Making extra cash when you're 11 is kinda weird because you’re stuck in this middle ground. You aren't a "little kid" anymore, but you also aren't old enough to walk into a Starbucks and ask for a job. Federal law in the United States, specifically the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), generally sets 14 as the minimum age for most non-agricultural work. This means figuring out how to make money as an 11 year old requires a mix of neighborhood hustle, parental help, and maybe a little bit of digital creativity. Honestly, it’s mostly about finding things that adults are too busy or too tired to do themselves.
The reality is that most "online job" sites are going to block you. They have strict 13+ or 18+ age requirements because of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). So, if you see a TikTok telling you to sign up for a professional freelance site, they’re probably just chasing views. You’ve gotta keep it local and real.
The Neighborhood Economy is Your Best Bet
Forget the "global marketplace" for a second. Your neighbors are your best customers. Why? Because they know you. They trust you. Trust is the most expensive thing in the world, and as a local kid, you’ve already got a head start on it.
Pet Waste Removal is probably the most underrated "business" for someone your age. Most people love their dogs but absolutely hate cleaning up the backyard. It’s gross. But if you show up with a sturdy scooper, some heavy-duty bags, and a pair of gloves, you can charge $10 or $15 for a quick 20-minute cleanup. If you do that for four neighbors every Saturday, you’re looking at $40 to $60 a week. That’s video game money. That’s "buying your own sneakers" money.
Then there’s the Chore Assistant angle. Notice I didn't say "house cleaner." Deep cleaning a kitchen is a massive job that most 11-year-olds aren't ready for. But being an "assistant" is different. You help a neighbor carry boxes to the attic. You help them sort their recycling. Maybe you spend an hour pulling weeds in a garden bed. Most adults will happily pay $10 an hour for an extra pair of hands to make a boring task go faster.
📖 Related: Where does the term fag come from? The messy, surprising history of a word that changed everything
How to Make Money as an 11 Year Old Using Your Skills
Maybe you’re not the "manual labor" type. That’s fine. Some kids are better with tech or organization.
Have you ever seen an older person struggle to move photos from their phone to a computer? Or seen them get frustrated because they can’t figure out how to set up a Zoom call? You grew up with this stuff; it’s basically second nature to you. You can offer "Tech Help for Seniors." Keep it simple. Don't try to fix a broken hard drive. Just offer to help them organize their digital photos or teach them how to use a new app.
The Art of the Resell
Reselling is huge right now, but you have to be smart about it. You’ve probably heard of people making thousands on apps like Depop or eBay. At 11, you can’t officially have your own account on those platforms. You’ll need a parent to be the "owner" of the account.
Start with your own closet. Or the garage. Honestly, most houses are full of stuff that nobody uses. Ask your parents if you can sell that old Wii you never play or the LEGO sets you’ve outgrown. BrickLink is a real site where people buy and sell specific LEGO pieces and sets. If you have a tub of bricks, sorting them by color or part type can actually increase their value. It’s tedious work, but collectors pay for that convenience.
Moving Beyond the Lemonade Stand
The classic lemonade stand is fine for a Saturday afternoon, but it’s not a business. It’s a hobby. If you want to actually make money, you need to think about recurring revenue. That’s a fancy business term that just means "getting paid over and over again."
- Weekly Trash Can Service: Offer to wheel the heavy trash cans down to the curb on Sunday night and bring them back up on Monday afternoon. Charge $2 a week per house. It takes you five minutes. If you get 10 neighbors to say yes, that’s $20 a week for basically doing nothing.
- Watering Plants: When people go on vacation, they worry about their gardens. You can be the person who comes over for 10 minutes a day to keep the flowers alive.
- Paper Shredding: Lots of adults have stacks of old mail with their private info on it. If your family has a paper shredder, offer to shred a neighbor's "to-be-destroyed" pile for a flat fee. It’s weirdly satisfying work.
Staying Safe and Legal
We have to talk about the boring stuff because it actually matters. Since you’re under 14, you aren't going to be getting a "paycheck" with taxes taken out in the traditional sense. You’re basically a micro-entrepreneur.
Safety First: Never go into a stranger's house. Period. Only work for people your parents know and trust. If you’re working outside, make sure your parents know exactly which house you’re at. It sounds annoying, but it’s the only way to do this safely.
The Money Talk: When you’re figuring out how to make money as an 11 year old, you have to be comfortable talking about prices. Don't say, "Pay me whatever you want." That’s how you end up working for an hour and getting a nickel. Have a price in mind. "I charge $5 to walk the dog for 20 minutes" or "I charge $10 to mow the front lawn." Being clear makes you look professional, and people respect that.
Digital Creativity (The Reality Check)
Can you make money on YouTube or Twitch at 11? Maybe, but probably not today. Most creators spend years making content before they see a single penny. Plus, you need 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours to even start making ad money on YouTube.
If you like making things, Canva is a great tool. You can learn to make digital birthday cards or cool flyers. If your parents have an Etsy shop, maybe you can design digital downloads for them. But again, you need an adult to handle the legal side. You provide the talent; they provide the "adult-ness."
Why Most Kids Fail
Most kids fail at making money because they give up after one "no." You’re going to get rejected. A neighbor might say, "No thanks, I like mowing my own lawn." That’s okay! It’s not personal. The most successful people are just the ones who asked the most people.
Another reason is consistency. If you say you’re going to walk a dog every Tuesday at 4:00 PM, you have to be there at 4:00 PM. Even if it’s raining. Even if your friends are playing Fortnite. Reliability is why people pay you. If you’re flaky, your business dies.
✨ Don't miss: How to Make a Snowman Step by Step Without It Falling Over
What to Do With the Cash
Once you start making money, don't spend it all on Robux. Well, maybe a little. But try the 50/40/10 rule.
- 50% goes into savings (for something big like a bike or a laptop).
- 40% is your "spending money" for snacks or games.
- 10% goes to a charity or a cause you care about.
Learning how to handle $20 now is how you learn to handle $20,000 later.
Your Action Plan for This Weekend
Don't just sit there thinking about it. Pick one thing.
First, go talk to your parents. Tell them you want to earn some money and ask if they have any "big" chores that aren't part of your normal routine—things like cleaning out the pantry or washing the car.
Next, grab a piece of paper. Write down three neighbors you know well. Walk over there (with a parent's permission) and ask them if they need any help with their yard or their pets. Use a script like: "Hi, I'm trying to save up for [your goal]. Do you have any chores or yard work you need help with this weekend?"
📖 Related: Short on sides longer on top: Why this one haircut style keeps winning
It's awkward the first time. It gets easier the second time. By the third time, you're a businessman.
Remember, the goal isn't just the money. It's the fact that you did it yourself. There is a very specific kind of pride that comes from holding a $20 bill that you earned by sweating or solving a problem. Go get started.