For high school students, the job market can seem daunting. It is difficult to find work that will allow you to gain experience in a particular field and develop your skills without having to worry about how it will impact your paying job or other responsibilities. As an alternative, there are some different types of jobs that many high school students are able to pursue without risking the chance at a full-time job.

This blog post aims to provide some insight into the best jobs for high school students by highlighting the top three most popular fields that high schoolers are entering into. These three fields also offer room for growth and new opportunities for development as a person in the labor force.
The following are some of the best jobs for high school students:
1) Media and Communications
2) Retail/Catering Services
3) Management

High Paying Job for High School Students

High school students are going to be responsible for making some major decisions in the near future. Whether you decide to go the traditional route and go to college or take your chances with a career, there are still many ways you can live your dream now. These jobs range from being a personal trainer or teaching children about computers at an elementary school, to being a professional chef or even starting a company of your own. Read on to find out which top jobs high school students should consider as they make their future decisions.

Here are 13 jobs that let high school students balance their academic schedule and gain work experience:

1. Ice cream scooper

2. Server

3. Barista

4. Lifeguard

5. Prep cook

6. Movie theater cashier or usher

7. Front desk receptionist

8. Yard worker

9. Pet sitter or dog walker

10. Babysitter

11. Delivery driver

12. Tutor

13. Grocery store associate

1. Ice cream scooper

National average salary: $10.76 per hour

Primary duties: Ice cream scoopers take orders, give out samples of different ice cream flavors and prepare orders for customers. Though this would be an ideal summer job, it’s also a job that students can work year-round. Benefits can include free ice cream and shared tips.

2. Server

National average salary: $11.37 per hour

Primary duties: Servers work in restaurants and answer customer questions about the menu, take orders, and deliver food and drinks to the table. They receive tips in addition to an hourly wage. Servers gain customer service skills and work in a fast-paced environment as part of a team. Motivated employees can progress from server to shift supervisor to manager.

3. Barista

National average salary: $11.52 per hour

Primary duties: Baristas make specialty coffee and tea drinks at a cafe. They also provide customer service and learn how to work a cash register. Perks usually include free coffee, tea and unsold food items like pastries. Some large companies offer benefits like tuition-assistance programs to employees.

4. Lifeguard

National average salary: $11.74 per hour

Primary duties: Lifeguards supervise aquatic activity and make sure swimmers are following pool safety rules. They also respond to any emergencies that may occur. Aspiring lifeguards need to be at least 15 years old by the time training is completed to qualify to work. Though training takes approximately 25 hours to complete, teens can return to this job each summer.

5. Prep cook

National average salary: $12.23 per hour

Primary duties: Prep cooks work in the back of a restaurant where food is stored, prepped, cooked and plated for customers. Prep cooks prepare ingredients for chefs and line cooks. They may be assigned tasks like chopping vegetables or making sauces that line cooks use when cooking and preparing dishes for customers. Working as a prep cook allows teens to develop their cooking skills, get on-the-job training and gain experience in the food service industry.

6. Movie theater cashier or usher

National average salary: $12.50 per hour

Primary duties: Cashiers work at the box office or concessions stand at a movie theater. They sell patrons movie tickets as well as drinks and snacks to enjoy during the screening. Ushers check tickets, direct patrons to the correct theater and clean up the theater after the movie is over. Movie theaters offer schedule flexibility, including evening shifts. Benefits can include free movie tickets for staff.

7. Front desk receptionist

National average salary: $13.20 per hour

Primary duties: Receptionists answer phones, greet clients and perform administrative tasks like setting up appointments. Receptionists can work at various types of businesses, from gyms to a doctor’s office. Working as a receptionist can help teens gain customer service skills and experience working in an office environment.

8. Yard worker

National average salary: $13.23 per hour

Primary duties: Yard work includes raking leaves, weeding, mowing and watering plants. Teens can do yard work for neighbors or a business. It’s an ideal job for high schoolers who enjoy physical work and being outdoors. Yard work jobs are often seasonal.

9. Pet sitter or dog walker

National average salary: $15.16 per hour

Primary duties: Dog walking and cat sitting are excellent job opportunities for teens who love animals. Cat sitters provide in-home care by feeding cats, scooping the litter box and spending time with the cat. Dog walkers typically visit clients’ homes to give their dogs exercise outside of the home and make sure their basic needs are met. Dog walking may be a better summer job opportunity since working adults often need someone to walk their dog during traditional business hours. Cat-sitting jobs typically have more schedule flexibility for morning or evening visits, as cat owners usually require help when they are out of town.

10. Babysitter

National average salary: $15.93 per hour

Primary duties: Babysitters take care of children temporarily while their parents or guardians are away. Babysitters may be required to change diapers, clean up play areas, prepare snacks and help children prepare for bedtime. Babysitting is an ideal job for students since parents often need their services in the evening or on weekends, so high schoolers can do it part-time during the academic year.

11. Delivery driver

National average salary: $16.88 per hour

Primary duties: Delivery drivers ensure that items such as produce, food orders and other goods are delivered to customers. Delivery drivers are responsible for packing and transporting goods on schedule and in good condition. Many companies offer delivery drivers a flexible schedule, making this a great opportunity for high schoolers who have a driver’s license and access to a car.

12. Tutor

National average salary: $21.35 per hour

Primary duties: Tutors give individual attention to students to help them better understand a subject and improve their grades. High schoolers who excel in an academic subject can use their knowledge to help fellow students and earn money in the process.

13. Grocery store associate

National average salary: $21.70 per hour

Primary duties: Grocery store employees may stock shelves, work the cash register, or work in a specific department like the bakery or seafood department. Grocery store workers may be assigned to do one primary task or multiple tasks, which gives teens good work experience with a variety of responsibilities.