In today’s dynamic world, teenagers often seek opportunities to gain valuable experience and financial independence from a young age. For 16-year-olds, the job market offers a range of possibilities that can not only provide an income but also foster personal growth and skill development. In this article, we will explore some of the best jobs for 16 year olds to embark on their journey towards adulthood and self-reliance. Whether it’s building a savings fund, gaining work experience, or pursuing a passion, there’s a job out there that can cater to their unique aspirations.
Best Jobs for 16 Year Olds
Getting a job at an age of 16 will give you a head start and help you understand the job market in a better way. You will learn a lot about yourself and which fields you are interested in. You can try different jobs and get an idea of which field or hobby you prefer spending time on. Let us now begin our list.
1. Grocery Store Bagger
- Average Salary: $11.82 per hour
Being a grocery store bagger is one of the best jobs for 16 year olds. If you’re looking for a challenging yet rewarding job, grocery store bagging is a great way to get started! In this job, you will learn to become responsible, time management, and customer service skills in a great way.
2. Store Cashier
- Average Salary: $11.36 per hour
If you have school during the day and want to work a couple of hours in the evening or on the weekends, being a store cashier can be a great job. You also get to meet many people from all walks of life and learn how to handle and earn money. The downside is that it can be a bit monotonous sometimes, performing the same task. But overall, this can be a great start if you want to make some money.
3. Library Assistant
- Average Salary: $15.86 per hour
Library assistants help keep the library organized and running smoothly. You may have to shelve books, help patrons find materials, and issue new library cards. Library assistants also have the opportunity to interact with a wide variety of people of all ages. The job is perfect for someone who enjoys working with the public and loves books. Best of all, library assistants often work in a quiet and calm environment.
4. Package Handler
- Average Salary: $12 per hour
As a Package handler, you will work with a team to sort and load packages onto trucks. It is a very active job, so it is perfect for someone who loves to be on the move. You will also have the opportunity to learn about different types of products and how they are shipped. This is a fantastic entry-level job that can give you the skills and experience you need to start your career in the transportation industry.
5. Restaurant Server
- Average Salary: $15.95 per hour
One of the best jobs for 16 year olds is working as a restaurant server. Being a restaurant server, you are usually responsible for taking orders, delivering food to the table, and cleaning up after customers leave. To be a successful restaurant server, it is also important to be polite, efficient, and organized. Restaurant servers typically earn an hourly wage plus tips, so it is possible to earn a decent wage in this position.
6. Host
- Average Salary: $12.33 per hour
In a restaurant, hosts have the crucial role of welcoming and seating customers, offering menus, and recommending specials. They also bid farewell to diners and may handle cashier duties during checkout. This position is ideal for a 16-year-old’s first job as it imparts valuable communication and multitasking skills while interacting with guests and managing waiting lists.
7. Lifeguard
- Average Salary: $12.51 per hour
Lifeguards play a crucial role in safeguarding the well-being of individuals, both young and old, enjoying aquatic environments such as public pools and beaches. Their duties encompass vigilant supervision of pool and beachgoers, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, and offering guidance while discouraging risky behaviors. In critical situations, they are trained to administer CPR, showcasing their essential life-saving skills. For a 16-year-old, pursuing a lifeguard position can be fulfilling as it often leads to certification and valuable experience in public safety.
8. Barista
- Average Salary: $12.62 per hour
Baristas, found in cafes and coffee shops, craft a variety of hot and cold beverages, including tea, coffee, and specialty drinks. Their duties encompass order-taking, beverage preparation, serving, and handling transactions, in addition to maintaining cleanliness in work and customer areas. This role can be particularly beneficial for a 16-year-old, as it offers the opportunity to acquire valuable skills like teamwork, effective communication, and meticulous attention to detail.
9. Camp Counselors
- Average Salary: $13.20 per hour
Camp counselors hold the responsibility of supervising children at a camp, which frequently involves round-the-clock care. Their duties encompass organizing educational and recreational activities for the children, offering a warm welcome upon their arrival, guiding them to dining facilities and various camp locations, overseeing activities like swimming, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols and guidelines.
10. Retail Sales Associate
- Average Salary: $13.50 per hour
Retail sales associates play a crucial role in enhancing the shopping experience for customers at retail stores. Their responsibilities encompass offering shopping assistance, informing customers about ongoing and upcoming promotions, and aiding them in locating desired products. These skilled professionals effectively market products by elucidating their key features and advantages while also addressing any inquiries customers may pose.
11. Weekend Cleaner
- Average Salary: $27.15 per hour
A weekend cleaner specializes in providing cleaning services for offices, residences, and commercial establishments during weekends, typically when these spaces are not in operation. Their responsibilities encompass tasks such as vacuuming, floor mopping, and surface sanitization. Additionally, they might undertake duties like dusting furniture, window cleaning, and managing waste disposal.
12. Merchandiser
- Average Salary: $26.86 per hour
Individuals in this position assist store owners in the arrangement and presentation of grocery items to enhance their appeal to customers. While many merchandisers are employed by major retail chains, some can be found in smaller, independent grocery stores. Their responsibilities frequently involve unpacking incoming shipments and potentially overseeing inventory management.
13. Parking Attendant
- Average Salary: $33.42 per hour
A parking attendant is responsible for overseeing car parking operations, ensuring that customers park their vehicles correctly and adhere to safety regulations. Their duties may encompass inspecting and scanning parking permits, receiving payments, and offering assistance to drivers utilizing valet parking services. Additionally, they are tasked with maintaining the cleanliness of the toll booth and its vicinity.
14. Receptionist
- Average Salary: $20.95 per hour
A receptionist is a skilled individual who plays a pivotal role in facilitating customer or client interactions within an organization. Their responsibilities encompass tasks such as answering phone calls, addressing customer inquiries, and extending a warm welcome to individuals upon their arrival at a facility. Additionally, receptionists may offer guidance or assistance by providing directions. Opportunities for teenagers to gain experience as receptionists can be found in local non-profit organizations, retail establishments, or small community businesses.
15. Pool Attendant
- Average Salary: $30.20 per hour
Pool attendants play a vital role in the upkeep of swimming pools, whether for community members or public facilities. Their responsibilities encompass tasks such as removing debris from the water’s surface, regularly checking and adjusting chemical levels to prevent bacterial proliferation, and, depending on their training, assisting with pool vacuuming and other general maintenance duties.
Also Read: 30 Best Jobs for 14 Year Olds
Jobs that Hire at 16 Near Me
Many students prefer jobs that are near their homes or places of stay. It allows them flexibility and reduces the time of commute. Plus it is also helpful if there is an emergency, as they will be familiar with the place already. Give below are some jobs that can be found near your place.
1. Food Delivery Person
- Average Salary: $18.53 per hour
Being a food delivery person is a great way to earn cash. All you need is to be punctual and have a valid driving license for food delivery. Contact your local pizzerias and restaurants if you’re interested in becoming a food delivery person. Many of them are always looking for new food delivery people, as the demand for online food delivery has increased tremendously over the last couple of years.
2. Tutor
- Average Salary: $17.79 per hour
Tutoring is a great job for 16-year-olds as it is generally flexible and can be done around your school schedule. This job is all about helping others learn and get educated. You can teach children any subject as per your expertise. In fact, you can also check with your local library or community center if you like teaching and ask them if they are looking for tutoring jobs.
3. Pet Sitter
- Average Salary: $15.21 per hour
You will have to work with various pet animals as a pet sitter, so you must be comfortable with animals before you opt for this profession. Your job would be to look after them, provide them with food, water, and take them for a walk while their owners are away. You’ll also need to keep an eye on their health and well-being, ensuring they are comfortable and happy. Best of all, pet sitting is a fun and valuable experience if you are an animal lover.
4. Music Teacher
- Average Salary: $24.54 per hour
Being a music teacher, you have the opportunity to share your passion for music with students of all ages. In addition to teaching the basics of music theory and instrumental techniques, music teachers also work with their students on concerts, plays and other events which include music.
You can get a job in elementary, middle, and high schools as a music teacher, but there are also opportunities to teach at private studios and music conservatories. If you enjoy working with children and have a passion for music or playing a musical instrument, a career as a music teacher may be the perfect fit for you.
5. Senior Citizen Socializer
- Average Salary: $29.81 per hour
As a senior citizen socializer, you would be responsible for spending time with older people in nursing homes, hospitals, or other care facilities. Your job would be to provide companionship and conversation, plus help these seniors stay engaged. This is an incredibly important job, as social isolation can seriously impact the mental and physical health of aged people.
Additionally, you would provide them with the much-needed human interaction that they are supposed to get from their family. If you’re looking for a socially responsible job, working as a senior citizen socializer might be the perfect job.
Also Read: 37 Best Jobs for 15 Year Olds
Summer Jobs Hiring Near Me at 16
Different seasons open up different job opportunities, same is the case with summer jobs. In summer, people tend to stay outside and travel. It is also the time when people work in their gardens and farms. It creates many best jobs for 16 year olds and some of them are mentioned below.
1. Dog Walker
- Average Salary: $18.07 per hour
Being a dog walker, your job would be to take this four-legged furry friend out for walks, feed them timely and take proper care of them while they are out with you. There are many dog walking jobs available online and if you are a dog lover this can be the right option for you to earn cash.
2. Farm Hand
- Average Salary: $16.54 per hour
Being 16 years old, one great fun option is working at a farm. Farm hands typically perform various tasks, such as feeding and watering animals on farms, maintaining farm equipment, and harvesting crops. Many farm owners look for reliable workers, and if you are interested, you can also work on a farm and help them take care of animals and farming, it can be a pretty good experience.
3. Babysitter
- Average Salary: $21.07 per hour
If you love spending time with kids, then working as a babysitter is a great option. All you have to do is take proper care of the baby; timely feed them, look after and keep the baby clean while parents are out. To get a job, start by talking to your friends and neighbors to see if they know any families that are looking for such help. These days you will also find many babysitting jobs online.
4. Golf Caddy
- Average Salary: $24.51 per hour
As a Golf caddy, you will be responsible for carrying the golf bags and assisting the players. This can sometimes be a physically demanding job, but it is also a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. Golf Caddies can be high-paying jobs. Caddies typically earn around $100 per day.
5. Gardener
- Average Salary: $18.12 per hour
Gardeners typically work in greenhouses or gardens, taking care of plants and ensuring that the plants remain healthy. While the job may seem like it would be easy, it requires a lot of knowledge and skill.
Being a gardener, you must be able to identify different types of plants, understand their needs, and know how to nurture them properly to bear good fruits. Becoming a gardener can be a very rewarding career for those who love being outdoors and working with plants.
Also Read: 32 Best Online Jobs for Students to Earn Money
Best High Paying Jobs Hiring 16 Near Me
Even though best jobs for 16 year olds are mostly part-time and low paying, there are some jobs using which you can earn a decent income as a teenager. These jobs require high-quality skills but if you are willing to work and learn, you will get paid handsomely.
1. Blogger
- Average Salary: $19.31 per hour
There is no doubt that blogging has become one of the most popular online activities in recent years. But did you know that you can earn a good amount of money from it? That’s right. If you have good followers, plenty of companies and brands can pay you to write about their products or services and advertise their products on your blog.
You need to have ideas, follow the correct trends and create blogs keeping proper subject and message in mind that grab the audience’s attention. There are many online tutorials and tools that can help you grow your blogging career.
2. Article Writer
- Average Salary: $27.16 per hour
Being an article writer, you need to write creative and compelling articles that will engage readers to read more. Additionally, effective article writers must be able to craft their words in an interesting and informative way. You do not need any experience to start with article writing, all you require is good command of the language you are writing in. The demand for article writers has increased over years tremendously so you can search for an article writer job at Freelance.com, Upwork, etc.
3. Logo Designer
- Average Salary: $21.13 per hour
This is not an easy task, as it requires an understanding of design principles and marketing strategy. A good logo designer must have a strong understanding of typography, color theory, and iconography. To create a successful logo, a designer must understand the client’s vision and translate it into a visually appealing design.
Being a logo designer can be a great option if you are interested in experimenting with visuals and colors. With the rise in online businesses, logo designers are some of the most in-demand creative professionals today.
4. Event Photographer
- Average Salary: $18.54 per hour
Being an event photographer requires more than just taking pictures. To be successful, you need to capture the event’s energy and excitement through your lenses while still maintaining professional composure.
To be a good event photographer, you need to think creatively and work quickly and efficiently to get the best possible results out of your photography skills.
5. Internet Researcher
- Average Salary: $18.28 per hour
One of the most high-paying jobs for 16-year-olds is that of being an internet researcher. As an internet researcher, your job will be to find information on various topics, you will have to research on various niches and collect data.
You will need to be able to find accurate, up-to-date information on your clients’ topics and provide accurate and clear information that meets your client’s requirements. If you have strong research skills and can effectively communicate your findings, then a career as an internet researcher may be right for you. Now let us check out best jobs for 16 year olds with no experience.
Best Jobs for 16 Year Olds with No Experience
It is unlikely that you will have any kind of work experience at the age of 16 as it is the age when people usually start their careers. It, thus, becomes important to look for jobs that don’t require any prior experience or knowledge. Given below are some best jobs for 16 year olds with no experience.
1. Gift Wrapper
- Average Salary: $17.98 per hour
Being a gift wrapper can be a great option. Many stores hiring seasonal workers can train you on the job, so no prior experience is necessary. And if you have an idea for making beautiful bows or choosing the perfect wrapping material, you could even turn this into a career.
These days you will also find many online tutorials showing how to wrap a piece with creativity. You could become the best in this business with a little hard work and some practice.
2. Amusement Park Worker
- Average Salary: $15.22 per hour
Working at an amusement park is the perfect job for a 16-year-old with no experience. There are a variety of entry-level positions available. You can work as the ticket booth operator or ride counter. And best of all, working at an amusement park is great! You’ll get to meet new people, kids, and learn new management skills.
3. Snow Remover
- Average Salary: $23.21 per hour
It’s a great way to stay active during winter and earn extra money. Plus, it’s a job that will teach you the importance of teamwork. In places that are chilly and receive heavy snowfall during winter, all you need to do is remove the heavy snow from the streets with the help of machines, and you are paid for it. So if you’re looking for a way to make some money, consider this job. This is one of the best jobs for 16 year olds with no experience.
4. Holiday Decorator
- Average Salary: $15.10 per hour
As a holiday decorator, you would be responsible for putting up and taking down holiday decorations for homes and businesses. It is a relatively easy job for a teenager with no experience to learn new things as it does not require special skills or training. All you need is a creative mind.
5. Dishwasher
- Average Salary: $14.35 per hour
You will often find this job at hotels, restaurants, and cafes, and being a dishwasher requires no prior experience. The main responsibility is to clean the dishes and maintain hygiene. You may also be asked to mop and keep the floor clean sometimes. It is a simple job and it is the reason why it belongs on this list of best jobs for 16 year olds with no experience.
6. Newspaper Deliverer
- Average Salary: $10.58 per hour
Being a newspaper deliverer, you don’t need any experience. It is a perfect way to earn some extra cash. If you’re interested in becoming a newspaper deliverer, here’s what you need to do. You can contact your local newspaper office and inquire about new job positions.
Once hired, you’ll be responsible for delivering newspapers to subscribers’ homes or businesses. You will have to work early morning and must have access to a vehicle that will make your work easier. Although the hours can be challenging, newspaper delivery is a great way to make good money.
7. Data Entry Clerk
- Average Salary: $17.93 per hour
Data entry jobs are great for people of all ages, but they are especially perfect for those just starting their careers. These jobs usually require little to no experience, and they can be a great way to learn new skills while also earning a paycheck. It can be learned easily and it is among the best jobs for 16 year olds with no experience.
There are a variety of data entry jobs available, but most involve entering data information into a computer system. Data entry jobs can be found in various industries, and many businesses are always looking for reliable data entry clerks. If you are interested in pursuing a data entry job, check out the various job listings online.
Also Read: 12 Best Part Time Online Jobs For Students Without Investment
Best Companies that Hire 16 Year Olds
It is commonly believed that only individuals or small organizations hire teenagers but that is wrong. There are many mainstream companies that have openings for 16 year olds. Working in these companies would be the highlight of your CV as they are well known. It will give you credibility as a worker. Some of these companies are mentioned below.
1. Target
Target has increased its minimum wage to $15 an hour! And the best part is that most positions at Target hire 16 and 17-year-olds. You can check out their jobs if you want to start as a guest advocate (cashier), Barista, Specialty sales (styles, beauty, and tech), etc.
2. UPS
UPS is looking for people to work as package handlers and warehouse workers. With the increased demand for online shopping, package handlers and warehouse employees are needed more than ever! You can join the team if your age is 16 +.
3. McDonald’s
If you want to work at the largest fast-food restaurant chain in the world, McDonald’s is your place. They have 36,000+ locations across the globe and are always looking to hire new people. Crew members can find roles like cashiers or drive-through assistants, among others, so don’t hesitate to get your application submitted today if this sounds interesting to you at all.
4. Safeway
Safeway and Albertson’s grocery stores have plenty of job opportunities for cashiers, courtesy clerks, cart attendant positions, and stock associates. If you’re 16 or 17, there are even more opportunities at departments like floral goods, bakery, and customer service desk.
5. CVS Health
CVS is a great place to get your foot in the door when it comes time for you to start exploring healthcare careers. It is one of the most recognized pharmacy chains in America, with over ten thousand locations across the nation. They have plenty of opportunities starting from cashier to customer service-oriented tasks. A CVS career must be just right for you if you are interested in getting a job in the healthcare industry.
Also Read: 50 Simple Ways to Make Quick Money in One Day
There are numerous opportunities for 16-year-olds to gain valuable work experience and develop essential skills. These early job experiences can lay a solid foundation for their future careers while fostering a sense of responsibility and independence.
