14 Easy Jobs For Teens That Pay Well

Teenagers have plenty on their plates, from maintaining an active social life to keeping up good grades. Even with a busy life, some teenagers look for a job to have more money for fun purchases and build experience that can lead to future jobs and a spot at a top college. Although the constraints on your time and your limited experience may prevent you from getting a prestigious job, there are a number of easy jobs out there that can work perfectly with your schedule and hold the potential for strong earnings.

1. Tutoring

If you have a strong academic record and are interested in helping others succeed in school, working as a tutor is a great option for you. As a tutor, you can choose which subjects to help other students in, allowing you to share your knowledge in your strongest subjects. Tutoring is a flexible job option; if you’re working with a particular tutoring business, you’ll probably work after school hours and on weekends. If you choose to work on your own, you can work whenever you like. Tutoring can be done just about anywhere that offers a quiet atmosphere, including a library or your school.

You Might Like This Job If:

• You enjoy academic subjects
• You have good communication skills
• You have a strong desire to teach other students

2. Web Development

Working as a web developer gives you plenty of flexibility and a wide range of potential rewards. If you have a strong aptitude for computers, you may be able to teach yourself many of the essential skills for this particular job. Maybe you had an injury at work and working at a desk is the only type of work you can do now. You may also be able to take classes at your school or in your community. Once you’ve developed your skills, you can seek a job with a web development company or work on your own as a freelancer. Learning how to develop and design websites can give you experience that will translate well into a future career.

You Might Like This Job If:

• Websites and how they work fascinate you
• You’re a self-starter with the ability to work on your own and learn by yourself

3. Lifeguard

Working as a lifeguard is a rewarding opportunity that requires dedicated attention and quick thinking skills. You’ll also need to be in good physical shape and have excellent swimming skills. Before you can work as a lifeguard, you’ll need to obtain the American Red Cross Lifeguard certification. Lifeguards can work in several different types of locations, such as an outdoor beach or an indoor pool. Finding a job as a lifeguard is easier during the summer when the pools are at the peak of the busy season.

You Might Like This Job If:

• You love swimming
• You’re not afraid to be responsible for watching large groups of people and keeping them safe

4. Golf Caddy

As a golf caddy, you’ll get paid to spend time in the outdoors and help golf players improve their games. This job can work well during the school year, as weekends are a popular time for golfing. To get a job as a golf caddy, you’ll need to find an opening at a golf course that offers positions to teenagers. Once you’ve completed mandatory training to help you better understand the basics of golf, you can start working as a caddy. Your main job duty is to carry golf clubs for those playing the game, but if you spend some time learning about the course and can offer suggestions, you may find yourself rewarded with generous tips.

You Might Like This Job If:

• Spending time outside while you work appeals to you
• You enjoy meeting a wide variety of new people
• You are interested in golf and learning more about it

5. Dog Walker

If you love animals, working as a dog walker may be a good choice for you. Dog walkers work flexible hours, allowing you to work as needed based on your schedule. The job duties are simple: help dogs get their daily exercise by taking them on regular walks. You’ll also need to clean up after the dogs and follow the proper leashing laws in your area. While you work, you’ll get to enjoy the fresh air and have fun with some cuddly friends. You can choose to work for a dog walking company or advertise your own services online to give you more flexibility on your hours.

You Might Like This Job If:

• You want to work with dogs
• You like to walk and be outside

6. Babysitter

Babysitting jobs don’t have a long list of skill requirements; as long as you like children and can take care of their basic needs for a few hours, this job is easy to do. Finding parents to hire you might be the biggest challenge when you first start out. You can ask parents in your neighborhood if they or parents they know need a reliable babysitter. You can also post online on classifieds. Once you’ve started to develop a reputation, you can expect to get more jobs. It’s a good idea to take a class on CPR from the Red Cross to help parents feel at ease with your services. You can also boost your earning potential by making sure your charges enjoy your company and that you follow the parents’ rules.

You Might Like This Job If:

• You have experience taking care of children
• You’re willing to work hard to build a solid reputation in your area

7. Online Seller

If you excel at a particular craft, such as sewing or woodworking, you can sell your creative work online. This particular job is an easy one to do in your spare time and allows you to have fun while you’re doing it. If you don’t feel like selling your own wares, you can still sell things online, especially used goods. You’ll need to pick a niche that you can become an expert in, such as old books or collectibles. Familiarize yourself with the products you plan to sell before you buy anything by looking at the sale history of previously listed items. You can go shopping for products to sell at a number of places, including library sales, garage sales and thrift stores.

You Might Like This Job If:

• Crafting is one of your favorite hobbies
• You have an eye for bargains and know how to find sellable products
• Boxing up and shipping packages doesn’t intimidate you

8. Landscaping

Mowing and edging your neighbors’ lawns may not be the most glamorous work, but the job has room for growth and extra earnings. Starting this job is easy if you have the right tools, including a good lawn mower and an edger. You can advertise your services on local online groups, such as a neighborhood Facebook page, or go the old-fashioned route and advertise with posters on telephone poles. The success of this job depends highly on the quality of your work and your ability to generate a solid reputation in your area. Always be courteous and follow the instructions of your clients to ensure that you maximize your earnings and build your reputation.

You Might Like This Job If:

• Working on your own in the outdoors interests you
• You’re not afraid of hard work and satisfying customers
• You want a seasonal job that offers flexibility in the number of clients you have

9. Freelance Writer

Working as a freelance writer can help you make some extra cash and develop skills that will help you throughout your education. There are multiple avenues for making money through your writing, including submitting articles to magazines and starting your own blog with advertisements. If you’re able to network and get more readers to your material, you can increase the amount of money you make. You can also give novel writing a shot if you think you’ve got an interesting story and the time to write it. Although you probably won’t become a best-selling author, you may garner a few fans and money from your sales. Self-publishing online with an e-book is a good way to get your writing out into the world.

You Might Like This Job If:

• Writing is one of your passions
• You’re willing to spend the time networking and building a following
• You don’t mind spending hours working alone on the computer

10. Pet Sitter

Pets need attention throughout the day and might need frequent breaks outside, depending on the type of pet. Pet owners who are going on vacation or work long hours frequently hire pet sitters to ensure that their beloved companions get the care they need. This job is straightforward and doesn’t require any particular skills except being trustworthy and responsible. Your list of typical duties will include changing water and food, exercising the pets, and taking care of their bathroom needs. If you want to impress your clients, try to go the extra mile while they’re gone, including making the home look lived in, watering plants and picking up the mail and newspaper.

You Might Like This Job If:

• You’re responsible and considerate
• You get along well with animals

11. Waiting Tables

Teenagers with strong service skills and sunny dispositions can expect to earn some extra tips in addition to basic wages while working as waitresses or waiters. These are fast-paced jobs that require you to be quick on your feet. For example, you may need to jump from dealing with an unhappy customer to handling a mess made by another customer in an instant. Always wearing a smile and being willing to help each and every customer can help you earn more money and rise in the ranks at the restaurant.

You Might Like This Job If:

• You’re not afraid of the stress that comes from working in a busy restaurant
• A pleasant demeanor is one of your best qualities

12. Summer Camp Counselor

A summer camp counselor job offers plenty of fun in the outdoors and the opportunity to work with younger children. As a counselor, your job is to lead activities and help all of the participants to feel welcome. You may also have some other responsibilities, including light janitorial work. Teenagers who can make friends easily with younger children make ideal candidates for this job. You’ll also need to have leadership skills in order to help your campers stick together during the activities. If you have specific relevant skills, such as woodworking, you can also act as a teacher during the camp.

You Might Like This Job If:

• You enjoy working with teenagers and children
• Spending your summer at a camp sounds appealing

13. Coder

Computer programming is a growing field with room for more workers. Similar to web development, computer coding skills can be learned on your own through reading books and using educational websites. Tinkering with the backend of computer programs and smartphone apps can also give you valuable information. While you can’t expect to get an awesome job with an amateur level of experience, you may be able to build a small freelance business of your own with your skills. Creating and selling a simple but useful app, for example, can help you get started as a freelancer. Working as a freelancer can give you experience that you can use when seeking a professional career in the future and can help give you some bonus income.

You Might Like This Job If:

• You are passionate about computers and want to learn how they work
• You enjoy working independently on your own schedule
• You can think analytically and don’t get frustrated by complex problems

14. Elder Care Assistant

Assisting the elderly is a rewarding job that helps you form connections with people with decades of life experience. If you take the time to enjoy this job fully and get to know your clients, you may learn wisdom beyond your years. This is a job that you can undertake at different locations to better fit your schedule, including helping your elderly neighbors or working in an assisted living facility. If you choose to help a neighbor, you will probably complete a wide variety of tasks, such as picking up groceries or taking a package to the post office. At an assisted living facility, you might help with meals or supervise trips to the senior center.

You Might Like This Job If:

• You get along well with people
• You’re not afraid to take on menial tasks

Conclusion

If you want to earn your own income and build up good experience for future jobs and education, working during your teenage years is a good idea. There are many positions available that are easy and can fit your interests. Your willingness to work hard to build your own reputation will aid you in all of your future endeavors.

Sources

1. Holly Ashworth, 10 Best Part-Time Jobs for Teens, About.com, December 10, 2014
2. Dominque W. Brooks, What Jobs Are Options for 16 Year Olds?, LoveToKnow
3. Unknown Author, Lifeguard Preparation, Red Cross
4. Larry Anderson, How to Be a Good Teen Golf Caddie, GolfLink
5. Randi Mazzella, Is Being a Camp Counselor a Good Summer Job for Your Teen?, TeenLife, Nov. 24, 2014
6. Elizabeth SanFilippo, How to Get a Teen Babysitting Job, Care.com
7. Madison DuPaix, Dog Walking Jobs for Kids, About.com, February 24, 2016
8. Matthew Tarpey, 10 Great Jobs for Teens, November 18, 2015