Get the most out of your work hours during high school by pursuing one of the highest paying jobs for teens. Depending on where you live, the following jobs will earn you more than minimum wage.
The highest-paying jobs for teens
1. Caddy
$20 to $30+ per hour
Teens as young as 14 can start working as a junior golf caddy and work their way up to full-fledged caddy. According to Forbes, older caddies who carry two bags can earn $100 to $120 per 18 holes. This takes about four hours, which works out to $20 to $30 per hour. Good golf caddies can earn even more when you add in tips.
The connections you make while caddying are also invaluable should you need an internship, job recommendation, or college recommendation in the future.
2. Babysitter
$11 to $16+ per hour
Teens as young as thirteen can babysit to earn spare cash during the school year and summer. How much you’ll earn varies greatly. It depends on how many kids you’re watching, their ages, the location, and whether babysitting includes extra responsibilities like light housework or driving kids to and from activities.
Indeed.com estimates that babysitters and nannies earn an average of $16.04 per hour. The more experience you have, including first aid certifications or the Red Cross Babysitter certification, the more you can expect to make.
For a more specific estimate, visit Care.com. Care.com has a suggested babysitter pay rate tool that lets you see what parents are suggested to pay based on zip code, number of kids, the babysitter’s experience, and the number of hours per week.
For example, in New York City, a babysitter with 0-1 years of experience who will watch 1 child could earn around $14.50 per hour. Add a second child and you’re looking at $16, which is above the city’s $15 minimum wage.
Typical expenses for babysitters include advertising and traveling to and from jobs.
3. Lifeguard
$9 to $16+ per hour
Lifeguarding at a pool, beach, or lake is another solid option for teenage workers. This job requires a lot of responsibilities, strong swimming skills, and a lifeguard certification, but it can pay off.
According to PayScale, lifeguards earn $9.73 per hour on average. The highest paid 10% earn more than $13.15 per hour. Of course, it all depends on where you’re located and the facility you work for. Lifeguards that work at beaches and lakes make much more—$16+ per hour.
Being a lifeguard also comes with perks like free access to the beach, pool, or amusement park where you work.
4. Mowing Lawns
$30 to $40 per lawn
Teens who live in the suburbs or rural areas can mow lawns to make money. Forbes estimates that teens can make $30 to $40 per lawn with a typical mowing job taking two hours. How much you charge will also depend on the size of the lawn and your location.
Expenses to account for include gas, oil, and lawn mower maintenance. Some homeowners might allow you to use their lawn mower and gas in exchange for a discounted rate. This could work out well if you don’t have access to your own mower.
5. Landscaper
$12 to $15 per hour
Older teens can apply to work for a landscaping company during the summer. Landscaping often requires long hours outdoors, so these jobs tend to pay well. Teens who work as landscapers can expect to make $12 to $15 per hour depending on your location and experience.
6. Tutor
$30 to $40+ per hour
Are you good at school? Consider tutoring your classmates or younger students. According to Care.com, high school students that work as private tutors make $30 to $40 per hour. If you scored exceptionally well on your SATs, ACTs, or AP exams, you can expect to make more prepping students for those tests.
If you want to become a tutor, let your teachers know. They know which kids need extra help and might be able to help you get your first clients. Research what local tutoring centers charge when deciding on your rate.
7. Pet Sitter
$25 per 30-minute visit
Pet sitters go into homes to feed, let out, and play with pets. Other responsibilities might include dispensing medication and changing litter or bedding. This one of the highest paying jobs for teens because people will pay top dollar for their pets.
According to Thumbtack, pet sitters can earn an average of $25 for a 30-minute visit. The average rate for overnight pet-sitting is $75 to $85. You can charge more if the home has multiple animals or if you’re asked to do other tasks like taking in the mail or light cleaning.
8. Dog Walker
$12 to $19+ per hour
Love dogs? Dog walkers earn anywhere from $12.38 to $19.17 per hour depending on experience and location. You should set your own rate based on the going rates in your area.
As a contract worker, you’ll need to take the initiative to find clients either through your own family’s connections or by advertising online or at your church, local grocery store, etc. Older teens (18+) can sign up for Wag or Rover to find clients too.
9. Youth Sports Referee
$25 to $50 per game
Many communities hire youth sports referees as young as 12 to ref soccer, basketball, and other youth sporting events. You can make anywhere from $25 to $50 per game on average, but game length varies depending on the sport. In some cases, you may need to purchase your own uniform, flags, cards, watch, and whistle before you can start.
Refereeing can help keep you in shape and usually offers flexible hours throughout the school year and summer. However, you may have to deal with unpleasant parents, coaches, and players.
10. Construction Worker
$13 to $15+ per hour
Teens as young as 16 can apply to work for construction companies. Pay varies greatly, but teens with 0 to 4 years of experience can expect to make between $13.61 and $14.59 per hour according to PayScale. You’ll be limited in what you can do, but it’s still a great job for hardworking teens looking to earn some extra cash for college.
11. Camp Counselor
$7.73 to $12.74 per hour
Teens can return to their childhood camp (or go to any camp) as a camp counselor over the summer and during special events. According to PayScale, camp counselors earn an average of $9.52 per hour, which is more than the minimum wage in most states. Plus, as a camp counselor you’ll enjoy free living expenses, free food, and all the fun activities a camp has to offer.
12. Hotel Housekeeper
$12+ per hour
If you don’t mind doing laundry, vacuuming, and cleaning bathrooms, you could work as a hotel housekeeper or maid to make money. According to the BLS, housekeepers that work for hotels earn an average of $12.19 per hour. This doesn’t include tips, which are customary at nicer hotels.
Other places to work as a housekeeper include hospitals, nursing care facilities, and continuing care retirement communities. These pay $11.80 to $13.90 per hour on average.
13. Food Delivery
$8 to $21+ per hour
Teenagers aren’t old enough to drive for ridesharing companies, but teens ages 18 and up can drive (or bike) for food delivery services. This includes companies like DoorDash, Postmates, UberEATS, Instacart, and Shipt.
According to PayScale, food delivery drivers earn $14.28 per hour on average. Of course, you’ll need to spend some of that money on car maintenance and gas.
14. House Painter
$13.84 to $19+ per hour
If you don’t mind manual labor, working for a home painting company over the summer and on weekends pays well. Plus, you’ll learn everything you need to on the job. PayScale reports that painters with less than one year of experience earn an average $13.84 per hour.
If you stick with it, your earnings will increase too. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction and maintenance painters earn a median wage of $18.72 per hour.
15. Mover
$12 to $16+ per hour
Are you good at lifting heavy objects and doing work with great care? If so, you could make an average of $13.58 working for a moving company. This job suits teens aged 18 or 19 best since many companies have age restrictions.
If you’re feeling entrepreneurial, you could also seek out clients that are handling their move themselves but simply need an extra hand.
Other Teen Jobs to Consider
Depending on where you live, typical entry-level jobs like a sales associate, fry cook, or front desk person also pay as well as some of the jobs listed above. It comes down to your state and city’s minimum wage laws.
If you value flexibility, working from home is another option. See if you’d be qualified for these top online jobs for college students.
Final Thoughts on The 15 Highest Paying Jobs for Teens
Teenagers, especially older teens, have a lot of responsibilities—juggling school, family obligations, college applications, and extracurriculars. Pursuing one or more of the highest paying jobs for teens would allow you to earn more without working long hours. If you’re a teen but also a college student, here are the top jobs for college students.
Visit YouthRules.gov if you have any questions about youth working laws. You can learn about hour restrictions, your rights as a worker, and more.
