The 10 best jobs for high school students

High school students look for employment for various reasons. Students may want to earn their own money for personal expenses, to save for college, to help their family, or just to beef up their resume. Employment helps young adults gain practical experience and develop skills that will be useful in future careers and college. Employment helps young adults learn time management. One part of growing up is getting a job. Every year closer to High School and College graduation, more and more teenagers seek employment or part-time work. Whether it is to gain financial independence or add to a resume, learning to balance school and work ahead of time helps with the transition. Holding a job can also teach responsibility, commitment, and accountability. Jobs also provide opportunities to interact with others, helping to build communication and interpersonal skills.

No matter the reason, employment is a step almost everyone takes when entering adulthood. Every job comes with its drawbacks, so to keep you motivated, it helps to find what works best for you, and to figure out what you like to do. Below is a list of 10 jobs for high school students:

Let’s start with “the classics”

1) Local work in the community

If you’re a high school student with a busy schedule who is looking for quick cash during your free time, working for families in your community is a reliable and safe option. These jobs not only offer flexibility but also provide the opportunity to help neighbors in your community. Some great options include:

• Mowing Lawns: Seasonal work that’s perfect for weekends or after school.
• House Sitting: A great way to earn money while taking care of someone’s home during their absence.
• Dog Sitting/Walking: Ideal if you love animals and want a job that can fit into your day.
• Nanny/Babysitting: Perfect for after-school or weekend work, and a good way to build trust within your community.

Balancing employment in addition to school, sports, and clubs can be difficult. Flexible jobs like these can give you valuable experience while earning extra cash!

2) Food service and hospitality

Food service and hospitality jobs have been a staple in ushering high school students into the employment world. Each of these jobs not only provides income but also essential life skills that can be valuable for future careers.

• Fast Food and Restaurants: These provide a fast-paced environment that helps improve multitasking skills. The fast-food industry also offers various shifts, making it more flexible. Tips help boost income and customer service helps strengthen social skills.
• Coffee Shops: Coffee shops are known for having regulars and teaching the importance of connecting with customers. Although busier in the morning, this environment still tends to be calmer than a fast-food place or restaurant.
• Catering and Event Staff: Working events is a great job if you are looking to work mainly weekends. Catering and event jobs are great if you love working in a team setting, as earnings and tips are often shared. Skills like adaptability and problem-solving are assets in this type of position.

3) Retail and grocery

Working in retail not only provides income but also helps students develop customer service and sales skills while giving them access to discounts on popular items. Big box stores tend to have a larger employee base and longer hours of operation, allowing for flexible work hours and opportunities to be promoted to shift supervisor or manager.

• Big Chain Stores (Target, Walmart, Walgreens, etc.): There are various roles within large retail stores, allowing the opportunities to try out different positions ranging from inventory management to customer service, and even leadership roles.
• Specialty Stores (Makeup, Electronics, Boutiques): Builds knowledge in specific product areas and helps with marketing skills.
• Grocery Stores: Can provide iscounts on groceries, which can be helpful for students who are seeking employment to help their families.
• Clothing Stores: Opportunities to learn merchandising and marketing. Develops interpersonal skills and communication when working with customers.

Working in retail or big box stores with a variety of products can be a great opportunity for young adults transitioning into financial independence. Some stores offer discounts to their employees.

Jobs with a path to employment after high school graduation

4) United Parcel Service (UPS) warehouse

For students who are looking for employment that can lead to a career following high school, UPS boasts an 86% promotion rate within their company, often with employees who started as package handlers. Package handlers, often referred to as warehouse workers, play a crucial role in the logistics process at UPS. Their primary responsibilities include loading and unloading packages from UPS trailers or signature brown delivery trucks. Additionally, they sort packages to ensure they reach the correct destination.

Benefits of working as a package handler include:

• Path to Growth: UPS often promotes from within, providing opportunities for advancement to higher-paying roles.
• Fast-Paced Environment: The work is physical and dynamic, which keeps employees active and engaged.
• Team Collaboration: Workers are part of a diverse, collaborative team, promoting teamwork and communication.
• Job Flexibility: Shifts are often flexible, making it possible to balance work with school or other commitments.
• Exercise: The physical nature of the job can help keep employees fit without needing to go to the gym.

This role is perfect for those who enjoy energetic, hands-on work and thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

5) Entrepreneurship and side projects

High school students interested in entrepreneurship can explore selling their work on platforms like Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, or other online venues. With the supervision of parents, they can safely manage their own small business while gaining valuable experience. This approach not only allows students to turn their creativity into profit but also teaches them important skills like marketing, customer service, and financial management, all within a supportive and supervised environment. Working on your own instills a strong work ethic and understanding of real-world responsibilities and how business decisions can impact income.

• Etsy: Ideal for selling handmade crafts, art, or vintage items. Provides a platform to reach a global audience. Teaches skills in product listing, pricing, and customer interactions. Parental supervision ensures safe transactions and compliance with platform rules.
• Facebook Marketplace: Great for selling a variety of items, from crafts to used goods. Local focus allows for face-to-face transactions, which can be more manageable. Offers flexibility in pricing and negotiation. Parental supervision helps with managing sales and ensuring safe exchanges.
• Other Online Platforms: Various platforms like eBay or local selling apps provide additional selling opportunities. Allows exploration of different markets and customer bases. Helps develop skills in digital marketing and e-commerce. Parental guidance is crucial for managing accounts and handling potential issues.

Working on these platforms under parental supervision provides a controlled environment to learn about business operations while ensuring safety and proper management. For high school students, finding a balance between work, education, and personal life is essential for making the most out of the experience. Seek out help from family members and don’t be afraid to consult with local business owners to see how they were successful in creating their brands.

6) Freelance and contract work

For high school students with a passion for creative work, freelance opportunities in photography, graphic design, and creative writing offer flexible, self-driven ways to earn money. These jobs allow students to hone their craft while gaining real-world experience, building portfolios, and networking with potential clients.

• Photography: Ideal for students who enjoy capturing moments at events like parties, school functions, or family gatherings. Freelance work can include portrait photography, event photography, or selling stock photos online. Helps develop technical skills, creativity, and business acumen in pricing and client management.
• Graphic Design: Perfect for students skilled in digital design, offering services for logos, posters, and social media content. Freelance projects allow students to build a portfolio and gain experience working with real clients. Encourages creativity while teaching time management and project planning.
• Creative Writing: Students can offer services for writing blog posts, short stories, or content for websites. Freelancing allows them to develop their voice, improve writing skills, and gain feedback from clients. It can be a flexible job that fits around schoolwork, with opportunities to work remotely.

These freelance opportunities provide a way for creative students to monetize their passions, gain professional experience, and build a foundation for future careers, all while managing their schedules.

Enjoyable jobs with great perks

7) Movie Theater

A job at a movie theater offers a perfect blend of flexibility, social interaction, and perks, making it a great option for high school students. Here’s why:

• Flexible Hours: Movie theaters often have evening and weekend shifts, which work well for students balancing school and extracurriculars.
• Customer Service Experience: Roles like ticket sales, concessions, and ushering help students learn multitasking and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.
• Free or Discounted Movies: One of the biggest perks is access to free or discounted tickets, which is perfect for movie-loving students. Employees often receive discounts on snacks, making it an enjoyable and social job.

Overall, working at a movie theater is a fun, engaging job that offers great perks, flexible hours, and valuable experience for high school students.

8) Pet store

For high school students who love animals, working at a pet store can be both fun and beneficial. It can be therapeutic for young adults and can teach them some valuable skills.

• Hands On Experience with Animals: Students get to interact with pets like dogs, cats, fish, and reptiles, gaining knowledge about their care, feeding, and habitats. Learning to handle and care for a variety of animals is both rewarding and informative for students who are passionate about animals or considering careers in veterinary care.
• Builds Resumes for Aspiring Veterinarians: This knowledge can provide an advantage if they pursue future jobs or education in animal-related fields. Cleaning habitats and being responsible for the care of animals can help young adults become familiar with the niche field.

Working at a pet store offers high school students the chance to combine their love for animals with valuable job experience, making it a fun and educational opportunity.

9) Seasonal work

Seasonal jobs are a great way for high school students to earn money and gain work experience. These roles offer short-term commitments with valuable benefits.

• Haunted House: Perfect for students who enjoy creative and theatrical environments. Builds teamwork and confidence while working in a fun, high-energy setting. Great for those looking to earn extra cash during the Halloween season.
• Holiday Markets: Provides experience in retail and customer service during the bustling holiday shopping season. Ideal for students who want to work in a festive, social atmosphere. Teaches time management, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Lifeguard: Lifeguarding at pools or beaches during summer builds responsibility, quick decision-making, and first aid skills. Certification courses provide valuable knowledge and future career opportunities. It’s a perfect job for students who enjoy being active outdoors.
• Camp Counselor: Working as a camp counselor during the summer teaches leadership, patience, and communication. Provides a rewarding opportunity to mentor younger children and develop interpersonal skills. Often includes room and board, making it a great way to work away from home.

Seasonal work gives students a chance to earn money while experiencing unique environments and building a range of skills that can prepare them for future careers.

10) Farm and agricultural work

For high school students looking to work outdoors and gain practical experience, farm and agricultural jobs offer a variety of roles that provide both physical activity and valuable life skills. These positions typically vary by season, making them great for summer or fall work.

• Harvesting Crops: Students can help pick fruits, vegetables, or other crops during peak harvest times. This role promotes physical fitness, attention to detail, and teamwork as students work in teams to gather produce quickly and efficiently. Teaches the importance of hard work and the farm-to-table process, while also offering a sense of accomplishment when seeing the results of a day’s labor.
• Farmhand (General Labor): Farmhands assist with a variety of tasks including planting, irrigation, maintenance of farm equipment, and general upkeep of the farm. This role allows students to learn a wide range of skills, from machinery operation to understanding sustainable farming practices. Provides exposure to diverse tasks that foster problem-solving, adaptability, and hands-on learning.
• Greenhouse Work: Involves planting, watering, and maintaining plants in a controlled environment. Teaches students about plant care, growing cycles, and how to manage crops in different conditions. Ideal for students interested in horticulture, botany, or agriculture science.
• Farmers’ Market Assistant: Students assist in selling farm produce at local farmers’ markets, learning the business side of agriculture. Develops customer service skills, as well as marketing and money management when handling sales. It’s a great way for students to combine agricultural knowledge with retail experience.

Farm and agricultural work not only offer high school students an opportunity to earn money but also allow them to develop valuable life skills and gain an appreciation for the agriculture industry.

Additional resume opportunities and work

Volunteer work: Gaining experience and giving back

High school students looking to make a positive impact while gaining valuable experience can benefit greatly from volunteer work. Opportunities like working with Toys for Tots, local animal shelters, and donation centers offer students the chance to give back to their community while developing important skills.

• Toys for Tots: Involves collecting, sorting, and distributing toys to children in need during the holiday season. Teaches students the value of community service and empathy, as they help brighten the holidays for less fortunate families. Builds organizational and teamwork skills while working with volunteers to manage toy drives and ensure the smooth distribution of donations.
• Local Animal Shelter: Students can assist in feeding, cleaning, and socializing with animals awaiting adoption. Provides hands-on experience with animal care and helps build compassion and responsibility. Students may also help with adoption events or fundraising efforts, gaining experience in event coordination and outreach.
• Donation Centers: Roles include sorting and organizing donated clothes, food, or household items for community distribution. Teaches the importance of resource management and the value of helping those in need. Students gain experience in logistics and teamwork, working with others to ensure donations reach those who need them most.

Volunteering fosters a sense of responsibility, empathy, and leadership while helping students understand the impact of their contributions on the community. Students can develop organizational, communication, and teamwork skills, all of which are valuable for future career opportunities. Volunteering helps students connect with their community, meet new people, and develop a network of peers and mentors. Volunteer work also looks great on resumes and college applications, showcasing a student’s dedication to service and their willingness to help others. In the end, volunteering offers a deep sense of satisfaction, knowing that the time and effort put into helping others can make a real difference. Engaging in volunteer work allows high school students to give back to their community while gaining invaluable experience, skills, and personal growth that can help shape their future.

SVGatto

20 Sept 2024, 12 min read