Top 20+ Jobs for Teenagers: Finding the Perfect Part-Time Fit

Updated on September 20th, 2024

Helping your student find a part-time job is a great way to teach them responsibility, time management, and the value of earning extra cash. With so many opportunities available, from local businesses to online gigs, it’s essential to match their interests and skills with the right fit. Whether your student is looking to gain experience or simply earn money for personal expenses, the right job can make a huge difference.

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For high school students, balancing schoolwork and a job can seem overwhelming at first, but the experience helps them develop critical life skills. Finding the best options for jobs for teenagers doesn’t have to be stressful—there are plenty of roles that align with your student’s schedule and ambitions. Here’s what you need to know.

Introduction to Teen Jobs

Why Part-Time Jobs Are Important for Teenagers

Part-time jobs offer your student more than just a way to earn extra money. These experiences allow students to gain valuable work experience early on, which helps build a solid resume for future endeavors. Part-time jobs also help students develop relevant skills that are valuable for future endeavors.

Having a job at a young age teaches them how to manage time effectively, especially while juggling school and other commitments. Learning to balance responsibilities now sets them up for success in college and future careers, where time management is crucial.

In addition to developing practical skills like communication and teamwork, part-time jobs teach students about professionalism and accountability. Being in a work environment fosters maturity and helps your student learn how to handle different challenges, from problem-solving to dealing with diverse personalities.

As your student earns their own money, they gain a sense of financial independence, allowing them to save for personal goals, college, or even start a savings plan for the future.

Benefits of Having a Job as a Teenager

For your student, having a job brings newfound independence and a sense of responsibility. Managing a work schedule alongside school commitments teaches them how to prioritize and stay organized.

These jobs also provide opportunities for on-the-job training, where students can develop practical skills that go beyond the classroom. From learning customer service to exploring career interests, part-time jobs allow high schoolers to gain experience that shapes their future decisions.

Additionally, holding a job enhances college applications and opens doors to future job prospects. Admissions officers and employers alike appreciate students who have demonstrated the ability to manage a busy schedule while taking on responsibilities.

Working also allows students to build a network of professional contacts, which can be valuable for internships and references later on. The combination of skills, experience, and independence gained through a job prepares your student for life beyond high school, helping them confidently step into adulthood.

Types of Jobs for Teens

Best Online Jobs

Online Tutoring or Teaching

If your student excels in a particular subject, online tutoring or teaching can be a rewarding way to share their knowledge while earning money. With many platforms available, students can help others with homework, prepare for exams, or teach skills like music or art.

Online tutoring offers flexible hours, allowing your student to work around their school schedule. This flexibility ensures they can manage academic priorities while still engaging in a meaningful job.

In addition to earning money, tutoring helps students develop strong communication and teaching skills, which can be valuable in future careers. It also deepens their understanding of the subjects they teach, reinforcing their own academic progress.

Data Entry or Virtual Assistance

Data entry and virtual assistance offer simple and straightforward online jobs that are perfect for students who prefer more task-oriented work. These jobs typically involve managing emails, scheduling appointments, entering data into spreadsheets, or handling administrative tasks for small businesses or busy professionals.

Virtual assistance work can often be done in short bursts, making it a great fit for students with a busy schedule who need jobs with more flexibility. By taking on a virtual assistant role, your student will develop strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and time management.

Virtual assistance also introduces them to business processes and professional communication. As a result, the positions offer a glimpse into various industries and potential career paths.

Freelance Writing or Graphic Design

For creative students, freelance writing or graphic design offers a chance to earn money while building a portfolio. Whether crafting blog posts, creating illustrations, or designing logos, freelance work allows your student to showcase their talents and gain practical experience. These jobs for teens also offer the flexibility to take on projects that align with their interests and schedule, giving them control over their workload.

Freelance writing and design encourage self-discipline and creativity. They also allow your student to establish a professional online presence and connect with clients. As they take on more projects, they’ll develop a range of skills, from meeting deadlines to negotiating with clients.

Ultimately, freelancing is a perfect way for your student to explore creative fields while gaining real-world experience and earning money.

Online Surveys or Market Research

Completing online surveys or participating in market research studies is one of the easiest ways for students to earn extra money from home. Many companies seek input from high school students, making survey sites a great entry-level option for young job seekers.

While these jobs might not provide significant earnings, they do offer quick, convenient ways to earn small amounts of cash during free time. Plus, participating in market research helps your student develop critical thinking as they give feedback on products and services.

In the end, these opportunities are an easy way to start learning about consumer behavior, marketing, and product development, which can spark interest in business-related fields. Though less demanding than other jobs for teenagers, it’s an excellent opportunity for your student to learn how to manage small tasks alongside schoolwork.

Sell Stuff Online

We’ve all heard the adage, “One man’s trash is another person’s treasure,” and it’s just as accurate today as it ever was.

Whether your student has some old household or clothing items they’re willing to part with or prefer to scour thrift stores and garage sales for items, selling stuff can be a profitable and flexible way to bring in money. With the number of online options available for potential sellers, they can manage most of the work from home.

Summer Job Opportunities

Camp Counselor or Youth Leader

Being a camp counselor or youth leader allows your student to mentor and guide younger campers through various summer activities. These roles typically involve leading games, crafts, outdoor adventures, and team-building exercises.

It’s an excellent opportunity for students to develop leadership skills while fostering a sense of community among campers and other students. Your student will also build patience and empathy, two important qualities that will serve them in any future career.

Camp counseling jobs also enhance organizational and problem-solving skills, as your student will manage groups of children and coordinate activities. The experiences they gain can be useful on college applications, as these roles often show maturity and the ability to handle responsibility. Working in a camp setting also allows them to form meaningful connections with both campers and fellow counselors, making it a memorable summer experience.

Retail Sales Associate or Customer Service Representative

Retail sales associate and customer service positions offer valuable work experience for students who enjoy interacting with people. Whether they’re working the cash register, helping customers, or learning how to stock shelves, these jobs give students a firsthand look at how businesses operate.

Many stores, particularly grocery stores, department stores, and small shops, actively hire teens for summer roles. Since many of these employers have flexible scheduling and part-time opportunities, they’re an ideal fit for students looking to balance work with free time during the summer.

Retail summer jobs help develop skills like communication, problem-solving, and time management. By dealing with new employees and customers daily, students learn how to manage different situations with professionalism and confidence.

The fast-paced environment also helps them improve their multitasking abilities, skills they can apply to future academic and professional roles. Essentially, these jobs often provide a steady income while teaching essential life skills.

Food Service or Restaurant Worker

Working in food service can offer a great introduction to the workforce for students looking for summer jobs. Many local restaurants, fast food restaurants, and cafés look for students to fill roles such as servers, dishwashers, or cashiers.

Your student can earn money while learning the ropes of customer service, taking orders, and working in fast-paced environments. Positions like food delivery driver offer additional flexibility, making it easier for students to balance work with their summer activities.

Food service jobs teach valuable lessons in teamwork, communication, and handling pressure. Whether your student is interacting with customers or working behind the scenes, they’ll gain real-world experience that enhances their work ethic and responsibility.

These roles also introduce them to the basics of food safety and hospitality, which can open doors to future employment opportunities. Many food establishments are eager to hire teens, too, making it a great first job for students.

Lifeguard or Swim Instructor

For strong swimmers, working as a lifeguard or swim instructor is a great summer job that combines responsibility with fun. Many community pools, beaches, and swim schools look for students who can ensure the safety of swimmers while teaching important water skills.

Often, employers require CPR certification, and this job instills a sense of accountability as your student keeps watch over others. Lifeguarding also offers the chance to work outdoors and enjoy the summer sun.

In addition to providing essential safety skills, swim instructors teach younger kids how to swim, making this job rewarding as well. The leadership and communication skills your student develops can benefit them in future endeavors. Plus, these jobs often pay well per hour, making them a lucrative option for students looking to save for college or personal expenses while enjoying an active and engaging summer job.

Delivery Driver

Many teens aren’t eligible to drive for passengers with Uber and Lyft. However, some teens (usually 18 or older) might be able to work as delivery drivers instead. It’s great for a summer job or part-time job because of the flexible hours.

DoorDash and Postmates allow drivers to be 18. For UberEATS, the minimum age is 19.

Traditional Jobs

Babysitting or pet sitting

Babysitting and pet sitting are some of the most popular jobs for teenagers because they offer flexibility and the opportunity to build trust within the community. These roles are often recommended as a good job for teens due to their accessibility and the absence of required work experience. Babysitting teaches students how to manage children’s needs, from meal preparation to bedtime routines, while pet sitting provides care for animals when owners are away.

Both jobs require responsibility, patience, and strong organizational skills, as students must ensure the well-being of those they’re caring for in a timely manner. These roles also help students develop important customer service skills, as they interact directly with families and pet owners.

Babysitting can include some light housework or tutoring, while pet sitting might involve walks, feeding, and playtime, allowing students to gain a variety of experiences. Both options offer flexible schedules and can provide decent pay per hour, making them a reliable choice for students looking to earn money in a relatively low-pressure setting.

Lawn care or landscaping

Lawn care and landscaping are good jobs for students who enjoy working outdoors and staying active. Tasks such as mowing lawns, raking leaves, and trimming hedges not only build physical endurance but also teach students about time management and the importance of delivering quality work. These jobs are often available through neighbors or local businesses, providing students with a hands-on opportunity to make a visible impact on their surroundings.

While lawn care can seem like an easy job, it requires being detail-oriented and delivering results in line with customers’ expectations. Students will also learn how to handle equipment safely and may even get a taste of business skills if they take on private clients.

The experience gained from working outdoors can lead to more advanced roles in landscaping or groundskeeping, making it a great stepping stone for students with long-term goals in these fields.

Grocery store or retail worker

Working in a grocery store or retail setting provides your student with an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience in customer service and teamwork. These roles often include working the cash register, stocking shelves, and assisting customers in finding products.

Students will quickly learn how to manage tasks efficiently while developing their interpersonal skills. Plus, grocery stores and retail shops frequently provide on-the-job training, making it accessible to students with little to no work experience.

In addition to building essential work habits, grocery store or retail jobs introduce students to the business side of operations. They’ll gain insight into inventory management, merchandising, and cash handling. With a competitive pay rate and opportunities to work flexible hours, these roles help students balance their school and social lives while earning a steady income. These jobs are among the best jobs for teens who want to start building their resumes early.

Fast food worker or restaurant host/hostess

Fast food worker and restaurant host/hostess roles are excellent options for students looking for jobs for teens with a fast-paced environment and plenty of customer interaction. These roles teach students how to work as part of a team, manage tasks under pressure, and ensure customers receive their orders accurately and on time.

Typically, working in food service builds resilience, as students handle busy shifts, multitask, and develop strong communication skills that are valuable in any career. Food service jobs are also among the highest-paying jobs available to teens when factoring in tips and bonuses, especially for positions like hosts or hostesses.

However, if your student has options when it comes to where they could work, finding a local restaurant with a tuition assistance program is the best option. Often, a person has to be an employee for a set amount of time before they qualify, so getting a job at one of these places as a teen usually means they can be eligible by the time your student gets ready to head to college.

Here are four fast-food restaurants with tuition reimbursement or assistance programs:

• Starbucks
• Chipotle
• McDonald’s
• Pizza Hut

With flexible schedules and the opportunity for growth, students can move up to managerial roles over time. These roles provide a blend of on-the-job training and practical experience, making them a solid stepping stone for those who want to explore careers in hospitality or customer service down the line.

Movie Theater

Working at a movie theater comes with some perks. Usually, employees get access to free or discounted tickets, making it an ideal job for cinephile teens. Plus, it’s a great introduction to some customer service skills, as nearly every employee is going to spend some time engaging with the public.

Job Search Strategies

Job Search Tips for Teens

When helping your student search for their first job, one of the best places to start is by updating their resume and online profiles. A well-organized resume showcasing their skills, extracurricular activities, and any volunteer work makes a big impression on potential employers.

Encourage your student to explore job search websites and apps, which can help them find online jobs or local opportunities tailored to teenagers. Networking is another valuable strategy—suggest they talk to friends, family, or teachers for potential job leads.

In addition to preparing their resume, it’s essential to practice interview skills. Role-playing common interview questions with your student can boost their confidence when speaking to hiring managers. They should be ready to discuss their strengths and how they manage responsibilities, like balancing schoolwork and a job.

By honing these skills and staying proactive, your student can approach the job search process with confidence and professionalism.

Perfecting Your Job Application

To make their job application stand out, encourage your student to tailor their resume and cover letter for each job they apply to. Highlighting specific skills that align with the job description shows employers that your student is serious and attentive.

For example, if a position emphasizes communication or teamwork, make sure those qualities are clearly reflected in their application. Including keywords from the job description also helps catch the attention of hiring managers.

Proofreading is crucial—an application full of errors can leave a negative impression. Encourage your student to double-check for spelling, grammar, and formatting mistakes. A keen eye for detail can go a long way in making their application look polished and professional.

Remind your student that applying for jobs is an opportunity to showcase not only their qualifications but also their dedication to securing the role. Helping them master this process can lead to exciting opportunities and even the chance to develop a new skill.

Did you know that job experience can help teens land scholarships? It’s true! If you and your student want to learn more how to win scholarships, sign up for our free college scholarship webinar! Head over to http://thescholarshipsystem.com/freewebinar to reserve a spot today.