
Is your 11-year-old ready to start earning their own money?
That’s awesome!
And honestly, it’s a smart move.
Lots of parents worry about their kids’ financial futures. In fact, a big poll from the respected Pew Research Center found that 70% of adults fear the next generation will be financially worse off than their parents.
And while it can seem early, the ideas are very similar to our list of jobs for 9-year-olds. So, getting them started early is a huge advantage.
But finding real jobs for 11 year olds can feel tricky since most places have strict rules about age limits.
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Don’t worry, though. There are plenty of great options out there.
And to make it super easy, I’ve organized this whole guide into different types of jobs, from online gigs 11 year old kids can do at home to make money to classic outdoor neighborhood hustles, so you can find the perfect idea that fits your kid’s personality and your family’s comfort level.
Table of Contents
Quick List: Easy Jobs for 11 Year Olds
Here are some quick and fun ways for 11 year olds to make money (no resume or formal work needed!).
These are all easy jobs for 11 year olds to start with:
- Dog Walking
- Pet Sitting
- Lemonade Stand
- Yard Work
- Washing Cars
- Helping with Family Business
- Organizing or Cleaning Projects
- Craft Selling
- Simple Tech Support
- Online Surveys (with parental supervision)
Keep reading for over 50+ real job ideas your 11-year-old can start today!
Safety & the Law
Okay, before we jump into the fun stuff, let’s talk about the two most important things:
- keeping your kid safe
- and the rules around work.
The truth is, an 11-year-old can’t really get hired by a company like McDonald’s or Target. Federal child labor laws are pretty strict about that.
And that’s fine, because you’re probably wondering, what jobs can an 11 year-old get with no experience anyway?
The good news is, every idea on this list is perfect for a beginner.
Most of the work on this list counts as “casual labor.” Think stuff like helping a neighbor, starting a lemonade stand, or doing chores for pay.
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The main thing is just to be smart about it. Always make sure a trusted adult knows what’s going on, especially if your kid is doing work for a neighbor or handling cash.
How to Help Your Kid Land Their First “Job”
Okay, so having a list of ideas is great.
But how do you actually help your 11-year-old kid get started without doing it all for them?
It’s pretty simple if you follow these three steps.
Step 1: The “Brainstorm” Session
This is the most important part. Sit down with your kid and actually scroll through the ideas in this guide.
Ask them, “Which of these sounds fun to you?” The best job is always one they are genuinely excited about, not one you just pick for them.
This step is all about teaching them to follow their own interests.
Step 2: Make a Simple “Business Plan”
Don’t get scared by that term. This is just a fun way to plan.
If they choose “Dog Walking,” help them come up with a cool “business name” (like “Leo’s Dog Walking Service”), what they should charge, and maybe list what houses on your street have friendly dogs.
This step teaches them how to plan.
Step 3: Help Them Advertise (The Safe Way)
No job starts without customers.
For an 11-year-old, this doesn’t mean knocking on strangers’ doors.
The best way is to help them get their first “client” through people you already know and trust.
You could make a simple flyer they can hand to grandparents, or you could send a text to a few close neighbors you know well.
For example: “Hey Jane, my son Leo (11) is starting a dog-walking service to earn some money for a new bike. Just wanted to see if you’d be interested!”
This step teaches them how to find work without being pushy. And remember, the goal here isn’t to have them make a full-time income. It’s about so much more than that.
This is their chance to make a little pocket money while learning huge life lessons (how to find work, how to do a good job, and what it feels like to earn your own cash.)
So above all, keep it fun! This should feel like an exciting new adventure, not just another chore they “have” to do.
Online & Creative Jobs for 11-Year-Olds
If your kid is more of an indoor person who’s good with computers or has a creative streak, these are some awesome jobs they can do right from home.
Many of these are great online jobs for 11 year olds online, which means they can do them right from home.
By the way, if these ideas seem like a good fit, we also have a bigger list of the best online jobs for teens to check out next.
Here’s a quick look at the best options.
Job | Best For a Kid Who… | Parental Help? |
---|---|---|
Content Creation | …is creative and loves sharing ideas through writing, videos, or photos. | High (for setup and online safety). |
Gaming & Tech | …loves video games, coding, and figuring out how things work online. | Medium to High (for safety and finding real opportunities). |
Arts, Crafts & Design | …is artistic and enjoys making things, whether it’s jewelry, T-shirts, or logos. | Medium (for finding tools and helping to sell their creations). |
Sales & E-commerce | …has an entrepreneurial spirit for selling things online or in person. (Clothes, Crafts, etc.) | Medium to High (for handling money and online listings). |
Performance & Entertainment | …is outgoing and enjoys being in the spotlight as a performer. | High (to find and manage auditions and jobs). |
Selling In-Game Items or Currency
This is a huge one for kids who are amazing at video games. In games like Roblox, Fortnite, or others, kids can earn rare items, skins, or in-game currency. With your help, they can sell these digital items to other players.
Just be careful! Make sure you, the parent, handle any real money transactions and use safe, reputable platforms for any trades to avoid scams.
YouTubing
Apparently, everyone and their dog has a YouTube channel these days.
And it’s also pretty cool that people can make money from their video content. This is perfect if your child enjoys being in front of the camera and has creative ideas they want to film and share.
Blogging
If your kid is more of a writer, blogging is perfect for them to express their thoughts and interests while learning about making money online. They can build a free website using a platform like WordPress to get started.
Web & App Development
Does your kid enjoy coding? Maybe they get inspired by playing app games and want to apply their skills to build a new game of their own. This is a real skill that can turn into a great career.
T-shirt Design
Does your kid possess an artistic flair for T-shirt design? They can make money by selling them to their peers at school or at craft events with your help.
Answering Surveys
Survey sites aren’t just for teens and adults. KidzEyes and PanelPolls appear to be the only survey sites that are okay for 11 year olds, and it’s an easy way for them to share their opinions for a few bucks.
Book Writing and Selling
There’s no age limit for writing a book! Your kid can pen a fiction or non-fiction story and, with your help, sell it as an e-book on sites like Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Voice Acting/Narration
So your kid has a knack for reading texts aloud or doing funny character impressions? They might really like doing voice acting! Some of the jobs out there include audiobook narration for kids’ books, dubbing for cartoons, and doing voice-overs for commercials.
Logo Design
If your kid enjoys playing with graphic design tools like Canva, they can make money creating simple logos for small businesses or family friends.
Photography
Is your kid a shutterbug? They could make a side income by snapping pictures of loved ones, pets, or nature and selling them on stock photo sites with your help.
Jewelry Making
Does your kid like making homemade necklaces and bracelets? They can make money with their talents by selling their wares online at a site like Etsy (with a parent’s help) or in person at craft fairs.
Soap/Bath Bomb Making
Soap-making has been around for centuries, and the art seems to be returning. If your child likes to create their own soaps or bath bombs, they can begin a new business venture by selling their creations.
Video Game Testing
Seriously? You can get paid to play video games? Yep. If your kid’s a huge fan of video games, they can actually earn money to test new ones before they come out. Some of these gigs are in person, but a lot of them happen online.
Make and Sell Gift Baskets
Most people enjoy purchasing gift baskets for holidays and special occasions. Your kids can put together gift baskets to sell to friends and loved ones. (This option is likely to be a real boon during Easter.)
Modeling/Acting
Do they wish to be in a film, TV show, or commercial? You can help them seek out legitimate opportunities where they can bask in stardom.
Origami Making
Being able to make artwork from pieces of paper is awesome enough. And it’s even better if a kid can earn money by selling their cool creations in person or online.
Hot Cocoa Stand
Everyone’s familiar with lemonade stands, but hardly anyone’s heard of hot cocoa stands. When winter arrives, your kid can set up shop in an indoor space and sell hot cocoa drinks.
Selling Used Clothes
Have gently-used kids’ clothing? Stores like Plato’s Closet buy brand-name used clothing as long as it’s in good condition. (If there’s no Plato’s Closet in your town, sell them online.) It’s fast pocket money for your child.
Christmas Gift Wrapping
Your child can make extra bucks during the holidays by wrapping presents with friends, family members, and neighbors.
Jobs for 11-Year-Olds Near Me (Neighborhood & Outdoor)
If you’re wondering where can I find jobs for 11 year olds near me, this is the section for you.
These neighborhood gigs are perfect if your kid loves being outside and wants a more traditional “first job.”
Think of them as great part-time jobs for 11 year olds that get them fresh air and teach them the basics of running a tiny business.
Here’s a quick look at the options.
Job | Best For a Kid Who… | Parental Help? |
---|---|---|
Yard & Outdoor Maintenance | …is active, likes being outside, and doesn’t mind physical work. (Lawn, Leaves, Snow, etc.) | Medium (for safety with equipment and finding jobs). |
Caregiving & Pet Services | …is responsible and good with animals, younger kids, or helping elderly neighbors. | High (for safety and client communication). |
Cleaning Services | …pays attention to detail and enjoys seeing a job well done. (Cars, Windows, Pools, etc.) | Low to Medium (depending on the equipment needed). |
Sales & Events | …is friendly, outgoing, and enjoys interacting with people. (Lemonade Stands, Markets, etc.) | Medium (to get supplies and manage money). |
Community Helper | …is reliable and wants to help neighbors with recurring tasks. (Trash Cans, Errands, etc.) | Medium (to coordinate with trusted neighbors). |
Running a Lemonade Stand
I know this one’s a bit cliché, but you can’t go wrong with lemonade stands, especially on a scorching summer day.
Whether you are 11 years old or older, this is the original side hustle for teens.
Your kid doesn’t have to limit themselves to lemonade, though. They can sell fruit punch, iced tea, or other cold drinks.
Trash Can Valet
Let’s be honest, nobody likes hauling the trash and recycling bins down to the curb and then remembering to bring them back up. Your kid can offer a “valet” service for a few trusted neighbors. For a few dollars a week per house, they can take on the job of taking the bins out on trash night and bringing them back the next day. It’s a super simple, recurring job.
Car Interior Detailing
Washing the outside of a car is one thing, but cleaning the inside is a real chore for most adults. Since kids are smaller, they are great at getting into hard-to-reach places. They can do an amazing job vacuuming floor mats, wiping down dashboards, and cleaning out cup holders.
Babysitting
Babysitting was and still is one of the first jobs for many teens and preteens. If your kid is mature and responsible for their age, they can begin by helping look after a neighbor’s children for short periods. As they get a bit older, you can explore more serious babysitting jobs for 13 year olds that pay very well.
Pet Sitting
This is a great one for young animal lovers. They can start their own little pet business by watching over their neighbors’ animals when they’re away for an afternoon or on vacation. This could be checking on a cat, feeding a hamster, or playing with a dog in the backyard.
Car Washing
Just because they’re too young to drive doesn’t mean they can’t learn to wash a car! This isn’t just a money-earner; it’s a money-saver since it teaches kids they don’t have to bring a car to an expensive car wash to keep it clean.
Dog Walking
Dog walking lets your kid kill two birds with one stone: they earn money and get exercise. This is a great, responsible job for an 11-year-old who loves animals.
Yard Work (Lawn Mowing & Landscaping)
In the summer, kids can mow lawns. But be safe, gas-powered mowers can be dangerous, so it’s probably best if they use a simple push mower.
They can also do other landscaping work like pulling weeds, watering flowers, or even decorating the yard with pinwheels.
Snow Shoveling
If your kid doesn’t mind working hard in cold weather, they can operate their own snow-shoveling business for the neighborhood. All they need is a shovel and some grit!
Senior Assistance
Some seniors live alone and have virtually no support system available. Your child can lend a hand by running simple errands (like taking their mail to the mailbox) or helping with small chores like watering plants, all with your supervision.
Tutoring
If your child gets good grades in a particular subject, they can earn money helping younger kids in the neighborhood with their schoolwork. This can be a huge confidence booster, and as they get more experienced, they can even look into online tutoring jobs for teens which we cover in another guide.
Holiday Decorator
Many adults, especially older neighbors, love decorating for holidays like Halloween or Christmas but don’t have the energy to do the physical work anymore. Your kid can offer to do the fun parts, like setting up lawn ornaments, putting skeletons in the bushes, or arranging festive lights on shrubs for a small fee.
Snack/Soda Selling at Sports Games
Sports fans?
You and your kid can sell snacks and soda at baseball or football games while spending quality time together.
Pool Cleaning
When it comes to summer jobs for 11 year olds, nothing beats a job related to pools.
Your kid can make some extra cash cleaning and maintaining your pool if you own one.
Advertising/Marketing
Perhaps you own a business (or know of some local businesses) and thought about having your child help with advertising measures. If your kid doesn’t mind interacting with the public, they can pass out flyers, pamphlets, and/or coupons to attract customers.
Golf Ball Fetching
Some country clubs and golf courses need people to retrieve stray golf balls. This creates a win-win for both golf establishments and your kid because golf courses stay clean, and your child makes money from the golf balls they sell.
Event Setup
Run a catering business? Have your kid assist you (and earn money) in event setup. They can help set up chairs and tables before an event and then take them down when said event ends.
Recycling
Talk about turning trash into cash! Many recycling centers pay money in exchange for bottles and cans.
Power Washing
Cleaning the gutters or anything else outside the house with a power washing machine can be a fun way for a kid to make money.
Selling at a Farmer’s Market
If your family has a booth at the local farmer’s market selling fruits, vegetables, or crafts, your kid can be a great help. This is an awesome way for them to learn about customer service and handling money in a safe, public place.
Fence Painting
If your fence needs a new coat of paint, enlist your kid to help you and pay them afterward. (Just make sure they don’t trick the neighborhood kids into doing the work for them, ala Tom Sawyer, ha!)
Errand Running
Sometimes, busy neighbors need someone to run errands for them and are willing to pay for the help. With your supervision, your kid can carry out simple tasks like picking up the newspaper or mailing letters.
Leaf Raking
When fall arrives, your kid can get paid to rake leaves.
They can make the job easier (and more fun) by inviting their friends over to help.
Family & Household Jobs
Some of the best first jobs are the ones your kid can do for you or other trusted family members.
These are the best jobs for 11 year olds at home because they’re safe, flexible, and teach life-long skills.
And when it comes to good jobs for 11-12 year olds that pay, starting with family is a guaranteed way for them to earn their first dollar.
Here’s a quick look at the best options.
Job | Best For a Kid Who… | Parental Help? |
---|---|---|
Household Chores & Projects | …wants to earn by helping with things you need done anyway (cleaning, painting, organizing). | Low to Medium (depending on the task). |
Helping the Family Business | …is ready to learn a real-world skill directly from you. | High (since you are the employer!). |
Tech & Repair Support | …is the go-to “tech wizard” for fixing computers, bikes, or furniture. | Low (they’re probably helping you!). |
Cooking or Baking | …enjoys being in the kitchen and making treats to sell. | Medium (for supervision with ovens or knives). |
House or Plant Sitting | …is responsible and trustworthy. | Low (just need to give instructions). |
Party & Holiday Helper | …is creative and enjoys helping with parties, decorating, or wrapping gifts. | Medium (to coordinate with hosts or neighbors). |
House Painting
This is a big one. When the house or a room needs a new coat of paint, they can help you with the project and get paid for their work. They could even advertise simple painting services, like for a fence, around the neighborhood.
Digital Photo Organizer
Most parents have thousands of digital photos scattered across their phones, computers, and old hard drives. It’s a huge, messy job that no one wants to do. A patient, organized kid can be paid to go through these photos, delete the duplicates and blurry ones, and sort the rest into folders by year and event (like “2023 Christmas” or “Summer Vacation”). This is a HUGE help.
Assisting in Your Family Business
Own a restaurant, a store, or run a business from home? You can let them assist you with simple duties. This is great practice if you plan on having your kid take over the business one day!
Plant Sitting
Plant sitting has to be one of the easiest first jobs. All your kid has to do is water the plants and make sure they get some sunlight when family or neighbors are out of town.
Computer Repair / Tech Support
Let’s be honest, many kids today have computer skills that can surpass most adults. If your kid can diagnose and fix a computer problem or set up a new phone, it’s about time they start getting paid for it!
Office Assistance
Work from home? If so, your kid can help lighten your workload by doing simple office tasks like shredding papers, filing documents, or organizing supplies.
Dusting / Cleaning
Got a feather duster that’s barely been used? Your kid can put it to good use and get paid for dusting around the house. Same goes for cleaning windows, sprucing up the garage, or washing your car. They are all great “jobs for 11 year olds”.
Yard Sale
If your kid has old toys and clothes lying around, encourage them to sell them at your next yard sale. Holding a yard sale helps them learn to let go of clutter and earn money at the same time.
Party Entertainment
Is there a younger kid in the neighborhood with a birthday coming up? Your child can entertain at the party with any talents they might have, like doing a magic show, making balloon animals, or even just supervising a fun game.
Christmas Decorating / Gift Wrapping
Kids can make extra bucks during the holidays by helping you or your neighbors put up Christmas lights and ornaments. And almost everyone needs help wrapping presents during that busy time of year!
Selling Baked Goods
Does your child enjoy baking sweet treats like cookies, brownies, and cakes? With your supervision, they can bake and sell their treats for upcoming parties or just as a weekend gig.
Furniture Assembly
Are you one of those people who has trouble putting together new furniture? If your kid is your go-to person for help, pay them next time you need help assembling that new table or chair!
Farm Work
If you run a small farm or know someone who does, your child can work as a farmhand. These jobs usually involve helping with things like feeding animals, cleaning stalls, and helping with crops.
Bike Repair
Lots of kids are great at fixing up their own bikes. And if your child’s one of them, they can use that talent to help other kids in the neighborhood repair their bikes, too. This could even be a stepping stone towards them opening their own little bike shop someday.
House Painting
Have them help you paint the house (and pay them) when needed. Your child could also advertise house-painting services around the neighborhood.
Garage Cleaning
Clutter in your garage? Give your kid an incentive to clean it up by offering to pay them to spruce it up.
House Sitting
Going out to run an errand for a few hours? Have your child look after the house while you’re gone, then pay them a little bit when you return. It’s a great way to build responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can an 11 year old earn money?
There are so many ways an 11 year old can earn money, from doing chores at home to starting a lemonade stand or pet-sitting for neighbors. The key is to focus on safe, simple jobs they can do with your supervision. They can also help with your family business, clean garages, assist with tech support, or do light yard work. It’s all about matching their interests to real-world opportunities.
Can an 11-year-old legally have a job?
Nope, not really in the traditional sense. An 11-year-old can’t be officially employed by a company like Target or a restaurant. That’s because of child labor laws. So, the “jobs for 11 year olds” we’re talking about in this list are all informal work, like doing chores for pay, starting their own little business like a lemonade stand, or helping family and friends. And those are generally totally fine and don’t need a work permit.
What jobs can a 12-year-old do to get paid?
Pretty much all of the ideas on this list are great jobs for 12 year olds that pay, too! At that age, they might be able to take on slightly bigger responsibilities, like more serious yard work, babysitting for longer periods, or even helping younger kids with tutoring in a subject they are great at.
How can my 11-year-old find jobs near me with no experience?
The best way to find jobs for 11 year olds near you with no experience is by starting with your own network. Most of these jobs come from trusted neighbors, family friends, and your own household. Have your child make a list of skills they have (like “good with dogs” or “likes organizing”) and then help them connect with people you know who might need that help.
How much can an 11-year-old get paid?
The pay really depends on the job. For household chores, it might be a few dollars. For bigger tasks like mowing a lawn or washing a car, you could look up local rates for teens and charge a little less than that. The goal isn’t to get rich; it’s to learn the connection between working and earning. Setting fair pay is a big part of that lesson.
What online jobs are safe for an 11-year-old?
The safest jobs for 11 year olds online are the ones where a parent is highly involved. This includes things like helping you manage a family YouTube channel, using kid-specific survey sites like KidzEyes, or designing things in Canva for family projects. The key is to have direct supervision to ensure their privacy and safety are protected.
What jobs can they do when they get older?
As your child gets older, many more doors will open. The experience they get now will help them when they are ready for the official jobs that hire 15 year olds, which can include roles at grocery stores, movie theaters, and restaurants.
Final Thoughts: Helping Your Kid Get Started
It’s awesome that you’re helping your kid find ways to make their own money.
Remember to start simple, keep it fun, and focus on the huge life lessons they’re learning along the way.
And as they get older, their options will just keep growing. When they’re ready for the next step, be sure to check out our guides on great jobs for 13-year-olds and the kinds of places that offer official jobs for 15-year-olds.
Whether they’re helping out around the house or starting their own little neighborhood business, all of these jobs for 11 year olds are a fantastic first step towards building a confident and financially smart future.
I can’t find any jobs to do as a 11 year old. I want to 3d print thing and sell them. I want to earn money some that can happen. I been all over the internet and can’t fine any that I can do.
Molli, you can sell 3d printed items on Etsy, TurboSquid and even eBay. You can ask your parents to set up the accounts for you if a site won’t allow 11 year olds to sell.
I will I love to walk around and work with my mom and i need a job can I please do it I’m a good Listen it and I understand well
I want a job I want to get my salary as I don’t want to get fooled by people I want my salary as delivered to my home
I like dog at are nice and cute and I love to walk around with my dog and I need a job so I can get some money So I can help my parents and I can save up to go to college and I like to walk dogs but around just cut it’s fun it’s like I’d put in the dogs. It’s usually fine. I have 2 dogs myself. And I love walking around. In them but I just want to get a job so I can retire my parents. After work, hard enough.
hey nevaeh im 11 years old to and i have a bunch of work ideas but one easy one is to think and imagine and get a note book and paper and i think you can make up your own work idea.
I am only 11 but I already have a job in my neighborhood and in a rich neighborhood and I get payed big bucks for just doing yard work and pet work!
That is amazing. Happy to hear that, Tripp. You are already an entrepreneur and with that kind of attitude and work ethic, I am sure you will have a big successful business in no time.
Well, you can get paid by the day in person, and that way you won’t be cheated. If you do the math you will know how much you are owed, and if they don’t give you the right amount, you will know, and you can do something about it.
Do you guys have any ideas for gift baskets (what to put in them)?
Sadi, you could put flowers, different tea bags, candy, a set of lotions and hand creams, etc. You can add anything to a gift basket as long as it fits and people wanna buy it.
Candles, soap, baked goods
I’m a 11 year old and I would like to make some money because I’m saving up to go to a Chase Atlantic Concert in November, but there are bearly any tickets left
Nevermind that comment got the money now
I am glad you got the money Alicja!
i am 12 and i have taken some ideas but i am looking for more. Anyone have any other ideas??
if this is true l will give you 5 stars