Jobs for Teenagers: Places, Tips, and Advice

• Chris The Grad
• 0 Comments
• October 4, 2025

By: Chris the Graduate 

Getting that first job as a teenager can feel like a huge milestone. On one hand, it’s a chance to earn extra money for clothes, games, or saving toward the future. On the other hand, it’s your first real introduction to responsibility, professionalism, and time management. Many companies understand this and actively create opportunities for teens to join their workforce. This guide blends a professional overview with a casual, teen-friendly perspective so you’ll know both what employers expect and how to enjoy the experience.

Why Employers Hire Teenagers

From a professional standpoint, companies hire teens because they’re energetic, flexible, and willing to learn. Industries like food service, retail, and recreation rely on part-time workers to keep operations running smoothly. From the teen’s perspective, these jobs are often the easiest entry points into the workforce, letting you gain confidence and skills that will serve you later in life.

Top Companies That Hire Teenagers

1. Fast Food & Restaurants

• McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, Burger King: Teens as young as 14–16 (depending on state laws) are often welcome. Expect cashiering, food prep, or cleaning roles.
  
• Pizza Places (Domino’s, Pizza Hut, Papa John’s): Good for kitchen help and customer service. Delivery roles usually require being 18+.
  

2. Grocery Stores

• Publix, Kroger, H-E-B, Safeway, Albertsons: Common teen jobs include bagging groceries, cart collection, and stocking shelves.
  
• Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s: Typically hire at 16+ for cashier or clerk positions.
  

3. Retail & Clothing Stores

• Target and Walmart: Entry-level jobs in cashiering, stocking, and customer service.
  
• Old Navy, Hollister, American Eagle: Great for teens interested in fashion, customer service, and teamwork.
  

4. Entertainment & Recreation

• Movie Theaters (AMC, Regal, Cinemark): Teens often work concessions, sell tickets, or usher.
  
• Theme Parks (Disney, Six Flags, local attractions): Seasonal work in rides, food stands, or guest services is popular.
  

5. Local Opportunities
Don’t forget small businesses in your area, restaurants, gyms, tutoring centers, or family-owned shops, which often give teens their very first job.

Teen-Friendly Side Hustles

If working for a company isn’t your thing, there are still fun ways to earn:

• Babysitting – Reliable income and great for building responsibility.
  
• Pet Sitting & Dog Walking – Perfect for animal lovers.
  
• Yard Work or Lawn Care – Seasonal but pays well.
  
• Tutoring – Especially good if you’re strong in math, science, or writing.
  
• Freelancing Online – With parental consent, some platforms allow design, writing, or creative projects.
  

Tips for Getting Hired

• Professional side: Create a basic résumé listing school activities, volunteering, and skills. Dress neatly when applying and show that you can be responsible.
  
• Teen side: Don’t stress if your first job isn’t glamorous. Everyone has to start somewhere, and even bagging groceries or working a cash register teaches you valuable skills.
  

The Bigger Picture

For teens, a job is more than just money; it’s about independence, discipline, and learning how to balance work with school and life. For companies, hiring teens helps build the future workforce with motivated young people ready to grow. Whether you’re clocking in at a fast-food restaurant, scanning items at a grocery store, or babysitting for neighbors, each job is a stepping stone toward bigger opportunities.

So, put yourself out there, apply with confidence, and remember: your first job is just the beginning of your career journey.