Best Jobs for Teens – Smart Career Starts
When it comes to finding the best jobs for teens, there are several factors to consider. Teenagers need jobs that fit their schedules, provide valuable experience, and offer fair compensation. In this article, we will explore a variety of part-time, high-paying, and flexible job opportunities that are perfect for high school students and teenagers. Whether it’s a summer job or a year-round employment opportunity, these jobs will help teens kick-start a smart career.
Key Takeaways:
- Teens have a range of job opportunities that fit their schedules and provide valuable experience.
- Part-time jobs, high-paying jobs, and flexible jobs are ideal for high school students and teenagers.
- Babysitting, barista, camp counselor, and delivery driver are some of the best jobs for teenagers.
- Teens should consider their interests, qualifications, and availability when choosing a job.
- Starting a career early can set teens up for success in their future endeavors.
Babysitter
Babysitting is one of the most common jobs for teens, offering a great opportunity to demonstrate responsibility and earn some extra cash. It is suitable for 14-year-olds and 15-year-olds looking for part-time or summer employment. As a babysitter, teens are entrusted with the important task of taking care of children, ensuring their safety, and providing entertainment. It’s a rewarding role that allows teens to develop valuable skills and build relationships with families.
Responsibilities
As a babysitter, your responsibilities may vary depending on the age of the children and any specific instructions from parents. Some common responsibilities include:
- Supervising and engaging with children
- Ensuring the safety and well-being of the children
- Preparing meals and snacks
- Assisting with bedtime routines
- Helping with light housekeeping tasks related to the children
Qualifications
While there are no specific qualifications required to be a babysitter, certain qualities can make you more successful in this role. These include:
- Responsibility and reliability
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Patience and the ability to handle unexpected situations
- Basic knowledge of child development and safety
- CPR certification (can give you an advantage)
Pay
The pay for babysitters can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the number of children being cared for. On average, babysitters earn a median of $14.29 per hour. While the pay may not be the highest, the experience gained and the skills developed can be invaluable for future endeavors.
“Babysitting allows teens to gain real-life experience in responsibility, problem-solving, and multitasking. It’s a job that can have a positive impact on their personal and professional development.”
Barista
Working as a barista is a popular choice for teens who enjoy serving coffee and other beverages. As a barista, teens will need to pay attention to detail and have excellent customer service skills. On-the-job training is usually provided to teach teens how to prepare a variety of drinks. This job can be fast-paced, but it can also be rewarding to interact with customers and be part of a coffeehouse environment. The median pay for a barista is $11.57 per hour.
| Responsibilities | Qualifications | Training Required | Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparing and serving coffee and other beverages | Attention to detail, customer service skills | On-the-job training | $11.57 per hour |
Busser
Teens who are interested in working in the restaurant industry may consider a job as a busser. Bussers play a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness and efficiency of a restaurant by clearing tables in a timely manner, allowing the dishwasher to clean tableware for reuse. This job requires a keen eye for identifying finished meals and the ability to work on your feet in a fast-paced environment. Good teamwork skills are essential for collaborating with waitstaff and kitchen staff to ensure a smooth dining experience for customers.
As a busser, you will:
- Clear tables, clean and sanitize them promptly
- Assist in resetting tables and arranging seating
- Restock supplies, such as napkins and utensils
- Collaborate with waitstaff to ensure efficient service
Qualifications for a busser position may include:
- Ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
- Attention to detail in identifying empty or finished tables
- Physical endurance for standing and walking for extended periods
Working as a busser provides an opportunity to learn about the operations of a restaurant and develop teamwork and time management skills. Additionally, it can be a great way for teens to earn money and gain practical work experience.
| Job Title | Median Pay |
|---|---|
| Busser | $11.14 per hour |
Take a look at the image below to get a glimpse of what being a busser entails:
Call Center Representative
Call center representatives play a crucial role in providing exceptional customer service. Working across multiple industries, such as retail and technology, these representatives handle customer inquiries through phone calls, messaging, and email. If you have a knack for problem-solving and a passion for technology, this job might be the perfect fit for you.
As a call center representative, you’ll receive on-the-job training to familiarize yourself with the company’s products or services. This training will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to address customer concerns efficiently and effectively.
Strong communication skills are essential in this role, as you’ll be interacting with customers from various backgrounds. Your main objective will be to provide accurate and helpful information, resolve issues, and ensure customer satisfaction.
Qualifications
- Interest in technology: A genuine interest in technology will help you excel in this role, as you’ll be dealing with products, services, and technical inquiries.
- Strong communication skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are important to effectively communicate with customers and provide exceptional service.
- Problem-solving abilities: As a call center representative, you’ll often encounter challenging situations. The ability to think critically and find solutions quickly will set you apart.
Training and Technology
Call center representatives receive comprehensive training to ensure they are familiar with the company’s processes, products, and software tools. This training will help you handle customer interactions confidently and efficiently.
Technology plays a vital role in the call center environment. Customer relationship management (CRM) tools, knowledge bases, and communication platforms are commonly used to manage customer interactions seamlessly. Familiarity with these technologies will enable you to provide prompt and accurate assistance to customers.
Salary and Compensation
The median annual salary for call center representatives is $30,855 per year. Keep in mind that this figure may vary based on factors such as location, industry, and level of experience.
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Call Center Representative | $30,855 |
“Being a call center representative allows you to make a positive impact on customer experiences. It’s a rewarding job that offers excellent growth opportunities in various industries.”
Camp Counselor
Being a camp counselor is an excellent job for teens who enjoy working with children and leading fun activities. There are many types of camps, including wilderness camps, sports camps, and academic camps. Camp counselors should have an interest in working with kids and a passion for the camp’s subject matter. This job provides an opportunity to develop leadership skills and create memorable experiences for campers. The median pay for a camp counselor is $13.51 per hour.
Working as a camp counselor allows teens to engage in rewarding work while having a positive impact on the lives of young campers. It’s an opportunity to foster personal growth and build lasting relationships with both the children and fellow counselors. As a camp counselor, teens get to be a role model, mentor, and friend, guiding campers through various activities and creating an inclusive and enjoyable environment.
Qualifications for becoming a camp counselor may vary depending on the camp’s requirements. Typically, camps seek individuals who have completed their sophomore or junior year of high school, although some camps may hire older or younger candidates. Previous experience working with children, such as babysitting or volunteering, is often preferred. Good communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as campers come from diverse backgrounds and may have different needs and abilities.
Camp counselors are responsible for leading and supervising activities, ensuring the safety and well-being of campers, and facilitating their personal growth. They plan and organize daily schedules, lead group games, teach new skills, and provide guidance and support to campers. Whether it’s leading a hike in the wilderness, teaching arts and crafts, or organizing team-building exercises, camp counselors play a vital role in creating a fun and enriching camp experience.
Here’s an example of a typical camp counselor schedule:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00 am | Wake campers up and supervise morning routines |
| 9:00 am | Lead group activities (e.g., arts and crafts, sports) |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch break and supervision |
| 1:00 pm | Outdoor adventure activity (e.g., hiking, swimming) |
| 4:00 pm | Free time and interactive games |
| 6:00 pm | Dinner break and supervision |
| 7:00 pm | Evening activity (e.g., campfire, talent show) |
| 9:00 pm | Bedtime routine and supervision |
Working as a camp counselor provides an enriching experience that goes beyond earning a paycheck. It allows teens to develop valuable skills such as leadership, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Employers highly value these skills, making camp counseling an excellent addition to a teenager’s resume.
Car Wash Attendant
Car wash attendants play a crucial role in assisting customers with their car cleaning needs. They provide assistance throughout the car wash process, ensuring that customers’ cars are immaculately cleaned inside and out. This job often involves physically washing and drying the exterior of cars, as well as vacuuming and cleaning the interior.
On-the-job training is typically provided for car wash attendants, allowing them to learn the proper techniques and use of cleaning equipment. While attention to detail is essential, this role also requires strength and stamina to handle the physical demands of the job. It is perfectly suited for teens who don’t mind engaging in physical work.
In addition to the actual car cleaning tasks, car wash attendants also have the opportunity to interact with customers. Providing excellent customer service and ensuring customer satisfaction is a key aspect of this role. Teens who enjoy working with people will find this job particularly rewarding.
“Being a car wash attendant allows me to work with my hands and interact with customers. It’s satisfying to see a dirty car transformed into a sparkling clean vehicle, and the interactions with customers make the job enjoyable and meaningful.” – Emily, Car Wash Attendant
The median pay for a car wash attendant is $12.36 per hour. With the potential for tips, the actual earnings can be even higher. This makes it a competitive job option for teens looking to earn a fair wage while gaining valuable work experience.
Cashier
Cashiers play a vital role in the retail industry, working in various settings such as grocery stores, department stores, and hardware stores. As a cashier, you are responsible for efficiently and accurately processing customers’ purchases, handling cash transactions, and sometimes assisting with bagging items. This job requires good stamina and exceptional customer service skills, as you interact with customers on a daily basis.
While formal qualifications may not be necessary, on-the-job training is usually provided to familiarize cashiers with the store’s policies, procedures, and equipment, such as cash registers and barcode scanners. Moreover, being familiar with the store’s prices and product inventory is a plus, enabling you to assist customers with any inquiries they may have.
Working as a cashier provides an opportunity to develop essential numeracy skills, as you handle money, count change, and ensure accurate pricing. Additionally, the role allows for valuable interaction with customers, enhancing your interpersonal and communication skills.
The median pay for a cashier is $11.29 per hour, although wages may vary depending on the location and type of establishment.
“Being a cashier taught me the importance of attentiveness and organization. I’ve learned how to handle different types of customers and provide excellent service, which has been valuable in all aspects of my life.”
Catering Coordinator
Are you a food enthusiast with a knack for organization? Consider a part-time job as a catering coordinator! This role offers a range of exciting tasks, from answering phone inquiries to food preparation and delivering delicious meals to events. As a catering coordinator, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your organizational skills and attention to detail in coordinating catering orders.
| Role | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Answering phone inquiries | Providing information about catering services, taking orders, and addressing customer queries. |
| Food preparation | Ensuring that all dishes are prepared with precision, maintaining high-quality standards. |
| Delivering food to events | Bringing the delicious creations to customers, ensuring on-time delivery and excellent customer service. |
This job is ideal for teenagers who have flexible hours and a passion for food. If you enjoy contributing to event planning and creating memorable experiences for guests, a position as a catering coordinator may be the perfect fit. With this role, you’ll have the opportunity to bring your creative ideas to the table and leave a lasting impression on guests.
The median pay for a catering coordinator is $11.14 per hour, providing a competitive wage for your valuable contributions.
Join the exciting world of catering and showcase your culinary and organizational skills as a catering coordinator.
Delivery Driver
Delivery drivers play a crucial role in ensuring that customers receive their food orders in a timely manner. Whether it’s a pizza from the local pizzeria or a gourmet meal from a high-end restaurant, these dedicated individuals make sure that meals are delivered hot and fresh.
Working as a delivery driver is often an opportunity available through local restaurants or delivery services like Grubhub, Uber Eats, or DoorDash. These platforms connect drivers with customers who are looking to have food delivered to their doorstep.
To become a delivery driver, having a valid driver’s license is a necessity. This not only allows drivers to operate a vehicle legally but also demonstrates their ability to drive responsibly. A good driving record is also typically required to ensure the safety of both the driver and the general public.
The qualifications for this job primarily revolve around driving skills and customer service. Delivery drivers must have a strong knowledge of the local area to navigate efficiently and deliver orders promptly. Excellent time management and organizational skills are crucial to handle multiple orders and ensure on-time deliveries.
When it comes to pay, the salary for food and beverage delivery drivers can vary depending on factors such as location, employer, and experience. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for delivery drivers in the United States is $32,391 per year.
Benefits of Being a Delivery Driver
Being a delivery driver offers several advantages for individuals looking for flexible work and an opportunity to earn income. Some of the benefits include:
- Flexible hours: Delivery drivers often have the option to choose their own schedules, allowing them to work part-time or even full-time, depending on their availability.
- Autonomy: Delivery drivers have the freedom to work independently, managing their time and routes to ensure efficient deliveries.
- Customer interaction: This job provides opportunities to interact with customers, creating a positive experience and potentially earning tips.
- Opportunities for growth: Working as a delivery driver can lead to various opportunities for career advancement within the food and beverage industry or related fields.
Delivering food to hungry customers requires more than just driving skills. It demands punctuality, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellent customer service. If you enjoy being on the road, providing a valuable service, and earning income, becoming a delivery driver might be the perfect match for you.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Flexible work hours | High responsibility on the road |
| Opportunities for tips | Potential for stressful situations |
| Autonomy and independence | Dependent on weather conditions |
| Potential career growth | Physical demands of carrying deliveries |
| Customer interaction | Variable and fluctuating income |
Dishwasher
Dishwashers play a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness and efficiency in restaurants. They are responsible for scrubbing and cleaning dishes, pots, and pans, ensuring that they are spotless and ready for use. This job requires physical strength and diligence, as it involves handling heavy loads and standing for extended periods of time.
While some may see this job as similar to doing household chores, it offers the added benefit of getting paid for your efforts. Dishwashing jobs provide an opportunity to work as part of a team and develop essential time management skills. As a dishwasher, you will learn how to prioritize tasks and work efficiently to keep up with the demands of a busy restaurant environment.
Although there are no formal qualifications required to become a dishwasher, having a strong work ethic and attention to detail is highly valued. Restaurants seek individuals who can work quickly and efficiently while maintaining high standards of cleanliness. With experience, there are often opportunities for advancement within the kitchen or other areas of the restaurant.
In terms of compensation, dishwashers typically earn a median pay of $11.16 per hour. While this may not be the highest-paying job, it provides an opportunity for young individuals to gain valuable work experience and earn a paycheck. Many teens find dishwasher roles to be a stepping stone into the hospitality industry, as it offers exposure to various aspects of restaurant operations.
Conclusion
Summer jobs and part-time employment provide valuable opportunities for teens to gain work experience, develop skills, and earn money. The jobs mentioned in this article offer a range of options that can suit different interests and schedules. Whether it’s babysitting, working in a restaurant, or exploring a career in customer service, teens can find rewarding employment opportunities that can shape their future careers.
It’s important for teens to consider their interests, qualifications, and availability when choosing a job, and to make the most of their summer earnings by saving, budgeting, or investing in their future. By starting their career journey early, teens can set themselves up for success in their future endeavors. Whether they choose to pursue higher education or enter the workforce directly, the skills and experiences gained from these jobs will prove valuable in their personal and professional growth.
So, if you’re a teen looking for a job, take some time to explore the options mentioned in this article. Assess your strengths, interests, and availability, and make a thoughtful decision that aligns with your goals. Remember, the job you choose now can be a stepping stone towards a successful and fulfilling career in the future.
FAQ
What are some good jobs for teens?
There are several good jobs for teens, such as babysitting, working as a barista, being a camp counselor, and working as a dishwasher. These jobs provide valuable experience and flexible schedules for high school students and teenagers.
What are some part-time jobs for teens?
Part-time jobs for teens include working as a babysitter, a barista, a busser, a call center representative, a camp counselor, a car wash attendant, a cashier, a catering coordinator, a delivery driver, and a dishwasher. These jobs offer the opportunity for high school students and teenagers to work while balancing their school commitments.
Are there high-paying jobs for teens?
While many jobs for teens may not offer high pay, some high-paying jobs for teenagers include call center representatives and delivery drivers. These jobs provide competitive salaries and valuable experience for teenagers.
What are some entry-level jobs for teens?
Entry-level jobs for teens include babysitting, working as a barista, being a busser, working as a call center representative, being a camp counselor, working as a car wash attendant, being a cashier, working as a catering coordinator, being a delivery driver, and working as a dishwasher. These jobs often require minimal experience and offer teens the opportunity to gain valuable skills.
What are some flexible jobs for teens?
Flexible jobs for teens include babysitting, working as a barista, being a busser, working as a call center representative, being a camp counselor, working as a car wash attendant, being a cashier, working as a catering coordinator, being a delivery driver, and working as a dishwasher. These jobs provide teenagers with flexible schedules that can be adjusted to accommodate school and extracurricular activities.
Can teens find summer jobs?
Yes, there are several jobs for high school students and teenagers that are perfect for the summer. These include working as a babysitter, a camp counselor, a car wash attendant, a cashier, a catering coordinator, a delivery driver, and a dishwasher. These jobs offer teens the opportunity to earn money and gain valuable work experience during their summer break.
