Help a Teenager Out: Reasonable Pay for Yard Work?

Thread starter BethCooks4U
Start date Aug 23, 2007
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work yard

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around determining a reasonable payment for a teenager to perform yard work, including tasks like pulling weeds and mowing. Participants share their personal experiences and thoughts on fair compensation based on various factors such as yard size and task difficulty.

Discussion Character

Opinion-based
Anecdotal

Main Points Raised

One participant suggests offering around $10-15 for basic yard work tasks, with an additional $10 for mowing.
Another participant mentions a preference for paying a flat rate per task rather than hourly, estimating about $10 per hour for ongoing work.
One participant shares their experience of paying their son $12 an hour for similar work.
Another participant recalls being paid per weed as a child, which motivated them to work quickly.
One participant considers $40 for about four hours of work to be fair, especially for tasks that are not overly strenuous.
Several users mention the importance of considering yard size and the tools provided when determining pay.
One participant reflects on the rising costs of babysitting, comparing it to yard work compensation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the exact amount to pay, with some participants suggesting flat rates while others prefer hourly rates. There is no clear consensus on a specific payment amount.

Contextual Notes

Participants share their personal experiences and local norms regarding payment for yard work and babysitting, highlighting variations based on location and individual circumstances.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants considering hiring teenagers for yard work or those interested in understanding compensation trends within their community may find this discussion relevant.

katie0128

Silver Member

Aug 25, 2007

Teresa Lynn said:
My son does this and gets $12 an hour.
My daughter babysat yesterday for 8 hours, 2 kids they paid her $60 I made her take $20 back. When did babysitters get that much. They are kindergarten and 3rd grade so she just had to be there not help them do anything

Wow! It must be the area. Right now, I would expect to pay AT LEAST $10 per hour for my three kids! If I was going to be gone for a long time or later in the night, I would expect to pay even more! But even 15+ years ago when I was babysitting, I would usually make $5 per hour for 1 kid and then (depending on the family) sometimes another $1-$3 per hour, per kid... especially when I had the kids for extended periods of time (5+ hours) or late into the evening. With the going rates around here, if my own kids didn't drive me crazy enough as it is, I would have to consider just babysitting to bring in extra $$!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a reasonable pay rate for teenagers doing yard work?

A reasonable pay rate for teenagers doing yard work typically ranges from $10 to $20 per hour, depending on the complexity of the tasks and the local market rates. Simple tasks like mowing lawns may be on the lower end, while more labor-intensive jobs like landscaping could warrant higher pay.

How can I determine the right pay for specific yard work tasks?

To determine the right pay for specific yard work tasks, consider the time it takes to complete the job, the skill level required, and the going rates in your area. You can also ask local landscaping companies for their rates as a benchmark.

Should I pay teenagers a flat rate or hourly for yard work?

Whether to pay teenagers a flat rate or hourly depends on the task. For smaller, well-defined jobs, a flat rate can be easier and more motivating. For ongoing or variable tasks, an hourly rate may be more appropriate to ensure fair compensation for their time and effort.

What types of yard work can teenagers do?

Teenagers can handle a variety of yard work tasks, including mowing lawns, raking leaves, weeding gardens, planting flowers, trimming hedges, and shoveling snow. The complexity of the tasks can influence their pay rate.

How can I ensure teenagers are safe while doing yard work?

To ensure teenagers are safe while doing yard work, provide them with proper tools and equipment, offer guidance on safe practices, and ensure they wear appropriate clothing and protective gear. It's also important to supervise them, especially when using power tools or working in potentially hazardous conditions.