The best place to start looking for a new job is ZipRecruiter. If you need resume help, you should check out TopResume for a free resume review.
If you’re still in high school (or you recently graduated), you may be interested in the best jobs for teens. We’ve got you covered. We’ll share a long list of great ways you can earn money. Plus, we’ll offer a few tips to help you land your next (or first!) role.
Quickstart Guide To Landing A Job As A Teen
- Create a resume. Getting a job as a teen is competitive. Think about it like this: you’re selling the company on a major investment in you, so you need to do everything you can to get an edge. Investing a little money to have a professional resume writing service polish up your resume can be the edge you need. Check out our guide to the best resume writing services to get started today.
- Search for jobs on ZipRecruiter. If you’re ready to find a job now, start searching on ZipRecruiter! ZipRecruiter is free to use and you can apply for jobs with a single click!
Discover Your Dream Job Find freelance gigs and apply with 1 click! New jobs posted daily.
16 Best Jobs For Teens
Before we dive into the best jobs for teens, we’ll preface our list with a couple of important reminders:
- The federal government has issued child labor laws that limit the types of jobs you can do and the number of hours you can work as a teen. For example, if you’re under age 14, you’re limited to roles like babysitter and newspaper deliverer. But don’t worry. As you get older, the law gets less restrictive.
- The word “best” is subjective. The best job for you may be different from the best job for your teenage friend. Your ideal job will fit into your schedule, teach you skills you can use in the future, pay well, and be fun. (After all, you will be giving up your weekends for it!)
Now, we’ll break our top picks into two categories: remote jobs and in-person jobs.
Best Remote Jobs for Teens
Getting a job you can do from your couch seems like a great deal, right? Well, if you’ve got a computer, an internet signal, and in some cases, a phone line, earning money from home is possible! The best remote jobs for teens include:
- *Tutor: Teach other students what you know and help them ace their next test.
- Blogger: Write about what you know online. If enough people read it, you can make money through ads, sponsored content, affiliate products, etc.
- Virtual Assistant: Help online business owners stay organized and achieve their goals by taking over their administrative tasks.
- Social Media Manager: Manage a company’s social media presence so they can build brand awareness, delight customers, and win new business.
- Graphic or Web Designer: Create stunning graphics or websites to help organizations capture (and keep!) their market’s attention.
- *Customer Service Representative: Assist customers by answering their questions and resolving their concerns.
( * Denotes that the role can also be done in person.)
Best In-Person Jobs for Teens
While you can’t fulfill these roles from your laptop, they can still be fun and give you some great experience. The best in-person jobs for teens include:
- Babysitter: Watch someone else’s children (or your siblings). You may have to prepare meals, give baths, or change diapers.
- Pet Sitter, Dog Walker, or Kennel Assistant: Earn a paycheck to play with and care for animals.
- Retail Worker: Take on various tasks such as running a cash register, selling products and services, stocking shelves, or helping customers.
- Food Service Worker: Perform duties like taking orders, preparing food, serving guests, or washing dishes.
- Library Assistant: Support the librarian by answering patron questions or putting books away.
- Golf Caddy: Help a golfer play their best game by carrying their golf bag and providing the right club at the right time.
- Lifeguard: Ensure everyone in the pool remains safe and rescue swimmers in distress.
- Camp Counselor: Keep campers happy and safe and facilitate fun activities.
- Housekeeper: Clean houses, so the homeowner or tenant doesn’t have to do it.
- Landscape Worker: Beautify the landscape by mowing the lawn, weeding overgrown areas, trimming hedges, planting flowers, etc.
Best Places To Find A Job As A Teen
Here are our top recommendations for places to find a job as a teen. For additional options, check out the top job posting sites to see where employers are listing jobs.
ZipRecruiter
You can find a job by searching job sites, like ZipRecruiter. Try adding the word “teen” to your search to narrow your results.
Discover Your Dream Job Find freelance gigs and apply with 1 click! New jobs posted daily.
Local Help Wanted Signs
Scan your local area for “Help Wanted” signs. If you spot one, walk in and ask if the business hires teenagers.
Talk To Your Friends
Asking your teenage friends with jobs if their employers are hiring. They may be eligible for a referral bonus if their organization hires you.
Extra Tip: You could also ask your parents if their company hires entry-level workers. A good word from them could help you get your foot in the door.
Tips For Landing A Job As A Teen
Here are some tips for landing a job as a teen:
- Identify your goals and interests to determine what types of jobs would suit you the best.
- Understand how child labor laws impact your options.
- Prepare your resume, highlighting your academic achievements and any community service or volunteer work you’ve done.
- Get working papers (if required in your area).
- Search for jobs daily until you find one because new opportunities pop up regularly.
- Practice answering common interview questions with an older friend, family member, or trusted professional in your network.
- Be professional at the job interview by dressing appropriately, showing up on time, and engaging with your interviewer. (That means no checking your phone!)
- Send a follow-up email after the interview to thank the hiring manager for their time and confirm your interest in the job.
You’ll likely get hired sooner than you think if you follow this advice!
Join The Break Community
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest paying job for a teenager?
High-paying jobs for teenagers include but aren’t limited to tutoring, babysitting, and pet sitting.
What is the most common teenage job?
The most common teenage jobs are in retail or fast food. However, teenagers often earn money babysitting as well.
What’s a good first job?
A good first job teaches you responsibility, work ethic, money management skills, and more. Babysitting, lawn mowing, and snow shoveling can be great ways to earn your first dollars.
What is the best job to start at 16?
The best job to start at age 16 depends on your interests, abilities, and goals. For example, if you want to go into the teaching profession, becoming a tutor as a teenager can help prepare you for that career.
The Bottom Line
Working at a young age builds your skills, character, confidence, and bank account. Hopefully, one or more of the roles on our best jobs for teens list sparks your interest. Happy applying!
Remember: ZipRecruiter is here to help you find your next role. And, if you’ve got no clue how to create a resume, check out our best resume writing service recommendations.
