Earning money is incredibly fulfilling; it makes you feel independent, strong, and capable. Teenagers usually start looking for part-time work to make some pocket money, so it’s common to see them working odd jobs around town.
Part-time jobs for teenagers are not just about earning money; they are about personal growth and skill development. These jobs offer a unique opportunity to gain work experience and valuable life skills while making some money on the side. The soft skills you can develop in these roles can prove to be instrumental in their future career, making these jobs more than just a means to an end.
The good news is that it’s not difficult for teenagers to find jobs, and there are plenty of opportunities to earn with little to no experience! Let’s look at some of the best jobs for teenagers in 2024.
Babysitter
Babysitting is among the most common jobs for teenagers, whether in 1980 or 2024. You’ll be required to look after kids, play with them, and keep them safe while their parents take some time off. It’s a job that comes with quite a bit of responsibility, so it should be noted that it requires a lot of patience and a pleasant temperament to keep little ones entertained!
Car Wash Attendant
Car wash attendants are commonly young teenagers. Since cleaning the exterior and interiors of a car is relatively easy, teenagers prefer the job. The job’s responsibility requires working efficiently and on time, and tasks include throwing away trash, polishing cars, drying cars, and vacuuming the interiors, among many others.
Busser
People enjoy eating out because they don’t have to clear the tables afterward. Busboys and busgirls are paid to do exactly that – they will clear tables quickly and efficiently so the dishwasher can clean the tableware and get it ready to be used again.
Call Center Representative
Call center reps are required in various businesses, particularly those related to technology and retail. This job usually requires on-the-job training, and employees interested in technology are ideally suited for it. You should be ready to carry on pleasant conversations and answer questions via phone, email, and messaging.
Cashier
Grocery store cashiers scan customer items, bag the purchases, take cash, and return change. Generally, on-the-job training will be provided. In addition to processing payments, cashiers stock shelves, help customers locate products, and take inventory. Since cashiers work on their feet, good stamina is required. It also helps if you have strong people skills!
Dog Walker
Dog lovers won’t be able to find a job that suits them better than this one! Dog walkers basically walk and care for dogs in their owners’ absence. They have to ensure that the dog gets enough exercise, is walked safely to and from its home, and has sufficient water and food.
To become a dog walker, you must love dogs and have the physical strength to walk them in all weather conditions. You must also be prepared to commit to a daily or weekly schedule.
Delivery Driver
Delivery drivers work for a service delivering food and retail orders to customers, a service that has exploded in popularity in the years leading up to 2024. They depend on phone apps to correspond with customers and dispatchers, review orders, report order delivery, respond to complaints, and so on. Generally, companies allow drivers to choose their working hours, so it’s a flexible option for teenagers. However, applicants should have a driver’s license, a good driving record, and sometimes their own vehicle.
Barista
A barista makes coffee-related beverages, so if you like the idea of working at a coffeehouse, it could be a fun gig. You will be required to serve coffee and interact with customers, so it pays to have good people skills! Be ready to greet customers, answer questions about the menu, clean coffee-making machines, and prepare beverages by following specific recipes.
Dishwasher
Teenagers hate doing their chores unless, of course, they’re getting paid for them. As a dishwasher, you’ll scrub pans and plates and return them to the rotation. Finding a job as a dishwasher is very easy, given that plenty of diners are dotted around nearly every town.
Lawn Care
One of the most common outdoor jobs for teenagers is landscaping. While duties vary, they usually include raking leaves, trimming hedges, mowing lawns, and keeping the yard clean. Sometimes, you must bring your own equipment, such as trimmers and lawnmowers, but the employer may provide them otherwise. However, a prerequisite for this job is that you must be in good shape to undertake rigorous physical work.
Valet Parking
At hotels, restaurants, and elsewhere, valets are responsible for parking cars for guests as they arrive and returning them to them when they are ready to leave. To work as a valet, you need a driver’s license, a good driving record, and good customer service skills.
Waiter
Most teenagers opt for this job as it’s easy to find. As a waiter or waitress, you should be ready to answer any questions about the menu, serve food and drinks, take orders, and clear tables. On-the-job training is usually offered for this job, but you should be ready to take it on only if you are prepared to be up and about your feet and have a friendly disposition.
House Cleaner
As a house cleaner, your everyday tasks would be to sweep, vacuum, wash, and dry clothes, dust the house, clean bathtubs and toilets, wash dishes, and ensure that the home or specific rooms are well maintained. You can work independently or as part of a cleaning services company, for which training is usually provided.
Library Assistant
If you’re a bookworm, this could be your dream job! As a library assistant, you will help librarians complete everyday tasks such as organizing bookshelves, issuing library cards, collecting and reshelving books, keeping the library clean, and assisting patrons. No specific skills are required, but you should have good organizational skills and knowledge of books.
Receptionist
Receptionist jobs are front desk roles where you will welcome guests, answer calls, and respond to inquiries or questions. Almost every company—be it a doctor’s office or a local community center—hires receptionists, but not many may hire teenagers for this role. You are more likely to land a job as a replacement for a company whose receptionist is on leave for a few days or weeks. From there, you can build your experience and secure a solid role.
