Top 7 Jobs For 16-Year-Olds

Top 7 Jobs For 16-Year-Olds

When you’re sixteen, the job world can be a scary place.

You may feel like nobody will hire you because of your age or that there are no jobs for 16-year-olds out there.

Fear not!

There are plenty of jobs available for those who wish to work their way up in the job market.

Here’s a list of 7 different careers that would be perfect for any high school student looking to start making money at an early age!

1. Babysitter


Being a babysitter is a job where you watch children in a family’s home.

You may be responsible for teaching them new things, playing with them, feeding them, and giving them their medicine when needed.

It’s a job often done on an hourly basis in people’s homes, and it does not require any special training or certification.

Some of the qualities that make for a good babysitter are maturity, patient, empathy, the ability to maintain composure under pressure, and a love of children.

2. Retail Employee


If you like working with people and have a keen interest in sales, retail employees are jobs that could be perfect for you.

Retail employees are usually responsible for greeting customers at the door, directing them to items they might be looking for, and helping them find the sizes and colors they need.

A job in retail is often done on a commission basis, meaning that your pay will depend on how many items you sell during your shift.

You’ll also be responsible for keeping up with inventory by restocking shelves or dressing windows.

Retail jobs can be both part-time and full-time. 

They can offer plenty of opportunities to advance by learning new job skills or taking on more managerial responsibilities.

3. Fast Food Worker


Fast-food jobs are suitable for sixteen-year-olds who are just out of school or need a job for the summer.

A fast-food job includes:

  • Taking orders and preparing food.
  • Cleaning tables and sweeping the premises.
  • Answering customer questions about menu items.
  • Serving customers in a prompt and friendly manner.

Fast food jobs do not require specific skills or experience; you have to be 16 years old.

If you’re interested in a job as a fast-food restaurant employee, find one that will offer you flexible hours or on weekends, so it’s easier for you to balance your career with school work.

It can be tricky balancing a job with school, but if you make sure to prioritize your study time!

4. Housekeeper


A job as a housekeeper is one job you’ll find in the service industry.

The job of a housekeeper includes cleaning and maintaining houses that their owner sometimes occupies, but other times for long-term rentals.

Housekeepers are responsible for everyday household chores such as cooking, washing dishes, vacuuming, scrubbing floors with a chemical cleaner and mop, dusting furniture, and washing windowsills.

Housekeepers often work on an hourly basis.

This job is perfect for those who love to keep a clean home and enjoy the satisfaction of having everything neat.

It can also allow you to establish excellent references that will help you get your next job!

Housekeeping jobs are usually available full-time, part-time, or hourly in hotels or residential facilities.

5. Newspaper Carrier


If you’re looking for a job that will give you time to do your homework or study, being a newspaper carrier might be the job for you.

A newspaper carrier delivers papers to customers every day.

You usually work morning or night shifts.

Some newspaper carriers even deliver papers in small towns without cars and need to walk or bike everywhere they go.

Others work in city environments and need a car to get around!

All you need is a bike or scooter!

6. Lifeguard


A lifeguard is responsible for the safety of both swimmers and others in the area.

It’s essential to make sure that any dangerous conditions are addressed quickly and without delay.

Lifeguards also enforce the rules of the pool and make sure all people in the pool are abiding by them.

In addition to these responsibilities, lifeguards must provide assistance to those who need help getting out of the pool, provide first aid if required, and ensure that children watch as much as possible when they’re playing in or near pools.

7. Cashier


Cashiers are responsible for receiving payments from customers, processing refunds and exchanges, handling money, and processing credit card payments.

It’s important to stay calm when you’re working on the checkout.

Cashiers also provide customer service by listening to any questions about products or prices and handling any complaints during the transaction.

Most often, cashiers work part-time hours but can expect paychecks on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.

Final Thoughts


The job market for 16-year-olds is competitive and challenging, but there are plenty of opportunities to take on.

Whether you’re looking for a job during the summer or something with flexible hours that will allow you time to study, this article has covered some jobs that might be perfect for your situation.

We hope these job ideas have inspired you!

Andrew
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