12+ Best Jobs for Teens: High-Paying Opportunities in 2025
Finding a job as a teenager can feel difficult when you’re eager to earn money but don’t know where to start. You might be trying to save for a car, cover personal expenses, or gain real-world experience. However, many listings seem too demanding or too low-paying to be worth your time.
Luckily, today’s job market offers more flexible, high-paying teen opportunities than ever. From online work to local part-time roles, you can build skills, earn competitive pay, and choose jobs that actually fit your schedule.
In this guide, you’ll discover 15+ of the best jobs for teens in 2025, complete with real pay ranges, requirements, and practical tips to help you land the right role quickly and confidently.
- Teens can start working as young as 14 in many states, with various opportunities available at different ages.
- Part-time and summer jobs are ideal for balancing school and work responsibilities.
- Many teen jobs require no experience, making them perfect for first-time workers.
- Hourly wages typically range from minimum wage to $15+ per hour, depending on the role.
- Building work experience early helps develop valuable skills and strengthens future resumes.
- Online and remote opportunities are increasingly available for tech-savvy teenagers.
What Are Jobs for Teens?
Jobs for teens are employment opportunities designed for 14-year-olds and older, depending on state laws and employer policies. These jobs are meant to accommodate school schedules and limited or no work experience, typically offering flexible hours, comprehensive on-the-job training, and entry-level responsibilities.
Jobs for teens can be broken down into several categories, as shown in the table below:
| Type | How It Looks in Practice |
|---|---|
Part-Time Jobs | Let you work during the school year, usually 10-20 hours weekly |
Weekend Jobs | Cluster shifts Friday through Sunday |
Summer Jobs | Offer seasonal work when school's out |
Online and remote jobs | Let you work from home |
However, it’s important to note that the U.S. federal child labor laws protect teenage workers through the Fair Labor Standards Act, which sets rules about maximum hours and prohibited occupations. Requirements vary significantly by state, and some positions require work permits obtained through your school's guidance office.
15 Best Jobs for Teens With Salaries
These jobs offer flexible hours, beginner-friendly requirements, and solid earning potential. Whether you’re looking for extra spending money, saving for a goal, or building your resume, these options are practical and accessible.
- Median hourly wage: $16.70
- Job outlook: Stable
Retail positions rank among the most accessible jobs for teens, with most stores hiring at age 16. Sales associates assist customers, organize merchandise, operate cash registers, and maintain store appearance. Major retailers like Target, Walmart, and clothing stores regularly hire teens, especially during holidays, with most providing on-the-job training.
As for the requirements, you need:
- High school enrollment or diploma
- Basic math skills
- Customer service attitude
- Weekend availability
- Median hourly wage: $14.92
- Job outlook: Growing
Restaurants, fast-food chains, and cafés offer countless opportunities. For example, chains like McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks have structured teen hiring programs. To land a teen job in this industry, you need:
- Food handler's permit (varies by state)
- Ability to work in fast-paced environments
- Good communication skills
- Weekend availability
- Median hourly wage: $15.41
- Job outlook: Declining
Babysitting represents a classic teen job starting as young as 14, though many families prefer sitters 15+. There are several requirements for this teen job, including:
- CPR/First Aid certification (strongly recommended)
- Reliable transportation
- Solid references
- Demonstrated maturity
PRO TIP: Completing babysitting certification courses through Red Cross significantly increases credibility and earning potential.
- Median hourly wage: $14-17
- Job outlook: Stable
Pool and beach lifeguards typically start at age 15-16. Seasonal demand peaks in summer, with year-round opportunities at indoor facilities. A plus of this position is that it builds leadership skills that look impressive on college applications.
To qualify for this job, you need:
- Lifeguard certification (includes CPR/First Aid and water rescue training)
- Strong swimming skills
- Often minimum age of 15
- Median hourly wage: $19.27
- Job outlook: Stable
Academic tutoring allows teens to earn money sharing knowledge in subjects they understand. There is a growing demand for tutoring support, especially in STEM subjects, and online platforms have expanded these opportunities.
As for the requirements, you need:
- Strong grades in tutoring subjects
- Patience and solid communication skills
- References from teachers
- Median hourly wage: $18.50
- Job outlook: Growing
Outdoor work appeals to teens who prefer physical activity. Also, it’s an excellent opportunity to start a small business, with seasonal work peaking spring through fall. Many start by servicing neighbors' yards and build client bases through word-of-mouth.
To have a successful start, you need:
- Reliable transportation
- Basic equipment (or provided by employer)
- Physical stamina
- Attention to detail
- Median hourly wage: $15.89
- Job outlook: Stable
Summer camps hire teens 16+ as counselors-in-training or junior counselors. However, this teen job is less about money and more about leadership development that colleges love.
To land a job in a summer camp, you need:
- Previous camp experience
- Enthusiasm for working with children
- First aid certification (preferred)
- Completion of counselor training programs
- Median hourly wage: $14.67
- Job outlook: Stable
Theaters hire teens 16+ for box office, concessions, ushering, and facility maintenance. This job for teens provides stable employment with consistent hours, especially weekends and holidays. Great first job for film enthusiasts.
You need the following requirements:
- Customer service skills
- Ability to work evenings and weekends
- Basic math for registers
- Comfort with fast-paced environments during blockbuster openings
- Median hourly wage: $16
- Job outlook: Growing
Animal lovers can earn money caring for pets while owners work or travel. The pet care industry continues to grow, and flexible scheduling accommodates school commitments.
As for the requirements, you need:
- Reliable transportation
- Genuine love of animals
- Solid references
- Basic pet care knowledge
- Median hourly wage: $14.99
- Job outlook: Stable
Supermarkets hire teens 14+ for bagger, cart attendant, stocker, and cashier positions (typically 16+). This is a stable employment with advancement opportunities into department-specific roles. For instance, major chains like Kroger, Publix, and Safeway have established teen hiring programs.
You need the following skills and qualifications:
- Ability to lift moderate weight
- Customer service and cashier skills
- Reliability
- Weekend availability
- Median hourly wage: $18.05
- Job outlook: Declining
Libraries hire teens 14+ for shelving books, assisting patrons, organizing materials, and managing checkout desks. Even though limited, these opportunities provide quiet, intellectually stimulating environments with transferable skills.
For this teen job, you need the following requirements:
- Organizational skills
- Basic computer literacy
- Quiet demeanor and love for books
- Median hourly wage: $15.74
- Job outlook: Stable
Car washes hire teens 16+ for washing, drying, vacuuming, and detailing vehicles. There is a steady year-round demand with peak times during warmer months.
As for the requirements, you need:
- Physical stamina
- Attention to detail
- Reliability
- Willingness to work outdoors
- Median hourly wage: $31
- Job outlook: Growing
Tech-savvy teens can manage social media for small businesses. This is an excellent remote work opportunity for building marketing skills.
To land and succeed on this job, you need:
- Strong understanding of major platforms
- Creativity
- Basic graphic design skills
- Portfolio of content
- Median hourly wage: $14
- Job outlook: Stable (seasonal fluctuation)
Ice cream parlors hire teens 14+ for scooping, cashier work, and customer service. It’s a popular first job for teens, with peak hiring during spring and summer.
As for the requirements, you need:
- Friendly personality
- Math skills
- Ability to work in cold environments
- Weekend availability
- Median hourly wage: $18.67
- Job outlook: Growing
Athletic teens can officiate youth sports leagues starting around age 14-16. There is a consistent demand during sports seasons, and flexible scheduling allows multiple games per weekend.
To be successful, you need:
- Thorough knowledge of sports rules
- Certification through sports organizations
- Confidence in decision-making
- Thick skin for handling conflict
How to Find Jobs for Teens
Finding your first teen job requires strategy and persistence. Many states require work permits for minors under 16 or 18. Contact your school counselor or state labor department to determine requirements and obtain documentation before applying.
Online job boards like Indeed and Snagajob let you filter for teen jobs. Company websites have dedicated careers pages. Local businesses sometimes prefer walk-in applications during slow hours. Tell family, friends, teachers, and neighbors you're job hunting—personal connections often lead to opportunities. School career centers and job fairs provide teen-specific listings.
After you’ve found a job you like, create a teen resume highlighting academics, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and relevant skills. Write a brief cover letter expressing enthusiasm and confirming availability.
The last thing is interview preparation. Research the company, prepare answers to common questions like "Why do you want this job?" and "What are your strengths?", dress appropriately in business casual, arrive 10-15 minutes early, and follow up with a thank-you email.
7 Tips for Success in Your First Teen Job
Consider the following seven tips to succeed in your first teen job:
- Be reliable. Arrive early every shift without exception. Never miss shifts without proper notice. Reliability ranks as the #1 quality employers value because many teens flake constantly.
- Maintain a positive attitude. Approach even mundane tasks with enthusiasm. Your attitude significantly impacts advancement opportunities.
- Communicate effectively. Ask questions when unclear rather than guessing. Update supervisors about problems before they discover issues.
- Balance work and school. Your education remains the priority. Don't let work harm academic performance. If your GPA drops, reduce hours immediately.
- Save some earnings. Consider the 50/30/20 rule: 50% save for big goals, 30% spend on wants, 20% give or invest.
- Document achievements. Keep notes about responsibilities and accomplishments. This information strengthens future resumes. Writing a motivation letter for college applications becomes easier with documented examples.
- Know when to leave. If a job becomes too demanding or involves unsafe conditions, leaving is appropriate. Provide a proper two-week notice and a resignation letter to maintain professionalism.
Land Your First Teen Job With ResumeBuilder.so
ResumeBuilder.so is designed to help first-time job seekers create impressive resumes without the stress. The platform offers resume templates specifically formatted for entry-level positions, making it easy to present your experience in a polished, professional way. Browse real-world resume examples to understand what works, then use our AI-powered builder to craft your own resume in minutes.
Whether you're applying to retail stores, restaurants, or summer camps, ResumeBuilder.so helps you highlight your strengths, relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, and transferable skills—even when traditional work experience is limited.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right jobs for teens opens doors to financial independence, skill development, and career exploration. Whether you're seeking part-time work during school, a summer job, or online opportunities, numerous options accommodate your age, skills, and availability.
Remember that your first job is fundamentally a learning experience—not just about the work itself, but about professionalism and responsibility. Start by identifying your interests and creating a strong resume.
The job search requires patience and persistence. You might face rejection, but don't take it personally. Keep improving your resume and interview skills with each attempt. With the right approach, you'll find an opportunity that fits your goals while building foundations for future success.
Jobs for Teens FAQ
Max Harper is the resume guru who actually makes job searching easier. With years of experience as a hiring manager, Max knows what makes a resume stand out in a pile of 200+ applications. From breaking down ATS myths to helping you craft bullet points that pop, Max shares easy-to-digest, no-BS resume advice.
