25+ Best Jobs for Teens

Teens can find work in babysitting, retail, food service, summer camps, sports programs, and online gigs. Most can start part-time around age 15, depending on local labor laws. A first job builds responsibility, cash flow, and stories you can put on a first-job resume.

This guide lists 25+ common options, typical pay ranges in the U.S., and practical tips for applying. Always confirm age limits and hour restrictions in your state before you start.

In this article:

• 10 best jobs for teens
• 5 online jobs for teens
• 5 summer jobs
• 5 sports-related jobs
• How to improve your odds and legal work ages

10 best jobs for teens

These roles show up on almost every teen résumé for a reason — employers hire for them constantly, and the skills transfer to later careers.

1. Babysitter

Watching children while parents are out is a classic teen job. First-aid training and references from families you have helped go a long way.

• Typical age range: 13–18
• Average pay: $15–$22/hour (U.S.)
• Schedule: Evenings, weekends, school breaks
• Skills gained: Responsibility, communication, time management

2. Shop assistant

Retail stores, cafés, and grocery chains often hire teens as sales associates or cashiers. Turnover is high, so openings appear year-round.

• Typical age range: 16–18
• Average pay: $12–$17/hour
• Schedule: After school, evenings, weekends
• Skills gained: Customer service, teamwork, cash handling

3. Daycare worker

Assisting in childcare centers means snacks, activities, and plenty of patience. Good fit if you might pursue education or social work later.

• Typical age range: 16–18
• Average pay: $13–$18/hour
• Schedule: Part-time after school or summers
• Skills gained: Child supervision, communication, creativity

4. Barista

Coffee shops train teens on drink prep and customer rapport. A cheerful, steady presence keeps regulars coming back.

• Typical age range: 16–18
• Average pay: $13–$18/hour plus tips in many markets
• Schedule: Early mornings, evenings, weekends
• Skills gained: Multitasking, customer service, teamwork

5. Cleaner

Not glamorous, but steady. Office and commercial cleaning often pays better than residential work and builds fitness and reliability.

• Typical age range: 16–18
• Average pay: $14–$20/hour
• Schedule: Evenings, weekends, flexible shifts
• Skills gained: Attention to detail, independence, work ethic

6. Gardener

Lawn care, planting, and seasonal yard work suit teens with energy and outdoor tolerance. Snow shoveling can extend the season in cold climates.

• Typical age range: 14–18
• Average pay: $14–$20/hour
• Schedule: Weekends, after school, summer
• Skills gained: Stamina, initiative, time management

7. Fast food employee

Quick-service restaurants hire teens for counter, kitchen, and drive-through roles. Expect fast pace and repetitive tasks — good training in showing up on time.

• Typical age range: 16–18
• Average pay: $12–$17/hour
• Schedule: Evenings, weekends, part-time shifts
• Skills gained: Teamwork, customer service, reliability

8. Dog walking

Walk one dog or build a route of several clients. Flexible around school and strong on a resume with no prior jobs if you track hours and references.

• Typical age range: 13–18
• Average pay: $15–$25/hour
• Schedule: After school, weekends
• Skills gained: Responsibility, animal care, independence

9. Parcel and food delivery

Bike or scooter delivery suits teens in cities where licensing rules allow it. Timeliness and navigation matter more than vehicle size.

• Typical age range: 16–18 (varies by license rules)
• Average pay: $14–$20/hour
• Schedule: Evenings, weekends, flexible
• Skills gained: Time management, navigation, reliability

10. Car washing

Neighborhood hand-wash gigs or car-wash attendants taking payments — both teach customer service and physical stamina.

• Typical age range: 14–18
• Average pay: $12–$18/hour plus tips in some setups
• Schedule: Weekends, summer
• Skills gained: Work ethic, attention to detail, customer service

Ready to apply? Start with our resume with no experience guide or build a draft in the resume builder.

5 online jobs for teens

Remote-friendly work fits school schedules when you have reliable internet and clear boundaries with screen time.

1. Social media management

Local businesses often need help posting, replying to comments, and basic content — not influencer fame, but real hourly work.

• Typical age range: 15–18
• Average pay: $14–$25/hour
• Skills gained: Content creation, digital marketing, communication

2. Website designer

Simple sites for small businesses using builders or basic coding. Portfolio pieces double as proof for future applications.

• Typical age range: 15–18
• Average pay: $15–$30/hour (project rates vary)
• Skills gained: Digital literacy, client communication, problem-solving

3. Data entry

Accuracy and typing speed matter. Best for older teens because mistakes can have real consequences.

• Typical age range: 16–18
• Average pay: $13–$20/hour
• Skills gained: Attention to detail, organization, accuracy

4. Customer service

Chat or phone support for straightforward products. Calm tone and a decent headset are the main tools.

• Typical age range: 16–18
• Average pay: $14–$19/hour
• Skills gained: Communication, conflict resolution, professionalism

5. Surveys and micro-tasks

Low pay and low skill building, but flexible pocket money. Treat as side cash, not a career step.

• Typical age range: 13–18 (platform rules vary)
• Average pay: $5–$12/hour equivalent
• Skills gained: Time management, basic financial independence

5 for the summer

Summer breaks are peak hiring season for outdoor and seasonal employers.

1. Camp counselor

Supervise activities, lead games, and mentor younger campers. Often includes room and board at residential camps.

• Typical age range: 16–18
• Average pay: $350–$600/week (U.S., sometimes plus housing)
• Skills gained: Leadership, teamwork, responsibility

2. Carnival, fair, or amusement park worker

Ticket booths, games, and ride operations. Repetitive but social; enthusiasm is part of the job.

• Typical age range: 16–18
• Average pay: $12–$17/hour
• Skills gained: Customer service, stamina, cash handling

3. Lifeguard

Requires strong swimming and certification. High trust and vigilance — impressive on any early résumé.

• Typical age range: 15–18 with certification
• Average pay: $14–$22/hour
• Skills gained: Emergency response, responsibility, confidence

4. Tour guide

Museums, attractions, and historic sites hire teens for guest assistance and scripted tours.

• Typical age range: 16–18
• Average pay: $13–$20/hour
• Skills gained: Public speaking, customer service, confidence

5. Fruit picking

Physically demanding but straightforward. Pay often ties to volume picked.

• Typical age range: 14–18
• Average pay: $12–$16/hour
• Skills gained: Endurance, discipline, work ethic

5 sports jobs for teens

If you play or follow a sport, support roles keep you around the game while you earn.

1. Junior coaching

Assistant coaches for youth leagues help with drills and logistics. Basic coaching certs vary by sport.

• Typical age range: 15–18
• Average pay: $12–$20/hour
• Skills gained: Leadership, mentoring, organization

2. Junior umpiring

Officiating youth games pays per game and builds decision-making under pressure.

• Typical age range: 14–18
• Average pay: $25–$50/game
• Skills gained: Confidence, rule knowledge, conflict resolution

3. Golf caddy

Carry bags, read greens, and converse with players. Tips can exceed base pay.

• Typical age range: 14–18
• Average pay: $20–$40/round plus tips
• Skills gained: Customer service, communication, course knowledge

4. Merchandise sales

Concession and team-store shifts on game days. Short bursts of busy work.

• Typical age range: 16–18
• Average pay: $12–$17/hour
• Skills gained: Cash handling, sales, teamwork

5. Junior fitness instructor

Teen-led classes for younger kids in gyms or camps. Energy and safety awareness are essential.

• Typical age range: 16–18
• Average pay: $15–$25/hour
• Skills gained: Leadership, motivation, communication

How can teens increase their chances of getting a job?

Employers hire teens who show up prepared, even without years of experience.

1. Apply quickly to popular jobs

Seasonal and part-time listings fill fast. Set alerts and apply within the first few days of posting.

2. Check age and labor laws

States add rules on work permits, school-night hours, and restricted occupations. Confirm before you invest time in an application.

3. Write a simple resume or cover letter

List school activities, volunteer work, and skills from our skills guide. A short note explaining why you want the role helps at local businesses that do not post online.

4. Practice your soft skills

Punctuality, eye contact, and clear answers matter more than technical expertise at this stage. Rehearse common prompts with our interview icebreaker guide and strengths and weaknesses prep.

5. Be proactive locally

Walk into shops, restaurants, and community centers and ask if they hire teens. Initiative stands out when listings never hit the web.

What age can teens legally work?

In the U.S., many teens can begin working at 14 with limits on hours and job types. Rules tighten for workers under 16 and ease somewhat at 16–17. State law may be stricter than federal guidelines — check your state labor department or school office.

General federal guidelines

• Ages 14–15: Limited job types (retail, food service, office work) and restricted hours during the school year
• Ages 16–17: Broader hours in non-hazardous jobs
• Age 18: Standard adult labor rules apply

FAQs about jobs for teenagers

What is the best paid job at 16?

Lifeguarding, dog walking, golf caddying, and specialized tutoring often pay above entry-level retail. Roles with certifications or tips tend to beat minimum-wage floor jobs.

What is the best job to get as a teenager?

The best fit matches your schedule, commute, and interests. Retail, food service, babysitting, and camp counseling are common starting points because hiring volume is high.

Can I work at Target at 15?

Most Target locations require applicants to be at least 16. Policies vary by store and state — check the specific posting and local law.

What jobs can teens get?

Retail, restaurants, childcare, camps, landscaping, delivery (where allowed), sports programs, and certain online roles. Availability depends on age and employer policy.

What are good jobs for teens with anxiety?

Roles with smaller teams or independent tasks — dog walking, data entry, gardening, or back-of-house kitchen work — may feel less overwhelming than constant customer-facing shifts. Choose environments that feel predictable and supportive.

What companies hire teens?

Grocery chains, fast-food brands, amusement parks, community pools, and local businesses frequently hire workers 16+. Always verify the minimum age on the company's careers page for your location.