The Highest-Paying Jobs for Teenagers

Being a teenager is exciting, but it also comes with certain struggles. One struggle is financial issues, as many teenagers are planning for their futures and preparing to attend university. But teenagers are just entering the workforce and aren’t likely to be paid high wages. 

This article will cover how to find the highest-paying jobs for teens, find out what companies are willing to employ teens, and get tips that you need to succeed in your job.

What is a Teenager?

Teenagers are young adults from 13 to 19 years old. There are many reasons why a teenager may decide to begin working. They are approaching adulthood and will begin to assume some responsibilities, especially as they near their 20s. Disposable cash becomes extremely important to teenagers as they start to explore the world and seek independence. 

What Jobs Are Available to Teenagers?

Teenagers will usually take part-time jobs that do not require a degree, as most teenagers do not have one. Younger teenagers are known for taking simple jobs such as babysitting, cleaning houses, running errands, doing yard work, pet-sitting, or working as remote tutors. These jobs enable them to work minimal hours while making extra cash. 

Older teenagers can handle more complicated jobs that come with better pay. They can work as freelancers, summer camp counselors, clerks at resorts, or cashiers at retail jobs. Teenagers who are career-oriented chase their first jobs in an industry that interests them. For example, a teen interested in the legal field may work as an administrative assistant for a law firm.

Companies That Hire Teenagers

• McDonald’s. McDonald’s is one of the biggest fast-food companies in the world. It is a good place for young people to work because of its many youth-friendly roles. 
• Starbucks. Starbucks is the largest coffeehouse chain in the world. It’s an American company headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Starbucks is a great place for teenagers to find part-time work because of the flexibility it offers. 
• Burger King. Burger King is a multinational fast-food company. Teenagers can work a multitude of rules at this company.
• Walmart. Walmart is a retail giant with a global presence. Walmart operates a chain of discount department stores, grocery stores, and superstores. The company has job roles such as cashiers and retail store associates available to teenagers.
• Kohl’s. Kohl’s is a popular American retail chain, owned by Kohl’s Corporation. The company has over 1,000 stores in almost all states in the US. Kohl’s has several available jobs for teens including retail sales associates and material handlers.

10 Highest-Paying Jobs for Teenagers

Teenagers can get work in various industries. Many of these teen jobs pay more than minimum wage, making them ideal fits for young people. Keep reading below as we discuss each of these jobs and their requirements.

Factory Assembler

A factory assembler helps maintain equipment, fabricate products, and repair components in a factory. The duties of factory assemblers include reading blueprints, inspecting products, and reporting discrepancies to supervisors.

A high school diploma is good enough to apply for this job. Hand-eye coordination, the ability to pay attention to detail, and being comfortable with repetitive tasks are requirements for this role. Good eyesight is important because you need to read blueprints, follow directions, and read important documents. Knowledge of safety techniques is also very important for this job. 

Retail Sales Associate

A retail sales associate sells goods to customers in a retail store. The responsibilities of a retail associate include completing sales transactions and stock maintenance. You will also help clients make informed choices on purchases by offering a description of products. 

A retail sales associate must have sales skills, product knowledge, and good communication skills. You must be familiar with the prices of products and ensure that the surroundings are clean and well-organized. Having a friendly and professional attitude with customers is a necessity.

Camp Counselor

A camp counselor is tasked with the supervision and education of children at camps. Planning activities is one of their most important responsibilities. A summer camp that includes swimming lessons must have a counselor that can supervise and perform CPR. For drama camps, a counselor is expected to teach kids acting techniques.

Teenagers from the age of 15 can work as counselors. Training for this role is usually conducted quickly before the camp starts. Camps of all kinds exist, including general summer camps, and sport or activity-specific camps.

House Cleaner

House cleaners clean the homes of clients. Some of their duties include vacuuming and mopping floors, cleaning sinks, countertops, and tubs, and dusting baseboards and ceiling fans. Many cleaners scrub appliances, clean up pets, and take care of laundry. Sometimes deep cleaning is necessary. 

In addition to working in homes, cleaners can also work in office buildings. House cleaners must be in good physical shape as the work can be very tedious. As a cleaner, you must pay attention to details and be knowledgeable in basic cleaning skills. Interpersonal skills are also relevant as a friendly and reliable nature will earn you referrals.

Delivery Person

Delivery people pick up, transport, and drop off products to consumers. They typically will pick up products from a warehouse, grocery store, or restaurant. Good driving skills, navigation and organization skills, and good physical shape are required. 

Daycare Assistant

Daycare assistants help in the daily running of a daycare center or classroom. Daycare assistants supervise children, help to develop a daily schedule, monitor hygiene habits, prepare meals, and organize activities. 

Another task is to document the progress of every child and speak with their parents. Teenagers with a high school diploma can apply for this job. Experience working with children is also a requirement for some employers. 

Cashier

A cashier’s job is to receive and disburse money to complete financial transactions. They also act as a medium between customers and the establishment for which they work. A cashier should have great interpersonal and customer service skills. Cashiers can be employed in a wide range of industries and work in retail stores, movie theaters, grocery stores, or banks.

Fast-Food Server

The job of a fast-food server is to take orders, prepare orders, and clear tables. A food server also performs other tasks that have to do with providing customers with food and drinks. This role is mainly a part-time job. 

Fast-food servers need to pay attention to detail, understand basic kitchen routines, and be able to work fast. Cafeterias, snack bars, and limited-service restaurants are the major employers of fast-food servers. 

Waiter/Waitress

Waiters work in the foodservice industry in sit-down restaurants and bars. A waiter presents customers with menus and offers details on the different options. Other duties include sending orders to the kitchen and bringing them to the guests when they are ready. They also get tips from customers which can greatly increase their earnings.

Gas Station Attendant

The job of a gas station attendant is to provide customers with assistance at a full-service gas station. They greet customers, clean windows, pump gasoline, check tire pressure, check fluid levels, and process payments. 

Gas station attendants also make sure the surroundings are clean by emptying trash bins and sweeping floors. Gas station attendants must know basic vehicle mechanics, have basic math skills, and know certain safety protocols. 

Tips for Finding Success as a Teenage Worker

Job hunting can be a daunting task for everyone. Even adults do not find it easy. But as a young person, there are some steps that you can take to help increase your chances of getting hired. You will also need to learn how to manage your expectations if you don’t get your first job within a short period of searching. Check out some useful tips below.

1. Consider Pros and Cons. You need to be sure getting a job is the right thing for you. Do you have enough time to work? Will working affect your school activities? Consider your schedule and how you will get to and from your job.
2. Make a Resume. One of the first things you need to do is to put together a strong resume. A resume should contain relevant information about you that will make a potential employer consider you for a role. 
3. Find Leads. There are several things you can do to make your job search easier. Check frequently for openings online. Speak with your peers who may be searching for jobs as they could have vital information that may help you. 
4. Prepare for Interviews. Prepare for potential meetings with employers by researching the role and the company. You should also prepare for tests if this will be a part of the process. 
5. Keep an Open Mind. Note that you may not be successful in your first few attempts. Keeping an open mind helps you to manage your expectations and not get too disappointed if things don’t immediately work out.

Jobs for Teenagers Outlook

The future is bright for American teenagers looking for work. According to an article in The New York Times, recent statistics have shown a sharp increase in the number of 16 to 19-year-olds who have jobs.

The figure is at the highest it has ever been since the 2008 recession. Around 256,000 youths within that age group gained employment in April 2021. More jobs will continue to be available for teenagers in the future if these figures above prove to be a trend.

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