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50+ Best Jobs for Teenagers in 2024: A Complete Guide to Start Earning
Discover the best jobs for teenagers in 2024. This comprehensive guide covers traditional part-time roles, online gigs, and high-paying opportunities to help teens start earning and building valuable skills.
Introduction
As a teenager, finding the right job can be an exciting way to earn money, build valuable skills, and gain work experience. Whether you're saving up for a car, funding your college education, or simply want some extra spending cash, there are plenty of job opportunities available for teens in 2024. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best jobs for teens, from traditional part-time roles to innovative online gigs that fit today’s digital world.
Why Should Teenagers Work?
Teen jobs aren’t just about making money—they offer a range of benefits that can shape your future. Working as a teen allows you to:
Gain Work Experience
Even entry-level positions teach valuable skills like time management, customer service, teamwork, and responsibility. These are transferable skills that benefit any future career.
Develop Financial Independence
Earning your own money gives you the freedom to make purchases independently and start budgeting, teaching essential financial literacy.
Build a Strong Resume
Having a job during high school demonstrates your work ethic to potential employers, making you stand out when applying for internships or full-time positions later on.
Explore Career Interests
A part-time job can help you discover what you enjoy and what you're good at, guiding your future career choices.
What to Consider Before Starting a Job?
Before jumping into your job search, it’s important to consider a few factors to ensure you find a job that fits your needs, interests, and schedule. Here are some key points to think about:
Legal Age and Restrictions
In most places, there are legal restrictions on the number of hours and types of jobs teenagers can work. For example, in the United States, minors aged 14 and 15 can only work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, with restrictions on hazardous jobs. Be sure to research labor laws specific to your area to avoid any issues.
Balancing Work and School
As a teen, school is your primary responsibility, so be sure to choose a job that won't interfere with your studies. Aim for part-time roles or flexible positions that allow you to work around your school schedule. The best jobs for teens often offer evening, weekend, or seasonal hours that align well with a school schedule.
Skills and Interests
Look for jobs that match your skills and interests. If you enjoy working with kids, babysitting or tutoring might be a great fit. If you're more artistic, consider roles like graphic design or photography. Jobs that align with your passion will not only make the work more enjoyable but also help you build relevant skills for your future career.
Best Jobs for Teenagers by Category
Different age groups and skill levels will have different options available. Below, we’ve broken down some of the best jobs for teens by category:
Jobs for Younger Teens (13–15)
If you’re between the ages of 13 and 15, you may have fewer job options due to labor laws, but there are still plenty of opportunities to start earning money. Here are some great jobs for younger teens:
Babysitter
Babysitting is one of the most popular jobs for young teens. It allows you to earn money while helping families care for their children. You can start by offering services to neighbors or family friends and build your reputation from there.
Requirements: Certification in CPR and first aid can increase your chances of getting hired.
Dog Walker
If you love animals, becoming a dog walker is a fun and flexible job. You can advertise your services locally or through apps like Rover, where pet owners can find and book dog walkers. This job typically pays well, depending on the number of dogs you walk and the area you live in.
Lawn Care Helper
Lawn care services are always in demand, especially in the spring and summer. As a teen, you can offer lawn mowing, weeding, or raking services to neighbors. Many people are willing to pay for someone else to take care of their yard work, and it’s a great way to stay active.
Parent-Supervised Online Seller
Platforms like eBay, Etsy, or Depop allow you to sell handmade goods, vintage items, or even used clothing. While some sites require you to be over 18, you can often have a parent or guardian manage the account while you run the store. This is an excellent way to hone your entrepreneurial skills and learn about marketing and sales.
Pet Sitting
Similar to dog walking, pet sitting allows you to take care of pets while their owners are away. This role usually involves feeding, walking, and providing companionship to pets. If you’re responsible and enjoy spending time with animals, pet sitting can be both enjoyable and profitable.
Jobs for Older Teens (16–18)
As you get older, your options for jobs will expand significantly. You may be able to work longer hours and take on more responsibility, which can help you earn more money and gain valuable experience.
Retail Sales Associate
Retail jobs are some of the most common part-time positions for teens. Working as a cashier, stock associate, or sales associate will teach you customer service, cash handling, and merchandising skills. Plus, many retail stores offer discounts to employees, which is a nice perk.
Food Delivery Driver
If you have access to a car and live in an area with high demand for food delivery (like through apps such as DoorDash or Uber Eats), this can be a lucrative option. You can set your own hours and work as much or as little as you want. Just keep in mind that you’ll need a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle.
Lifeguard
Working as a lifeguard at a community pool, beach, or water park is a great option for teens who are good swimmers. It offers good pay and allows you to work outdoors in a social environment. You will need to complete training and get certified in CPR and first aid, but the skills you learn are valuable for other jobs as well.
Camp Counselor
If you enjoy working with kids, becoming a camp counselor is a rewarding job. Summer camps often hire teens to assist with activities, supervise campers, and ensure everyone is safe. This role allows you to build leadership and organizational skills while having fun outdoors.
Customer Service Representative
Many companies hire teens as part-time customer service representatives, especially in call centers or online chat support. This job teaches communication skills and problem-solving while giving you exposure to corporate environments.
Top 10 High-Paying Jobs Without Formal Education
For teens who are looking to start earning big, some high-paying jobs do not require a formal college degree. These positions may require skills, experience, or on-the-job training, but they offer lucrative salaries and can provide a pathway to a successful career. Here are some high-paying jobs that don't require formal education:
Note: This data is derived from the Occupational Projections Data of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For interactive visualizations and deeper insights, visit Comprehensive 10 Years Career Forecast Statistics.
Artists and Related Workers (e.g., Calligrapher, Tattoo Artist)
- Median Annual Wage: $74,750
- Growth: 3.3% increase expected in the next decade
- Training: Long-term on-the-job training
- Entry-Level Education: No formal education required.
Whether you’re interested in tattoos, calligraphy, or other artistic pursuits, being an artist is a highly creative and potentially lucrative career. With dedication, building a client base through social media or word-of-mouth referrals can lead to significant earnings.
Athletes and Sports Competitors
- Median Annual Wage: $70,280
- Growth: 11.1% increase expected
- Training: Long-term on-the-job training
- Entry-Level Education: No formal education required.
If you have a passion for sports and excel in a particular field (soccer, basketball, baseball, etc.), becoming a professional athlete could be the ultimate dream job. While breaking into professional sports is highly competitive, success in this field can lead to incredibly high earnings.
Underground Mining Machine Operators
- Median Annual Wage: $68,910
- Growth: -4.5% expected decline in the next decade
- Training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Entry-Level Education: No formal education required.
Operators who work in underground mining earn strong salaries despite not needing a formal education. The job involves managing machinery used to extract materials like coal and minerals from deep within the earth. While this job can be physically demanding, it’s well-compensated.
Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining
- Median Annual Wage: $64,070
- Growth: -22.9% expected decline in the next decade
- Training: Short-term on-the-job training
- Entry-Level Education: No formal educational credential.
Loading and moving machine operators in underground mining handle the transportation of extracted materials within the mining site. Despite the decline in demand, these roles offer competitive wages and require short-term training.
Tapers
- Median Annual Wage: $63,350
- Growth: -0.7% expected decline in the next decade
- Training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Entry-Level Education: No formal educational credential.
Tapers, including Drywall Tapers and Sheet Rock Tapers, apply joint compound to seams between building materials. This role requires precision and attention to detail, with stable wages despite minimal growth.
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
- Median Annual Wage: $61,770
- Growth: 2.2% increase expected
- Training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Entry-Level Education: No formal educational credential.
Rotary drill operators in the oil and gas sector operate drilling equipment to extract natural resources. This specialized role offers solid wages and modest growth prospects, requiring hands-on training.
Continuous Mining Machine Operators
- Median Annual Wage: $61,420
- Growth: -1.8% expected decline in the next decade
- Training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Entry-Level Education: No formal educational credential.
Continuous mining machine operators manage machinery that extracts minerals continuously from the mining site. The position offers competitive pay but faces a slight decline in job growth.
Postal Service Clerks
- Median Annual Wage: $59,570
- Growth: -3% expected decline in the next decade
- Training: Short-term on-the-job training
- Entry-Level Education: No formal educational credential.
Postal service clerks handle mail and packages, assist customers, and manage postal operations. While the role offers steady wages, it is experiencing a decline in job availability.
Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders
- Median Annual Wage: $58,620
- Growth: 3.9% increase expected
- Training: Short-term on-the-job training
- Entry-Level Education: No formal educational credential.
Loaders responsible for tank cars, trucks, and ships handle the loading and unloading of bulk materials. This role requires physical stamina and offers stable wages with positive growth prospects.
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
- Median Annual Wage: $58,210
- Growth: 3.1% increase expected
- Training: Short-term on-the-job training
- Entry-Level Education: No formal educational credential.
Derrick operators in the oil and gas industry oversee the operations of derrick equipment used in drilling processes. This position offers competitive salaries and is expected to grow moderately over the next decade.
Best Online Jobs for Teenagers
As digital platforms continue to grow, many teens are turning to online work for flexibility and the ability to work from home. Here are some of the best online jobs for teenagers in 2024:
Freelance Writer/Content Creator
If you enjoy writing or have a knack for creating content, becoming a freelance writer or content creator is an excellent online job. You can write articles, blog posts, social media content, or even copy for websites. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr allow you to create a profile and get started.
Social Media Manager
Many businesses look for young, social-savvy individuals to help manage their social media profiles. If you know how to create engaging content and interact with online communities, managing a business's social media accounts can be both fun and profitable.
Online Tutor
If you're skilled in a particular subject, you can make money by tutoring younger students online. Whether it's math, science, or English, online tutoring platforms like Chegg or Tutor.com allow you to connect with students and teach them remotely.
Transcriptionist
As a transcriptionist, you listen to audio recordings and type out what you hear. It’s a flexible, remote job that doesn’t require much experience to get started. Websites like Rev and TranscribeMe offer platforms for you to sign up as a freelancer.
Survey Taker or Product Tester
Companies often pay individuals to take surveys or test products. Though these jobs might not pay much, they are easy to do in your spare time and can be a simple way to earn a little extra money online. Websites like Swagbucks and InboxDollars offer these opportunities.
Tips for Finding Jobs as a Teenager
Start Early
Many seasonal jobs, such as summer camp counselor or lifeguard positions, require early applications. Don’t wait until the last minute to start looking. Apply at least a few months in advance, especially for jobs that are highly competitive.
Leverage Your Network
Ask family members, friends, and neighbors if they know of any job openings. Sometimes, the best opportunities come from word of mouth. You might be surprised how many people are looking for help with small tasks that can turn into regular work.
Use Online Job Search Platforms
Websites like Indeed, Monster, and Glassdoor allow you to search for teen-friendly jobs in your area. You can filter results based on your location, job type, and salary expectations.
Prepare a Resume
While you may not have much work experience, it’s still important to create a resume that highlights your skills, achievements, and extracurricular activities. Focus on showing potential employers that you’re responsible, reliable, and eager to learn.
Stay Safe Online
If you’re pursuing online jobs, always be cautious of scams. Never pay for access to job listings, and be wary of jobs that promise unusually high pay for minimal work. Stick to trusted platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or specific company websites to avoid online job scams.
Common Questions About a Teen Jobs Career
What age can teenagers start working?
In most places, teenagers can start working at the age of 13 or 14, depending on local labor laws.
Do I need a work permit to work as a teenager?
Yes, in many regions, minors are required to obtain a work permit before starting employment.
Conclusion
Whether you’re aiming to build up your resume, save money for the future, or simply gain some work experience, there are plenty of great job opportunities available for teenagers in 2024. From part-time retail and babysitting jobs to high-paying gigs in industries like oil and gas, the right job can help you gain valuable skills that will last a lifetime.
By considering your interests, availability, and location, you can find a job that fits your schedule and goals. Don’t forget to leverage online platforms for remote gigs, and always remember to stay safe while job hunting. Happy job hunting, and here’s to building your career from an early age!