A new report is highlighting the job market for teens that dont require college degrees or formal experience
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Teens arent boxed into minimum wage jobs, as a new report highlighted the top 15 highest-paying jobs that dont require college degrees or formal experience.
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Nathan Soto, a career expert, shared his insights with ConsumerAffairs, including where teens can look for higher-paying jobs.
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Soto explained that being open and willing to learn can open many doors for young people on the job hunt.
While the job market can be fierce, teens dont have to wait until they graduate college to start earning experience. And they also dont have to accept minimum wage.
A new report from Resume Genius highlights the top 15 highest-paying jobs for teens, none of which require college degrees or formal training or experience.
Nathan Soto, a career expert at Resume Genius, also shared insights with ConsumerAffairs on the state of the job market for young people, where teens can look for jobs, and more.
Whats important for teens to know is that they dont have to settle for low-paying, low-skilled work, Soto told ConsumerAffairs.
There are real opportunities to learn, grow, and earn, even before graduating from high school. Many employers are actively looking for young people with strong communication skills, reliability, and a positive attitude. And as more teens take on roles with leadership and technical components, theyre gaining experience that will serve them for years to come.
Highest-paying jobs for teens
The list was compiled by researchers from Resume Genius who: sourced data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, focused on jobs with at least 20,000 employed teens (ages 1619), and cross-referenced job titles using BLSs Occupational Outlook Handbook data to find the hourly income.
Heres a look at that list:
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Food service manager
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Median hourly wage: $31.40
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Number of teens employed: 33,000
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Carpenter
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Median hourly wage: $28.51
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Number of teens employed: 32,000
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Retail supervisor
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Median hourly wage: $25.01
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Number of teens employed: 37,000
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Automotive service technician
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Median hourly wage: $23.88
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Number of teens employed: 44,000
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Administrative assistant
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Median hourly wage: $22.82
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Number of teens employed: 15,000
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Construction worker
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Median hourly wage: $22.14
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Number of teens employed: 104,000
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Office clerk
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Median hourly wage: $20.97
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Number of teens employed: 63,000
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Customer service representative
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Median hourly wage: $20.59
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Number of teens employed: 236,000
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Delivery truck driver
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Median hourly wage: $20.56
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Number of teens employed: 47,000
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Landscaping worker
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Median hourly wage: $19.13
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Number of teens employed: 74,000
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Nursing assistant
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Median hourly wage: $18.96
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Number of teens employed: 68,000
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Security guard
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Median hourly wage: $18.46
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Number of teens employed: 18,000
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Courier
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Median hourly wage: $18.44
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Number of teens employed: 30,000
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Stocker
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Median hourly wage: $18.12
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Number of teens employed: 188,000
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Packager
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Median hourly wage: $18.12
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Number of teens employed: 53,000
The teen job market
The teen job market today is much more dynamic than just flipping burgers or folding clothes (though those are still fine first-time jobs), Soto explained. Many high-paying jobs for teens exist: positions like food service manager, carpenter, and automotive technician. These positions pay median hourly wages in the $23 to $31 range, well above minimum wage.
Specifics of the job hunt
Soto explained that every role is different, but teens can certainly find jobs that pay above minimum wage and that set them up for success.
Additionally, he recommended starting a basic LinkedIn profile, attending school career fairs, going to community events, and exploring job fairs as helpful ways to land higher-paying jobs.
A high school diploma and a willingness to learn can go a long way. Entry-level roles like landscaping or stocking shelves often offer on-the-job training, he said.
More specialized roles, like nursing assistants or mechanics, may call for certification or vocational training, but those paths are increasingly within reach for teens through apprenticeships and school programs.
Posted: 2025-06-05 17:48:04
