Chores for 14-Year-Olds
teenFourteen-year-olds can run a real small business — pricing, scheduling, customer service. They can also handle a custodial bank account fully and grasp compound interest in real terms.
Pay context for age 14
$15-30 weekly is typical at age 14. With a federal work permit, many kids can take part-time jobs (baby-sitting other families, pet sitting, lawn care for neighbors) — household chores often shift from primary income to "extra."
12 age-appropriate chores
Each chore below shows a typical pay range, time estimate, and how much parent supervision it still needs. Use these as a starting point — the right number of chores is the one your kid can sustain for at least four weeks straight without nagging.
Kitchen
Lead a weekly meal prep day for the family
$10–$20Run dishwasher and kitchen reset nightly
$2–$4Outdoor
Mow lawns for 2-3 neighbors (entrepreneurial)
$25–$75Wash and detail family car
$8–$20Rake/bag leaves or clear yard waste
$8–$20Family help
Babysit other families (with first aid training)
$12–$25Tutor middle-school subject for hire
$10–$25Help with home maintenance (paint touch-up, repairs)
$10–$25Plan and execute a family event (party, dinner)
$15–$40Manage younger siblings' chores schedule
$8–$15Pets
Pet-sit for neighbors during vacations
$15–$40Cleaning
Deep household clean (whole house rotation)
$15–$30How to keep it running
Fourteen-year-olds may already have outside earnings — household chores at this age should focus on big monthly tasks (deep cleans, seasonal yard work) where their hour is worth more.
When they refuse: At 14, the conversation shifts to expectations as a young adult. Skip the chore-by-chore enforcement — agree on weekly outcomes ("the kitchen is clean by Sunday night") and let them own the how.
The parent angle
Fourteen is when the Roth IRA conversation gets serious. With earned income from outside work, every dollar contributed is earning 50+ years of compounding. Setting up a custodial Roth and matching their contributions can dwarf any college fund.
Frequently asked
Can a 14-year-old get a real job?
Yes — with a federal work permit, 14-15 year olds can work limited hours in approved jobs (retail, food service, office work). Babysitting, pet care, and lawn work don't require permits in most states.
Should a 14-year-old still get an allowance?
It depends. If they're earning outside the household, allowance often shifts to a "base" with chore-pay bonuses, or disappears entirely. The point is for them to be earning enough to cover their discretionary expenses.
What's the most important money lesson at 14?
Tax-advantaged accounts. Open a custodial Roth IRA the moment they have earned income. Contributing $1,000 at 14 vs. $1,000 at 24 means roughly 2-3x more at retirement.