prioritize online safety.
Safety Note: Parents must monitor accounts and comments to protect kids online.
13. Snow Shoveler
What It Involves: Clearing snow from driveways or sidewalks after storms.
Why It’s Great: Seasonal, high-demand work for kids who enjoy winter.
How to Start: Offer services before winter. Use a sturdy shovel and dress warmly.
Earnings: $10–$20 per job, depending on area.
Tips: Work in teams for big jobs, and check with neighbors for recurring clients.
14. Craft Seller
What It Involves: Making and selling handmade items like bracelets, bookmarks, or art at local markets or online (via parents’ accounts).
Why It’s Great: Encourages creativity and entrepreneurship.
How to Start: Create simple crafts with affordable materials. Sell at school fairs or through parents on Etsy.
Earnings: $2–$10 per item, depending on complexity.
Tips: Use social media to showcase products (with parental oversight). Bundle items for deals.
Trend Alert: In 2025, eco-friendly crafts (e.g., recycled paper bookmarks) are popular!
15. Recycling Organizer
What It Involves: Helping neighbors sort recyclables or return cans for deposits.
Why It’s Great: Eco-friendly and teaches environmental responsibility.
How to Start: Offer to collect and sort recyclables weekly. Check local deposit rates for cans.
Earnings: $5–$10 per job, plus deposit refunds (e.g., $0.05–$0.10 per can in some states).
Tips: Wear gloves and learn local recycling rules. Promote as a “green” service to attract clients.
Safety and Success Tips for Young Entrepreneurs
To ensure a positive experience, follow these guidelines:
- Parental Oversight: Parents should approve clients, supervise jobs, and be nearby for safety.
- Trusted Clients: Stick to family, friends, or well-known neighbors to avoid risks.
- Clear Communication: Kids should feel comfortable asking parents for help if something feels off.
- School First: Jobs should never interfere with homework, sleep, or extracurriculars.
- Fair Pricing: Research local rates to charge fairly without underselling services.
- Marketing: Create colorful flyers or post in community groups (with parental approval) to attract clients.
- Track Earnings: Use a notebook or app to log income and expenses, teaching basic budgeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can an 11-Year-Old Make Money Legally?
Kids can do informal jobs like babysitting, pet sitting, or yard work, as these aren’t restricted by child labor laws. Always check local regulations and ensure parental supervision.
What’s the Best Job for an 11-Year-Old?
It depends on their interests! Animal lovers thrive as pet sitters, creative kids enjoy crafting, and active kids love yard work or dog walking. Try a few to find the best fit.
What Jobs Require No Experience?
Lemonade stands, yard work, and plant watering are perfect for beginners, requiring minimal skills but teaching responsibility.
Can 11-Year-Olds Earn Money Online?
Yes, with parental supervision! Creating YouTube or TikTok content or selling crafts online (via parents’ accounts) are viable options. Safety is critical—monitor interactions closely.
What Are Summer Job Ideas?
Summer is ideal for lemonade stands, car washing, plant watering, or babysitting, as kids have more free time and demand for these services spikes.
Final Thoughts: Empowering Young Entrepreneurs
Starting a job at 11 is more than just earning money—it’s about building skills, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment. Whether your child is running a lemonade stand, walking dogs, or creating YouTube videos, these experiences lay the foundation for a strong work ethic and financial savvy. As someone who started with small gigs like raking leaves, I can say these early jobs shaped my approach to money and responsibility.
Encourage your 11-year-old to explore these 15 ideas, starting small with trusted clients and parental guidance. With creativity and effort, they’ll discover the joy of earning their own money while having fun. What job will your young entrepreneur try first? Share your thoughts or experiences in the forum—I’d love to hear your stories!
Disclaimer: Always consult local child labor laws and prioritize safety. Earnings vary by location and effort. Parental supervision is essential for all jobs.
