Examples of part-time jobs for teens

Parents & guardians · Tips · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What are common part-time jobs suitable for teens?

Many teens start with part-time jobs that offer flexible hours and require little to no prior experience. Common roles include retail cashiers who handle sales transactions and greet customers; food service workers such as hosts, bussers, or counter attendants in restaurants and cafes; babysitters caring for younger children in the neighborhood; dog walkers or pet sitters hired by local families; tutors helping classmates or younger students with subjects they excel in; lawn care helpers who mow and maintain yards; and lifeguards at community pools or beaches (usually requiring certification).

These jobs help teens develop communication, teamwork, punctuality, and responsibility. Parents can guide teens to choose jobs matching their interests and availability. For example, if a teen enjoys animals, pet sitting or dog walking could be a great start. If a teen likes meeting people and working indoors, retail or food service might suit them best. Starting with a role that fits the teen’s personality increases the chance they’ll stay committed and learn valuable skills.

How can parents help teens find part-time job opportunities?

Parents play an important role in helping teens identify and secure suitable jobs. They can start by visiting local businesses such as grocery stores, fast-food restaurants, malls, community centers, and libraries to ask about job openings for teens. Many places post signs or flyers about hiring. Parents and teens can also check online local job boards or school career centers, which sometimes list teen-appropriate opportunities.

Another useful approach is exploring informal jobs by asking neighbors or family friends if they need help with babysitting, pet care, or yard work. These informal jobs help teens build experience and references while working in a familiar, supportive environment.

Parents should help teens prepare a simple resume that includes any volunteer work, school projects, or relevant skills (for example, “helped organize a school fundraiser” or “tutored a younger student in math”). Practicing interview questions together like “Why do you want this job?” or “How do you handle stress?” can boost confidence.

Finally, parents can set expectations about work hours and explain the importance of balancing work with school and family life. This conversation helps teens understand their responsibilities and make informed choices.

What steps should a teen take to apply for a part-time job?

Applying for a part-time job is a multi-step process where preparation is key. Teens should first make a list of jobs they are interested in and check age eligibility since some jobs require teens to be at least 16 or 18. Next, they should fill out job applications carefully, either in person or online, making sure to include accurate contact information and any requested documents such as a resume or work permit.

Parents can offer to review applications to ensure they are neat and error-free. After submitting applications, teens should follow up within a week by calling or visiting the employer to express their continued interest. This step shows initiative and can set them apart from other candidates.

Preparing for interviews is crucial. Teens can practice answering common questions with parents or guardians, such as:

• “Tell me about yourself.”
• “Why do you want this job?”
• “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
• “How do you handle working with others?”

Dressing neatly and arriving 10-15 minutes early for the interview demonstrates professionalism. After the interview, teens should send a polite thank-you note or email to the employer, reinforcing their enthusiasm for the position.

How to choose jobs that balance with school and extracurricular activities?

Balancing a part-time job with schoolwork and extracurriculars requires thoughtful planning. Teens and parents should review the teen’s weekly schedule, including classes, homework time, sports, clubs, and family commitments, to identify time slots available for work.

Generally, working 15-20 hours a week during the school year is reasonable. Jobs that offer evening or weekend shifts often fit best. For example, if a teen has school from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., they might work from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and a few hours on weekends.

Parents can help teens track their weekly hours, workload, and stress. If a teen reports feeling exhausted or falling behind in school, it may be necessary to reduce work hours or temporarily pause the job. Encouraging teens to keep a planner or use calendar apps to manage commitments can improve organization.

Here is a sample weekly schedule parents and teens might create:

This schedule balances work, school, and personal time, helping teens avoid burnout.

What legal rules affect teen part-time jobs?

Federal and state laws regulate teen employment to protect their health, safety, and education. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets limits on the hours and types of work teens can perform. For example, teens under 14 generally cannot work except in limited roles like babysitting or delivering newspapers. Teens aged 14-15 can work in certain non-hazardous jobs but with restricted hours, such as no more than 3 hours on a school day and no more than 18 hours in a school week.

Teens aged 16-17 have fewer restrictions but may still be barred from hazardous occupations like operating heavy machinery or roofing.

Work permits may be required depending on state law. Parents can check with their state labor department or the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division for current regulations and age-specific rules. Ensuring compliance protects teens and employers alike.

Parents should also be aware of minimum wage laws, breaks, and overtime rules, which vary by state and industry. Encouraging teens to report unsafe conditions or labor violations is vital. If issues arise, contacting legal aid or the state labor department is recommended.

How to tell if a part-time job is a good fit for your teen?

A good job fit shows in several ways. Teens who enjoy their work tend to speak positively about their tasks and coworkers. They arrive on time, complete assigned duties, and receive positive feedback from supervisors. Teens may describe feeling more confident or learning new skills such as cash handling, customer service, or teamwork.

Parents should watch for signs such as:

• Steady attendance and punctuality
• Enthusiasm when talking about the job
• Ability to balance work with school and social life
• Feeling comfortable asking questions or seeking help at work

Conversely, warning signs include frequent complaints about the job, excessive stress or fatigue, dropping grades, or feeling unsafe or disrespected. If these occur, parents should discuss options with their teen, which might include reducing hours, switching to a different job, or taking a break.

Regularly checking in with your teen about their experience helps you support their success and wellbeing.

What are some creative part-time job ideas for teens?

Besides traditional roles, teens can explore creative options that match their interests and talents:

• Social media assistant: Helping a small business schedule posts or respond to customers online.
• Event helper: Assisting with setup, cleanup, or guest services at local events or parties.
• Craft seller: Creating handmade jewelry, art, or decorations to sell at local markets or online.
• Library aide: Shelving books, helping with programs, or assisting patrons.
• Tech support: Helping neighbors or family members with basic computer or smartphone troubleshooting.
• Photography assistant: Assisting photographers with equipment or managing social media.

These jobs may require some initiative to find or create but can build specialized skills and boost a teen’s resume.

Parents can encourage exploring these ideas by connecting teens with community centers, local artisans, or small business owners. Supporting teens in starting small entrepreneurial ventures teaches responsibility and creativity.

How can parents support teens in succeeding at their first part-time job?

Parents can help teens develop strong work habits by emphasizing punctuality, respectful communication, and appropriate dress. Encourage teens to keep a work journal to track tasks, challenges, and achievements, which can improve self-awareness.

Discussing workplace scenarios beforehand helps teens prepare for common issues, such as handling difficult customers or managing multiple tasks. Parents should also advise teens to ask supervisors for feedback regularly and to share any concerns early.

Helping teens set goals, like learning new skills or saving a portion of earnings for a specific purpose, fosters motivation and financial literacy.

Celebrating milestones, such as completing a month on the job or receiving positive feedback, reinforces effort and builds confidence.

Frequently asked questions

What jobs can teens under 14 legally do?

Teens under 14 are limited to jobs like babysitting, newspaper delivery, or working in a family business. Most other work is prohibited to protect their education and safety. Checking state laws is important as rules vary.

How can teens prepare for a job interview?

Teens should practice answering questions about their strengths, skills, and reasons for applying. Dressing neatly, arriving on time, and maintaining eye contact help make a good impression.

What should a teen do if they feel unsafe at work?

Teens should tell their parents or guardians immediately and report unsafe conditions to their employer. If necessary, contacting the state labor department or legal aid can help resolve serious issues.

How can teens balance work and school without stress?

Using a planner to organize homework, extracurriculars, and work shifts helps manage time. Teens should communicate with parents and employers if workload becomes overwhelming.

Are informal jobs like babysitting considered part-time work?

Yes, informal jobs such as babysitting or lawn care count as part-time work and provide valuable experience. Parents should help teens understand any tax or legal responsibilities related to these jobs.

Can teens work during school hours?

Generally, working during school hours is restricted for teens under 16. Older teens may have more flexibility depending on local laws and school policies. Parents should check specific regulations.