The Ultimate Guide to High Paying Jobs for Teens: 15 Career Paths to Maximize Summer Earnings

When vacation season arrives, many young workers see an opportunity to land their first job and build their savings. Whether you’re eyeing a new car, college fund, or just want spending money, starting with a high paying job can help you reach financial goals significantly faster. Recent research by Resume Genius identified the most lucrative entry-level positions available to teens, revealing some surprising opportunities that can put real money in your pocket.

Entry-Level Positions: Building Your First Paychecks ($18-19/Hour)

If you’re just starting out, these high paying jobs for teens offer solid hourly rates while teaching valuable work skills.

Packagers earn $18.12 per hour preparing items for shipment in warehouse settings. This role suits detail-oriented individuals who don’t mind physical work—you’ll label, assess, and move products, often with on-the-job training available.

Stockers also pocket $18.12 hourly while organizing inventory and restocking shelves. Retail stockers can find opportunities by checking local job boards, asking at nearby stores in person, or searching online listings. Your organizational skills and willingness to learn are your greatest assets.

Couriers make slightly more at $18.44 per hour, delivering packages and collecting signatures. You’ll need a driver’s license for this role, making it perfect for teens with access to reliable transportation.

Security Guards earn $18.46 hourly protecting businesses and buildings. Most positions require you to be at least 18 with a high school diploma; many states also mandate a security license.

Nursing Assistants represent an excellent choice for teens considering healthcare careers, earning $18.96 hourly. Tasks include monitoring vital signs, gathering patient information, and supporting nursing staff. Local job fairs are great venues to connect with healthcare employers who often hire on-site.

Growing Your Earnings: Mid-Tier High Paying Jobs for Teens ($19-21/Hour)

Once you’ve gained some experience, these positions offer better compensation and skill development.

Landscaping Workers earn $19.13 per hour enhancing outdoor spaces. If you spent childhood mowing lawns, this natural progression requires minimal qualifications beyond a willingness to learn.

Delivery Truck Drivers command $20.56 hourly transporting goods. You’ll need a standard driver’s license, and larger trucks may require a commercial driver’s license. This role combines independence with steady pay.

Customer Service Representatives make $20.59 hourly solving customer problems. Natural communicators thrive in this role, which you can often find through personal referrals—a recommendation from friends, classmates, or teachers carries significant weight with employers. Some schools even offer work-study programs combining earnings with academic credit.

Office Clerks take home $20.97 per hour handling data entry, managing operations, and streamlining workplace communication. Many employers prefer high school graduates for these positions.

Premium Opportunities: Top-Tier High Paying Jobs for Teens ($22+/Hour)

These positions reward skill, commitment, and sometimes specialized training.

Construction Workers earn $22.14 hourly building projects from the ground up. Hands-on learners thrive here, and seeking apprenticeships in your area provides structured entry into the construction industry.

Administrative Assistants make $22.82 hourly supporting individual managers or small organizations. These specialized roles require organization, attention to detail, and a helpful mindset. Building a professional LinkedIn profile—showcasing your skills, experience, and education—significantly improves your chances of landing these positions.

Automotive Service Technicians earn $23.88 per hour solving vehicle problems for your community. Car enthusiasts can start through shop classes, vocational programs, or apprenticeships at specific auto shops.

Retail Supervisors take home $25.01 hourly after a year in retail. Step into management by overseeing store operations and leading staff teams.

Carpenters earn $28.51 hourly working with wood on repairs and new projects. Woodworking classes, vocational school, or field apprenticeships provide pathways into this skilled trade.

Food Service Managers claim the top spot among high paying jobs for teens at $31.40 hourly. Those with restaurant experience can leverage their background to manage operations and enhance customer experiences, making this the most lucrative entry available.

Landing Your High Paying Teen Job: Practical Strategies

Beyond identifying these positions, successful job hunting requires strategy. Personal connections matter tremendously—inform friends, family, and teachers that you’re seeking work, as referrals often lead directly to opportunities. Online job boards and local listings provide consistent options, while walking into stores with enthusiasm demonstrates initiative. Websites like LinkedIn let you build a professional presence, displaying your capabilities and education to potential employers at a glance.

Whether you’re drawn to physical work, customer interaction, or technical roles, these high paying jobs for teens offer real earning potential. Start with positions matching your interests and strengths, build experience, and progress toward higher-paying opportunities. Your summer earnings today become your financial foundation tomorrow.