This post was written by Marjolein Dilven of Radical FIRE.
Finding good jobs for teens and high school students can be challenging. The right job needs to fit around school, require little or no previous experience, offer reasonable pay, and ideally help you build skills you can include on a future resume.
So, where should you start?
Many teenagers want to earn money, gain independence, and prepare for college or future career goals. To make the search easier, here is a practical guide to job websites, important things to consider before applying, and some of the best online and in-person jobs for teens.
If you are under 18, check whether your state requires employment and age certificates. Some employers will ask for these documents before they can legally hire you.
How To Find Jobs as a Teen
Before applying for a job, take a little time to think about what will work best for your schedule, goals, and interests.
- Job schedule: Decide whether you want a part-time job during the school year or a seasonal role with more hours over a shorter period, such as a summer job or internship.
- Skills you want to develop: A teen job is not only about earning money. It can also help you build communication, leadership, customer service, organization, time management, and technical skills.
- Your interests and skills: Look for work that matches what you already enjoy. If you like kids, babysitting or daycare work may be a good fit. If you enjoy being outdoors, dog walking, landscaping, or lifeguarding may be better options.
Once you understand your availability and goals, the internet can make your job search much easier. Job boards, company career pages, and local listings are great places to find teen-friendly work.
Searching for Jobs as a Teen — The Best Job Sites
1. Snagajob
Snagajob is a popular job site for part-time and hourly work. It often features listings in retail, hospitality, food service, recreation, and local businesses. Teens and recent graduates can use it to search for entry-level roles that do not require extensive experience.
2. Glassdoor
Glassdoor lists job openings and also provides useful company information. Before applying, you can read employee reviews, view salary ranges, learn about interview questions, and get a better sense of the workplace environment.
3. LinkedIn
LinkedIn can be useful even if you are just starting your career. Creating a simple profile, adding school activities, volunteer work, skills, and job experience can help you build a professional presence early.
You can also use LinkedIn to search for jobs, follow companies, connect with professionals, and learn more about different industries. Over time, your profile can become a strong online resume.
4. Major Job Boards
Large job boards such as Indeed, SimplyHired, and Monster are also worth exploring. Learning how to use these websites as a teen can help you now and later as your career develops.
If you are unsure how to begin, ask your school’s career guidance office for help creating a resume, preparing for interviews, and searching job websites safely.
23 Best Jobs for Teens
Now that you know where to look, here are some of the best jobs for teens. The first options are mostly in-person roles, while the final few can often be done online.
1. Dog Walker
National hourly pay: $18.53
Dog walking is a simple and flexible job for teens who enjoy animals. Many pet owners need help because they are busy, work long hours, or are unable to walk their dogs regularly. Your tasks may include walking, feeding, and making sure the dog gets enough exercise.
2. Babysitter
National hourly pay: $21.73
Babysitting can be a good option if you are responsible and enjoy caring for children. Duties may include preparing snacks, helping with bedtime routines, keeping children entertained, and making sure they stay safe. Some families may prefer babysitters with first-aid or CPR training.
3. Barista
National hourly pay: $15.18
Baristas prepare coffee, tea, and other drinks while serving customers quickly and politely. You may need to learn drink recipes, handle special orders, and pay attention to allergies or dietary preferences. Most coffee shops provide on-the-job training.
4. Call Center Representative
National hourly pay: $17.72
Call center representatives help customers by phone, email, or chat. This job can build communication and problem-solving skills. Employers usually provide training, but having an interest in the company’s products or services can help you stand out.
5. Library Assistant
National hourly pay: $17.26
A library assistant role is ideal if you prefer a calm environment. You may help visitors find books, check out materials, organize shelves, and support librarians with daily tasks.
6. Camp Counselor
National hourly pay: $16.22
Camp counselors help supervise children and lead activities at summer camps, sports camps, academic programs, or scout camps. This seasonal job is a strong choice if you enjoy working with kids and being active.
7. Tutor
National hourly pay: $24.22
If you are strong in subjects like math, science, English, or languages, tutoring can be a rewarding teen job. Tutors help students understand difficult topics, complete assignments, and improve their confidence.
8. Busser
National hourly pay: $14.61
Bussers work in restaurants clearing tables, carrying dishes, and helping prepare the dining area for new guests. It is a fast-paced job, but it usually does not require much prior experience.
9. Car Wash Attendant
National hourly pay: $13.37
Car wash attendants may guide vehicles, assist customers, process payments, and help keep the site clean. It can be a straightforward job for teens who want steady part-time work.
10. Landscape Laborer
National hourly pay: $17.27
Landscape laborers help maintain yards, gardens, and outdoor spaces. Tasks may include mowing lawns, watering plants, trimming shrubs, pulling weeds, and keeping properties neat.
11. Cashier
National hourly pay: $14.68
Cashiers are needed in grocery stores, cafes, clothing shops, and other retail businesses. The job usually involves scanning items, accepting payments, bagging purchases, and assisting customers.
12. Fast Food
National hourly pay: $13.36
Fast food jobs are among the most common jobs for teens. You may take orders, prepare food, clean work areas, or serve customers. Restaurants such as Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, and Dairy Queen are known to hire 16-year-olds.
13. Dishwasher
National hourly pay: $15.11
Dishwashers clean plates, glasses, utensils, pots, and pans in restaurants or cafes. It is a practical entry-level job that can help you get experience in food service.
14. Concession Stand Worker
National hourly pay: $14.70
Concession stand workers serve food and drinks at movie theaters, amusement parks, sports venues, and events. Responsibilities usually include taking orders, handling payments, giving change, and keeping the counter clean.
15. Catering Coordinator
National hourly pay: $18.02
A catering coordinator may answer customer questions, help organize food orders, communicate delivery details, and assist with transporting food to events. This role can build communication, organization, and multitasking skills.
16. Daycare Assistant
National hourly pay: $15.14
Daycare assistants help care for young children. Duties may include reading stories, helping with meals, supervising playtime, changing diapers, and making sure children rest and stay safe.
17. Waiter/Waitress
National hourly pay: $20
Waiters and waitresses greet customers, take orders, serve food and drinks, answer questions about menu items, bring bills, and clear tables. A friendly attitude and good communication skills can help you succeed.
18. Janitor
National hourly pay: $15.57
Janitors help keep schools, offices, restaurants, hotels, and other buildings clean. Tasks may include sweeping, mopping, emptying trash, cleaning restrooms, and maintaining shared spaces.
19. House-Cleaner
National hourly pay: $19.55
House cleaners help keep homes tidy and organized. Common duties include vacuuming, sweeping, dusting, washing dishes, doing laundry, folding clothes, and cleaning specific rooms.
20. Lifeguard
National hourly pay: $15.65
If you are a strong swimmer and have CPR training, lifeguarding may be a good seasonal job. Pools, beaches, and recreation centers often hire lifeguards, although most require lifeguard and CPR certification.
21. Virtual Assistant
National hourly pay: $24.87
Virtual assistants support businesses online. Tasks may include scheduling appointments, organizing files, creating presentations, posting social media content, answering emails, or completing basic design work.
22. Complete Online Surveys
Paid online surveys can be a simple way to share your opinions and earn money in your spare time. Companies use survey feedback to better understand customers and improve products or services.
Some survey sites include Swagbucks, Freecash, Survey Junkie, and Branded Surveys. Many survey platforms require parental consent if you are under 18.
23. Data Entry
National hourly pay: $18.87
Data entry is not always exciting, but it can be a practical online job for older teens. You generally need a computer, a reliable internet connection, attention to detail, and the ability to type accurately.
The Best Online and Offline Jobs for Teens
These online and in-person jobs for teens can help you earn money, gain experience, and learn valuable workplace skills. While your first job may not define your entire career, it can teach responsibility, time management, communication, and confidence.
Before applying, think about your school schedule, interests, strengths, and long-term goals. Then choose jobs that match your availability and help you build skills you can use in the future.
This article originally appeared on Hello Sensible.