Best Job Ideas For 10-Year-Olds

Curious, capable, and full of energy — many 10-year-olds are ready to take their first steps toward independence. Many parents look for smart ways to earn for kids while staying safe and learning responsibility. Whether through chores is a great way to build habits or crafts to sell at local markets or online, there are countless options.

A 10-year-old might walk dogs, clean up dog poop, or charge a small fee to wash a neighbor’s car. These tasks are a great way for 10-year-olds to build skills and earn while contributing meaningfully. Even kids as young as ten can work like small-scale entrepreneurs, choosing the right job based on their interests and schedule. These activities offer a great way to earn extra income — sometimes up to $10 per task — and let kids help others while developing independence.

Can 10-Year-Olds Work and Earn Money?

Many parents wonder how to help your child explore responsibility when eager 10-year-olds to make money start asking for ways to earn money. While a formal part-time job isn’t allowed for kids under 14, there are safe and meaningful ways kids can earn without violating labor laws.

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in the U.S., children cannot engage in commercial employment, especially in restaurants, stores, or roles involving machinery, chemicals, or heavy lifting. These protections ensure safety and prioritize education.

What Kind of Work Is Restricted for 10-Year-Olds?

Most traditional jobs – such as working in restaurants, offices, or retail stores – are not legally allowed for children under 14. The law prohibits young children from engaging in work that could be hazardous or interfere with school hours. This includes:

• Operating heavy machinery
• Working with chemicals or hazardous materials
• Jobs that require late-night shifts or excessive physical labor
• Employment in commercial businesses (e.g., fast food chains or department stores)

Common Jobs for 10-Year-Olds

The perfect job varies by personality. If your child loves animals, pet care is a great way for kids to start learning responsibility. If they’re creative or organized, they may earn through homemade goods or neighborhood services. Some kids even make $10 per task by offering to help with simple jobs like car washing or yard work. Whether the goal is to earn some extra savings, teach money by helping, or simply get experience, the right support can turn any of these paths into a good choice for young learners.

Household Chores

Helping out around the house is one of the easiest ways to earn for kids to make money while learning responsibility. Many parents are willing to pay for extra tasks beyond daily expectations, making household chores is a great way to gain first job experience.

Setting the Table

A simple yet meaningful job, this teaches kids organization and responsibility. It’s an easy task that helps the family, and younger children can learn proper placement of plates, utensils, and napkins.

Folding Laundry

Sorting and folding clothes teaches kids patience and organizational skills. Many parents appreciate the extra help, and younger siblings can learn by watching.

Cleaning Windows

With the right tools – like a microfiber cloth and child-safe cleaner – kids can help clean windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces. This job provides a sense of accomplishment while keeping the house looking tidy.

Pet Care

For kids who love animals, pet-related jobs can be a fun and rewarding way to earn. These tasks also teach responsibility and commitment.

Dog Walking

Many neighbors appreciate a reliable young helper to walk their dog, especially during busy workdays. This job allows kids to stay active while earning money. However, supervision may be necessary for larger or stronger dogs.

Pet Sitting

Looking after pets when they’re away can involve feeding, refreshing water, cleaning litter boxes, or simply spending time with the animals. This job is great for responsible kids who are comfortable around pets.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

Starting a small business is an exciting way to earn for kids to make money while developing creativity, problem-solving skills, and financial awareness. With some parental support, 10-year-olds to earn can explore these fun opportunities.

Lemonade Stand

A classic kid-friendly business, a lemonade stand is a fun way to teach basic skills and earn like budgeting, pricing, and customer service. Kids can experiment with different flavors and marketing strategies to attract more customers.

Selling Crafts (Local/Online)

For creative children who enjoy making jewelry, drawings, or handmade items, selling items online (with parental guidance) is a great way for kids to make some money. Parents can set up an Etsy shop or use local community groups to showcase their child’s work.

• Where to Sell – Kids can earn by selling items at school events, local markets, or crafts to sell at local community fairs. With parental guidance, they can also use online platforms like Etsy or Facebook Marketplace.
• What to Make – Popular ideas include jewelry, keychains, bookmarks, and personalized art. Handmade holiday decorations can also sell well during festive seasons.
• Learning Opportunities – Running a business teaches kids about pricing, budgeting, and marketing. They can also improve fine motor skills and patience through hands-on work.

Outdoor Jobs

Spending time outside while earning money is a win-win for kids who enjoy physical activity. Many outdoor jobs are seasonal, making them perfect for school breaks or weekends.

Yard Work

Raking leaves, watering plants, or pulling weeds are simple yet valuable services that kids can earn by offering to neighbors. These tasks help children build skills and a strong work ethic and an appreciation for maintaining a clean outdoor space.

Paper Delivery

Though less common today, some local newspapers still offer routes for kids. This job teaches time management, consistency, and responsibility, instilling a good work ethic, as papers must be delivered reliably each day.

Miscellaneous Tasks

For kids who prefer variety, there are plenty of other ways to earn through simple yet helpful tasks.

Babysitting Younger Siblings

While babysitting outside the family may be too advanced for 10-year-olds, watching younger siblings for short periods under parental supervision can be a great introduction to caregiving.

Car Washing

Many neighbors and family members appreciate an affordable car wash, making this a fun way to earn for kids to make money on a sunny afternoon. With basic supplies like a sponge, bucket, and soap, children can provide a useful service while learning teamwork if they work with friends.

Creative and Online Jobs for 10-Year-Olds

The internet and creative outlets have opened up new possibilities for kids to make money in safe, age-appropriate ways to earn. Unlike traditional jobs, many modern opportunities allow children to turn their hobbies and skills into small businesses while learning valuable lessons about responsibility, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

Tutoring Younger Kids

For children who excel in reading, math, or another subject, tutoring younger kids can be a great way for kids to make some money while reinforcing their own knowledge.

• Who They Can Help – Younger siblings, neighbors, or family friends struggling with schoolwork. Parents are often willing to pay for extra help in foundational subjects.
• How It Works – Tutoring sessions can take place at home, the local library, or online through kid-friendly learning apps (under supervision). Short, structured sessions work best for younger children.
• Skills Gained – Teaching others strengthens communication skills, patience, and leadership abilities. It also helps kids learn the value of helping others.

Recycling for Profit

Collecting and recycling items like cans, plastic bottles, and newspapers is not only a way to earn for kids to make money but also an opportunity to help the environment.

• Where to Start – Kids can earn by collecting recyclables from family members, neighbors, or public spaces (with permission). Some schools and local businesses may also have recycling programs.
• Where to Sell – Many states have bottle deposit programs that pay for returned cans and bottles. Scrap yards may accept aluminum, cardboard, and other materials.
• Lessons Learned – Recycling teaches kids about sustainability, responsibility, and the importance of a strong work ethic. It also helps them understand the value of small earnings adding up over time.

Blogging or YouTube Channel

For kids who enjoy storytelling, sharing ideas, or being on camera, starting a blog or YouTube channel (with parental supervision) can be an exciting way to earn in the long run.

• Blogging – Kids can write about their favorite hobbies, book reviews, or fun facts they’ve learned. Free platforms like WordPress or Blogger are good starting points.
• YouTube – Creating kid-friendly content, such as DIY, toy reviews, or educational videos, can attract an audience. Parental supervision is essential to ensure safety and privacy online.
• Potential Earnings – While blogging and YouTube won’t generate instant income, kids can earn eventually through ad revenue, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing. It’s a fun way to earn digital skills and earn while sharing their passions.

Digital & Tech-Savvy Jobs for 10-Year-Olds

In today’s digital world, tech-savvy 10-year-olds have unique opportunities to earn money by leveraging their computer skills and creativity. These roles often allow for flexible hours and can be performed from home with appropriate parental guidance, making them a great way to earn and develop valuable future skills.

Basic Tech Support for Family/Neighbors

For kids who are good with computers, offering simple tech help to less tech-savvy family members or neighbors can be a valuable service. This could involve setting up a printer, organizing digital photos, or troubleshooting basic software issues.

• How it Works: They can charge a small fee, perhaps $10 per task, for quick fixes or simple tutorials.
• Skills Gained: Problem-solving, communication, and patience, along with practical computer skills. It also reinforces a helpful work ethic.

Creating Simple Presentations/Slideshows

If a 10-year-old is good with presentation software (like Google Slides or PowerPoint), they could offer to create simple slideshows for school projects, family events, or small local clubs.

• How it Works: They can charge per slide or per completed presentation, making it a flexible job for a 10-year-old.
• Skills Gained: Digital literacy, design principles, and organizational skills.

Digital Photo Organizing & Basic Editing

Many adults have thousands of unorganized digital photos. A methodical 10-year-old could offer to sort, categorize, and even do basic edits (cropping, brightness) on digital photo collections.

• How it Works: They could charge an hourly rate or a flat fee per batch of photos. This is a great way to earn money while helping others.
• Skills Gained: Digital organization, attention to detail, and introductory photo editing.

Summer Jobs for 10-Year-Olds

Summer is the perfect time for kids to explore new experiences, develop responsibility, and earn a little extra money. While traditional jobs may not be an option for 10-year-olds, many seasonal opportunities allow them to help out in their community, gain skills and earn and have fun in the process. Whether assisting at a camp, helping at a farmers market, or supporting local sports teams, these summer best jobs for 10 year olds offer safe and rewarding ways to earn and stay active and engaged.

Camp Counselor in Training

Many summer camps offer junior helper positions for kids who are too young to be full-fledged counselors but still want to get involved. These positions typically allow children to assist with simple tasks while learning leadership and teamwork skills and earn.

• What They Do – Junior helpers may help set up activities, distribute materials, and assist younger campers with projects or games.
• Where to Apply – Community centers, church groups, and sports camps often look for young volunteers. Some camps may offer small stipends or other rewards.
• Skills Gained – Responsibility, patience, and communication skills and earn are all valuable lessons kids can learn in this role.

Farmers Market Helper

Local farmers markets are busy during the summer, and many vendors appreciate an extra set of hands. While 10-year-olds can’t be official employees, they can often help out informally with safe, simple tasks.

• What They Do – Assisting with setup, handing out samples, bagging produce, or keeping tables organized.
• Where to Start – Kids can earn by asking family friends, local farmers, or small business owners if they need help during market days.
• Skills Gained – Basic customer service, organization, and time management skills and earn. Plus, working at a farmers market can teach kids about food, sustainability, and local businesses.

Sports Assistant

 For kids who love sports, assisting coaches or helping organize games can be an enjoyable way to earn while staying active. Many recreational leagues and community programs welcome young helpers.

• What They Do – Setting up equipment, gathering balls, keeping score, or assisting younger players.
• Where to Find Opportunities – Local soccer leagues, Little League teams, and youth sports camps may have opportunities for young assistants.
• Skills Gained – Leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills and earn. This job also helps kids develop confidence and learn the importance of supporting others.

Benefits of Working at a Young Age

Encouraging kids to take on small, age-appropriate jobs offers more than just financial rewards. It builds skills that will benefit them well into adulthood.

Building Confidence and Independence

Taking on small jobs teaches kids to take initiative and follow through on commitments. Whether they’re selling items, walking dogs, or helping neighbors, earning money through their own effort boosts self-esteem and fosters independence.

Understanding the Value of Money

Kids to make money learn firsthand how much effort goes into making a dollar. This experience helps them develop financial literacy, teaching them budgeting, saving, and decision-making skills and earn that can set them up for long-term success.

Time Management and Responsibility

Balancing school, activities, and a small job teaches kids to manage their time effectively. Completing tasks on schedule and being dependable reinforces responsibility – an important trait for future jobs and personal growth. It also helps them develop a strong work ethic.

Important Considerations

Before a 10-year-old starts earning money, it’s essential to consider safety, legal requirements, suitability for their skills and earn and interests and setting individual boundaries properly.

Safety First

Not all jobs are appropriate for kids, so adult supervision and guidance are crucial. Parents should ensure that:

• The job is in a safe environment.
• Tasks are age-appropriate and manageable.
• There is minimal risk of injury or exploitation.
• For online opportunities, parental supervision is even more critical to ensure privacy and security.

Legal Restrictions

Child labor laws exist to protect kids from unsafe work environments and ensure their education remains a priority. While traditional employment is not allowed for 10-year-olds, informal jobs like household chores is a great way to start, babysitting younger siblings, and running a small business are generally permitted.

• United States Laws In the U.S., the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) prohibits children under 14 from working in most industries. However, exceptions include acting, newspaper delivery, and working for family businesses in non-hazardous roles.
  • More details: U.S. Department of Labor
• United Kingdom Laws In the UK, children under 13 cannot legally work, except in specific cases like acting or modeling. However, 10-year-olds can take on informal jobs like pet care, gardening, and helping family businesses. Local councils regulate work permits for children aged 13 and above.
  • More details: UK Government Child Employment Rules

Finding the Right Fit

Not every job is suitable for every child. Consider:

• Interests – A child who loves animals may enjoy pet sitting, while a creative child might prefer selling items.
• Maturity Level – Some jobs like babysitting or customer-facing roles, require more patience and responsibility.
• Time Commitment – Jobs should be manageable alongside school and other activities.

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