25+ Best Jobs for Teens & High School Students (With Salary Info)
From first paychecks to valuable work experience, these teen-friendly jobs let you make money, build skills, and get a head start on your career.
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21 min read
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Good jobs for teens include babysitting, tutoring, retail, food service, lifeguarding, and many other roles that help you earn money while building valuable skills.
The best jobs for teens are those that fit in with your schedule, interests, and experience level. Many teen-friendly jobs are open to beginners and can help you earn money, build confidence, explore career interests, and strengthen your resume for future opportunities.
Below, you’ll find 25+ good jobs for teens and high school students, U.S. national average pay information, tips for finding work, and advice for landing your first job.
Can You Work as a Teenager? Should You?
Yes, many teens can legally work, but age and labor laws may limit when, where, and how much they can work. Whether you should work depends on your schedule, responsibilities, and ability to balance a job with school and personal well-being.
Working as a teen can help you:
Earn spending money and save for future goals.
Build communication and teamwork skills.
Learn responsibility and time management.
Gain experience for future jobs and college applications.
Explore potential career interests.
That said, a job isn’t the right choice for every teenager at every stage of life. If work is causing your grades to slip, interfering with extracurricular activities, affecting your health, or creating excessive stress, you should consider reducing your hours or waiting to start working until your schedule is more manageable.
25 Good Jobs for Teens With & Without Experience
Good jobs for teens include roles that don’t require much experience, match your interests and goals, and fit your schedule. The 25 options below are common jobs for teens that can help you earn money, build skills, and gain valuable work experience. Some are ideal for younger teens, while others are better suited to older teens because of employer policies, licensing requirements, or age restrictions.
*Hourly pay data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) whenever available. Jobs marked with an asterisk (*) use pay data from Payscale because a comparable BLS occupation is not available.
1. Babysitter Jobs
Babysitters care for children, keep them safe, and help with activities, meals, or bedtime routines.
Average hourly pay: $16.84
Typical schedule: Evenings, weekends, after school, summers, or occasional date-night shifts
Requirements: CPR or first aid training may help, and some families prefer childcare experience or references.
Skills you’ll build: Childcare, responsibility, patience, communication, problem-solving, and time management
Where to look: Local parent groups, community boards, family friends, and childcare apps
2. Barista Jobs
Baristas prepare coffee drinks, take orders, handle payments, and help keep cafés clean and organized.
Average hourly pay: $15.46
Typical schedule: Early mornings, after school, weekends, summers, and part-time shifts
Requirements: Most cafés provide training, but reliability and customer service skills are important.
Skills you’ll build: Customer service, multitasking, teamwork, attention to detail, and cash handling
Where to look: Coffee shops, bakeries, cafés, and grocery store cafés
3. Busser Jobs
Bussers clear tables, reset dining areas, and support servers and kitchen staff during busy shifts.
Average hourly pay: $11.58*
Typical schedule: Evenings, weekends, holidays, and meal rushes
Requirements: Most busser jobs are entry-level, but you’ll need to work quickly and stay on your feet.
Skills you’ll build: Teamwork, organization, customer service, speed, and workplace communication
Where to look: Restaurants, diners, pizza places, cafés, and catering companies
4. Call Center Representative Jobs
Call center representatives answer customer questions and help resolve issues over the phone, email, or chat.
Average hourly pay: $22.40
Typical schedule: After school, evenings, weekends, summers, or part-time shifts
Requirements: Some positions require workers to be 18, but teen-friendly opportunities may exist.
Skills you’ll build: Communication, problem-solving, customer service, patience, and data entry
Where to look: Customer service companies, local businesses, and remote job boards
5. Camp Counselor Jobs
Camp counselors supervise children, lead activities, and help create a safe and enjoyable camp experience.
Average hourly pay: $14.35*
Typical schedule: Summer, school breaks, weekdays, weekends, or overnight camp sessions
Requirements: Experience with children, swimming ability, or CPR certification may be preferred.
Skills you’ll build: Leadership, teamwork, communication, creativity, and conflict resolution
Where to look: Summer camps, day camps, parks departments, YMCAs, and community centers
6. Car Cleaner Jobs
Car cleaners wash vehicles, assist customers, and help maintain cleaning equipment and facilities.
Average hourly pay: $17.78
Typical schedule: After school, weekends, summers, and daytime shifts
Requirements: You’ll likely need the ability to work outdoors and perform physical tasks.
Skills you’ll build: Customer service, teamwork, attention to detail, and time management
Where to look: Car washes, auto detail shops, dealerships, and gas stations
7. Cashier Jobs
Cashiers process purchases, handle payments, and assist customers at checkout.
Average hourly pay: $15.95
Typical schedule: After school, evenings, weekends, holidays, and summers
Requirements: Most positions are entry-level and provide on-the-job training.
Skills you’ll build: Customer service, cash handling, communication, accuracy, and problem-solving
Where to look: Grocery stores, retail stores, pharmacies, movie theaters, and fast-food restaurants
8. Delivery Driver Jobs
Delivery drivers transport food, groceries, packages, or other items to customers.
Average hourly pay: $19.58
Typical schedule: Evenings, weekends, summers, and peak delivery hours
Requirements: Most jobs require a valid driver’s license and a minimum age of 18.
Skills you’ll build: Time management, responsibility, navigation, customer service, and independence
Where to look: Restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, florists, and delivery companies
9. Dishwasher Jobs
Dishwashers clean dishes, cookware, and kitchen equipment while helping kitchens stay organized.
Average hourly pay: $16.49
Typical schedule: Evenings, weekends, holidays, summers, and meal rushes
Requirements: Most jobs require work in a fast-paced environment and standing for long periods.
Skills you’ll build: Teamwork, organization, efficiency, responsibility, and attention to detail
Where to look: Restaurants, cafés, diners, hotels, and catering companies
10. Dog Walker Jobs
Dog walkers take pets on scheduled walks and provide basic care while owners are away.
Average hourly pay: $18.07*
Typical schedule: Before school, after school, weekends, and summers
Requirements: You’ll need to be comfortable handling dogs and have a reliable schedule.
Skills you’ll build: Responsibility, communication, scheduling, and animal care
Where to look: Local pet owners, vet offices, pet care apps, and community groups
11. Food Server Jobs
Food servers take orders, deliver meals, and provide customer service in restaurants.
Average hourly pay: $15.46
Typical schedule: Evenings, weekends, holidays, and meal rushes
Requirements: Many table-service restaurants require servers to be 18 or older if alcohol is served. Pizza places, fast-food restaurants, drive-ins, and family restaurants may hire younger teens.
Skills you’ll build: Customer service, communication, multitasking, teamwork, and problem-solving
Where to look: Pizza shops, fast-food restaurants, drive-ins, cafés, diners, and family restaurants
12. Gas Station Attendant Jobs
Gas station attendants assist customers, run the register, stock merchandise, and help maintain the store.
Average hourly pay: $14.13*
Typical schedule: After school, evenings, weekends, holidays, and summers
Requirements: Some locations may require workers to be 18, depending on duties and products sold.
Skills you’ll build: Customer service, cash handling, responsibility, organization, and communication
Where to look: Gas stations, convenience stores, travel centers, and grocery fuel stations
13. Grocery Bagger Jobs
Grocery baggers pack groceries, gather carts, and assist customers with purchases.
Average hourly pay: $12.13*
Typical schedule: After school, weekends, holidays, and summers
Requirements: Many grocery stores hire teens for this entry-level position.
Skills you’ll build: Customer service, teamwork, communication, organization, and dependability
Where to look: Grocery stores, supermarkets, local markets, and wholesale clubs
14. House Cleaner Jobs
House cleaners help maintain homes by vacuuming, dusting, mopping, and organizing.
Average hourly pay: $17.83
Typical schedule: Weekends, summers, after school, or flexible part-time hours
Requirements: You must demonstrate attention to detail and be able to work independently.
Skills you’ll build: Time management, responsibility, organization, attention to detail, and customer service
Where to look: Cleaning companies, neighbors, family friends, and community boards
15. Janitor Jobs
Janitors clean and maintain buildings, helping keep workplaces, schools, and facilities safe and tidy.
Average hourly pay: $18.64
Typical schedule: Evenings, weekends, summers, or before and after business hours
Requirements: You’ll have to perform physical tasks and follow safety procedures.
Skills you’ll build: Responsibility, attention to detail, time management, independence, and workplace safety
Where to look: Schools, offices, gyms, community centers, and cleaning companies
16. Lawn Care & Landscaper Jobs
Lawn care and landscaping workers maintain outdoor spaces by mowing, trimming, planting, and performing general yard work.
Average hourly pay: $20.33
Typical schedule: Weekends, summers, after school, and seasonal daytime shifts
Requirements: You’ll need the ability to work outdoors and perform physical labor.
Skills you’ll build: Work ethic, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, and equipment safety
Where to look: Landscaping companies, lawn care businesses, golf courses, parks, and local homeowners
17. Lifeguard Jobs
Lifeguards monitor pools, beaches, or water parks, enforce safety rules, and respond to emergencies.
Average hourly pay: $16.57
Typical schedule: Summers, weekends, holidays, evenings, and seasonal shifts
Requirements: Lifeguard certification, swimming ability, CPR training, and first aid training are usually required.
Skills you’ll build: Safety awareness, responsibility, focus, communication, and emergency response
Where to look: Pools, water parks, beaches, gyms, YMCAs, and parks departments
18. Mover Jobs
Movers help load, unload, carry, and organize furniture, boxes, and other items during moves.
Average hourly pay: $20.32
Typical schedule: Weekends, summers, school breaks, and daytime shifts
Requirements: Physical strength, stamina, and the ability to lift and carry items safely are necessary, and some companies may require workers to be at least 18.
Skills you’ll build: Teamwork, communication, physical stamina, problem-solving, and reliability
Where to look: Moving companies, storage facilities, furniture stores, and local moving services
19. Personal Assistant Jobs
Personal assistants help with errands, scheduling, organization, basic office tasks, or household support.
Average hourly pay: $23.73
Typical schedule: After school, weekends, summers, or flexible part-time hours
Requirements: Strong organization, trustworthiness, and communication skills are important. Some roles may require a driver’s license.
Skills you’ll build: Organization, communication, time management, problem-solving, and professionalism
Where to look: Local businesses, family friends, community boards, offices, and neighborhood groups
20. Pet Sitter Jobs
Pet sitters feed pets, refresh water, clean up after animals, and provide companionship while owners are away.
Average hourly pay: $17.94
Typical schedule: Mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, school breaks, and summers
Requirements: You should be comfortable with animals, reliable, and able to follow detailed care instructions.
Skills you’ll build: Responsibility, communication, scheduling, animal care, and trust-building
Where to look: Local pet owners, neighbors, vet offices, pet care apps, and community groups
21. Restaurant Host Jobs
Restaurant hosts greet guests, manage seating, answer basic questions, and help keep the front of the restaurant organized.
Average hourly pay: $15.72
Typical schedule: Evenings, weekends, holidays, summers, and meal rushes
Requirements: Many host jobs are entry-level and provide training. Good communication and a friendly attitude are important.
Skills you’ll build: Customer service, communication, organization, multitasking, and teamwork
Where to look: Restaurants, diners, cafés, pizza places, and family restaurants
22. Retail Sales Associate Jobs
Retail sales associates help customers, stock shelves, organize displays, process purchases, and keep stores clean.
Average hourly pay: $17.94
Typical schedule: After school, evenings, weekends, holidays, summers, and seasonal shifts
Requirements: Many retail jobs are entry-level, though some stores may have age requirements for certain tasks.
Skills you’ll build: Customer service, sales, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving
Where to look: Clothing stores, grocery stores, pharmacies, bookstores, and seasonal retailers
23. Swimming Instructor Jobs
Swimming instructors teach children or adults basic swimming skills, water safety, and proper technique.
Average hourly pay: $25.20
Typical schedule: After school, weekends, summers, evenings, and seasonal shifts
Requirements: Strong swimming ability is required, and CPR, first aid, lifeguard, or swim instructor certification may be needed.
Skills you’ll build: Teaching, leadership, communication, patience, and safety awareness
Where to look: Swim schools, community pools, YMCAs, gyms, and recreation centers
24. Tutor Jobs
Tutors help students understand school subjects, complete assignments, prepare for tests, and build study skills.
Average hourly pay: $23.10
Typical schedule: After school, evenings, weekends, summers, and exam seasons
Requirements: Strong knowledge of the subject you’re tutoring and the ability to explain concepts clearly.
Skills you’ll build: Teaching, communication, patience, leadership, and problem-solving
Where to look: Tutoring centers, schools, libraries, family friends, and online tutoring platforms
25. Valet Parking Attendant Jobs
Valet parking attendants greet guests, park and retrieve vehicles, manage keys, and provide customer service.
Average hourly pay: $16.82
Typical schedule: Evenings, weekends, holidays, summers, and event shifts
Requirements: A valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and a minimum age requirement are usually needed, and many employers require workers to be 18.
Skills you’ll build: Customer service, responsibility, driving safety, communication, and attention to detail
Where to look: Hotels, restaurants, event venues, hospitals, and parking companies
More Ideas for Jobs for Teens
Beyond the 25 jobs above, teens can also look for seasonal, local, creative, and entry-level support roles that fit their schedule and experience level.
Other jobs to consider include:
- Content creator or social media assistant
- Junior coach, referee, or sports instructor
- Farm worker or gardening helper
- Carnival, fair, or amusement park worker
- Kennel worker
- Movie theater or concessions worker
- Recreation center assistant
- Event helper
- Library page or assistant
- Virtual assistant
10 Tips for Finding & Landing Jobs as a Teen
The best way to find jobs for teens with no experience is to start with roles that interest you, use your school and personal network, and show employers you’re reliable, professional, and ready to learn.
The 10 tips below will help you find jobs for high school students and teens and make a strong impression when you apply.
- 1.
Decide What Type of Job You Want
Before you start applying, think about:
- What you enjoy: Consider the kind of work you actually want to do. Some teens enjoy working with people, while others prefer working independently, outdoors, with animals, or with technology.
- Practicality: Think about your school schedule, transportation options, availability on weekends or evenings, and how many hours you want to work each week.
- Your goals: Some jobs are great for earning money quickly, while others help you build skills and experience for future careers.
- 2.
Pay Attention to Age & Labor Laws
Before applying, check the labor laws and work permit rules where you live. Many teen jobs have minimum age requirements, and some duties may be restricted until you’re 18. During the school year, there may also be limits on how late or how many hours you can work.
- 3.
Look in the Right Places
To find good jobs for teens, search in more than one place:
- Online job boards are good for finding part-time, seasonal, and entry-level jobs with local and national employers.
- Company career pages are helpful if you already know where you want to work, such as a grocery store, restaurant, retail store, movie theater, or amusement park.
- Local business websites often feature openings from smaller employers that may not advertise on large job boards.
- Community resources, such as libraries, recreation centers, community bulletin boards, and neighborhood social media groups, can be great places to find babysitting, pet sitting, tutoring, yard work, and other local jobs.
- 4.
Ask Around
Tell family, friends, neighbors, teachers, coaches, and other trusted adults that you’re looking for work. Be specific about the type of job you want, such as babysitting, retail, food service, tutoring, pet sitting, or yard work.
You can also approach local businesses directly. Even if there aren’t any openings at the moment, the employer may keep your information on file or contact you when a position becomes available.
- 5.
Use School Resources
Ask a guidance counselor, career counselor, teacher, or coach about local employers, internships, volunteer roles, or work-study opportunities.
You can also ask about school resources, including:
- Career fairs
- Student job boards
- Employer visits
- Community partnership programs
- Career and technical education programs
- Clubs and student leadership opportunities
- Resume writing workshops
- Mock interviews
- Providing references
- 6.
Build Soft Skills
Most employers don’t expect teens to have much work experience. They’re looking for dependability, responsibility, and a willingness to learn.
Skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, adaptability, and professionalism are invaluable in your job search (and throughout the rest of your life!).
You can build these skills through everyday experiences and highlight them to employers when you apply.
- 7.
Create a Strong Resume
Even without work experience, you can create a strong resume by highlighting school activities, sports, clubs, volunteer work, academic achievements, leadership roles, and other experiences that show your skills and strengths.
You can also use tools like a resume builder to choose a clean format, organize your information, and get guidance on what to include. This can be especially helpful if you’re creating your first resume.
Below, you’ll find a template and an example of a resume for jobs for teens without experience.
Template:
Example:
Olivia Nguyen
Detroit, MI
(555)555-5555
olivia.nguyen@example.comResume Objective
Motivated high school student seeking a part-time retail or customer service position. Strong communication, teamwork, and time management skills developed through school activities, volunteer work, and leadership experiences.
Education
Central High School
Expected Graduation: June 2028Skills
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Organization
Activities & Leadership
Team Captain
Girls Soccer Team, Detroit, MI | August 2025—Present- Help lead team practices and encourage positive teamwork among players.
- Communicate with coaches and teammates to support team goals.
- Balance athletic commitments while maintaining strong academic performance.
Student Representative
Student Council, Detroit, MI | September 2024—Present- Assist with planning school events and fundraising activities.
- Represent student concerns during meetings with school administrators.
- Collaborate with other council members to improve student engagement.
Volunteer Experience
Volunteer
Detroit Community Food Bank, Detroit, MI | June 2025—Present- Sort and organize food donations for distribution.
- Assist families during community food drives.
- Work with volunteers to maintain an efficient distribution process.
Additional Experience
Babysitter
Detroit, MI | January 2024—Present- Provide childcare for children ages 4-10 during evenings and weekends.
- Prepare snacks, supervise activities, and maintain a safe environment.
- Earn repeat requests from multiple families due to reliability and responsibility.
Awards & Achievements
- Honor Roll | 2024–2025 School Year
- Student-Athlete Recognition Award | 2025
- CPR and First Aid Certification | Expires June 2028
- 8.
Prepare for Interviews
Before the interview, spend a few minutes researching the company and reviewing the job description. This can help you give more specific answers and show genuine interest in the opportunity.
When answering questions, be honest, confident, and focus on examples from school, sports, clubs, volunteer work, or other experiences that demonstrate your skills and strengths.
It’s also a good idea to practice answering common interview questions out loud with a parent, teacher, friend, or mentor.
- 9.
Find References
Even if you don’t have work experience yet, you still have options for references. Good references can include teachers, coaches, counselors, volunteer supervisors, club advisors, or other adults who know you well.
Choose people who can speak about your reliability, work ethic, attitude, communication skills, and ability to handle responsibility. In general, avoid listing friends, siblings, classmates, or relatives unless the employer specifically asks for personal references.
Always ask permission before listing someone as a reference, and keep their contact information ready.
- 10.
Be Professional
Professionalism is still important in the career space, especially when you’re applying for your first job. Small actions can help you stand out from other applicants in a positive way.
To make a strong impression:
- Respond to messages promptly.
- Use a clear, appropriate email address.
- Write politely in emails and texts.
- Arrive on time.
- Follow application instructions carefully.
- Dress neatly for interviews.
- Be respectful to everyone you meet.
- Review public social media profiles.
Ultimately, you need to show employers that you’re responsible, respectful, and ready to take the opportunity seriously.
Make Money & Build Career Skills as a Teen
Many of the best jobs for teens don’t require previous work experience. Instead, employers are often looking for reliability and a willingness to learn. Maybe your goal is to earn spending money, build confidence, or start gaining career skills. A part-time job as a dog walker today could even inspire a future career in veterinary medicine or animal care.
Whatever path you choose, look for work that fits your age, schedule, interests, and responsibilities. As long as you’re not overloading yourself, working as a teen can be rewarding and help you build a strong foundation for your future career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a job if I’m 14?
Yes, many 14-year-olds can legally get a job, although federal and state labor laws may limit the types of jobs, hours, and duties they’re allowed to perform. Some states also require a work permit. Common first jobs for 14-year-olds include babysitting, pet sitting, tutoring, lawn care, recreation programs, and some retail or food service positions.
What is the best job for a teen?
The best job for a teen depends on their interests, schedule, skills, and goals. Babysitting, tutoring, retail, food service, lifeguarding, camp counseling, and pet care are all popular options because they provide income, work experience, and transferable skills.
What jobs should I get as a teenager?
As a teenager, look for jobs that match your age, availability, and interests. Retail, restaurants, grocery stores, camps, recreation centers, tutoring, babysitting, pet sitting, and seasonal positions are all common starting points that can help you build experience and workplace skills.
How can I make $1,000 a month as a teen?
To make $1,000 a month as a teen, you’ll need consistent part-time work or multiple income sources. Working 15 to 20 hours per week in a part-time job, babysitting regularly, tutoring, pet sitting, lawn care, or combining several side jobs can help you reach that goal, depending on your hourly rate and how much time you can commit to working.
Kirsten Chorpenning is a career advice writer who empowers job seekers to take control of their career paths using Monster’s comprehensive job search and resume tools. She specializes in helping job seekers find rewarding jobs in today’s dynamic work environment.
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