Best Paying Jobs for Teens

Are you looking for the best paying job for teens? If you’re a teenager looking for part-time work or a full time summer job, read more below for job ideas and salary expectations.

Best Jobs for Teenagers skills and qualifications

Because teens generally don’t have a lot of work experience, they will need to be more creative when putting together a resume to prove skills and qualifications. Even though you think you don’t have experience, you definitely do! Here’s some ideas to think of when you are putting together a resume to get a job as a teenager.

• Relevant Skills: Identify and emphasize skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. This might include communication skills, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, or specific technical skills.
• Education Information: Clearly list your current education status, including your high school name, graduation year, and any relevant coursework or academic achievements.
• Extracurricular Activities: Highlight involvement in clubs, sports, or other extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, or skills applicable to the job.
• Volunteer Experience: If you have volunteer experience, especially if it’s related to the job or industry, include it on your resume. Volunteer work can demonstrate a commitment to community involvement and the development of transferable skills.
• Personal Projects: If you’ve worked on personal projects or hobbies that showcase your skills, creativity, or dedication, consider including them on your resume. This could be relevant for positions in areas like graphic design, programming, or writing.
• Reference Letters: If you have reference letters from teachers, mentors, or individuals who can speak to your character and abilities, include them in your job application or bring them to interviews.
• Build a Portfolio: Depending on the type of job, consider creating a portfolio showcasing your work. This could include writing samples, artwork, photography, or any other tangible evidence of your skills.

Best Paying Jobs for Teens

Part-time or full-time jobs for teens will mostly pay minimum wage, but there are many opportunities that will pay more. Some of these could be working for an employer or starting your own small business. See below for a list of the best jobs for teenagers. Click into each one to learn more about the specific job. 

• Babysitter/Nanny: Supervising and engaging with children. Preparing meals and snacks. Assisting with bedtime routines.
• Lifeguard: Monitoring swimmers for safety. Responding to emergencies and providing first aid. Enforcing pool rules.
• Tennis or pickleball coach: teach tennis or pickleball skills and cultivate a positive and supportive learning environment for players of all levels
• Camp Counselor: Leading activities and games. Assisting with camper supervision. Providing guidance and support to campers.
• Tutor: Assisting students with homework or specific subjects. Explaining concepts and providing guidance. Creating lesson plans or study materials.
• Landscaping/Lawn Care Worker: Mowing lawns and trimming hedges. Planting flowers or trees. Performing basic landscaping tasks.
• Dog Walker/Pet Sitter: Walking dogs and providing exercise. Feeding and watering pets. Cleaning litter boxes or pet areas.
• Dog Groomer:  bathing, brushing, trimming, and providing grooming services for pet dogs

Best Jobs for Teenagers salary expectations

Because there are so many different roles and industries for overnight remote jobs, salary will vary widely depending on the role. Most of these opportunities will pay minimum wage or close to minimum wage. Service jobs may pay better because you can make tips (such as babysitter and dog walker). Jobs that require specific skills may pay higher (such as tennis/pickleball coach or tutor). Read about each role independently to find out more about salary expectations and ideas for getting more pay.

Best Jobs for Teenagers job descriptions

• Babysitter/Nanny job description
• Lifeguard job description
• Tennis or Pickleball Coach job description
• Camp Counselor job description
• Tutor job description
• Lawn Service job description
• Dog Walker/Pet Sitter job description
• Dog Groomer job description

Frequently asked questions about the best paying jobs for teens

What is the youngest age I can start working?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, “the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the minimum age for employment (14 years for non-agricultural jobs), restricts the hours youth under the age of 16 may work, and prohibits youth under the age of 18 from being employed in hazardous occupations.” Always remember to check your local laws and regulations before starting a job search.

Can I work while I’m attending high school?

In the U.S. teenagers who meet the minimum age required by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) may work while attending high school. Always check your local laws and regulations as well as your high school’s rules first. Think first about how many hours you can work while maintaining your grades. Perhaps a weekend job during the school year is sufficient, while summer break is more suited for full-time seasonal work.

Will anyone hire me if I’ve never had a job before?

Yes! Experience is all about relevant skills and qualifications, but that doesn’t mean it needs to come from a paid job experience. Read the section above Jobs for Teens skills and qualifications for ideas of what kinds of skills and qualifications you already have from school, extracurriculars, or volunteer experience.

What is the best way to apply?

For most of these jobs, you will get a better chance applying directly in person when it is possible. For example if you are applying to a job as a babysitter – you will have more luck booking clients if you advertise your services directly to families rather than putting a posting online. Another example is if you want to work a retail job at the mall, it is better to go in person and ask for a job application.