High school is a time for studying, hanging with friends, and working. Let’s look at some possible jobs for a high schooler.
High school jobs refer to employment opportunities suitable for high school students, typically between 14 and 18 years old. These jobs can provide valuable work experience, a sense of independence, and a source of income for students.
These jobs can range from part-time positions at a retail store or fast food restaurant to internships and volunteering opportunities at local businesses or organizations. Some high school students also choose to start their own small businesses or offer tutoring or lawn care services.
Reasons Teens Should Get a Job
There are many reasons why teens should consider getting a job while they are still in high school. First and foremost, a job can provide financial independence and allow teens to contribute to household expenses or save for the future.
A job can also give teens a sense of responsibility and help them develop important life skills such as time management, communication, and teamwork. Additionally, working while in high school can provide valuable work experience that can be useful when applying for college or future employment.
Furthermore, it will be a great opportunity for teens to explore different career interests and make connections in their community. Overall, a high school job can be a valuable learning experience and a stepping stone to future success.
Jobs For A High Schooler
There are various kinds of jobs that a teenager can handle. To make things easier, we have split the jobs into categories. Take a look below.
Starting Basic
Jobs for a high schooler don’t necessarily have to be in a store or business. Instead, it can be in their neighborhood. The positions below often rely on recommendations and good word on the street about your work.
Walking Dogs
A dog walker is a great first job for a high schooler. Whether you need to walk more or you adore animals, taking dogs on a walk can help you save up.
Dog owners usually hire walkers on a schedule. Thus, you will need to be available at certain times. Furthermore, your work will highly reflect your recommendations.
Tutoring
If you are an intelligent individual, don’t be shy. Sharing your knowledge can make you some cash. Parents want their children to succeed. However, not all of them can afford costly tutors.
That is where you come in. Since you are still in high school, you should expect to earn less than a professional tutor. Nevertheless, you can still ask for a reasonable price.
It is one of the best jobs for a high schooler as it allows you to help others, practice the material, learn to communicate, increase your patience, and earn money.
Lawn Mowing And More
Landscaping is an ordinary job for teens. It usually includes raking leaves, cleaning up the yard, removing weeds, trimming hedges, and mowing lawns.
Keep in mind that you will often need to provide the equipment to perform the job. Nevertheless, you can start in your neighborhood. Remember that the better you perform, the more likely your customers will refer you to their friends.
Babysitting
A typical job for teens is babysitting. This is best for older teens who can handle children effectively. Though it might seem easy at first, it can be challenging once you realize you’re in charge.
If you have a funny personality, you will surely love this job. You will get to play with the kids and watch movies. But you also have to keep them safe and put them to bed.
Babysitting usually requires teens to be flexible in their schedules. Often parents will need a babysitter last minute, so you might get a call the day of or a couple of nights before.
Lifeguards And Swim Instructors
Jobs for a high schooler also includes lifeguard or swim instructors. You will be responsible for ensuring individuals’ safety while swimming or engaging in aquatic activities. Your duties may include enforcing rules, performing rescues, administering first aid, and providing swim instruction.
Being a lifeguard or swim instructor can be a good way for high school students to learn critical life-saving skills and gain experience in the field of aquatics. You will have the opportunity to work with people of all ages and abilities and be responsible for helping them have a safe and enjoyable experience in the water.
Students may also have the chance to learn about water safety, pool chemistry, and other related topics. You typically need to be at least 16 years old and have current certifications in lifeguarding and CPR.
Teens may also be required to pass a background check and have strong swimming skills. It will also be physically demanding, as you will be standing for long periods of time and may be required to perform rescues or other physical tasks.
Delivering Newspapers
For now, this job is still on the market. Newspapers are now mostly read online, so keep that in mind if you don’t see many newspapers around your town.
This job will require you to own a method of transportation, such as a car or bicycle, to travel around the neighborhood and deliver the newspapers.
Camp Counselor
Being a camp counselor can be a rewarding and fun job for a high school student. As a camp counselor, you will supervise and care for a group of children or teenagers at a summer camp or day camp.
Your duties may include leading activities, such as sports, crafts, or outdoor adventures, as well as providing guidance and support to campers.
Working as a camp counselor can be an outstanding way for high school students to gain leadership experience and develop interpersonal skills. You will have the opportunity to work with children and teenagers from a variety of backgrounds, and you will be responsible for helping them have a positive and enjoyable camp experience.
You may also have the chance to learn new skills, such as lifeguarding or wilderness survival, depending on the specific type of camp you work at. To be a camp counselor, you typically need to be at least 18 years old and have some previous experience working with children. You may also be required to pass a background check and provide references.
Working as a camp counselor can be physically and emotionally demanding, as you will be working long hours and may be responsible for the safety and well-being of your campers. However, many high school students find the experience to be very rewarding and a great way to spend their summers.
The Food Industry
Restaurants and the food industry are great places to look for jobs for a high schooler. The food industry is a popular choice for high school students looking for part-time or summer jobs.
There are many different types of jobs available, ranging from fast food service to fine dining, and there are often plenty of opportunities for entry-level positions.
Students should also be prepared to work flexible hours, as many food establishments are open late or on weekends. With hard work and dedication, you can find a rewarding and enjoyable job in the food industry as a high school student.
Barista
As a barista, you will prepare and serve coffee and other beverages at a coffee shop or café. Your duties may include operating a cash register, taking orders, preparing drinks, and handling customer inquiries and complaints.
Being a barista can be a good way for high school students to learn customer service skills and gain experience in a fast-paced environment. You will have the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of customers and learn how to handle various situations that may arise.
You can also learn about different types of coffee and how to prepare a variety of coffee-based drinks. To work as a barista, you typically need to be at least 16 years old and have a friendly and outgoing personality.
Working as a barista can be physically demanding, as you will be standing for long periods of time and may be required to lift heavy bags of coffee beans. Yet, many find the job enjoyable and a pleasing way to earn extra money.
Delivery Driver
Working as a delivery driver can be an excellent job for a high school student who is looking for part-time work. With the rise of food delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats, individuals now have many opportunities to make money by delivering food to customers in their own vehicle.
As a delivery driver, your primary responsibility will be to pick up food orders from restaurants and deliver them to customers promptly and accurately. You may also be responsible for handling payments and providing excellent customer service.
To be a delivery driver, you typically need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and have a reliable vehicle. Working as a delivery driver can be a good way for high school students to earn extra money, as many of these jobs offer flexible scheduling and the ability to work as much or as little as you want.
It can also be a great way to learn about customer service and develop time management skills, as you will be responsible for completing deliveries efficiently and on time.
One of the benefits of working as a delivery driver through apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats is that you have the ability to work on your schedule. You can choose when to work and how many hours you want each week.
This can be incredibly convenient for high school students who have busy schedules and may not be able to commit to a traditional part-time job.
Restaurant Host/Hostess
As a restaurant host, you will be responsible for greeting and seating customers at a restaurant, as well as answering phone calls and taking reservations.
You may also manage the waitlist and keep track of available and occupied tables. Being a restaurant host can be a good way for high school students to learn customer service skills and gain experience in the food industry.
You may also have the chance to learn about different types of cuisine and the menu offerings at the restaurant. To work as a restaurant host, you typically need to be at least 16 years old and have a friendly and outgoing personality.
Working as a restaurant host can be physically demanding. You will be standing for long periods of time and may be required to lift heavy trays or bags.
Fast Food
Jobs for a high schooler includes fast food restaurants like McDonald’s. They always look for reliable and hardworking employees to fill various positions, including cashiers, cooks, and food prep workers. You must be at least 16 years old to work as a fast food worker.
As a fast food worker, you will be responsible for preparing and serving food to customers quickly and efficiently. Your duties may include operating a cash register, taking orders, preparing food, etc.
You may also be responsible for maintaining a clean and organized work environment. Being a fast food worker can be an ideal way to gain customer service skills and experience in a fast-paced environment.
Waiter Or Waitress
Other typical jobs for a high schooler include waitressing at restaurants. You will be responsible for serving food and drinks to customers at a restaurant.
Furthermore, your duties may include taking orders, serving food, handling customer inquiries and complaints, and operating a cash register. You generally must be 16 or older to apply.
Working as a waiter or waitress often provides opportunities for tips, which can be an additional source of income.
Retail Jobs For A High Schooler
The retail industry is a popular choice for students. Many different retail jobs are available, ranging from sales associate positions at department stores to cashier positions at convenience stores.
When looking for a job in the retail industry, high school students need to be proactive and apply to as many places as possible. Many establishments, particularly those that are part of larger chains, have online application forms you can fill out from your home. You can also check job boards, such as Indeed or Monster, to see what positions are available in your area.
Retail Associate
As a retail sales associate, you will be responsible for helping customers find products, answering their questions, and providing excellent customer service.
Your duties may include operating a cash register, maintaining a clean and organized store, and restocking shelves. You can also learn about different products and the policies and procedures of the store you work at.
Cashier
Cashiers are responsible for operating a cash register and handling financial transactions at a store or restaurant. Your duties may include processing sales, handling customer inquiries and complaints, and providing excellent customer service.
You might also be in charge of checking for fake bills, accounting for your register’s money, and turning it in at the end of the night. So next time you go grocery shopping at your local store, ask if they are hiring.
Personal Assistant
Personal assistants are responsible for assisting individuals or businesses with various tasks, such as scheduling appointments, running errands, organizing paperwork, or managing social media accounts.
Being a personal assistant can be a good way for high school students to learn organizational skills and gain experience in a professional setting. You will have the opportunity to work closely with a variety of individuals and businesses, and you will be responsible for helping them stay organized and efficient.
To work as a personal assistant, you typically need to be at least 16 years old and have strong communication and organizational skills. You may also be required to pass a background check and have a reliable means of transportation.
Suppose you have a particular career field in mind that you plan on following after high school. In that case, you may be able to find a personal assistant position that will allow you to gain valuable experience in that field.
For example, if you are interested in a career in marketing, you might find a personal assistant position with a marketing firm or an individual who works in marketing. This can be a great way to get your foot in the door and even find a mentor!
Other Jobs
Jobs for a high schooler don’t have to be conventional. There are many other options that are not listed above. Thinking outside of the box can mean that you will have little to no competition to get the job!
You do not need to work at a restaurant or store to make money. You could even start your own small neighborhood business. Take a peek at some other jobs you can do as a teen to earn cash.
Pet Sitting
If you love animals, you could offer your services to people in your community who need someone to take care of their pets while they are away.
House Sitting
Responsible and reliable students can offer their services as house sitters to people who are going on vacation or away for an extended period.
Personal trainer
Are you physically fit? Do you have an interest in health and fitness? You could offer your services as a personal trainer to people in your community. Get a job at your local gym. Growing a business like this can also allow you to partner with big brands down the line!
Web Or Graphic Design
Suppose you are interested in design and are proficient in programs like Photoshop or Illustrator. In that case, you could offer your services as a web or graphic designer to people in your community and online on websites such as UpWork.
Event Planning
Enjoy organizing events? Do you have a creative flair? Offer your services as an event planner. Children’s birthday parties, graduations, and much more require planning. Plus, you might get an invite.
Social Media Manager
If you are skilled at using social media platforms and have a good understanding of marketing, you could offer your services as a social media manager to small businesses.
Final Thoughts
Jobs for a high schooler can range from fast food to lifeguards. While working during high school can have many benefits, students must balance their job responsibilities with their academic and personal commitments. Moreover, you can look into jobs at a high school.
It is also essential for students to be aware of labor laws and their rights as employees, as well as to find a job that is safe and appropriate for their age and experience level. High school jobs can be valuable to a student’s education and future career prospects.
Looking forward to reading more. great article!