15 Well Paying Jobs for Teenagers: A Complete Wage Breakdown and Career Guide

Summer employment doesn’t have to mean minimum wage. Many teenagers can access well paying jobs for teenagers that offer competitive hourly rates—some exceeding $30 per hour. Understanding which positions offer the best compensation and match your skills can help you maximize your earning potential during the break.

Entry-Level Positions: Starting Your Journey ($18-19 Range)

Several well paying jobs for teenagers require minimal experience or training, making them perfect entry points into the workforce.

Packagers earn a median hourly wage of $18.12. This role suits detail-oriented individuals who don’t mind physical work. Your responsibilities include preparing items for shipment from warehouses, which involves labeling, inspecting and transferring merchandise. Many facilities provide on-site training, so prior experience isn’t necessary.

Stockers also make $18.12 per hour—the same as packagers. If organization appeals to you, this position involves managing inventory and placing items on retail shelves. To land a stocking position, check online job boards, local listings or visit stores in person to make a lasting impression with potential employers.

Couriers command slightly higher compensation at $18.44 hourly. This work resembles delivering packages daily, collecting necessary payments and obtaining signatures. Most courier positions require a valid driver’s license.

Security Guards take home $18.46 per hour while protecting commercial spaces and contributing to community safety. Typically, you’ll need to be 18 years old, possess a high school diploma and obtain licensing (requirements vary by state).

Landscaping Workers earn $19.13 hourly—ideal if you have lawn care experience. Tasks involve maintaining grass, trees and outdoor spaces. The role requires minimal formal qualifications beyond a willingness to learn the trade.

Intermediate Level: Building Skills and Earning More ($20-23 Range)

These positions demand more responsibility or specific skill sets, offering improved compensation for dedicated workers.

Nursing Assistants provide excellent experience for medical field enthusiasts at $18.96 hourly. Duties include monitoring vital signs, gathering patient intake data and collaborating with nursing teams. Job fairs represent a valuable resource—many hire candidates on-site immediately.

Delivery Truck Drivers generate $20.56 per hour. This role requires standard driver’s licenses for smaller vehicles; commercial licenses apply to larger trucks. The primary responsibility involves transporting goods to their destinations.

Customer Service Representatives earn $20.59 hourly. If you excel at interpersonal communication, you’ll manage customer inquiries and develop solutions. Peer recommendations often lead to opportunities, while some schools offer work-study programs combining earnings with academic credits.

Office Clerks make $20.97 per hour handling data entry, organizing operations and improving communication systems. Some employers prefer high school diploma holders for these positions.

Construction Workers command $22.14 hourly—fitting for hands-on learners. This field lets you build tangible projects while learning trades. Pursuing apprenticeships in your area accelerates entry into this sector.

Administrative Assistants earn $22.82 hourly, similar to office clerks but often supporting individual executives or smaller organizations. The work tends to be more specialized and varied. Building a professional LinkedIn profile showcasing skills, experience and education strengthens your candidacy.

Automotive Service Technicians take home $23.88 per hour—perfect for car enthusiasts. Qualifications include shop classes, vocational programs or formal apprenticeships at specific shops.

Advanced Positions: Premium Well Paying Jobs for Teenagers ($25+)

The highest-compensation roles typically require prior experience or specialized training.

Retail Supervisors earn $25.01 hourly—accessible after one year in retail. This position involves overseeing store operations and staff performance.

Carpenters make $28.51 per hour working with wood to create repairs or new items. Pathways include woodworking classes, vocational school or apprenticeships. Like construction work, this suits individuals who prefer hands-on employment.

Food Service Managers represent the peak at $31.40 hourly—the highest among these well paying jobs for teenagers. Those with restaurant experience can transition into management, overseeing operations and customer satisfaction while earning over $30 per hour.

Charting Your Path

The range spans from $18.12 to $31.40 hourly, illustrating significant earning potential based on your interests and qualifications. Entry-level positions provide foundation experience, while intermediate roles build marketable skills. Advanced positions reward dedication and specialization. Whether you prioritize immediate earnings, skill development or career exploration, well paying jobs for teenagers exist across industries—you simply need to match your strengths with the right opportunity.