Start your career with these 11 summer jobs for teens
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over half of teens worked in the summer of 2021. Additionally, new data reveals that unemployment among teens age 16-19 is at a near all-time low and fell to just 10.2%. Don't get left behind!
Getting a job looks good on your college applications, it can help you figure out what you like to do, and (of course) it means money in your bank account. Jen Ben, HR Business Partner, Human Resources at CareerBuilder, advises, “Apply for jobs that not only spark your interest but will also help you build towards your future career.” She adds, “Even if you don’t know exactly what you want to do, find something that will teach you how to build transferable skills such as communication, time management, organization, and teamwork.”
The United States allows teenagers to get a job at the age of 14, but every state has its own set of labor regulations that might affect your job search. Take a look at this resource to find out the labor laws in your state, and upload your resume to CareerBuilder to get started.
11 jobs for teens
Here are 11 great jobs you can get as a teenager in many states:
Working as a golf caddy lets you earn money, meet local business owners, and practice your backswing after hours. These employees work for private golf courses and country clubs, providing a variety of services for members. They might drive members around in golf carts, carry golf equipment, or chase after stray golf balls. Depending on the club and the caddie's experience, they might also teach golf lessons.
Average hourly earnings: $12.30 plus tips
Lifeguards keep swimmers safe at municipal pools, water parks, campgrounds, beaches, and gymnasiums. They monitor swimmers, ensure visitors follow posted rules, and rescue swimmers in distress. Some employers prefer candidates who already have a lifeguard certificate from a reputable organization, like the Red Cross. Earning a certification also opens you up to working as a lifeguard at private parties, where you can work on your tan and make major tips.
Average hourly earnings: $13.00
If you have a driver's license, you might find work as a valet attendant at an event venue, restaurant, or museum. Working as a valet attendant gives you the chance to drive luxury cars (and earn luxury tips). Busy times for valet attendants include evenings and weekends, allowing you to pick up extra hours outside of school. Pro tip: Learn how to drive a stick shift, so you'll be the most popular member of the valet staff.
Average hourly earnings: $13.45 plus tips
Baristas make coffee beverages and other drinks for customers at independent coffee shops and chain locations. It's a great opportunity to get started in a fast-paced, popular industry, immerse yourself in coffee culture, and maybe gain additional opportunities in the restaurant industry. You may even get free drinks during your shift. You can also learn customer service and food prep skills that can help you move up in the hospitality or restaurant world.
Average hourly earnings: $13.90 plus tips
Bussers work in restaurants and cafeterias, setting tables and collecting dishes once customers have finished eating. They might also clean the restaurant before closing, wash dishes, and take orders if the kitchen is short-staffed. If you're interested in the restaurant industry, working as a busser is a great way to learn the ropes. Plus, you might get free food or a discount at the restaurant.
Average hourly earnings: $13.90 plus tips
Recreation assistants help manage activities at theme parks, recreation centers, and festivals. You might set up game equipment, monitor patrons, take ticket payments, and provide first aid as needed. This can be a great opportunity to learn customer services skills in a fun environment, and you might get free tickets for you and your friends.
Average hourly earnings: $14.90
A landscaping job can teach you about gardening and landscape architecture, which could translate to a great long-term career. Landscape laborers might perform a range of tasks, including mowing grass, seeding lawns, spraying pesticides, and laying mulch or pine straw. In this job, you might work in different locations every day, from private homes to public parks.
Average hourly earnings: $16.25
If you have access to a vehicle, you can become a delivery driver after school and on the weekends for restaurants, florists, or food delivery apps. Delivery drivers pick up food, flowers, or other merchandise from a vendor and deliver it to the customer. You can blast your music and earn great tips, and this gig won't tie you to a desk.
Average hourly earnings: $16.55 plus tips
Grocery clerks perform a wide range of tasks in independent and chain grocery stores. They might stock inventory, ring up customers, bag groceries, or help customers find items in the store. Clerks have access to all the grocery store's employee bonuses, like retirement savings, unions, and discounts! You can also earn a promotion to shift leader or floor manager, which means higher pay.
Average hourly earnings: $19.10
Cashiers complete financial transactions for customers in a wide range of stores and other businesses. You might get a cashier job at a fast-food restaurant, boutique, mall kiosk, salon, or department store. Depending on where you work, you might also do administrative tasks, like cashing checks, handling refunds, or answering the phone. This job comes with lots of perks, including merchandise discounts, which means more shopping for less money!
Average hourly earnings: $19.10
Camp counselors work at day and overnight camp programs, planning activities and monitoring campers. They might plan recreational activities, lead campers on hikes, teach arts and crafts skills, and supervise cabin time. Camps often have large teenage staffs, which means you can work with your friends all summer and make amazing memories. It also lets you build leadership skills and looks good on a resume or college application.
Average hourly earnings: $21.95
More job search advice for teens
Learn about some great after-school jobs for teens.
Prepare for your future with career advice for the soon-to-be high school graduate.
Learn about starting your first job search.
Find a job that's in demand:
More career tips about help you excel at work:
Related Topics: Job Titles, Compare Salaries, Job Support Center, Career Advice, Find a Job
