For many American teenagers, landing a part-time job—especially during the summer—is a classic rite of passage. While most teen roles are entry-level, some pay significantly better than the typical retail or restaurant gigs.
According to a May 2026 analysis by Resume Genius using the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the highest-paying job for teenagers is **car technician and mechanic**, with a median hourly wage of **$23.88**.
“Teens with a natural aptitude for mechanics and basic vehicle knowledge can earn strong money in this field,” says Nathan Soto, career expert at Resume Genius.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs for Teens
Here are the top 10 jobs ranked by median hourly wage, along with the estimated number of teens currently employed in each role:
1. **Car Technician and Mechanic**
Median hourly wage: **$23.88**
Teens employed: 44,000
2. **Babysitter**
Median hourly wage: **$23.08**
Teens employed: N/A
3. **Retail Supervisor**
Median hourly wage: **$22.75**
Teens employed: 37,000
4. **Coach and Scout**
Median hourly wage: **$22.08**
Teens employed: 60,000
5. **Food Service Supervisor**
Median hourly wage: **$20.20**
Teens employed: 25,000
6. **Tutor**
Median hourly wage: **$19.27**
Teens employed: 19,000
7. **Shelf Stocker**
Median hourly wage: **$18.72**
Teens employed: 188,000
8. **Gardener**
Median hourly wage: **$18.31**
Teens employed: 74,000
9. **Waiter and Waitress**
Median hourly wage: **$16.23**
Teens employed: 360,000
10. **Childcare Worker**
Median hourly wage: **$15.41**
Teens employed: 101,000
Waiter and waitress roles remain the most popular among teens, largely due to the high number of available positions and flexible schedules that work well around school.
Jobs like coaching and tutoring are especially well-suited for students, as they often align with academic strengths and school-related schedules. “If you excel in a subject, you can turn that knowledge into income by tutoring something you genuinely enjoy,” Soto notes.
Valuable Experience Beyond the Paycheck
While most teens see these jobs as temporary ways to earn extra money rather than long-term career paths, the experience gained is highly valuable.
“Having held a job, gone through an interview, and reported to a boss gives teens a real advantage when they apply for full-time roles later,” says Soto. “The transferable skills—reliability, communication, teamwork, and time management—are highly sought after by employers.”
Tips for Teen Job Seekers
- **Look for advancement opportunities**: Teens who stay at the same job for a year or more and demonstrate leadership, reliability, and strong communication skills can move into supervisor positions.
- **Get certified when needed**: Roles like babysitting and childcare often require first aid and CPR certifications.
- **Protect your priorities**: Choose a job that fits your school schedule and doesn’t interfere with sleep or study time.
With the right skills and a strong work ethic, teenagers can earn solid wages while building experience that pays off for years to come.