Jobs for Teens: The Best Online and Highest-Paying Jobs

Jobs for teens should be flexible enough to fit around school schedules and not demand a resume as thick as a textbook. And, let's face it, they should be interesting too.

Whether it's about earning some pocket money or just gaining work experience, the job market has plenty to offer.

There are online jobs for teens that you can do right from your computer, summer jobs that fill those warm months, and even the highest paying jobs for teens that offer impressive salaries.

In this guide you'll find:

• Popular jobs for teens that match your interests and schedule
• Job requirements, including legal documents and skills
• Job portals where you can find 'teen jobs near me'
• Teen resume templates + resume builder students can use completely for free

Benefits of having a job as a teen

No matter if you’re getting into the job game on your own or your parents are giving you a little push, working as a teen is pretty much a win-win.

Here are four key benefits that working teens often experience:

• Gaining hard skills and developing soft skills. Through jobs, teens learn specific technical abilities, like cash handling or computer proficiency, alongside invaluable soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving that are crucial in any career path.
• Earning money. Having a job means you can earn your own money. This independence is not just about having cash for your expenses, but it also teaches you the value of money and the basics of financial management early in life.
• Future career opportunities / networking. Every job is a chance to meet new people and make connections that could lead to future career opportunities. It's an early start to building a professional network that can open doors down the line.
• Responsibility and time management. Holding down a job teaches you responsibility and the importance of punctuality. You'll learn to juggle and prioritize different tasks, which is a skill that benefits both your personal and professional future.

These benefits show that a teen job can be much more than just a way to pass time or earn some extra cash; it's a stepping stone to a successful and fulfilling career.

Types of jobs for teens

Navigating the job market as a teen reveals a variety of roles, each with its own set of requirements, payment structures, and hours.

It's not just about what job you get, but understanding the nature of the work, including any paperwork that may be required, especially as a minor.

Here’s a breakdown of the different job types available to teens:

1. Part-time. Part-time work typically refers to jobs where you work fewer than 35 hours a week. These positions aren't exclusive to teens and often attract adults looking to supplement their income, which can mean more competition.
2. Contract. Also known as freelance work or work-for-hire, contract jobs involve being hired by a client or company to do a specific task or project. As a minor, you'll need a work permit or an age certificate, and sometimes both, depending on your state. You definitely need to check your specific state labor laws, since often minors (teenagers under 18) aren't allowed to enter legal contracts.
3. Seasonal. These jobs are available during particular seasons, like holiday retail work in the winter or lifeguarding in the summer. They often offer a chance to earn more during peak times but don't provide long-term stability.
4. Internships. Internships offer on-the-job training in a particular industry. They can be paid or unpaid and are valuable for gaining real-world experience and making professional connections. The focus here is on learning and potentially securing future employment in the field.
5. Entrepreneurship. If you have a business idea, teen entrepreneurship can be an exciting venture. Starting your own business requires understanding local business regulations, possibly creating a business plan, and managing your finances.

How to find a job as a teenager

Finding a job as a teenager is like solving a puzzle – it takes some planning, a bit of research, and a dash of self-awareness.

Jobs for teens

Embarking on a job search can be overwhelming, especially when you’re not quite sure where to start.

Whether you're looking for something seasonal, online, or even a role that pays a bit more, these lists of jobs aim to help you find a job that suits your interests and needs.

Here are jobs that are commonly pursued by teens, along with a brief description of what each job entails, who it’s best for, and the essential skills needed.

Top 10 jobs for teens

While technically teens can take on almost any job, there are certain roles that are particularly popular and well-suited for teenagers.

Here’s a list of the top 10 jobs that are commonly pursued by teens, along with a brief description of what each job entails, who it’s best for, and the essential skills needed.

1. Cinema worker. Handle ticket sales, manage concessions, and maintain cleanliness. Good for friendly, energetic teens.
2. Babysitter. Care for children, including feeding, playing, and bedtime routines. Best for responsible and patient teens.
3. Fast food worker. Prepare food, take orders, and clean. Suitable for fast-paced, customer-friendly teens.
4. Grocery store clerk. Stock shelves, assist customers, handle transactions. Ideal for organized, service-oriented teens.
5. Tutor. Assist students with subjects, homework, and test prep. Good for patient teens with expertise in a specific area.
6. Lifeguard. Oversee pool or beach safety, perform rescues. Requires certification, fits vigilant and responsible teens.
7. Valet parking attendant. Park and retrieve cars for guests. Good for responsible teens with a valid driver’s license.
8. Camp counselor. Lead activities, supervise campers. Great for outgoing, energetic teens who enjoy working with kids.
9. Dog walker. Walk dogs, ensure their safety. Fits teens who love animals and outdoor activities.
10. Barista. Prepare coffee and drinks, serve customers. Suitable for teens with good customer service skills.

Online jobs for teens

The digital world offers a variety of online jobs that teens can do from the comfort of their homes. These jobs provide flexibility and a chance to develop digital skills.

• Social media manager. Manage social media accounts, create content. Ideal for creative, tech-savvy teens.
• Freelance writer. Write articles, blogs, or content. Good for teens with strong writing skills.
• Graphic designer. Design graphics for websites or social media. Suitable for artistic teens with design software knowledge.
• Online tutor. Teach subjects online to students. Ideal for knowledgeable teens in specific academic areas.
• Data entry clerk. Input data for companies. Requires attention to detail and basic computer skills.

Summer jobs for teens

Summer break opens up a range of job possibilities that can be both fun and rewarding.

Here are five great summer jobs for teens:

• Lifeguard. Monitor pool or beach areas and ensure swimmer safety. Requires lifeguard certification.
• Camp counselor. Lead activities at summer camps. Great for energetic teens who enjoy working with children.
• Golf caddy. Assist golfers by carrying clubs and providing advice. Fits teens with knowledge of golf and good physical fitness.
• Amusement park worker. Operate rides or games at amusement parks. Suitable for teens who enjoy a lively atmosphere.
• Tour guide. Lead tours at local attractions or historical sites. Ideal for teens who are outgoing and knowledgeable about their local area.

Highest-paying jobs for teens

Finally, for teens aiming for jobs with higher earning potential, certain roles stand out for their ability to offer above-average compensation.

Here’s a list of five highest-paying jobs ideal for teenagers:

1. Website developer. Create and design websites. This job pays well due to the high demand for technical and coding skills in the digital age. Teens with these skills are often sought after for their fresh perspectives.
2. Personal fitness trainer. Provide personal training sessions. This role can pay well as people are willing to invest in their health and fitness, and teens with certification can offer a fresh and relatable approach to fitness.
3. Music instructor. Teach instruments or vocals. Parents often prefer hiring teens to make their children feel more comfortable, and the pay is good because it’s specialized one-on-one instruction.
4. Server. Work in restaurants as a server. The base pay might be average, but the potential for tips, especially in high-end restaurants or busy establishments, can significantly increase earnings.
5. Content creator. Produce content for platforms like YouTube, blogs, or podcasts. This can be a highly profitable avenue as successful content creators can attract lucrative sponsorship deals and a large following, leading to substantial earnings from ads and endorsements.

Job sites to find jobs for teens

In today’s digital world, finding a job as a teen is often as simple as a few clicks. But knowing where to look is key.

Let’s explore some of the best job search platforms that can be tailored for teen job seekers:

1. Indeed. A massive job search engine that lists a wide range of jobs. Teens can use filters to find part-time, entry-level, or summer jobs in their area.
2. Monster. Known for a vast database of job listings, Monster allows teens to search for jobs based on part-time or internship criteria and includes helpful resources for first-time job seekers.
3. Snagajob. Specializing in hourly work, Snagajob is ideal for teens looking for part-time or seasonal positions. It's user-friendly and tailored to entry-level job seekers.
4. LinkedIn. While known for professional networking, LinkedIn also offers job listings suitable for teens, especially those looking for internships or networking opportunities.
5. Glassdoor. Not only does Glassdoor list job openings, but it also provides company reviews and salary ranges, which can be useful for teens to set realistic job expectations.

How to make a resume for teens (tips)

Crafting a resume as a teen can seem daunting, especially if it's your first resume.

But it's an important step in showcasing your abilities and suitability for a job.

Here are some guidelines for how to make a resume for teens:

1. Start with basic information. Include your name, contact information (phone number and email), and if relevant, your LinkedIn profile.
2. Include an objective or summary. This should be a brief statement about your job goals and what you offer to a potential employer, tailored to the job you're applying for.
3. Highlight education. Since you might have limited work experience, focus more on your education details like high school, expected graduation date, and relevant courses or projects.
4. Emphasize extracurricular activities. These activities can show your commitment and interests. Include clubs, sports, volunteering, or any leadership roles.
5. Showcase technical and soft skills. Mention any technical skills (like computer programming, graphic design) and soft skills (such as communication, teamwork, or problem-solving).
6. Tailor your resume for the job. Customize your resume to fit each job application. Highlight specific skills and experiences that are relevant to the job.
7. Include any work experience. Even informal jobs or tasks can be included, describing what you did and what skills or knowledge you gained.
8. Add references if possible. Include references from teachers, coaches, or family friends who can speak positively about your character and work ethic.

Remember, a resume for a teen doesn’t have to be extensive. It’s about quality and relevance. Make sure it’s well-organized, free of typos, and presents you in the best light for the job you’re applying for.

Now, let's look at some examples.

Resume templates for teens

Sometimes, one picture is worth more than a thousand words, especially when it comes to crafting a resume with little to no experience.

For teens stepping into the workforce, having a visual example can be incredibly helpful.

That's why we include a no-experience resume example in this chapter – to give you a clear idea of what your resume could look like.

The teen resume template above was created using Kickresume's resume builder.

In this resume builder, you can create a beautiful resume quickly with the help of AI and customizable templates.

And, what's the best is that Kickresume is completely free for all students who can prove their student status with ISIC, ITIC or UNiDAYS. That means you can use all premium features!

Key takeaways: Jobs for teens

Securing a job as a teen is more than just earning extra pocket money. It's a crucial step towards building valuable life skills, gaining work experience, and understanding the responsibilities that come with adulthood.

As we've explored:

• Babysitter
• Retail Sales Associate
• Server
• (Online)Tutor
• Lifeguard

These are just a few of the many options available for teens entering the workforce.

Finally, the crucial step for getting any job is a well-crafted resume.

Students can create their resumes completely for free using tools like Kickresume, which uses GPT-4 to help you write an outstanding resume in a few minutes.