Are you wondering what the best chores for teens to earn money are? Every teenager reaches that age where they want more freedom, more responsibility—and more money. Whether you're trying to buy your first phone, save up for a gaming console, or just want your own spending cash, doing chores is the most practical way to get started.
But we’re not talking about one-off tasks or random weekend jobs. We're talking about real, consistent, reliable chores for teens to earn money, the kind that helps you build habits, independence, and a little income at the same time.
In this guide, we're breaking down over 60 specific chore ideas. These are realistic, useful, and broken down into easy-to-understand sections so you can start taking action right away.
Whether you're 14 or 17, these are tasks you can do with little experience—and start earning fast. Let’s dive into the best ways to make money through good old-fashioned hard work.
60+ Chores For Teens To Earn Money
If you're looking for a flexible way to build discipline, confidence, and a little income, chores for teens to earn money offer the perfect entry point into personal growth and financial independence.
These are the current best ways for teens to earn money today:
1. Car Washing
Car washing is one of those classic chores for teens to earn money that never goes out of style. It’s easy to start, doesn’t require much equipment, and gives instant results.
Whether it’s helping at home or offering your services to neighbors, this chore builds consistency and responsibility. Teens can charge a flat rate or work hourly, depending on the size of the job.
Plus, the sense of pride after completing a task like car washing adds to the motivation to keep working hard and showing up. It's a great foundation for learning how to manage time and make money through effort and follow-through.
2. Dishwashing
Dishwashing is another foundational chore that teaches discipline and the value of daily contribution. Many families are more than happy to outsource dish duty to a reliable teen who does the job thoroughly and without being reminded.
If you’re consistent and efficient, it’s one of those small jobs that earns regular pay. You could take it a step further by offering post-meal cleanup packages that include wiping counters, loading and unloading the dishwasher, and taking out trash.
That kind of initiative can turn a simple task into steady cash flow.
3. Feeding Pets
Feeding pets may not seem like a money-maker at first, but it’s a huge help for busy families—especially those juggling work, school runs, and more.
Offering to feed pets daily while parents are out or help with weekend feedings can lead to dependable, ongoing income. You can also offer to refill water bowls, clean litter boxes, or even administer simple medication if you're comfortable and responsible.
Once pet owners know they can trust you, they’ll call on you any time they leave town—and they’ll often pay well for the peace of mind.
4. Laundry
Laundry is one of those daily chores that never ends, making it a perfect way to earn money regularly. Offer to wash, dry, fold, and sort clothes for your household or extended family.
If you're organized, fast, and know how to separate colors and materials, you're already ahead of most teens. Parents will pay for this kind of help, especially during busy weeks.
You can also offer to take it a step further by ironing and putting clothes away, which makes this chore worth even more. Master the skill, and laundry might just become your steady side income.
5. Making Beds
Making beds might not feel like a money-maker, but when you take full responsibility for every room in the house, it starts to add up.
Offer to come in each morning—or even just a few days a week—to straighten sheets, fluff pillows, and leave bedrooms looking neat and fresh. It’s one of those tiny things that makes a house feel cared for.
If you're helping a busy family, this little chore becomes a big win, especially when bundled with light dusting or tidying. People love the hotel look, and you can deliver it right at home.
6. Recycling
Recycling might not seem like a high-value task, but when you take it seriously, it shows real environmental awareness—and that’s something adults respect.
Collecting bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard, separating them properly, and ensuring they go into the right bins might sound simple, but it takes routine and consistency.
You can also offer to take bins out on collection day or clean up the garage recycling area. If your neighborhood pays for bottles and cans, there’s even a direct profit incentive.
Taking on recycling as a teen is a great way to build eco-conscious habits while earning some solid cash at the same time.
7. Cleaning the Bathroom
Cleaning the bathroom is one of the most dreaded chores for just about everyone—except you, once you realize how much people will pay for it. Most adults would gladly hire this job out if they trust someone to do it well.
This task goes beyond just wiping down surfaces. We're talking about scrubbing sinks, polishing mirrors, disinfecting toilets, and making sure everything shines.
If you can get in and clean efficiently, you can offer weekly or biweekly bathroom cleaning as a service for your family or even for close family friends. Mastering this one builds respect and leads to bigger cleaning gigs.
8. Cleaning the Bedroom
Cleaning your own bedroom might be expected, but offering to deep-clean a sibling's or guest room is a different story. You can vacuum, dust, organize closets, clean under the bed, and even change out sheets.
Parents love walking into a tidy, hotel-style room, and teens who consistently offer this kind of help quickly earn trust and repeat paydays.
This chore builds organizational skills and attention to detail—especially if you're taking ownership of the entire process from top to bottom. It’s also one of the fastest chores to do for extra money if you get good at it.
9. Cooking
If you're comfortable in the kitchen and can whip up a basic meal, you’ve got a valuable skill that not many teens your age have.
Cooking dinner once or twice a week, prepping school lunches, or even baking something special for family occasions can earn you regular income—especially when parents are busy.
Start small with meals you know how to make, then expand your recipe list over time. Before you know it, you could be the go-to family chef and charging a fee for weekly meal planning or prep nights.
Food brings people together—and your ability to cook makes you essential.
10. Sweeping
Sweeping might not feel like much, but doing it well—and doing it every day—keeps homes looking clean and orderly. Floors collect dust fast, especially in homes with pets or kids, and this task is often left to the last minute.
That’s where you come in. You can sweep kitchens, hallways, porches, patios, and entryways. Offer to sweep after dinner or during weekend cleaning sprees.
Once people realize how fresh everything looks when the floors are spotless, they’ll want it done regularly. It's a quick chore with a big visual payoff and a great way to build up to bigger cleaning jobs.
11. Vacuuming
Vacuuming is a bit more technical than sweeping, especially if you’re moving furniture, getting corners, and switching between floor types. If you’re handling the vacuum like a pro, you can offer full-room cleanups or weekly floor maintenance.
Busy parents, grandparents, and pet owners love this service—especially if you offer to vacuum couches, rugs, and stairs.
It's a job that feels satisfying when done right, and if you pair it with dusting or mopping, you can start offering your own “floor care packages.” That’s how you turn a basic chore into repeat income.
12. Taking Out Trash
Taking out the trash is a simple, daily chore that teens often overlook—but if you offer to be the one who handles it every day without being reminded, it becomes a valuable habit.
Go beyond the kitchen trash—check bathrooms, bedrooms, and office bins too. Empty them, replace the bags, and take everything out at the end of the day.
You can also offer to wipe down garbage cans or take bins to the curb on pickup day. It’s not glamorous, but it’s reliable work, and families will appreciate the consistency more than you think.
13. Organizing the Pantry
If you’ve got a good eye for order, organizing the pantry is a job that many adults would happily pay someone else to do.
It’s one of those projects that gets put off forever, but when someone comes in to sort, label, arrange, and toss expired food—it makes a huge difference.
Teens can do this for their own household or offer it to extended family or neighbors. It’s a one-time job that can turn into repeat visits if you offer to come back monthly for upkeep. Plus, it’s strangely satisfying to turn chaos into a Pinterest-worthy pantry.
14. Folding Laundry
Folding laundry is another underestimated task that becomes a money-maker if you're efficient and consistent. Whether you're folding for yourself, your siblings, or the whole family, it’s a job that requires focus but no special tools.
Offer to pick up laundry after it's dry, sort it by person or room, fold everything neatly, and put it away where it belongs. Busy parents will jump at the chance to delegate this chore.
Pair it with washing and drying services, and suddenly you’ve got a full laundry hustle going on.
15. Cleaning Windows
Windows show dirt fast, and clean windows can completely transform a room’s appearance. Teens can take on interior and exterior window cleaning using basic tools—just a spray bottle, a squeegee or paper towels, and a little patience.
The trick is avoiding streaks, which is a skill you can master fast. Offer to do whole-house windows monthly or seasonally, or clean windows in high-traffic areas more often.
Most people overlook this task entirely, so when you offer it proactively, it feels like a premium upgrade—and they’ll often pay accordingly.
16. Watering Plants
Watering plants may not sound like a job that pays, but for families with lots of indoor or outdoor greenery, it’s a task they’re always trying to keep up with. Teens who are reliable and detail-oriented can take over this job with ease.
All it takes is a watering can, a schedule, and the patience to check each plant's needs. You’ll learn a little about plant care along the way too, which makes this chore a good educational experience.
Some homes have over a dozen plants—and being the person who keeps them alive? That’s definitely worth a few bucks a week.
17. Dusting Shelves
Dusting shelves may not seem like much until you realize how quickly dust piles up—and how little time adults have to deal with it. Teens who offer weekly or biweekly dusting services keep everything looking clean and well-kept.
It’s a chore that doesn’t take a ton of time but makes a big difference in a home’s appearance. Bookshelves, picture frames, electronics, and decorative items are dust magnets.
If you’re thorough and don’t skip the corners, this chore becomes a great way to earn consistently—especially when combined with other light housekeeping tasks.
18. Mopping Floors
Mopping takes cleaning to the next level. Sure, sweeping or vacuuming gets up the crumbs and dirt—but mopping leaves floors spotless. This is one of the chores for teens to earn money that’s easy to learn but delivers real value.
Families with hardwood, tile, or vinyl flooring need it done often, especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways. If you can do it without leaving streaks or spots, you’ll quickly become the go-to person for weekly floor care.
Combine it with sweeping or vacuuming, and you’ve got a powerful home-cleaning package.
19. Helping with Groceries
Helping with groceries is a chore that starts with a simple offer and turns into a helpful habit. Teens can assist with grocery lists, come along to shop, unload bags, and organize food in the fridge and pantry.
Parents love not having to carry everything in themselves—especially after a long day. It’s also a great way to learn how to compare prices, read labels, and manage a budget.
Over time, you might even start doing full shopping trips solo if your parents trust you with a debit card and a list. That kind of responsibility leads to major trust—and more paid opportunities.
20. Washing Walls
Washing walls is one of those deep-cleaning chores that no one wants to do—but when it’s done, the house instantly feels fresher. Teens who can carefully scrub away scuffs, fingerprints, or stains without damaging paint are a rare asset.
This task can be offered once a month or seasonally, especially in homes with young kids or pets. It requires a little effort and maybe a step stool, but it’s the kind of job that people will pay well for once they see how great their walls look afterward.
If you’re patient and precise, this job pays off.
21. Organizing Shoes
Shoes pile up fast—especially in homes with big families. Teens who offer to organize shoe closets, entryways, or mudrooms provide a small but powerful service.
You can sort by size, owner, or frequency of use. Offer to clean or polish shoes as a bonus add-on. This might seem like a one-time job, but you’d be surprised how often these areas get messy again.
Monthly maintenance keeps the home feeling in order and gives you a regular gig. It’s a small job that shows big attention to detail.
22. Tidying Up the Garage
The garage tends to be where clutter goes to hide. Offering to help clean, organize, and sweep out a garage is a high-impact chore for teens looking to earn money while getting a workout.
You can throw out trash, rearrange tools, label storage bins, and help create better walking space. People often put this job off for months, which means they’ll be happy to pay someone motivated enough to tackle it.
It’s a solid weekend project that can turn into regular seasonal maintenance if you do it right.
23. Cleaning Out the Fridge
No one—and I mean no one—likes cleaning out the fridge. That’s why it’s one of the best chores for teens to earn money with a single afternoon of work. Toss expired food, wipe shelves, organize drawers, and restock everything in a neat and logical way.
If you have a strong stomach and a nose for mystery leftovers, you’ll be a hero in your household. It’s the kind of deep clean that people don’t do often but desperately need. Do it once, and they’ll call on you again in a few weeks when the chaos returns.
24. Setting the Table
Setting the table before meals may be a small chore, but offering to take it over daily—or every time the family sits down together—creates a consistent way to earn money.
Do it well by adding placemats, arranging cutlery properly, and maybe even adding a centerpiece. When done with care, it becomes a chore that shows initiative and respect for family time.
Plus, it can be paired with clearing the table or washing dishes afterward for a full mealtime assistant gig.
25. Clearing the Table
Clearing the table after meals goes hand-in-hand with setting it. If you're already helping during dinner, take the next step and offer to clear everything away quickly and quietly once everyone’s done eating.
Scrape plates, gather utensils, wipe surfaces, and prep dishes for the washer. Families love having one less thing to think about at the end of a meal.
Combine it with post-meal cleanup like dishwashing or counter wiping, and you’re turning a simple task into a full-on kitchen assistant job.
26. Sweeping the Porch
Sweeping the porch may seem like a small task, but it makes a huge difference in a home's appearance. Whether it's leaves, dirt, or just the usual dust that settles in, keeping outdoor entryways clean shows attention to detail.
Teens can offer to sweep front porches, back decks, walkways, or patios once a week or after storms. It’s quick work with big visual impact.
Many people forget how much a clean entrance improves curb appeal, and if you show consistency here, homeowners will likely ask you to take on more outdoor tasks too.
27. Wiping Down Doorknobs
It might sound simple, but wiping down doorknobs, handles, and light switches helps maintain a cleaner and healthier living space.
These are the most-touched surfaces in any home, and cleaning them regularly prevents the spread of germs—especially during flu season.
All it takes is a cloth and a little disinfectant, but the results go a long way. Offer to do this once a week or pair it with other cleaning routines like vacuuming or mopping. It’s the kind of task people forget to do until they realize how much it helps.
28. Organizing Desk Drawers
If you’ve ever opened a junk drawer or desk drawer and found it overflowing with chaos, you know why this chore matters. Teens who are naturally organized can turn drawer cleanouts into mini gigs.
Offer to sort, file, toss trash, and re-stack supplies in a way that makes sense. This is perfect for families who work from home, have a home office, or just need better flow in their kitchen drawers.
It’s also a satisfying task that only takes an hour or two and shows immediate results—perfect for weekend work.
29. Changing Light Bulbs
Changing light bulbs is often ignored until half the house is in the dark. It’s a simple job, but sometimes adults can’t reach high fixtures or just forget.
If you’re tall enough or have access to a step stool, you can offer to go around the house once a month and swap out dead bulbs. Just be careful and always ask first before using anything electrical.
You’d be surprised how thankful people are to have this done—especially older relatives who may not feel safe climbing ladders themselves.
30. Cleaning Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans collect dust fast, and no one wants that flying around the room. Teens who can safely clean fans without making a mess provide a much-needed service.
Use a long-handled duster or step ladder and gently wipe each blade, then vacuum the floor afterward. If you do this once a month, it helps keep air cleaner and reduces allergy symptoms.
It’s a job many overlook, but once they see how clean their space feels afterward, they’ll want you back again soon.
31. Polishing Wood Surfaces
Polishing wood furniture or banisters brings out their shine and helps protect surfaces from wear and tear. Teens who know how to apply polish without leaving streaks or residue can offer this as a premium home care chore.
Work slowly, use the right type of product for the wood, and finish each area with a soft cloth. You can polish coffee tables, kitchen cabinets, wood railings, or baseboards.
It’s especially useful before holidays or family gatherings when people want their homes to look spotless.
32. Sorting Mail
Sorting through stacks of unopened mail or paper clutter may not sound exciting, but it’s an overlooked job that can really help parents or your fellow neighbors.
Offer to organize incoming mail, separate junk from bills, and store important documents in clearly labeled folders or trays. You can even help recycle old catalogs and store coupons in one place.
It’s a great way to develop attention to detail, and your organizational habits will make people’s daily lives easier.
33. Shredding Old Papers
If your household has a home office—or just stacks of old documents—chances are, they’ve got sensitive papers that need shredding.
Offer to take over the job of feeding pages into the shredder, organizing what to keep and what to toss, and safely disposing of everything. This chore is especially useful during spring cleaning or after tax season.
Be sure to follow any instructions carefully since some documents might need to be saved or filed.
34. Watering the Garden
Watering the garden goes beyond just spraying a hose around. Teens who are attentive and learn about plant care can turn this into a daily or weekly gig.
Whether it’s vegetables, flowers, or shrubs, consistent watering helps everything thrive. You can also check for wilting, dead leaves, or pests while you’re at it.
Offer to water in the mornings or evenings when it’s most effective, and you’ll quickly be seen as someone dependable with a green thumb.
35. Washing the Dog
Washing a family dog isn’t just about getting the dirt off—it’s about doing it calmly, efficiently, and making it less stressful for both the pet and the owner.
If you're good with animals and don’t mind getting wet, this is a great money-making chore. Offer to brush out tangles, scrub with gentle shampoo, rinse thoroughly, and dry the dog off with towels or a low-heat dryer.
Pet owners often put this off, so if you can do it safely and with care, you’ve got a recurring service on your hands.
36. Cleaning the Litter Box
Cleaning a litter box isn’t glamorous, but for cat owners, it’s one of the most critical chores—and one they’re often happy to outsource. If you’re a teen who isn’t squeamish and can handle the responsibility, this task can be turned into steady income.
Offer to scoop out waste daily, clean the box thoroughly once a week, and refill it with fresh litter. Pet hygiene is a big deal, and doing this chore reliably shows maturity and trustworthiness.
If you build a reputation for taking care of pets properly, you might even get asked to feed or pet-sit down the line.
37. Vacuuming Car Interiors
People love a clean car interior, but they often don’t have time to keep it that way. Teens can offer to vacuum car seats, floors, mats, and trunks using a shop vac or household vacuum with attachments.
Remove trash, wipe surfaces, and freshen up the smell. It’s a quick job with visible results, and you can charge by the vehicle. Offer extra services like washing the windows or dusting vents for an added fee.
This chore pairs perfectly with outdoor car washing, giving you a full auto-care business in your driveway.
38. Organizing the Linen Closet
Most linen closets are a mess—towels stacked sideways, bedsheets jumbled up, and who-knows-how-old pillowcases stuffed in the back. If you like organizing, this is your chance to shine.
Teens can offer to sort towels by size, label shelf areas, fold sheets into neat sets, and even color-coordinate everything. It’s the kind of job that feels like a total transformation when it’s done right.
For families who host guests or have a lot of laundry rotation, this chore saves time and stress. And once they see it organized, they’ll definitely want you to keep it that way.
39. Labeling Storage Bins
Labeling storage bins is a small task with a huge impact on organization. Teens can take on this job by helping families sort and label containers in closets, garages, attics, or under the stairs.
Use stickers, label makers, or hand-written tags to clearly mark what's inside. This is especially useful for families with kids’ toys, seasonal decorations, or school supplies scattered across the house.
If you’re tidy and detail-oriented, you’ll turn cluttered chaos into organized calm—and get paid for it too.
40. Assisting with Moving Boxes
Helping carry and organize boxes is a great job for teens who want physical work and a decent payday. Whether a family is moving homes, switching rooms around, or just reorganizing storage, there's always heavy lifting to be done.
Offer to carry boxes, load and unload from cars, and help sort them into proper spaces. You’ll need strength, stamina, and a little coordination, but it’s a great way to earn on weekends.
People love having an extra set of hands when they’re moving things—especially someone who won’t complain the whole time.
41. Decluttering Toy Areas
Families with younger kids often find themselves drowning in toys. Teens can offer to come in, sort through everything, help decide what to keep, toss, or donate, and reorganize shelves or bins.
You can group toys by type, age, or frequency of use. Parents appreciate having someone help tackle what feels like an endless mess—and kids often respond better when someone closer to their age is helping them sort it out.
This task may only take a few hours, but the peace of mind it provides is worth every dollar to a busy parent.
42. Organizing Craft Supplies
For families that love crafts, school projects, or scrapbooking, the art supply pile can get overwhelming fast. Offer to sort colored pencils, markers, glue, paper, and other supplies into bins or drawers.
Label them clearly, get rid of dried-out items, and create a system that’s easy to use. This chore might feel small, but it’s a huge win for creative families who need their supplies in order. Plus, if you’re artistic yourself, you’ll find this job genuinely enjoyable.
43. Helping Clean the Attic
Cleaning the attic is one of those chores for teens to earn money that most people don’t want to touch—literally. It’s dusty, sometimes cramped, and full of things no one remembers storing.
That’s exactly why it’s a great earning opportunity. Offer to help carry boxes down, sort through items, and sweep up.
Be ready to get a little dirty, but you’ll be saving someone hours of back-breaking work. Just make sure you’re supervised or given a safety checklist—attics can be tricky places to navigate.
44. Cleaning Light Switch Plates
Light switch plates are touched dozens of times a day but rarely cleaned. Over time, they collect grime, fingerprints, and dust. Teens can grab a disinfectant wipe or a damp cloth and go through the entire house wiping down each one.
It’s a fast task, but when added to a list of small cleaning jobs, it becomes part of a bigger service. Parents will appreciate the thoroughness—and that you’re thinking of things most people overlook.
This is also a good chore to include in a “deep clean” package you offer once a month.
45. Creating Grocery Lists
If you’re good with planning, helping create grocery lists is a surprisingly helpful chore that many parents would love support with.
Teens can assist with checking pantry inventory, suggesting meals, writing down needed items, and organizing the list by category (produce, dairy, frozen, etc.).
You’ll learn about food prep, budgeting, and decision-making while helping your family save time and money. Eventually, this can even lead to helping with meal prep or doing the shopping yourself once you gain more trust.
46. Refilling Soap Dispensers
This might sound like a background chore, but when soap dispensers are always full and ready to go, it keeps a home feeling clean and cared for.
Teens can offer to check and refill kitchen and bathroom soap pumps every week using refill containers. It’s quick, simple, and incredibly helpful—especially in big households where people wash their hands often.
You can also offer to clean the outside of the dispensers or swap out old ones for new if needed. This small task shows your attention to details others overlook.
47. Washing Patio Furniture
Outdoor furniture takes a beating from the weather, and giving it a regular wash keeps it looking fresh. Teens can clean chairs, tables, and cushions with soap, water, and a scrub brush.
Offer to wipe down glass tops, rinse off pollen or bird droppings, and even treat stains on fabric if you’ve got the right cleaner.
It’s a seasonal job that’s perfect in spring and summer. This can easily become an annual or quarterly gig with families who love using their backyard space.
48. Brushing Pets
Brushing dogs or cats is a chore that not only keeps animals looking good but also reduces shedding around the house. It’s a task that busy pet owners often forget or skip—and one they’ll be grateful to hand off to someone gentle and patient.
Teens who love animals can offer to brush out fur weekly or before bath time. You’ll build trust with both the pet and their owner, and it can lead to more responsibilities like dog walking or pet sitting.
49. Organizing a Bookshelf
Bookshelves look great when they’re tidy, but they don’t stay that way without help. Teens can offer to alphabetize books, arrange them by size, genre, or color, and dust each shelf.
If a family has a large collection of DVDs or games too, you can organize those in the same way. It’s a fun job for anyone who likes order and can spot a system.
Plus, when you're done, it feels like you’ve completely redesigned a corner of the home—without moving furniture.
50. Helping Clean Out the Basement
Basements are often where clutter and forgotten boxes go to live. Teens can offer to help families sort through everything, toss what’s no longer needed, and organize what stays.
You might be lifting heavy boxes or cleaning up cobwebs, so come prepared with gloves and old clothes. This job usually takes time, but it's worth more money per session.
Once you’ve tackled one basement, word will spread—and others might ask you to help with theirs too.
51. Washing Reusable Grocery Bags
Reusable bags are awesome for the planet but often get gross after regular use. Teens can collect these bags once a week, toss them in the laundry or hand wash them, and return them clean and fresh.
It’s a simple add-on chore that pairs well with helping carry or unpack groceries. Plus, most families never think to do this themselves—so you’ll be offering a niche, helpful service that makes life just a little easier.
52. Packing Lunches
If you're good at meal prep or already helping in the kitchen, packing school or work lunches is a natural next step. Teens can help prepare sandwiches, portion out snacks, and pack everything neatly for the next day.
Parents especially love this chore during busy school weeks. If you take over packing for your siblings too, it saves a ton of time every morning. You’ll be paid not just for food prep, but for reliability—and that's something every parent appreciates.
53. Maintaining a Bird Feeder
If your family or a neighbor enjoys birdwatching, keeping the feeder full and clean is a great little chore that teaches consistency and care for nature.
Teens can refill seed once or twice a week, clean the feeder monthly, and track which birds visit regularly. It’s a peaceful job that adds value to the yard and keeps wildlife coming back.
You can even research local birds to make the experience more educational for yourself and the family you’re helping.
54. Cleaning Out the Car Trunk
The trunk is where all kinds of junk ends up—old receipts, bags, sports gear, fast food wrappers, and mystery items no one remembers putting there.
Teens can offer to empty out everything, vacuum the floor, wipe down the interior, and reorganize what stays.
It’s a quick job with a big result, and it’s especially helpful for families who travel or haul stuff for sports or school. Offer it as a monthly mini-detailing service, and you’ll have repeat business.
55. Organizing Video Games or DVDs
Physical games, DVDs, and controllers can get out of hand fast—especially in gamer households. Offer to sort games by console or title, match them with their cases, untangle wires, and create easy storage systems.
You could also clean discs and dust shelves while you’re at it. For families with younger kids, just having someone help tame the mess of digital media is worth the payout. If you’re into gaming, this will be a chore you’ll actually enjoy doing.
56. Prepping Recycling Bins for Pickup
Beyond just sorting recycling, prepping the bins for curbside pickup is a helpful and consistent chore. Teens can break down boxes, rinse containers, bag up bottles and cans, and haul the bins out on pickup day.
You can also take on washing out smelly bins once a month. It’s not the most glamorous task—but it’s routine, reliable, and super helpful to households that already have a lot on their plate.
57. Folding Blankets and Throws
Living rooms tend to accumulate all kinds of blankets—especially during colder months. Offer to fold and organize throws, fluff couch cushions, and make the space feel tidy again.
It’s a fast task that makes a big difference in how “put together” a room looks. Combine it with vacuuming or general room reset services, and it becomes part of a cleaning package you can offer regularly.
58. Sweeping Garage Floors
Garage floors collect dust, leaves, dirt, and who knows what else. Teens who offer to sweep the garage once or twice a month help keep things safe and clean—especially for families that use the garage as an entryway or workspace.
You’ll want to wear a mask if it's really dusty, but the job is straightforward and satisfying. You can also offer to take it one step further and wipe down shelves or organize boxes after.
59. Polishing Door Handles
Door handles are high-touch areas that rarely get cleaned—unless someone points it out. Teens can offer to polish or disinfect them regularly using safe cleaning products and a soft cloth.
This is especially helpful during cold and flu season when families want to cut down on germs. It’s a subtle task that shows care and awareness of household hygiene—and that always leads to more trust (and tips).
60. Checking Smoke Detector Batteries
Once a quarter—or at the start of each season—you can offer to check and replace smoke detector batteries in your house or even a neighbor’s.
It’s a safety task that’s often forgotten until it’s too late. Bring a step stool, a checklist, and extra 9-volt batteries.
Once people realize you're willing to help with household safety, they’ll see you as more than a teen doing chores—they’ll see you as someone who adds real value to their home.
61. Sanitizing Electronic Devices
Phones, tablets, remotes, and keyboards are some of the dirtiest items in any home—and most people forget to clean them. Teens can offer to sanitize electronic devices using screen-safe wipes or microfiber cloths.
This task is quick, but it delivers real value by keeping gadgets hygienic and prolonging their lifespan. Families with kids, remote workers, or tech-heavy households especially appreciate someone willing to handle this.
It might seem minor, but in the context of chores for teens to earn money, it’s a perfect niche job that builds trust and adds to your growing skillset.
62. Refilling Paper Products Around the House
Another often-overlooked but genuinely helpful chore is refilling paper towels, toilet paper, napkins, and tissues in every room. Teens can walk through the house weekly, check each area, and restock where needed.
You can even pair this with checking soap dispensers and trash bins to offer a full household reset. It’s not glamorous, but it saves busy families time and stress.
Chores for teens to earn money don’t always need to be flashy—they just need to be consistent and helpful. That’s what turns a small task into a dependable income stream.
Tips On Chores For Teens To Earn Money
From weekend cleaning gigs to daily pet care, there’s no shortage of creative chores for teens to earn money while learning real-world responsibility.
Now that you have ideas of chores for teens to earn money, it is time to look into some helpful tips to apply and start earning.
Turning Daily Tasks into Dollars: Where to Start
The easiest way for any teen to start earning is by looking around the house. No need to overthink it—plenty of teens already help out with chores.
The difference is doing it consistently, doing it well, and treating it like a real job. That shift in attitude makes all the difference, especially if you're trying to show your parents you're ready for more responsibility.
Start with what you already know how to do. Cleaning your own room might not seem like much, but offer to organize the garage or deep-clean the kitchen, and you're providing value that saves your family time and stress.
Ask for compensation based on the time or effort it takes—not just for the task itself. Car washing is another great example. If you’ve got access to a hose, some soap, and a few microfiber towels, you're in business.
Washing and vacuuming cars can earn solid money, especially if you take it seriously and offer to do your neighbors’ cars too. If you're consistent, word will get around fast.
Everyday Chores That Can Add Up Fast
Some of the best money-making chores are already happening under your own roof. The difference is offering to take over more responsibility.
Doing the dishes might be something your parents expect—but offering to be the full-time dishwasher in the house (no reminders needed) could earn you a small weekly paycheck.
Same goes for helping with cooking. If you're learning to prep meals, make breakfast, or assist with family dinners, that's a real skill—and one worth paying for.
Laundry is another great chore to take over. Washing, folding, and organizing clothes for the entire family can easily become your personal “business.”
It’s repetitive, but it teaches routine and discipline. Over time, you can expand into other tasks like recycling duties, taking out the trash, or even light home organization.
The key is being proactive—ask for jobs, pitch ideas, and be reliable. You’ll be surprised how quickly your parents or neighbors start treating you like a real helper, not just a kid doing favors.
If you’re ready to go beyond household tasks and start something a bit more scalable, check out these 27 legit side hustles for teens that actually pay real money—you might just find your next big idea.
Helping Neighbors and Friends: Expanding Beyond the House
Once you've got a few paid chores under your belt at home, it’s time to think bigger. Helping others in your neighborhood or family circle is where the real money starts showing up.
Teenagers who are reliable and trustworthy are in demand—especially by working parents who need help. Babysitting, pet sitting, and light house cleaning are great side gigs for teens who want flexible hours and consistent pay.
Feeding pets or walking dogs while neighbors are at work can turn into a steady weekly income. The same goes for helping with seasonal tasks like raking leaves in the fall or shoveling snow in the winter.
You don’t need a business card to get started—just let a few families know you’re available, and offer to prove yourself with one free job if needed. If you do well, they’ll come back, and they’ll tell others too.
Cooking, organizing garages, running small errands, or helping neighbors carry groceries are all realistic ways to earn. And remember—every satisfied neighbor becomes a reference for your next job.
Creative Ways to Turn Chores Into a Side Hustle
The more comfortable you get doing chores for money, the easier it is to think outside the box. Teens who want to go beyond basic tasks can turn household chores into income-generating gigs that feel like a side hustle.
Let’s say you get really good at organizing pantries or closets. You could offer that as a “service” to other families. Charge a flat rate or hourly rate and make it clear what you’ll do. Before-and-after photos can help showcase your results, even if it’s just a friend’s room.
Some teens start meal-prepping for busy parents. If you’re good in the kitchen and know how to cook a few solid meals, you can prep and package food for families in your neighborhood once or twice a week.
That might sound advanced, but if you’re already helping in your own home, you’ve got the experience you need.
Cleaning services are another option. Offer to clean bathrooms, tidy up guest rooms, or dust and vacuum someone’s living room weekly. You can even create a simple list of services you provide, just to look professional.
This mindset—treating your chore work like a business—is what separates average earners from those who consistently bring in extra cash every week.
Why Chores Are the Best First Jobs for Teens
Before you jump into your first job or part-time gig, getting started with chores is hands down the best way to build up experience. Unlike traditional jobs, chores for teens to earn money come with flexibility, less pressure, and often a more forgiving learning curve.
You’re working with people who know you—family, neighbors, friends of friends—which gives you the space to mess up, learn, and improve. Plus, you can scale it.
Start with a few small tasks, prove yourself, and before long you’re earning more, getting better gigs, and even developing your own side hustle mindset. It’s a soft launch into the real world of making money—and it works.
Some teens take it a step further and build something with their parents—if that sounds like you, these 20 family business ideas for 2025 are a smart way to turn chores and hobbies into something even bigger.
Building Trust: The Fastest Way to Get More Chore Gigs
When you’re starting out, the best thing you can do is build trust. Parents, neighbors, and friends are much more likely to hire (and rehire) a teen who shows up on time, communicates clearly, and takes pride in the job.
That’s how small tasks turn into long-term opportunities. If you’re known as the teen who does chores for money and never misses a day, you’ll start getting referrals fast.
Older teens looking for masculine, hands-on ways to earn more might appreciate this list of the best side hustles for men in 2025—it’s full of ideas that build real-world skills.
Trust isn’t built overnight, but one chore at a time. Be early. Be honest. Be sharp. And people will pay you for way more than just sweeping a porch.
Where to Offer Chores for Teens to Earn Money
If you’ve already mastered a few household jobs, it’s time to expand. Start by offering your services to people your family already knows.
Grandparents, neighbors, church members, coworkers—they’re all potential customers looking for reliable help. Create a short list of chores you’re confident doing, include pricing if you want, and make a simple flyer or text message to send out.
Mention you’re a teen offering chores for teens to earn money, and emphasize your reliability. The more clear and confident you are, the more likely they are to say yes—and keep calling you back.
Questions Related to Chores for Teens to Earn Money
Here are some answers the most commonly asked questions about chores for teens to earn money:
What chores earn the most money?
The chores that earn the most money for teens tend to be the ones adults either don’t want to do or physically can’t. Think outdoor work like mowing lawns, raking leaves, or shoveling snow.
These jobs are higher effort and usually more seasonal, so the demand spikes during certain months. Deep-cleaning tasks also command better pay—like scrubbing bathrooms, cleaning out garages or basements, or detailing cars.
If you’re willing to go the extra mile and package several of these together (like offering a “home refresh day”), you can charge a higher rate. The real key to earning more is reliability.
Once you prove that you show up, do quality work, and need little supervision, people will happily pay you more—or refer you to someone else who will.
How much should a 14-year-old get paid for chores?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but a good rule of thumb is to start with $5 to $10 per hour for basic chores like vacuuming, doing dishes, or folding laundry.
For more physical or time-intensive tasks like yard work or heavy cleaning, you could bump that to $12 to $20 depending on the job and location.
Flat fees also work well—like charging $15 for a car wash or $25 to clean a garage. If you’re working regularly for the same household, weekly or monthly pricing might be better for both of you.
Don’t undersell yourself, but also be realistic. The more consistent and thorough you are, the more your pay will naturally rise.
How to earn money by doing chores?
Start at home. Ask your parents or guardians if there are any extra chores you can do beyond your regular responsibilities—and let them know you're serious about doing them right.
Next, look to neighbors, family friends, or even teachers who might need help with household tasks. Make a list of what you're good at (like dog walking, organizing, or cleaning), then offer those as services.
Be polite, punctual, and dependable—that’s the fastest way to get repeat work. If you can group a few smaller jobs into one package (like yard work + trash pickup + sweeping the porch), you can offer it as a “deal” and make more.
If you’re getting paid for your chores regularly, setting up a simple tool like Cash App is a smart way to track your earnings, save, and even start budgeting—here’s why I recommend Cash App in 2025.
Treat it like your own mini business and keep track of your customers and income—you’ll grow faster than you think.
What responsibility should a 14-year-old have?
At 14, you’re old enough to start managing real responsibilities, especially if you want to earn money through chores. That includes showing up on time, finishing tasks thoroughly, and being respectful to the people you’re working with—even if it’s just your family.
You should be able to manage your own schedule, keep your tools or supplies organized, and communicate clearly if something comes up.
Responsibility also means owning your mistakes and learning from them, whether you forgot to sweep the floor or used the wrong cleaner.
The more you act like a professional, the more people will trust you with bigger (and better paying) jobs. These habits will follow you into future work, school, and beyond—so start building them now.
Summing Up 60+ Chores for Teens to Earn Money
There’s no shortage of ways teens can earn money—especially when they treat everyday tasks like real opportunities. Whether you’re organizing closets, washing cars, or helping neighbors with yard work, these chores aren’t just about quick cash.
They’re about building habits, showing initiative, and learning how to take ownership of your time and effort. Every job, no matter how small, adds value to someone’s day—and that value is what gets you paid.
So if you’re serious about gaining independence and stacking some savings, start with what you can control: your work ethic.
Many families use chore payments as a teaching moment for living on a budget—if that’s your vibe, these 30 practical family budgeting tips can help everyone save smarter together.
These 60+ chore ideas are just the beginning of what you can do when you turn your hustle into a habit. Keep showing up, keep improving, and the money will follow.
