12 best jobs for teens in 2025

Teens looking to earn their own money often struggle to find good-paying jobs, especially if they don’t have experience. The good news? Plenty of high-paying opportunities are out there! Whether you want a flexible side gig or a stepping stone to future career success, here are some of the best-paying jobs for teens that require little to no experience.

Note: Wages based on reporting data as of publication date and subject to change. Our estimates are rounded to the nearest number per each source.

1. Pet sitter or dog walker

For animal lovers, this gig offers flexibility and great hourly pay. You might start by helping neighbors and expand through referrals. Apps like Rover or Wag may require you to be 18, but younger teens can still find jobs locally.

Rate: ~$26/hour

💡 Why it’s great: Flexible hours, low stress, and ideal for animal lovers.

2. Administrative assistant

This one’s less common for younger teens, but older high schoolers sometimes land assistant gigs through internships or referrals. Duties include scheduling, data entry, and general office support.

Rate: ~$23/hour

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💡 Why it’s great: Gain office experience and build skills that look great on college or job applications.

3. Babysitter

Babysitting is flexible, pays well, and lets you build trust with families in your community. Wages vary by location and experience, but older teens or those certified in CPR/first aid often earn more.

Rate: ~$23/hour

💡 Why it’s great: High hourly pay, flexible scheduling, and trusted work that builds responsibility.

4. Customer service rep

Some companies hire teens (usually 16+) for in-person or remote support roles. If you're patient, organized, and a good communicator, it's a great opportunity to build transferable skills.

Rate: ~$21/hour

💡 Why it’s great: Develop communication and problem-solving skills while helping others.

5. Tutor

If you excel in subjects like math, science, or English, tutoring can be a rewarding way to earn money while helping others succeed. Whether you assist younger students in person or work remotely through platforms like Wyzant or Varsity Tutors, you’ll gain valuable teaching experience and build confidence in your own skills.

Rate: ~$19/hour (varies by subject)

💡 Why it’s great: Perfect for strong students who want flexibility and pay that matches their skills.

6. Security guard

Some security companies hire older teens (18+) for entry-level roles, such as monitoring front desks or patrolling retail spaces. Most positions include on-the-job training.

Rate: ~$18/hour

💡 Why it’s great: Offers structure, responsibility, and often solo work for independent teens.

7. Stocker

Stockers help keep store shelves full and organized. Tasks include unloading shipments, labeling products, and managing inventory. Most training happens on the job.

Rate: ~$18/hour

💡 Why it’s great: A behind-the-scenes role with predictable hours and minimal customer interaction.

8. Packager

Packagers prep and organize shipments. You’ll label boxes, check for defects, and ensure packages are ready to go. It’s often a fast-paced environment, but requires little prior experience.

Rate: ~$17/hour

💡 Why it’s great: Simple, repetitive work with solid pay and little customer contact.

9. Camp counselor

Many teens work at day camps or overnight camps during summer breaks. If you like working with kids and spending time outside, this one’s a win. Counselors often get room and board included for overnight camps, too.

Rate: ~$17/hour

💡 Why it’s great: A fun summer job that builds leadership skills and great memories.

10. Retail associate

Working the register, organizing displays, and helping customers is great experience for any teen, especially if you’re outgoing and love working with people.

Rate: ~$17/hour

💡 Why it’s great: Great for social teens who want real-world sales and communication experience.

11. Lifeguard

If you’re a strong swimmer and up for the training, lifeguarding can be a great summer job. You’ll need certification, but once you’re qualified, the pay is strong for teens, especially at private pools or clubs.

Rate: ~$16/hour

💡 Why it’s great: Offers great pay, outdoor work, and a valuable certification.

12. Barista

Love coffee? Working at a local café or national chain can teach customer service and multitasking under pressure. Some shops even offer shift meals or employee discounts.

Rate: ~$16/hour

💡 Why it’s great: Perfect for creative multitaskers. Plus, free coffee perks are a bonus.

Tips for teens entering the workforce

Breaking into the job market can feel intimidating, but these tips can help:

• Start local. Ask around at neighborhood businesses or walk-ins with a simple resume.

• Check your school’s career resources. Teachers and counselors often know who’s hiring.

• Attend local job fairs. Some include on-the-spot interviews.

• Create a basic LinkedIn profile. Highlight school achievements, activities, and career interests.

How to make teen earnings go further

While teens may get a job to start earning a paycheck, they also build a lot of valuable real-world skills in the process. One of these skills is financial literacy. When teens learn how to save, budget, and spend wisely, they set the stage for strong financial habits.

With Greenlight, families can help teens manage earnings in a smart, structured way — all while learning about money through hands-on experience. From saving for goals to setting up spending categories, Greenlight gives teens tools to grow their money smarts.

Start earning and gaining experience

Finding a high-paying job as a teen isn’t impossible! Whether you’re looking for a part-time gig or a stepping stone to your future career, these jobs offer great pay, flexibility, and valuable skills.

Teach the value of hard work. Assign chores and allowances, track progress, and help kids learn to earn and manage money with Greenlight. Try Greenlight, one month, risk-free.†

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.