25 Common Jobs From A to Z for Teens Seeking Employment
Updated April 18, 2024
Everyone remembers their first job. Learning skills outside of school and making a little money is great for teens. Our experts are breaking down the best jobs for teens! Watch and share it with the young person in your life.
Why should you get a job as a teenager?
Once you reach an employable age as defined by your state, you're able to accept professional employment and start working toward your future career. Here are some of the benefits of getting a job as a teenager:- Makes adolescent life more affordable: Getting a job lets you afford various luxuries such as electronic devices, clothes and gas money. It can also help you pay for your future education.
- Increases confidence: When you have a job, you're more apt to feel more confident and self-reliant.
- Increases independence: Getting a job as a teenager gets you out of the house. It also gives you your own set of responsibilities that can help you better prepare for adulthood and a proper work-life balance.
- Builds work experience: Starting your career early can help you gain valuable experience to add to your resume. You can use every opportunity—even part-time jobs—as a pathway to finding another job in the future.
- Builds your network: When you work at a younger age, you're able to establish professional contacts sooner. These can transform into valuable relationships that further your career.
Do you need help with your resume?
Jobs for teenagers from A to Z
There are several opportunities across various industries. When you understand your skills, expertise and passion, it's easier to make an informed decision regarding your future position. Here are 30 jobs for teenagers, national average salaries and primary duties:1. Auto detailer
National average salary: $37,175 per yearPrimary duties: An automotive detailer cleans vehicles according to client requirements or company standards and often works in a shop or dealership. They may be tasked with buffing, waxing, steaming and vacuuming interiors and exteriors.2. Babysitter
National average salary: $57,656 per yearPrimary duties: A babysitter looks out for the health and well-being of a child under their care. To ensure the child's safety, babysitters need to follow the guidelines provided by the child's parents. The parents may also ask them to prepare or purchase meals, perform educational activities and monitor their child's overall behavior.3. Baker
National average salary: $37,185 per yearPrimary duties: Bakers mix and prepare a variety of baked goods such as doughnuts, cupcakes, bread and pies. They order supplies, adhere to recipes and ensure all baked goods are tasteful and aesthetically pleasing.4. Concession stand worker
National average salary: $30,463 per yearPrimary duties: Concession stand workers serve at concession stands to provide food and drinks to people at different events. They will take beverage and food orders from guests, process payments and provide change. Concession stand workers are also in charge of keeping the concession stand area clean and presentable.5. Data entry clerk
National average salary: $40,389 per yearPrimary duties: Data entry clerks prepare source data and enter information into a company's database software. They use their attention to detail to review all spreadsheets and numbers for accuracy.6. Fast-food attendant
National average salary: $27,135 per yearPrimary duties: Fast-food attendants work in the fast-food environment to prepare and serve food or beverages to customers. They may work behind the counter taking orders from customers in the store or at the drive-thru. They may also clean parts of the lobby and bathroom areas, including the tables, floors, doors and windows.7. Grocery associate
National average salary: $46,077 per yearPrimary duties: Grocery associates will work behind a cash register to scan customers' items, bag their products, take payments and return change. They may also stock shelves, take inventory and assist customers in finding products.8. House cleaner
National average salary: $33,300 per yearPrimary duties: House cleaners or housekeepers are responsible for cleaning homes, hotels or other establishments. They usually vacuum, mop, sweep, dust and deep clean all rooms of a house, hotel room or designated area. Some housekeepers may also do laundry and other tasks required by the client.9. Janitor
National average salary: $39,110 per yearPrimary duties: A janitor keeps spaces safe and clean for those working or occupying the area. They may provide a variety of services, both indoors and outdoors, including maintaining furnishings and replacing fixtures. Janitors may use heavy equipment to perform various duties and may handle hazardous materials.10. Kennel assistant
National average salary: $27,708 per yearPrimary duties: Kennel assistants work in animal shelters and veterinary clinics to tend after dogs, cats and other domestic animals. Duties include feeding, bathing, medicating, grooming and cleaning. They may also be tasked with helping at the check-in counter.11. Landscape laborer
National average salary: $35,878 per yearPrimary duties: A landscape laborer works for a landscaping company and helps with lawn maintenance. Depending on the job they may only mow lawns, water plants and trim shrubbery, or they may assist with the installation of patios and walkways, or help set up lighting systems and sprinklers.12. Lifeguard
National average salary: $30,330 per yearPrimary duties: Lifeguards work at pools, beaches or aquatic centers to ensure the safety of guests swimming in the water. Other responsibilities include scanning the aquatic area to ensure swimmers are following safety guidelines and saving drowning or struggling swimmers. They are trained and certified in proper safety procedures, CPR and first aid. Per the American Red Cross, the minimum age to graduate from a lifeguard training course is 15 years old.13. Mover helper
National average salary: $37,861 per yearPrimary duties: A mover helper works with a moving company as an assistant. They help pack up boxes and furniture properly, and transport them to a moving truck to take to the new destination where they will then help unpack. They are responsible for handling all items with care and utilizing safe packaging techniques.14. Movie theater attendant
National average salary: $33,622 per yearPrimary duties: Movie theater attendants clean movie theaters, work concessions and take tickets. Cleaning up a movie theater, however, can be a dirty job at times.15. Outdoor garden center associate
National average salary: $44,944 per yearPrimary duties: Typical duties at a nursery include caring for plants, setting up displays, helping customers load supplies in their vehicles, cleaning, and more. This job could require some heavy lifting as well as customer service.16. Personal shopper
National average salary: $47,458 per yearPrimary duties Personal shoppers assist customers through various tasks including taking their orders, providing recommendations and answering questions. They use their communication skills to search for products and aim to understand their customer's needs. They also track shipments and typically engage with customers through the phone or via a live, online chat.17. Pet sitter
National average salary: $39,246 per yearPrimary duties: Pet sitters take care of a variety of pets such as dogs, cats and domesticated while their owners are away. They groom the pets, provide them with food and entertainment and take them for walks when applicable. Their main duty is to provide the pet with companionship and monitor their overall well-being.18. Restaurant server
National average salary: $32,845 per yearPrimary duties: Restaurant servers write down customers' orders and then serve them their food. They are also responsible for making sure customers are enjoying their experience and will bring them food, beverages, condiments or other requests. Servers may also escort guests to their seats if hosts aren't available, clean and wipe down tables and prepare customers' checks.19. Retail sales associate
National average salary: $43,169 per yearPrimary duties: Retail sales associates work in a store to greet customers, sell products and answer any questions. They are also responsible for assisting customers with any needs, exchanging or returning products, taking inventory and making sure the store is clean and presentable throughout the day.20. Social media intern
National average salary: $53,103 per yearPrimary duties: Social media interns help with social media marketing campaigns, manage published content and create subject matter to reach a brand's target audience. They use writing skills and knowledge of various social media platforms to complete their duties.21. Swim instructor
National average salary: $34,658 per yearPrimary Duties: Swim instructors may work at outdoor pools, indoor pools or fitness centers, and teach children and adults proper swim techniques. They must monitor participants to keep them safe, enforce pool area rules and have CPR, first aid and AED certifications.22. Tutor
National average salary: $39,217 per yearPrimary duties: A tutor helps students with homework and various school assignments. Tutors also help students prepare for upcoming exams and aim to improve their grades overall.23. Translator
National average salary: $47,985 per yearPrimary duties: Translators read or listen to material in one language and interpret it in another. They understand the context of the material and aim to preserve the original meaning when translating it into another language.24. Umpire/junior referee
National average salary: $26.62 per hourPrimary duties: Umpires monitor baseball games and apply rules and regulations as necessary. These professionals are experts on the rules of the sport and are responsible for both identifying when a player breaks a rule and deciding the penalty.Related: How To Find a Job as a Teenager (Plus Benefits and Job Types)25. Virtual assistant
National average salary: $40,842 per yearPrimary duties: Virtual assistants perform various administrative tasks. They handle correspondence, schedule meetings and book and arrange travel. Virtual assistants have strong organizational, computer and communication skills.In this video, we share the top hacks for finding teen jobs on Indeed.
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