Children in the United Kingdom are increasingly earning more money through household chores as inflation influences parental spending on pocket money, according to recent research. The average weekly earnings for children from both pocket money and odd jobs have risen by 6.7%, moving from £9.13 to £9.74, which amounts to approximately £506.48 annually.
The data, compiled by NatWest Rooster Money’s Pocket Money Index, highlights that common chores such as mowing the lawn and cleaning the car have become particularly lucrative. Parents are paying an average of £3.52 for grass-cutting and £3.36 for washing the family vehicle. While pocket money itself has only increased modestly, by 2.3%, from £3.85 to £3.94 per week, additional earnings from chores contribute significantly to children’s overall weekly income. For example, six-year-olds on average receive £4.58 per week when including these extras, while 17-year-olds receive around £23.56.
Approximately 30% of children reportedly complete chores as a prerequisite for receiving pocket money. Payment rates vary depending on the task: cleaning windows can earn £1.65; washing up or loading the dishwasher yields 54p; cleaning a bedroom is worth 81p; and making the bed brings in 28p. Dog-related tasks also provide notable earnings, with walking the dog paying £1.15 and cleaning up after the dog offering 72p.
JLS singer and “Strictly Come Dancing” star Aston Merrygold, who encourages his sons to manage their finances through Rooster accounts, said he wants to instill in them an understanding of money and work ethics similar to his own childhood experiences. He emphasized the importance of teaching children the value of money and preparing them for future financial responsibility.
Experts offer mixed views on the practice of paying for chores. Martyn James, a money specialist, cautions that while pocket money can teach children about financial management, compensating them for tasks they should perform as routine responsibilities—such as tidying their rooms—may foster a sense of entitlement. He warns that overly indulgent parenting could lead to difficulties when children eventually leave home.
The index analyzed financial transactions of around half a million children aged six to 17 to understand their income and spending habits. The report notes that children who undertake regular chores tend to have higher confidence, better social skills, and improved academic performance. However, some children still receive money without completing tasks, with the Tooth Fairy reportedly leaving an average of £4.79 per lost tooth. In terms of expenditure, the most popular consumer outlet for children’s spending is McDonald’s, followed by companies like PlayStation, Amazon, Shein, Apple, and Xbox.