20 Best Jobs for Teenagers Building Skills and Earning Money

Best Jobs for Teenagers:

Finding the Best Jobs for Teenagers can be a rewarding experience, providing an opportunity to develop essential skills, gain work experience, and earn some extra cash. While balancing school and extracurricular activities, teenagers can explore a variety of jobs that not only contribute to their personal development but also set the foundation for future career success. In this article, we’ll explore the 20 best jobs for teenagers that offer a balance between flexibility, skill-building, and financial reward.

1. Retail Positions part-time jobs for teenagers:

Department stores like Macy’s, JCPenney, etc. frequently hire part-time for positions like cashier, stocker, customer service. Look on their websites for openings or ask in person about applying.

Grocery stores and supermarkets are another good option – bagging groceries, cashier, cart attendant. Stores like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, etc. have high turnover so are often hiring.

Clothing and shoe stores in malls like Abercrombie, American Eagle, Foot Locker, etc. require part-time workers. Apply in the store or check their site.
Retailers like Target, Walmart, Best Buy also hire teens seasonally and year-round. Look on their sites and in store. Flexible scheduling.
Movie theaters, sporting goods stores, pet supply shops, bookstores also hire teens part-time.
Have an updated resume listing any previous jobs, skills with cash registers, customer service, etc. Most applications are online so have it ready.
Be professional in interviews – dress neatly, be polite. Highlight your customer service skills. Offer flexible availability if possible.
Once employed, work hard and build relationships with managers. This can lead to better references and more hours. Take initiative to learn and grow.

The key is casting a wide net – apply to as many positions as possible. Retail has high turnover so be persistent and don’t get discouraged. With some preparation and effort, teenagers can find good part-time retail jobs. Let me know if you need any other tips!

2. Food Service part time jobs for teenagers:

Fast food restaurants like McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, etc. frequently hire teens to work as cashiers, cooks, drive-thru attendants, and more. High turnover means they are often hiring.
Pizza places like Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Papa Johns need delivery drivers and in-store help. Having a driver’s license and a good driving record is preferred for delivery.
Coffee shops like Starbucks, Peet’s, Caribou are great options. Baristas are needed to work counters and drive-thrus. Perks include free coffee and food discounts!
Restaurants of all types – casual, fine dining, buffets – hire hosts, servers, bussers, and dish washers. Look in malls, hotels, golf courses, etc. for lots of choices.
Grocery stores need help in the deli, bakery, produce, and prepared food sections. Stocking, cleaning, running registers, etc.
Movie theaters and entertainment venues need concession stand workers to sell tickets, popcorn, snacks and drinks.
Catering companies hire teens to work events as servers, setup staff, and kitchen help. More opportunities in the summer wedding season.
Having a food handler’s certificate can make you more hirable for restaurant jobs. Show enthusiasm, teamwork and ability to handle fast-paced environments.
Be reliable with scheduling. Food service relies on having the right amount of staff so committed workers are valued.

With strong customer service skills and flexibility, there are abundant food service jobs for teenagers!

3. Lifeguard part-time jobs for teenagers:

Municipal pools often hire teens as lifeguards for summer months. Get certified in CPR, first aid, and lifeguard training well in advance.
Water parks and amusement parks frequently need extra lifeguards seasonally. Having an open schedule is a plus for part-time work.
Health clubs with swimming pools like the YMCA hire year-round part-time lifeguards. These can transition to full-time jobs later on.
Country clubs and community pools sometimes hire teen lifeguards for peak times like weekends and holidays.
Hotels and resorts may hire lifeguards especially in warm weather locations.
Camps and campgrounds need lifeguards for their waterfronts during summer months.
Beach clubs, homeowners associations, and neighborhoods often hire teens for their private pools.
Consider getting additional certifications like Water Safety Instructor to teach swimming lessons and further qualify you.
Lifeguarding requires sitting for long periods focused on water surveillance. Make sure you can handle sun exposure as well.
Pay usually starts around $10-12/hour but can be higher depending on location and experience level.

With the right certifications, lifeguarding is a rewarding best part time jobs teenagers that develops maturity and responsibility in teens. Just be sure you are ready for the serious nature of protecting lives!

4. Tutoring part time jobs for Students:

If you excel at a particular subject in school, consider offering tutoring services to younger students who may be struggling. Subjects like math, science, and foreign languages are common needs.
Create fliers with your background, subjects you tutor, rates, etc. and post on community boards at libraries, schools, recreation centers. You can also list an online tutoring ad.
Join online tutoring platforms like Wyzant or Varsity Tutors which connect students with tutors virtually. You set your own availability and rates.
Offer group tutoring sessions which can be more affordable for students. Hold them at places like the library or community center.
If you have transportation, provide in-home tutoring services for better rates. This allows for more personalized attention.
Ask teachers if they know of students who need tutoring assistance and could benefit from your help. Teachers may be able to refer students directly.
Consider specializing in key exam prep like SAT, ACT, GRE, etc. There is big demand for affordable quality test prep.
Set competitive but fair hourly rates based on your education level and tutoring experience. Around $15-20/hour is typical.
Be professional in your appearance and punctuality. Provide engaging and patient instruction tailored to the student’s needs.

With strong academics and communication skills, tutoring can be a flexible, rewarding part-time job for teens. It also further develops your own knowledge and looks great on college applications.

5. Babysitting part-time jobs:

Let family, friends, neighbors know you are interested in babysitting. Word-of-mouth referrals are best to start out. Offer to babysit for free or cheaply a few times to gain experience.
Post flyers at supermarkets, libraries, churches, schools advertising your services. Include your basic info, availability, experience, and rates.
Create an online babysitting profile through sites like Care.com or Sittercity. Families can search for sitters by location, skills, and reviews.
Take a babysitting certification class offered by places like the Red Cross. This covers safety, basic care, emergency protocols and looks great on a resume.
Set competitive rates but be flexible on occasions. Consider giving a first-time family discount. Typical rates range $10-$15 per hour.
Bring some basic supplies like games, books, movies to engage with kids. Prepare healthy snacks the kids would enjoy.
Communicate regularly with parents. Provide updates on the kids’ activities, moods, meals, etc.
Leave the house tidy. Offer to do simple chores like unloading dishwashers or taking out trash.
As you gain experience, take on more responsibilities like driving kids around or overnight babysitting.

With a mix of professionalism and fun, babysitting can be a rewarding first job for teens that provides great experience.

6. Dog Walker/Pet Sitter part-time jobs:

Offer your services to neighbors, family and friends first to get experience and references. Do some jobs for free or at a big discount.
Post flyers at local veterinarian offices, pet supply stores, dog parks/runs advertising your availability. List your experience, rates and services.
Create profiles on dog walking/pet sitting sites like Rover.com and WagWalking.com. Clients can book and pay through the platform.
Take a pet first aid class so you are prepared in an emergency. This training looks great to potential clients.
For dog walking, gather supplies like waste bags, a leash, treats, flashlight for evening walks. Offer services like play time and feedings.
For pet sitting, offer options for drop-in visits, overnight stays, or extended stays when owners travel.
Follow all client instructions for medications, feedings, exercise. Provide frequent photo updates and text check-ins.
Set competitive rates depending on the services. Dog walking rates average $15-$20 per 30 minute walk. Pet sitting visits average $15-$25.
Be reliable and professional. Bonding with the pets helps them be comfortable with you as their caregiver.

With your genuine love of animals and responsible nature, pet care can be a fun and rewarding part-time job for teens. The flexibility is great too!

7. Freelance Writing or Blogging part-time jobs for students:

Leverage your skills and interests to choose a niche to write about like technology, books, movies, gaming, beauty, etc.
Start your own blog on a free platform like WordPress or Blogger. Write consistently to build an audience and portfolio samples.
Look for freelance writing jobs on sites like ProBlogger, BG Job, Upwork, and Freelancer. Sign up for job alerts.
Reach out directly to websites in your niche and pitch article ideas. Magazines, online publications, and blogs may need writers.
Offer to write guest posts for other established blogs in exchange for a bio link, to get added exposure.
Participate in writing forums and networking groups to connect with editors seeking contributors.
Take on short paid assignments like product descriptions, web copy, data entry jobs to build positive feedback.
Set competitive per word or per article rates based on your experience level and niche. Entry around 5-10 cents per word.
Stick to deadlines, follow guidelines, and maintain great communication. Building long-term client relationships is key.
Consider expanding to other formats like videos, podcasts, infographics as you gain skills.

With persistence and consistency, freelance writing or blogging can be lucrative ways for students to make money from anywhere with a flexible schedule.

8. Yard Work and Lawn Maintenance part-time job:

Offer basic lawn mowing and yard cleaning services in your neighborhood. Start by posting flyers at mailboxes offering your services.
Expand services over time to include hedge trimming, weeding, mulching, power washing, and snow removal during winter months.
Let neighbors know you would be happy to take care of yards while people are away on vacations. Offer discounted rates for multiple cleanups.
Post ads on Nextdoor, Craigslist, local Facebook groups marketing your services. Make sure to highlight any landscaping experience.
Check with local landscaping companies to see if they need part-time seasonal help. Existing relationships with customers can lead to more jobs.
Invest in basic equipment like lawnmowers, leaf blowers, pruners, rakes, and safety gear. This will allow you to work more efficiently.
Set competitive rates but be willing to negotiate, especially for recurring jobs. Price by yard square footage and time required.
Offer packages and discounts for recurring service at least twice a month. This builds loyalty with customers.
Be professional in behavior and appearance. Do an excellent job and customers will spread the word about your services.

With some hustle and dedication, lawn and yard work can be a flexible, healthy, and profitable part-time job option for teens.

9. Internships part-time jobs for students:

Start your search early. Many summer internships have application periods in winter or spring.
Utilize your school’s career center. Many post on-campus and local internship opportunities specifically seeking students.
Browse online job boards like Job BG, LinkedIn, Internships.com for postings. Set up alerts for new opportunities.
Identify companies or organizations in industries you’re interested in and check their websites directly for intern postings.
Attend career fairs and networking events to connect with employers and ask about potential internship opportunities.
Consider flexible virtual internships if you have limited transportation options. Many roles can now be done remotely.
If unpaid internships interest you, inquire about school credit. Some colleges allow course credits for unpaid experiences.
Highlight your skills, motivation to learn, and any relevant coursework when applying. Employers value enthusiasm and work ethic.
Be professional in dress and communication when interning. Make the most of opportunities to gain hands-on experience and build relationships.
Part-time schedules range $10-$20 hours per week, allowing you to intern while still managing other responsibilities.

With proactive searching and strategic positioning of your strengths, students can gain valuable experience and connections through best jobs for teenagers internships.

10. Camp Counselor part-time jobs for teenagers:

Look for summer camp job opportunities at YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, city recreation centers, churches, etc. Often hiring starts early in the year.
Specialty camps focused on sports, arts, STEM subjects, etc also need counselors with interest/experience in those areas.
Check online job boards specifically geared towards camp positions. The American Camp Association has a counselor job board.
Highlight any experience working with groups of younger kids through babysitting, tutoring, coaching etc. Patience and energy are key.
Being certified in CPR and first aid training is a big plus. This shows you can handle emergencies and health issues.
Living on site at overnight camps is typically required. Make sure you are comfortable with rustic accommodations.
Expect duties like leading activities, supervising mealtimes, teaching skills, coordinating schedules and events, and most importantly, mentoring campers.
Commit to creating fun, engaging, and safe experiences for campers. Your attention and guidance helps them thrive.
Pay often starts around $10-$12 per hour, depending on camp location and your experience/skills.
Be prepared for high activity in an outdoor environment. Counseling develops maturity, responsibility, leadership skills.

Camp allows teens to make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable experience working with younger kids and it’s best jobs for teenagers.

11. Online Surveys and Market Research part-time jobs:

Register on survey panels like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, and InboxDollars. Provide demographic info so you qualify for surveys.
Be thorough and honest when answering survey screening and profile questions. This will match you to the most relevant opportunities.
Check your survey panel accounts frequently. Available surveys fill up quickly so claim them right away.
Expect to earn around $5-$20 per hour depending on the length and type of survey. Shorter product surveys pay less than longer market research.
Follow instructions carefully and read questions thoroughly. Rushing through can get your survey rejected and go unpaid.
Reach survey payout thresholds as fast as possible so you can cash out earnings. Many sites pay via PayPal or gift cards.
Sign up for user testing sites like UserTesting and TryMyUI. Getting paid to test/review websites and apps is great experience.
Expand your research participation to focus groups, interviews, product tests. These can pay $50-$150 for an hour of your time.
Check consumer research firms like Fieldwork, Respondi, Focus Pointe for local in-person opportunities.
Refer friends to increase your referral bonus earnings. Just make sure they are detailed and honest.

With consistent participation, online surveys and market research provide flexible income and I think it’s best jobs for teenagers insights into products teens care about.

12. Photography part-time jobs for students:

Offer your services for events like weddings, birthdays, graduations, school dances either independently or working for a photographer. Begin by assisting to build skills.
Check for openings at local portrait studios. They often need photography assistants and editors for tasks like booking appointments, post-processing, sales.
Look for freelance product photography opportunities on job sites. Companies need images for ecommerce sites and marketing materials. Start with more affordable products to build a portfolio.
Real estate agents may hire you to photograph houses and properties for listings. Ensure you have proper equipment for best results.
Volunteer as a yearbook photographer or sports team photographer to get experience and references. Keep copyrights to build your portfolio.
Submit striking photos highlighting local points of interest to tourism/visitor sites and magazines. Capture the uniqueness of your town.
Approach businesses about social media photography needs. Offer discounted rates in exchange for being tagged and allowed to reuse photos.
Invest in some starter equipment like a nice DSLR camera, tripod, lighting, and editing software. Clients expect high quality images.
Be professional, creative, and fast. Have a contract detailing fees, usage rights, timelines, and payment terms.

With persistence and consistently excellent work, student photographers can gain skills and make money doing what they love. I think it’s best jobs for teenagers.

13. Retail Clothing Store part-time jobs:

Mall-based stores like H&M, Forever 21, Gap, Banana Republic, and J.Crew frequently hire part-time staff. Inquire directly at the stores about open positions.
Department stores like Macy’s, Dillard’s, and Nordstrom often need part-time cashiers, sales associates, and stock room help. Check their websites for listings.
Sporting goods stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sports Authority, and Modell’s need part-timers knowledgeable about athletic wear.
Specialty shops like American Eagle, Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, and Victoria’s Secret cater to teens and college-aged staff. Apply online.
Some factors that help getting hired are: availability for evenings/weekends, interest in fashion, retail experience, and strong customer service skills.
Be prepared to receive on-the-job training on cash register systems, inventory, loss prevention, and store promotions. Ask questions.
Expect duties like greeting customers, tidying up the salesfloor, processing transactions, tagging merchandise, and stocking shelves.
Having a flexible schedule is key as hours and shifts can vary week to week. Holiday seasons are especially busy.
If you perform well part-time, additional responsibilities and full-time hours may open up. Express interest in growing with the company.

With trend awareness and a dedication to the customer, retail clothing stores can provide good starter best jobs for teenagers.

14. Technology Support part-time jobs:

Offer basic computer and device help for neighbors, family and friends. Help with things like setting up new gadgets, troubleshooting issues, teaching programs.
Check if local computer repair shops need part-time help at the front desk, organizing inventory, cleaning equipment. Gain hands-on experience.
Tutor students who need help learning tech programs like Microsoft Office, Photoshop, web design, etc. List flyers at schools.
Apply for part-time roles at tech retailers like Apple, Best Buy, and cell phone providers as sales associates and technical support.
Freelance for computer help companies that make house calls. You could be on-site tech support for basic installation, troubleshooting needs.
Look for remote tech support roles you can do from home via chat or phone support. Companies like Support.com hire for flexible schedules.
Offer social media management help to local businesses for maintaining their pages, running ads, improving engagement.
Check if local nonprofits need technical assistance for things like managing networks, basic website updates, digitizing records.
List your services on sites like Craigslist, Job BG, Facebook as an independent IT consultant for small businesses and home users.
Get certified in CompTIA or Microsoft systems to bolster your abilities. Experience and skills are highly valued.

With some tech know-how, providing user support can be a steady, well-paying part-time job as well as best jobs for teenagers. Valuable experience too!

15. Gardening and Landscaping part-time jobs:

Offer basic lawn mowing and yard work services to neighbors and friends to build experience. Leave flyers and promote on community boards.
Check with local plant nurseries and garden supply stores. They often need seasonal help with customer service, cashiering, stocking shelves, and plant care.
Look for roles at landscaping companies doing tasks like grounds maintenance, watering, weeding, planting. Physical work but you learn a lot.
Apply at botanical gardens, parks, community gardens, orchards for part-time work maintaining plants, trees, trails.
Property management companies need help with lawn care and landscaping at rental homes, apartments, commercial properties.
Volunteer at community beautification projects, urban farms, or habitat restoration efforts to gain valuable experience for resumes.
Offer garden design, maintenance, and lawn care services directly to homeowners especially while they are on vacation.
Take a landscaping course at a community college or botanical garden to learn best practices and get certified.
Invest in basic tools and safety gear like gloves, boots, pruners, rakes. Transportation needed to get to properties.
Set your rates based on time and labor. Charge hourly or package pricing for regular maintenance.

With some outdoors experience, gardening and landscaping can be gratifying part-time work and good exercise with best jobs for teenagers.

Check sites like BG Job, Remote.co and Creative Circle for remote social media roles with businesses or agencies. Entry level and flexible schedules available.
Approach local businesses you frequently visit and offer social media management services – posting content, monitoring channels, running ads. Provide a competitive rate.
List yourself as a social media freelancer on sites like Fiverr and Upwork. Build reviews and portfolio by taking on small projects.
Leverage skills in design, writing, photography, video production to create engaging social content for clients across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn.
Use social media scheduling and analytics tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, and Sprout Social to efficiently manage multiple accounts.
Set up alerts for new social media job listings in your area. Nonprofits and startups can provide opportunities.
Volunteer to run social media for a charity, local event, community group to get experience.
Take online courses in social media marketing to learn best practices across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest. Apply skills.
Provide clients regular reports on performance and engagement. Make suggestions on improving social presence and strategy.
Have a professional online presence yourself and leverage your network. Referrals are often the best source of clients.

With the right mix of skills, organization, and self-motivation, social media management is a great remote or local part-time job/ best jobs for teenagers.

17. Fitness Instructor part-time jobs:

Look for opportunities at local gyms, health clubs, and fitness studios teaching classes like aerobics, yoga, spin, Zumba, etc. Experience taking group classes is helpful.
Outdoor programs like bootcamps and park district fitness programs also hire instructors seasonally. Your own transportation is useful.
Get certified in CPR/First Aid/AED courses. This is often a requirement for instructors to handle any emergencies.
Consider earning relevant certifications from accredited programs to teach specific formats like RYT-200 for yoga, AFAA for group fitness.
Shadow experienced instructors first to learn class choreography, cueing, music selection, equipment use, and student engagement.
Start by teaching just a few classes per week during off-peak times until you build experience, reviews, and following.
Promote your classes through the gyms as well as your own channels like social media. Offer first-time promotions to attract new students.
Arrive early to set up equipment and playlists. Stay energetic, motivating and engaged with participants throughout sessions.
Pay usually starts around $20 per class depending on gym location and class size/popularity.

Teaching fitness classes allows you to share your passion for health and wellness while making a difference in your students’ lives.

18. Event Planning part-time jobs for students:

Look for roles at local event management companies helping coordinate corporate events, weddings, conferences etc. Entry-level positions often available.
Check if your school or student unions have openings for helping plan campus events like concerts, festivals, talks. Great way to gain experience.
Offer your services for birthday parties, celebrations and other social events to friends and neighbors. Start small to build a portfolio.
Volunteer at local conferences, fundraisers and events to get experience. Reach out to organizers directly.
Identify local venues like hotels, conference centers, and banquet halls hiring part-time assistants. Customer service and sales skills valued.
Be skilled at details like scheduling, vendor communication, budgeting, promotion, setup/teardown. Organizational skills are key.
Take courses in hospitality, event management, public relations for additional training in the field.
Get certified in event software like Cvent and sign up for professional associations like Meeting Professionals International.
Be prepared to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends as events happen outside standard business hours.
Pay varies based on role and experience but expect $12-$18 per hour for entry-level event roles.

With creativity and strong work ethic best jobs for teenagers, event planning can be a fast-paced, exciting part-time job for students.

19. Graphic Design part-time jobs for teenagers:

Offer design services to local small businesses for projects like logos, flyers, brochures, social media graphics, menus, signage. Start by helping out family/friend businesses.
Check for openings at local print shops to help with document and invitation layouts, operating printers, prepping files.
Look for roles at t-shirt/gift shops creating designs for merchandise. Seasonal shops at malls also hire part-time.
Freelance for design firms needing production help with preparing presentation decks, assembling marketing materials, doing basic image editing.
Assist school clubs, bands, events with poster designs, websites, merchandise. Great way to build portfolio.
Submit creative designs like sticker art, phone wallpaper, desktop backgrounds to online platforms like Redbubble that pay royalties.
Offer tutoring/training services teaching design software like Canva, Illustrator, Photoshop. Do group classes.
Build a portfolio website showcasing your best creative work in different design formats and styles.
Leverage social media to network, market designs, and identify clients. Instagram is great for visual work. Use relevant hashtags.
Set hourly or project rates based on complexity, turnaround time, and purpose. Start low as you gain experience.

Graphic design allows best jobs for teenagers to make money doing creative work that develops in-demand skills.

20. Delivery Driver part-time jobs for teenagers:

There are several best part time jobs for teenagers delivery driver jobs available for teenagers and will find jobs at BG job, including food delivery, newspaper delivery, and delivery driving for companies like UPS and USPS. Here are some key points to consider:

Food Delivery:

Many restaurants and food delivery companies like UberEats, GrubHub, or DoorDash offer part-time delivery driver positions. However, you must be 18 years old to become a driver for DoorDash and 19 years old for UberEats and GrubHub

Newspaper Delivery:

This is typically an early-morning job, making it suitable for college students. You can sign up with a local newspaper delivery service to deliver papers to subscribers

U.S. Postal Service Driver:

To be eligible to drive for the U.S. Postal Service, you must be 18 years old and have at least two years of driving experience. The application process includes medical and drug screening, as well as a driving record check

Florist Delivery:

Some florists offer delivery services, and you can sign up to deliver flowers and plants to customers

Personal Errands Runner:

Teens can also work as personal errand runners, helping individuals with daily tasks and running errands

When considering a part-time delivery driver job, it’s essential to ensure that the job is suitable for a teenager and that the employer is aware of the driving restrictions and requirements for minors

Conclusion:

These 20 job opportunities provide teenagers with a diverse range of options to explore their interests, build valuable skills, and earn money. Whether through traditional roles like retail or food service, or more modern opportunities in freelancing and online platforms, teenagers can find fulfilling employment that contributes to their personal and professional growth. Balancing work with school commitments, these jobs pave the way for a successful and well-rounded future.