You may be 13, ready to earn your own money, and frustrated because every store application seems to require applicants to be at least 14 or 16. So, can a 13 year old get a job? In the United States, the short answer is yes—but usually not as a regular employee in a restaurant, supermarket, or other non-farm business.
Federal law generally sets 14 as the minimum age for most nonagricultural employment. However, several exceptions allow 13-year-olds to earn money through casual neighborhood services, newspaper delivery, entertainment, certain family businesses, and qualifying farm work. State laws may be stricter, so a parent or guardian should always check local requirements before work begins.
What jobs can you get at 13?
Most 13-year-olds find work by offering services directly to relatives, neighbors, and trusted local families rather than applying to established businesses. Common possibilities include:
- Casual babysitting or working as a parent’s helper
- Pet sitting, dog walking, or feeding pets
- Raking leaves, pulling weeds, watering plants, or doing other light yard work
- Washing cars by hand
- Organizing garages, closets, or storage areas
- Tutoring younger students in a subject you understand well
- Helping older neighbors with basic technology
- Collecting mail or caring for plants while a neighbor is away
- Delivering newspapers directly to customers
- Working as an actor or performer
The best choice depends on your maturity, skills, transportation, neighborhood, and ability to work safely. For additional ideas, review these job opportunities for 13-year-olds.
Federal work rules for 13-year-olds
Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, children under 14 generally cannot work in nonagricultural occupations covered by the law. This means most national chains, retail stores, offices, and food-service businesses cannot employ a typical 13-year-old.
Federal exceptions include delivering newspapers to consumers, acting or performing in certain productions, and doing casual babysitting or minor chores around private homes. A child may also work in a business entirely owned by the child’s parents, but someone under 16 cannot work in manufacturing or mining, and anyone under 18 is prohibited from federally designated hazardous occupations.
Agricultural rules are different. A 12- or 13-year-old may perform nonhazardous farm work outside school hours if a parent gives written permission or works on the same farm. Children may generally work on a farm owned or operated by their parents, although safety restrictions and state requirements still matter. The U.S. Department of Labor’s child labor guidance explains the federal rules and exceptions in greater detail.
State laws may add restrictions
Federal law is only the starting point. States may establish a higher minimum working age, require an employment or age certificate, limit work during the school year, or apply additional rules to entertainment and agricultural work. When federal and state requirements differ, the stricter standard generally applies.
Before accepting a position, ask a parent, school counselor, or prospective employer to check your state labor department’s current rules. Do not assume that a job is legal simply because another teenager does it or because an adult offers to pay cash.
Jobs that are usually off-limits
A 13-year-old should not operate dangerous machinery or accept work involving construction sites, roofing, mining, manufacturing, commercial driving, or similar hazards. Power saws, compactors, forklifts, meat-processing equipment, and many other machines are unsafe and legally restricted for minors.
Even casual neighborhood work needs sensible limits. Avoid climbing high ladders, handling strong chemicals, entering unfamiliar homes alone, working late at night, or using power equipment without checking the law and having responsible adult supervision. If a task feels unsafe, you have the right to refuse it and contact a parent or guardian.
How to find work at 13
Start with people who already know and trust you. Ask parents, relatives, teachers, coaches, and neighbors whether they know someone who needs help. A parent can also post a short message in a trusted neighborhood group without sharing your home address, school schedule, phone number, or other sensitive information publicly.
Be specific about what you offer. “I am available for pet sitting and plant watering on weekends” is more effective than simply saying you want any job. Think about when you are free, how far you can travel, which tasks you can perform confidently, and whether an adult must accompany you.
You can create a simple one-page flyer containing your first name, services, general availability, and a parent’s contact information. Ask permission before posting it anywhere. Never meet an unknown customer alone, and have a parent review online messages and arrangements.
How to apply and make a good impression
Although an informal neighborhood job may not require a formal application, treat the opportunity professionally. Introduce yourself clearly, describe your experience honestly, and explain why you would be dependable. Relevant experience can include caring for your own pet, helping a younger sibling with homework, completing chores consistently, or volunteering at school.
If someone asks, “Why should I hire you?” a strong answer might be: “I am responsible, I follow instructions, and I will arrive when we agree. I also have experience caring for my family’s dog.” Do not claim skills or experience you do not have.
Before starting, confirm the following details with the customer and your parent:
- The exact tasks you will perform
- The location and expected working time
- Whether you will be paid by the hour or by the completed job
- When and how you will receive payment
- Who to contact if plans change or an emergency occurs
- Any supplies, allergies, animals, or safety issues involved
Writing these details in a text message or short agreement can prevent misunderstandings. After completing the job, thank the customer and ask whether they would be comfortable recommending you to another trusted family.
Watch for job scams and unfair offers
A legitimate customer should not ask you to pay an upfront fee, buy gift cards, deposit a check and return part of the money, hide the arrangement from your parents, or provide sensitive financial information. Those are warning signs of a scam.
Do not lie about your age on an application or online platform. Age requirements may exist because of labor laws, insurance rules, safety concerns, or account policies. Instead, focus on lawful opportunities designed for someone your age.
Balancing work, school, and free time
Earning money can teach responsibility, communication, scheduling, and customer service. However, work should not interfere with school attendance, homework, sleep, family responsibilities, or health. Begin with one or two manageable customers rather than filling every afternoon and weekend.
So, can you get a job at 13? You can earn money legally, but your choices are narrower than they will be at 14 or 16. Casual babysitting, pet care, tutoring, light household tasks, newspaper delivery, entertainment work, and qualifying farm or family-business work may be possible. With a parent’s involvement, careful attention to state rules, and a focus on safety, a first job can be both practical and rewarding.
