As a small business consultant, I‘ve helped countless entrepreneurs turn their passions into profitable ventures. One piece of advice I give all clients: start instilling strong work ethics in children early.
There‘s no better time than 10 years old for kids to begin learning responsibility, money management, and business skills that will pay dividends down the road.
While labor laws prohibit 10-year-olds from getting traditional jobs, they can still start earning with age-appropriate work. In this article, we‘ll explore over 25 jobs that allow kids to make money while gaining valuable life lessons.
Why 10-Year-Olds Should Work
Child development experts agree: Having a job as a preteen provides benefits that ease the transition to adulthood.
Teaches Commitment – With a job, 10-year-olds learn to consistently show up and complete their duties, even when they don‘t feel like it. This commitment ability serves them well later in careers.
Money Management Skills – Earning and managing their own money teaches kids financial literacy. In my small business classes, I see firsthand how poor money management hinders entrepreneurs.
New Abilities – From customer service to time management, preteen jobs allow kids to develop talents that apply to future work.
Boosts Confidence – Making money independently gives kids pride and self-assurance. In a survey by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 92% of executives said confidence was key for career success.
Interpersonal Skills – Dealing with clients, employers, coworkers requires strong communication and cooperation skills. In the workplace, employers value teamwork abilities.
Time Management – Juggling a job‘s duties teaches kids how to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities efficiently.
By starting jobs early, 10-year-olds gain maturity, wisdom, and capabilities that put them on the path for future success in business and life.
Jobs Perfectly Suited for 10-Year-Olds
The key is finding jobs tailored to a 10-year-old‘s abilities. Here are over 25 great options:
1. Pet Sitter
Best for – Animal lovers
Learning – Responsibility in caring for pets, customer service
Pay – $10-$15 per 30-minute visit [$20-$30 per hour]
Tips – Start with pets you know; offer regular visits when owners travel
As a pet owner myself, I always need reliable sitters when I take business trips. There‘s big demand for pet sitting, especially for established clients. Kids who do an excellent job build steady income over time.
2. Lawn Mowing Service
Best for – Outdoorsy, active kids
Learning – Landscaping skills, self-discipline to finish jobs
Pay – $20-$35 per average lawn, [$40-$70 hrs]
Tips – Safety first! No power tools. Focus on raking, weeding, basic mowing.
Pro tip: Offer package deals like raking leaves and mowing together for a discount. I‘ve seen young landscapers earn over $100/weekend with smart pricing deals.
3. Car Washer
Best for – Meticulous, careful kids
Learning – Strong work ethic, customer satisfaction skills
Pay – $10-$20 per wash [$20-$40 hrs]
Tips – Schedule appointments ahead; wash interior and exterior for more profits.
Washing cars by hand is old-school, but clients still pay big for that shiny, hand-buffed look. Make own soap solution for higher profits.
4. Mother‘s Helper
Best for – Responsible, caring kids
Learning – Household skills, working with adults
Pay – $7-$15 per hour
Tips – Offer specialized skills like cooking, lawn care, cleaning.
Many moms need an extra hand but can‘t afford full-time help. By assisting with chores or childcare, kids gain great experience.
5. Lawn Care Assistant
Best for – Outdoorsy kids
Learning – Landscaping skills, teamwork
Pay – $10-$15 per hour
Tips – Learn safety rules; prepare to work hard.
I‘ve hired responsible preteens to haul tools, water plants, and do grunt work for my landscaping clients. It frees up my crew for more skilled work.
6. Virtual Assistant
Best for – Tech-savvy kids
Learning – Valuable computer skills, communicating online
Pay – $5-$15 per hour
Tips – Start with skills like data entry, social media. Expand services over time.
Many virtual assistants start by helping with administrative tasks before building their own client base. I see big potential for motivated preteens.
7. Errand Runner
Best for – Responsible, energetic kids
Learning – Managing time, multi-tasking with different clients
Pay – $5-$15 per hour
Tips – Offer specialized pick-ups like pharmacy or dry cleaning.
With today‘s hectic pace, parents and professionals will pay for delivery help. Perfect first job to learn client services.
8. Survey Taker
Best for – Kids who can follow instructions
Learning – Data analysis skills, product testing
Pay – $1-$5 per 20-minute survey
Tips – Take surveys at a set time to prevent overuse.
While apps should be supervised closely for safety, survey taking is a simple way to earn extra cash from home.
9. Dog Walker
Best for – Active, responsible kids
Learning – Animal care, scheduling skills
Pay – $10-$15 per 30-minute walk
Tips – Start with dogs you know; get walking experience first.
Dog walking apps like Wag and Rover connect local walkers with pet owners. With parental oversight, it’s a great gig for animal lovers.
10. Party Helper
Best for – Outgoing, polite kids
Learning – Customer service skills, event planning
Pay – $10-$15 per hour
Tips – Offer specific help like greeting guests, serving food, or cleanup.
From birthdays to graduations, party hosts need extra hands. It’s a fun way to earn money on weekends.
11. Bake Sale Entrepreneur
Best for – Kids who love baking
Learning – Kitchen skills, pricing goods
Pay – $5+ per dozen goods
Tips – Cookies, cupcakes, muffins sell easily. Take custom orders.
A classic kid business! Use pre-sold orders to fund ingredients and maximize profits.
12. Jewelry Maker
Best for – Crafty, creative kids
Learning – Artistic skills, selling handmade goods
Pay – $5-$15+ per item
Tips – Start with simple designs. Sell online or at craft fairs.
Handmade jewelry is hot! Help kids set up an Etsy shop or offer special gifts like personalized necklaces.
13. Plant Sitter
Best for – Nature lovers
Learning – Gardening skills, scheduling
Pay – $10-$20 per week
Tips – Water plants daily; trim bushes, pull weeds too.
A perfect "green job" for kids who like the outdoors. Great for neighborhoods with lots of gardens.
14. House Cleaner
Best for – Meticulous, detail-oriented kids
Learning – Cleaning skills, scheduling appointments
Pay – $10-$20 per hour
Tips – Start by helping parents; offer specialized cleaning like windows.
Cleaning is a recession-proof skill. Preteens can start by assisting adults to gain experience needed to clean solo later.
15. Babysitter Helper
Best for – Nurturing, patient kids
Learning – Childcare skills, creativity
Pay – $5-$10 per hour
Tips – Lead kids in activities; prepare snacks. Always have an adult present.
With parental supervision, kids can gain childcare experience by entertaining tots while parents cook dinner nearby.
16. Laundry Assistant
Best for – Careful, detail-oriented kids
Learning – Sorting skills, handling delicates
Pay – $5-$10 per load
Tips – Follow all directions carefully. Check pockets thoroughly.
Kids who know how to properly fold clothes are a huge help for busy parents.
17. Grocery Shopper
Best for – Reliable, organized kids
Learning – Selecting quality produce, comparing prices
Pay – $10-$15 per shop
Tips – Save receipts for reimbursement. only handle payment with close adult supervision.
Grocery shopping is a chore many dread. Responsible kids can help select items and learn comparison shopping.
18. Reader
Best for – Articulate, patient kids
Learning – Enunciation skills, recording audiobooks
Pay – $10-$15 per hour
Tips – Libraries and online platforms connect readers with listeners.
Does your child read aloud well? Record them reading books to sell online or for grandparents who have poor vision.
19. Tech Assistant
Best for – Tech-savvy kids
Learning – Explaining technology clearly to others
Pay – $10-$20 per hour
Tips – Help adults set up new devices, learn software programs, fix glitches.
Parents and grandparents often need personalized tech help that preteens can provide.
20. Yard Sale Assistant
Best for – Organized, friendly kids
Learning – Sorting, pricing, displaying items
Pay – $10-$20 per sale
Tips – Help advertise and set up bright, eye-catching displays.
Earning cash cleaning out the clutter is a win-win! Kids learn negotiating skills too.
21. Event Assistant
Best for – Outgoing, energetic kids
Learning – Working well under pressure, serving others
Pay – $7-$15 per hour
Tips – Look for roles like ushering, ticket-taking, concession sales.
Whether it’s a local festival, theater production, or sporting event, extra help is needed behind the scenes!
22. Moving Helper
Best for – Active, careful kids
Learning – Lifting techniques, packing skills
Pay – $10-$15 per hour
Tips – Start by helping family; provide extra hands, not heavy lifting.
When I help clients move for their small businesses, I need all the reliable helpers I can get! Teach safe lifting.
23. Fundraiser
Best for – Passionate, persuasive kids
Learning – Supporting causes, public speaking
Pay – Varies based on effort
Tips – Raise money for schools, charities. Make bake sales, awareness campaigns.
Help kids support causes important to them, whether it’s their school or an environmental nonprofit. Great lessons in activism and leadership.
24. Envelope Stuffer
Best for – Meticulous kids
Learning – Attention to detail, basic admin work
Pay – $5-$10 per 100 envelopes
Tips – Double-check addresses. Let kids watch TV or listening to music while working.
Business owners need help sending newsletters, promos, and invitations to clients. Envelope stuffing is a classic first job for preteens.
25. Website Builder
Best for – Tech-savvy kids
Learning – Digital design skills, communicating visions
Pay – $250+ per site
Tips – Use templates on Squarespace. Start with small sites for friends.
In my small business consulting, I meet folks who just need a simple site. With parental guidance, talented preteens can gain great web design experience!
26. Photography Assistant
Best for – Creative, careful kids
Learning – Arranging items, supporting pros
Pay – $10-$20 per hour
Tips – Start by helping school photographers or smart phone-wielding parents.
Photographers hire assistants to keep lights and equipment in order during shoots. Budding young creatives can learn proper positioning.
Tips for Parents
As a parent, you play a key role in setting your 10-year-old up for job success:
- Help them brainstorm jobs based on their interests and abilities. Encourage them!
- Assist with advertising services like designing flyers.
- Provide any needed supplies or transport to job sites.
- Set rules for working hours to prevent over-scheduling kids.
- Discuss payment rates and tips for providing good customer service.
- Help them manage income and save at least 10% of earnings.
- Recognize their hard work! Praise them for their industriousness.
Starting jobs this young allows kids to gain maturity, wisdom, and capabilities that ease the transition to adulthood. With some guidance, 10-year-olds can get an excellent head start through working.
Next Steps for Helping Your Kid Succeed
As a small business consultant who assists budding entrepreneurs, I‘m excited to see more parents encourage their 10-year-olds to begin earning money. Early work experience pays dividends for decades to come.
If your child seems interested in working, help them assess their skills and interests. Then review this list together to find one or two jobs that align. Set them up for success by providing support like materials and transportation at first.
Most importantly, talk to them about money management. Have them save at least 10% of earnings in a protected account. Make budgeting and smart spending a priority from the start.
Equipped with the right guidance, motivation, and opportunity, your 10-year-old can gain valuable skills, confidence, and knowledge through age-appropriate jobs. This will empower them on their path to future success in business, work and life.
