15 Highest-Paying Teen Jobs In Summer 2025
With high school graduations ending and summer just around the corner, employers are looking for teen-aged job seekers. Most people tend to think that teenagers only get paid minimum wage, but a new study shows that many summer teen jobs pay big bucks, even serving as a foundation to prepare young workers for their future careers. A new report showcases 15 of the highest-paying teen jobs for summer of 2025 that don't require a college degree or full-time experience but still offer competitive compensation and benefits and salaries beyond delivering pizzas and flipping burgers.
In the past, I have reported on the highest-paying green jobs and side gigs that rival full-time wages. I was excited to discover a recent analysis that highlights lucrative summer teen jobs from the career experts at Resume Genius in their 2025 High-Paying Teen Jobs Report.
The team used the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data from 2024 to identify high-paying industries comprising a high percentage of teenage employees. Jobs were selected based on two criteria: they employed at least 20,000 teens (ages 16–19) and were ranked in descending order by median hourly wage, with the top 15 highest-paying roles making the final cut.
The final list features a mix of 15 teen-friendly jobs--some hands-on, manual roles as well as entry-level administrative and service. Each job title is ordered in descending order based on hourly income and includes the number of American teens currently employed in each role and the skills needed for each occupation.
1. Food service manager ($31.40 per hour). 33,000 teens employed. Skills needed: Leadership, customer service, problem solving and time management.
2. Carpenter ($28.51 per hour). 32,000 teens employed. Skills needed: Blueprint reading, attention to detail, safety awareness and ability to use tools.
3. Retail supervisor ($25.01 per hour). 37,000 teens employed. Skills needed: Leadership, customer service, conflict resolution and communication.
4. Automotive service technician ($23.88 per hour). 44,000 teens employed. Skills needed: Mechanical aptitude, problem-solving, diagnostic skills and customer service.
5. Administrative assistant ($22.82 per hour). 15,000 teens employed. Skills needed: Communication, organization and active listening.
6. Construction worker ($22.14 per hour). 104,000 teens employed. Skills needed: Physical strength and stamina, safety awareness, teamwork and ability to follow instructions.
7. Office clerk ($20.97 per hour). 63,000 teens employed). Skills needed: Organizational skills, multitasking, time management and customer service skills.
8. Customer service representative ($20.59 per hour). 236,000 teens employed. Skills needed: Communication skills, patience, problem-solving and active listening.
9. Delivery truck driver ($20.56 per hour). 47,000 teens employed. Skills needed: Time management, navigation skills, safe driving skills and vehicle maintenance knowledge.
10. Landscaping worker ($19.13 per hour). 74,000 teens employed. Skills needed: Landscape maintenance, planting, hardscaping and seasonal preparations.
11. Nursing assistant ($18.96 per hour). 68,000 teens employed. Skills needed: Basic medical knowledge, ability to follow protocols, empathy and attention to detail.
12. Security guard ($18.46 per hour). 18,000 teens employed. Skills needed: Weapons safety training, CPR & first aid, language skills and martial arts/physical combat training.
13. Courier ($18.44 per hour). 30,000 teens employed. Skills needed: Transportation logistics, customer service, vehicle repairs and traffic law knowledge.
14. Stocker ($18.12 per hour). 188,000 teens employed. Skills needed: Inventory management software, warehouse safety, organizational skills and attention to detail.
15. Packager ($18.12 per hour). 53,000 teens employed. Skills needed: Organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to lift up to 70 lbs and communication.
According to Nathan Soto, career expert at Resume Genius,'There's a widespread misconception that teenagers can only get minimum wage jobs. Our report shows that there are plenty of jobs employing teens that pay well and can even lay the groundwork for their future careers.'
If you're a teenager looking for a job this summer, you have to know where to look. The career experts at Resume Genius offer four tips to help make your first job search easier.
If you're seeking your first job, the career experts suggest that you might benefit from looking close to home. You can walk around your neighborhood and watch for 'Help Wanted' signs in shop windows. Even if no sign is posted, the advise that you shouldn't hesitate to inquire about openings.
By preparing a simple, entry-level resume and visiting local cafés, retail stores, supermarkets and restaurants, you can introduce yourself to managers and ask about available positions. 'Many businesses value young applicants who show enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, so this proactive approach can set them apart.' experts say.
'At a job fair, teenage job seekers have the chance to speak directly with company representatives, explore different industries and even participate in on-the-spot interviews,' the experts point out.
They suggest that you can check with your school guidance office, local community centers or the Chamber of Commerce to learn about upcoming events in your area. Arriving prepared with several copies of your resume and an appropriate outfit can help them make a strong first impression.
'Teachers, counselors and school administrators often know local business owners or hear about entry-level opportunities well suited to students,' the experts explain. 'They can provide recommendations or references, which are especially valuable for candidates with limited experience.'
If you visit the school's career office or speak with a guidance counselor, you could discover work-study programs, internships or other openings. Tapping into these resources can open doors to both experience and earnings.
The experts state that even with minimal work history, you can gain an edge by establishing a basic LinkedIn profile that highlights your skills, academic achievements and extracurricular activities.
They add that if you follow companies of interest, it allows you to stay informed about job postings. And maintaining a professional and appropriate online persona is crucial, as many employers review candidates' digital footprints.
'Even if it's their first job, we want to encourage teens to pursue high-paying opportunities that promote financial independence and career readiness," Soto explains. 'There are plenty of fulfilling roles that allow young workers to start building valuable experience early in their young adult lives, but you just have to know where to look.'
There's nothing wrong with flipping burgers or delivering pizzas, but it's important that parents and young people know that these highest-paying teen jobs not only offer big salaries but also lay the foundation for future careers.
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