Britain’s children are stepping away from screens and into the garden, with new research revealing that outdoor chores are now the biggest earners for young people.
According to the latest NatWest Rooster Money Pocket Money Index, children aged between six and 17 now receive an average of £9.74 per week in pocket money—a 6.7% increase compared to last year. That equates to an average annual income of £506.48, marking the first time the figure has surpassed the £500 milestone.
The annual report, based on the earning, saving and spending habits of more than 500,000 Rooster Card users across the UK, also shows that children are increasingly earning their money through practical household tasks rather than receiving a fixed allowance.
Mowing the lawn is officially the UK’s best-paying pocket money chore
If your child is looking to maximise their earnings this summer, handing them the lawn mower could be the smartest move.
For the third consecutive year, mowing the lawn tops the list of the UK’s highest-paying chores, earning children an average of £3.52 per session. That’s more than twelve times the amount earned for making the bed, which averages just 28p.
Other top-paying outdoor jobs include:
- Washing the car – £3.36
- Cleaning windows – £1.65
- Gardening – £1.38
- Dog walking – £1.15
- Looking after chickens – £1.14
- Cleaning up after dogs – 72p
The findings suggest there’s a clear “outdoor pay premium”, with active jobs consistently rewarding children more than indoor household tasks.
Kids are saving for holidays instead of video games
The report also reveals a noticeable shift in children’s spending priorities.
While gaming has traditionally dominated savings goals, holidays and travel have now taken the top spot, pushing gaming into third place. Saving for the future ranked second, highlighting a growing interest in real-world experiences over digital entertainment.
The findings also challenge the stereotype that younger generations spend all their time on devices. Nearly 30% of children now complete chores specifically as a condition of receiving pocket money.
NatWest launches limited-edition ‘Chorewear’ jacket
To celebrate the research, NatWest Rooster Money has unveiled Chorewear—a playful limited-edition jacket inspired by the UK’s highest-paying outdoor chores.
The jacket includes features designed for young chore champions, such as:
- A built-in retractable dog lead
- Dedicated dog waste bag holder
- Microfibre cloth attachment for washing cars and windows
- Tool loops for gardening equipment
- Reflective safety strips
- Insulated snack pocket
- Multiple storage pockets for children’s essentials
According to NatWest, completing every chore the jacket is designed for could earn a child up to £11.78 in a single day. The jackets will be available to NatWest Rooster Money customers through an exclusive giveaway later this summer.
Aston Merrygold backs earning through chores
Singer and TV presenter Aston Merrygold partnered with NatWest Rooster Money alongside his eight-year-old son, Grayson, to help launch the campaign.
Speaking about the importance of pocket money, Merrygold said that earning money through household jobs helped teach him responsibility growing up, and that he now wants to pass those lessons on to his own children.
The campaign aims to encourage more families to spend time outdoors while helping children develop positive money habits through everyday responsibilities.
Even the Tooth Fairy is paying more in 2026
Pocket money isn’t the only childhood income that’s increasing.
The report found:
- The average Tooth Fairy payment has risen 14% to £4.79 per tooth.
- Average birthday cash gifts now stand at £46.41.
- Grandparents typically give £24.49.
- Aunts and uncles contribute an average of £24.80.
Why chores can help children build money confidence
Will Carmichael, CEO and Founder of NatWest Rooster Money, says encouraging children to earn money through chores can help develop independence and valuable financial habits from an early age.
The company points to research published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, which found that children who regularly complete household chores are more likely to develop confidence, stronger relationships and improved academic performance later in life.
Whether it’s mowing the lawn, washing the family car or walking the dog, the latest Pocket Money Index suggests that outdoor chores are proving to be one of the most effective—and rewarding—ways for children to build money skills.
