10 Best High-Paying Jobs for Teens (and How to Get Started)

While traditional jobs for teens like flipping burgers or folding clothes can be a great start, there’s a whole world of higher-paying opportunities out there just waiting for motivated young people like you to take advantage of them.

The following table outlines high-earning job options for teenagers across America, highlighting typical hourly wages and how many teens are currently working in each role.

1. Food service manager

• Median hourly wage: $30.32
• Number of teens employed: 27,000
• Key skills: leadership, customer service, problem solving, time management

Job responsibilities for food service managers

As a food service manager, you’ll be in charge of running the daily operations in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service spots.

You’ll also coordinate staff schedules, maintain food quality and safety standards, and keep track of inventory. Handling customer interactions is another key part of the job.

You’ll address any complaints, train new employees, and support your staff in providing excellent service. You might even get involved in menu planning or coming up with marketing strategies.

How to become a food service manager

To become a food service manager, start with entry-level positions in the food service industry and work your way up. While a high school diploma is often all you need, a degree in hospitality management can give you a competitive edge.

Throughout your time at school, your food service jobs, and in other areas of your life, focus on developing your leadership and problem-solving skills so you’ll be well-prepared to handle the responsibilities of a management role.

2. Carpenter

• Median hourly wage: $27.09
• Number of teens employed: 25,000
• Key skills: blueprint reading, attention to detail, safety awareness, ability to use tools

Job responsibilities for carpenters

Carpentry is a hands-on job where you can see the results of your work every day. As a carpenter, you’ll work with wood and other materials to construct, install, and repair structures.

Some of your tasks will include reading blueprints to figure out project details, measuring and cutting materials to the right sizes, and using hand and power tools. Plus, you’ll be making sure everything you build meets building codes and safety standards.

How to become a carpenter

To begin working as a carpenter, take woodworking classes in high school or look into vocational programs. Many carpenters start out through apprenticeships that combine on-the-job training with direct instruction.

3. Delivery truck driver

• Median hourly wage: $23.14
• Number of teens employed: 45,000
• Key skills: time management, navigation skills, safe driving skills, vehicle maintenance knowledge

Job responsibilities for delivery truck drivers

Your main job as a truck driver would be transporting and delivering goods. You’ll be responsible for loading and unloading cargo, planning routes, maintaining delivery records, and making sure shipments arrive safely and on time.

Depending on the job, you might deliver anything from restaurant orders to larger shipments like furniture or construction materials.

How to become a delivery truck driver

Getting started as a delivery truck driver requires a valid driver’s license and a spotless driving record. Most employers look for candidates who are at least 18 years old and have completed high school.

If you’re interested in driving larger vehicles, you’ll need to get your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which involves completing a training program, passing a written test, and demonstrating your driving skills in a road test.

4. Automotive service technician

• Median hourly wage: $22.96
• Number of teens employed: 26,000
• Key skills: mechanical aptitude, problem-solving, diagnostic skills, customer service

Job responsibilities for automotive technicians

If you love working with cars and enjoy problem-solving, becoming an automotive technician might be the perfect job for you. As an automotive technician, you’ll diagnose, repair, and maintain vehicles.

Your main tasks will include performing routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations, figuring out what’s wrong with vehicles when they have problems, repairing or replacing broken parts, and making sure everything is safe with thorough inspections. You’ll also need to stay updated on the latest car systems and technologies.

How to become an automotive technician

To become an automotive technician, take auto shop classes at your high school or look into vocational programs. Many technicians start through apprenticeships or entry-level positions at auto repair shops. If you want to stand out from the competition, consider pursuing postsecondary education in automotive technology.

5. Retail supervisor

• Median hourly wage: $22.47
• Number of teens employed: 29,000
• Key skills: leadership, customer service, conflict resolution, communication

Job responsibilities for retail supervisors

Do you enjoy working in busy environments, staying organized, and interacting with people all day? Then consider applying to be a retail supervisor. In this role, you’ll manage daily store operations, which includes managing staff, creating work schedules, training employees, managing inventory, and making sure customers are happy.

How to become a retail supervisor

To become a retail supervisor, start with entry-level retail positions. Many stores offer management training programs, so keep an eye out for those opportunities. While a high school diploma is usually all you need to get started, further education in business or retail management can be helpful.

6. Construction worker

• Median hourly wage: $21.78
• Number of teens employed: 103,000
• Key skills: physical strength and stamina, safety awareness, teamwork, ability to follow instructions

Job responsibilities for construction workers

Working in construction keeps you active and lets you work with your hands every day. As a construction worker, you’ll perform various tasks on construction sites, including operating machinery, handling materials, assisting skilled tradespeople, and performing general labor. To succeed in the role, you need to be safety-conscious and good at following instructions.

How to become a construction worker

To get a job as a construction worker, look for entry-level positions or apprenticeships in your area. While formal education isn’t usually required, vocational programs can help you develop the skills you’ll need.

7. Administrative assistant

• Median hourly wage: $21.29
• Number of teens employed: 22,000
• Key skills: computer proficiency, organizational skills, time management, written and verbal communication skills

Job responsibilities for administrative assistants

If you’re looking to make money while getting experience in an office environment and learning how businesses run, consider working as an administrative assistant. This position involves performing administrative duties and supporting office staff.

Your main tasks would include managing schedules, arranging meetings, preparing reports, handling correspondence, maintaining filing systems, and performing data entry. You’ll also help with organizing office events and ensuring the office runs smoothly.

How to become an administrative assistant

To get a job as an administrative assistant, you’ll need to develop strong computer skills and learn how to use software like Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. While a high school diploma is usually all that you’ll need, further education in business administration can help you get hired.

8. Customer service representative

• Median hourly wage: $19.08
• Number of teens employed: 244,000
• Key skills: communication skills, patience, problem-solving, active listening

Job responsibilities for customer service representatives

Customer service representatives are the go-to people for helping customers with their questions and concerns. This role involves sharing information about products, managing orders, processing returns, and solving customer problems. It’s a great job if you’re someone who enjoys talking to people and wants to make sure customers leave happy.

How to become a customer service representative

To become a customer service representative, you’ll generally need a high school diploma or equivalent. Most companies provide on-the-job training to familiarize new hires with the specific procedures, software, and equipment they use.

9. Kitchen manager

• Median hourly wage: $18.52
• Number of teens employed: 27,000
• Key skills: leadership, culinary knowledge, food safety awareness, organizational skills

Job responsibilities for kitchen managers

As a kitchen manager, you’ll oversee daily operations in food service kitchens. That includes supervising staff, ensuring food quality and safety, managing inventory, creating schedules, and collaborating on menu planning.

How to become a kitchen manager

To get started as a kitchen manager, you’ll have to gain experience in entry-level kitchen positions. Look for restaurants in your area that offer management training programs. Although formal education isn’t necessary, a degree in culinary arts or hospitality management can make you stand out.

10. Nursing assistant

• Median hourly wage: $18.33
• Number of teens employed: 51,000
• Key skills: Basic medical knowledge, ability to follow protocols, empathy, attention to detail

Job responsibilities for nursing assistants

Nursing assistants play an essential role in patient care. Your duties would include assisting patients with daily activities, monitoring vital signs, recording patient information, and reporting any concerns to nursing staff.

How to become a nursing assistant

To get a job as a nursing assistant, you’ll need to complete a state-approved training program, typically lasting several weeks to a few months. Afterwards, you’ll need to pass an exam to become certified.

How to get a job as a teen

Entering the workforce as a teenager is an exciting milestone, but it can also be intimidating. Check out these tips to help make your first job search easier:

1. Check to see if local businesses are hiring

When you’re looking for your first job, sometimes the best place to start is in your own backyard. Take a walk around your neighborhood and look for “Help Wanted” signs in shop windows.

Don’t be afraid to ask about job openings even if you don’t see a sign. Make a simple entry-level resume and visit local cafes, retail stores, supermarkets, and restaurants. Introduce yourself to the manager and ask if they have any positions available.

Many businesses appreciate young job seekers who show enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, so your boldness might just set you apart from other candidates.

2. Go to local job fairs or career events for teens

At a job fair, you can speak directly with company representatives, learn about different industries, and even participate in on-the-spot interviews.

Check with your school guidance office, local community centers, or Chamber of Commerce to find out about upcoming job fairs in your area. Come prepared with copies of your resume and dress appropriately.

3. Leverage your school connections

Your teachers, counselors, and even school administrators often know local business owners and might hear about jobs perfect for students like you. Plus, they can vouch for you with a recommendation or reference, which is helpful when you’re just starting out.

It’s worth popping into your school’s career office or chatting with your guidance counselor to see what’s out there. Some schools even offer work-study programs or internships, which are great for getting experience and earning some cash at the same time. So don’t be shy — tap into these resources and see what doors they might open for you!

4. Start building your professional online presence early

Having a professional online presence can give you an edge in your job search, even as a teen. While you may not have extensive work experience yet, you can still create a basic LinkedIn profile highlighting your skills, academic achievements, and extracurricular activities.

You can also follow companies you’re interested in working for to keep tabs on their job postings. Remember to keep your profile professional and appropriate — employers may check your online presence.

Methodology

The data presented is sourced from surveys done by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), particularly from the Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey, and the National Employment and Wage Data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Survey by Occupation, May 2023. The research is focused on occupations that teenagers were eligible to work in.

The selection was based on two criteria: the employed were aged 16–19, and there were at least 20,000 teenagers working within the selected industry. The occupations were then sorted in descending order of their median hourly income, and the top 10 were selected.

Occupations that didn’t have available income data, or included words in the job title such as “general” or “other” were filtered out.

Sources

• Resume Genius, “7 Tips on Using Social Media in Your Job Search”
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey” & “National Employment and Wage Data From the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Survey by Occupation, May 2023”
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce, “Chamber of Commerce Directory”

About Resume Genius

Since 2009, Resume Genius has combined innovative technology with leading industry expertise to simplify the job hunt for people of all backgrounds and levels of experience.

Resume Genius’s easy-to-use resume builder and wide range of free career resources, including resume templates, cover letter samples, and resume writing guides, help job seekers find fulfilling work and reach their career goals. Resume Genius is led by a team of dedicated career advisors and HR experts and has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, CNBC, and Business Insider.

For media inquiries, please contact us.