15 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: $31.40
• Number of teens employed: 33,000
• Key skills: leadership, customer service, problem solving, time management

What they do

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: $28.51
• Number of teens employed: 32,000
• Key skills: blueprint reading, attention to detail, safety awareness, ability to use tools

What they do

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. Retail supervisor

• Median hourly wage: $25.01
• Number of teens employed: 37,000
• Key skills: leadership, customer service, conflict resolution, communication

What they do

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 include 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.

4. Automotive service technician

• Median hourly wage: $23.88
• Number of teens employed: 44,000
• Key skills: mechanical aptitude, problem-solving, diagnostic skills, customer service

What they do

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. Administrative assistant

• Median hourly wage: $22.82
• Number of teens employed: 15,000
• Key skills: communication, organization, active listening, Office Suite

What they do

Working as a secretary or an administrative assistant is a good fit if you’re organized and good with people. In this role, you’ll help manage daily office operations and support staff so everything stays on track.

Some of your main tasks will include answering phones and emails, scheduling meetings and appointments, and preparing important documents like reports and memos. You’ll also help with bookkeeping tasks, keeping files and databases organized.

Experience in using office software and tools to handle tasks like creating presentations and operating online meetings, all to help the team work more efficiently.

How to become an administrative assistant

To get started as a secretary or administrative assistant, you usually just need a high school diploma and some basic computer skills. Being comfortable with most Microsoft Office tools will set you on the right track for entry-level jobs.

You can also build your skills by taking office-related classes in school, like business or computer applications. If you’re interested in working in places like hospitals or law offices, you might need extra training to learn special terms. And if you want to move up to higher roles like executive assistant, gaining a few years of experience in office jobs can help you get there.

6. Construction worker

• Median hourly wage: $22.14
• Number of teens employed: 104,000
• Key skills: physical strength and stamina, safety awareness, teamwork, ability to follow instructions

What they do

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. Office clerk

• Median hourly wage: $20.97
• Number of teens employed: 63,000
• Key skills: organizational skills, multitasking, time management, customer service skills

What they do

If you like keeping things organized and helping an office run smoothly, working as a general office clerk could be a great fit for you.

Your day will consist of making memos and reports, filing and organizing documents, and entering data into computer systems. On the job, you’ll learn to use office equipment like fax machines and scanners to complete your daily tasks.

How to become an office clerk

To start working as a general office clerk, you need a high school diploma and some basic computer skills. Most people learn the job while working, so no special training is required to get started.

Once you’re hired, you’ll typically go through up to a month of on-the-job training where you’ll learn office procedures and how to use office equipment like copiers and scanners. With experience, you can move up to higher office roles like secretary or administrative assistant.

8. Customer service representative

• Median hourly wage: $20.59
• Number of teens employed: 236,000
• Key skills: communication skills, patience, problem-solving, active listening

What they do

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. Delivery truck driver

• Median hourly wage: $20.56
• Number of teens employed: 47,000
• Key skills: time management, navigation skills, safe driving skills, vehicle maintenance knowledge

What they do

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.

10. Landscaping worker

• Median hourly wage: $19.13
• Number of teens employed: 74,000
• Key skills: landscape maintenance, planting, hardscaping, seasonal preparations

What they do

Landscape workers help keep private lawns, public gardens, and parks looking neat and healthy. The work blends caring for plants and greenery with building and improving outdoor features. One day you might be shaping trees and tending to flowerbeds, and the next you could be helping to install a new walkway or set up a sprinkler system.

How to become a landscaping worker

You don’t need a special degree to become a landscape worker — most people learn on the job in a month or less. Licensing can give you a bit more credibility with employers and can usually be attained online. As you gain experience, you could move up to leading a crew or even start your own landscaping business one day.

11. Nursing assistant

• Median hourly wage: $18.96
• Number of teens employed: 68,000
• Key skills: Basic medical knowledge, ability to follow protocols, empathy, attention to detail

What they do

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.

12. Security guard

• Median hourly wage: $18.46
• Number of teens employed: 18,000
• Key skills: weapons safety training, CPR & first aid, language skills, martial arts/physical combat training

What they do

Security guards help keep people and places safe. They watch over buildings, check who’s coming in and out, and keep an eye on security cameras or alarms. Whether they’re walking around a property or staying in one spot, their job is to spot problems early and step in if something’s wrong.

In stores, offices, or factories, they help prevent theft and make sure everyone follows the rules.

How to become a security guard

You must be at least 18 years old to work as a security guard. Most jobs require a high school diploma or GED, and you’ll get on-the-job training to learn the ropes. In most states, some guards need a license. Getting licensed usually means passing a background check and completing training.

New security guards typically train for a few weeks, learning emergency procedures, ways to prevent crime, and how to communicate on the job. Armed guards go through extra weapons training and testing.

13. Courier

• Median hourly wage: $18.44
• Number of teens employed: 30,000
• Key skills: transportation logistics, customer service, vehicle repairs, traffic law knowledge

What they do

As a courier, your job is to make sure packages get where they need to go, quickly and in good shape. You’ll pick up and deliver important or valuable packages with care. Along the way, you might accept payments, get signatures, and help answer questions from customers.

You’ll also stay in touch with dispatch to make sure you’re headed to the right spot every time.

How to become a courier

A driving license is essential to becoming a courier. Make sure you’re licensed and insured. If you have your own vehicle, whether it be a bike or a scooter, it’ll help you find a job easily. With the increase in online shopping and ordering food online, there will be an endless supply of courier jobs!

14. Stocker

• Median hourly wage: $18.12
• Number of teens employed: 188,000
• Key skills: inventory management software, warehouse safety, organizational skills, attention to detail

What they do

Stockers help keep stores running smoothly by making sure shelves are full and organized. They receive shipments, unpack products, and move them from the stockroom to the sales floor. In this job, you’ll keep track of inventory and damaged goods while keeping storage areas neat. Some stockers also prepare customer orders for shipping.

How to become a stocker

No formal education is required to become a stocker. Most jobs provide on-site training that lasts for a few days to a month, during which you’ll learn essentials such as occupational safety. A driver’s license may come in handy for this job.

15. Packager

• Median hourly wage: $18.12
• Number of teens employed: 53,000
• Key skills: organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to lift up to 70lbs, communication

What they do

Packagers prepare items for shipment by hand-packing them carefully. They may label boxes, check for defects, and keep track of what’s packed. In some jobs, they also move packed items to loading docks.

How to become a packager

No formal education is needed to become a packager. Most employers provide on-the-job training lasting from a few days to a month, covering key skills like workplace safety.

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. Fill out a simple entry-level resume template 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 2024. The research is focused on occupations that teenagers are eligible to work in.

The selection was based on two criteria: the employed were aged 16–19, and at least 20,000 teenagers were working within the selected industry. The occupations were then sorted in descending order of their median hourly income, and the top 15 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”

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