What is the legal age to start working in Pennsylvania? I have a 13 year old who would like to start as soon as it's legally possible.

See Federal guidelines

http://www.dol.gov/elaws/faq/esa/flsa/026.htm

A table of restrictions on hours of work.

http://www.dol.gov/esa/programs/whd/state/nonfarm.htm

Most 13 year-olds can't work in nearly any business, doing anything.

The learned folks that have already posted are completely correct.

However, it didn't stop me from making money as a kid. There is always yardwork to do, snow to shovel, babies to sit, papers to deliver, and dogs to walk.

If he is serious, have him/her create a flyer and put one in the door of every house in the neighborhood with an hourly rate... say, $5 an hour, to do anything they require.

won't be the easiest money he will ever earn, but it will be some of the most satisfying.

papers to deliver

I started doing that at the age of 12 and stopped when I left for college.

I learned a lot during those six years, especially about collections.

I never filed in small claims during those tender years. Those lessons came later.