Watching your 10-year-old express interest in earning their own money can be surprising and exciting. While these young children are still years away from traditional employment, there are still plenty of ways for motivated 10-year-olds to earn pocket money, learn responsibility, and develop a work ethic.
This guide explores safe and age-appropriate jobs for 10-year-olds that match their developmental capabilities and provide proper supervision. Whether your child wants to save for a special toy or simply earn their own spending money, these options offer a practical starting point for 10-year-olds.
Can 10-Year-Olds Legally Work?
Federal child labor laws under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) place strict limitations on youth employment. Children under 14 cannot be formally employed, with just a few narrow exceptions:
- Limited agricultural work with extensive restrictions
- Entertainment industry roles
- Working exclusively in family businesses under parental supervision
However, many informal earning opportunities exist within families and neighborhoods that provide valuable real-world experience while respecting these critical protections.
10 best jobs for 10-year-olds
1. Pet Sitter 🐾
If your child loves animals, they can offer to feed, brush, or play with pets for busy neighbors. They can also help refill water bowls and clean up pet areas.
2. Toy or Room Organizer 🏠
Many parents appreciate help organizing playrooms, bookshelves, and toy bins. This is an excellent way for kids to develop responsibility while making money.
3. Lemonade or Snack Stand Operator 🍋
A lemonade stand or snack stand is a fun and social way for kids to earn money, teaching them the basics of running a small business.
4. Recycling Helper ♻️
Some neighbors may need help sorting and taking out recycling bins. This simple job teaches kids about environmental responsibility.
5. Craft Seller 🎨
If your child enjoys making bracelets, drawings, greeting cards, or other crafts, they can sell their handmade items to friends, family, or at small community events.
6. Car Helper 🚗
While 10-year-olds may not wash an entire car, they can help wipe down interiors, vacuum seats, and clean windows.
7. Holiday Helper 🎁
During the holiday season, kids can assist with gift-wrapping, making decorations, or writing holiday cards.
8. Garage Sale Assistant 🏷
If a neighbor or family member is hosting a garage sale, a 10-year-old can help organize items, greet customers, and assist with small tasks.
9. Reading Buddy 📖
Some younger kids love having an older buddy to read books with them. This is a great way to encourage literacy while earning money.
10. Premium Chores 🏆
Children can take on special household tasks beyond regular chores. These premium responsibilities teach organization and follow-through while contributing meaningfully to the household. Parents can create age-appropriate challenges for their children.
How to Help Your 10-Year-Old Get Started
- Match Jobs to Interests: Encourage them to choose tasks they enjoy.
- Supervise When Needed: Some jobs may require adult assistance or approval.
- Teach Money Management: Guide them in setting earnings goals and saving wisely.
- Encourage Responsibility: Set expectations and encourage good work habits.
How Till Can Help Your 10-Year-Old Manage Their Money
At Till Financial, we help kids learn how to earn, save, and spend wisely. Our family banking app provides kids with a safe and easy way to track their earnings, build savings habits, and learn financial responsibility.
Why Choose Till?
- Parental Oversight: Parents can monitor transactions and guide kids in managing money.
- Savings Goals: Kids can set goals for what they want to buy and watch their progress.
- Easy Transfers: Parents, relatives, and employers can deposit money directly to a kid's card (with parental approval).
- Real-World Experience: Till helps kids develop smart spending habits with their own kids' debit cards.
With Till Financial, your child can start building good financial habits early. Get started today and help your 10-year-old develop financial confidence!
Beyond the Piggy Bank: The True Value of Early Earning
While the financial rewards of these activities may seem small, the developmental benefits for 10-year-olds are substantial. Children at this age get tremendous satisfaction from making meaningful contributions and earning their own money.
These introductory jobs for 10-year-olds cultivate essential character traits:
- Patient persistence through challenges
- Recognition of effort-reward connections
- Pride in completed work
- Age-appropriate independence
- Early money management awareness
Parents who carefully introduce earning opportunities at this age are laying the groundwork for financial competence and work ethic that will serve children well as they grow. The sense of capability and agency that comes from earning even small amounts can significantly boost a child's confidence.
