2 days ago
These Are 15 High-Paying Jobs for Teens in 2025
Teen jobs with competitive pay? These 15 gigs offer top rates.
Fact checked by Sarah Scott
Getting your first job is a rite of passage. However, when it comes to teen employment, the rate at which the youngest workers are getting hired has slowed considerably.
Unemployment for teens between the ages of 16 to 19 has increased by around 17% in the last year alone, according to HR Brew, a business newsletter. Meanwhile, outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas predicted teens would gain around 1 million jobs from May through July 2025, a drop from 1.1 million last year and the lowest number of teen jobs added to the market since 2010.
Still, all hope is not lost for teens who are job searching, as long as they know where to look. A new report from Resume Genius explores the industries that are hiring teens, and rounded up 15 high-paying jobs for those ages 16 to 19 years olds, per data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Turns out, teens can have some serious earning potential.
'There's a widespread misconception that teenagers can only get minimum wage jobs," Nathan Soto, Career Expert at Resume Genius, said in a press release. "However, our report shows that there are plenty of jobs employing teens that pay well, build confidence, and can even lay the groundwork for future career success.'
15 Jobs Your Teen May Be Interested In
Whether a summer job or working throughout the year, here are 15 options offering teens more than minimum wage, according to the report.
Food service manager, $31.40 median hourly wage
About 33,000 U.S. teens work as food service managers, the report says. This job typically requires having worked in food service for a while, so, in general, it would be one for older teens who have worked their way up from positions like food runners, hosts, and servers.
Carpenter, $28.51
Working as a carpenter requires hands-on experience, although classes in woodworking and apprenticeships can help with developing carpentry skills. This job involves tasks such as building, repairs, and installing. Keep in mind, carpentry and other skilled trade jobs are in steady demand.
Retail supervisor, $25.01
About 37,000 teens work as retail supervisors, which typically involves managing store operations. Tasks including creating schedules and training retail workers are standard. There are no specific training programs for this job, but teens can get into the industry by starting at an entry-level job, such as a cashier or a retail worker, and moving up.
Auto service tech and mechanic, $23.88
The report says the auto industry employs around 44,000 teens. Many get into the field by taking auto shop classes in school, though vocational programs and apprenticeships can be a foot in the door, too. Likewise, many repair shops offer entry level positions for teens just starting out.
Administrative assistant, $22.82
Teens who are looking for office jobs can consider becoming administrative assistants. This job requires a high school diploma and some basic computer skills, so it's a safe bet for many older teens.
Construction worker, $22.41
Construction is an industry that's expected to grow faster than average from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Currently, 104,000 teens work in the field, according to the report. While the job may not always require formal training, it's a hands-on gig that involves being outside often, intense labor like heavy lifting, and handling machinery.
Office clerk, $20.97
This job typically requires a high school diploma and basic computer skills, but many office clerks learn on the fly. While there are no certificates or training required, it's a good fit for teens with good organizational skills.
Customer service representative, $20.59
This industry employs the most teens, by far, with 236,000 working in the industry, the report says. If your teen loves talking to people, it may be a good job for them. In the long-term, though, this one likely requires a good bit of patience. But as a summer gig? It's tough to beat.
Delivery truck driver, $20.56
You usually need to be over the age of 18 to work as a delivery truck driver. This one requires a driver's license and a good driving record. It doesn't require any special certifications, unless teens are looking to drive larger vehicles. In that case, a commercial driver's license (CDL) would be necessary.
Landscaper, $19.13
Yard work and landscaping has long been an in-demand job and special certifications aren't required for it. Licensing can give more credibility to landscapers down the road, but it's certainly not a requirement for teens new to the industry. If your teen enjoys it, it can even motivate them to start their own landscaping business in the future.
Nursing assistant, $18.96
For teens who enjoy medicine, a nursing assistant can be a nice opportunity. In order to get a job as a nursing assistant, teens would need to complete a state-approved training program, then pass an exam. It's not an unpopular gig, according to Resume Genius which says around 68,000 teens work in the industry. Tasks include things like assisting patients, monitoring their vitals, and communicating with nursing staff.
Security guard, $18.46
Teens who want to work in security need a bit of training, including CPR training, as well as physical training, and sometimes a license to work in the field. Likewise, most security guard positions require teens to be high school graduates and at least 18 years old. This job can involve anything from guarding storefronts to watching security cameras.
Courier, $18.44
Couriers delivering packages usually need to have a driver's license and some basic customer service skills. Given just how many businesses now offer delivery, such as Uber Eats, Amazon, and even local grocery store delivery, there are many courier jobs for teens to choose from.
Stocker, $18.12
Many teens work as stockers, with around 188,000 working in the industry, per the report. The job involves receiving packages, unboxing them (we know teens love this), and bringing them from the stockroom to the sales floor.
Packager, $18.12
Becoming a packager doesn't require any formal education and usually comes with on-site training. Per the report, the gig involves packing, labeling, and getting items ready for shipment.
Helping Your Teen Find a Job
Of course, these aren't the only jobs available and your teen's interests and skills come into play when looking for employment. Overall, working offers teens various benefits, including improving responsibility, gaining experience, financial independence, and management skills.
Your teen may also lean on you for help finding a job and that's OK. If needed, look over their resume, conduct mock interviews, and offer advice. If they have no idea where to start looking for a job, the report from Resume Genius also offers solid advice.
Check local businesses. See if any places in the neighborhood are hiring. Teens can do that by walking around and spotting "Help Wanted" signs.
Attend local job fairs. Those can be found through their school, local community centers, or the Chamber of Commerce Directory.
Tap school resources. Teens can speak with their guidance counselor or someone from their school's career office for suggestions and job leads.
Create an online presence. Encourage your teen to also create a LinkedIn profile. And speak to them about what they post online. It's not unusual for employers to search prospective candidates online.
Read the original article on Parents
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