Best Jobs for 16-Year-Olds in the USA: Legal Options That Fit School Schedules
If you're a 16-year-old high school student in the US looking for part-time, summer, or entry-level work, your best bets include babysitting ($17.62/hr avg, CareerFitter), lifeguarding ($28/hr at swim schools, Fidelity), retail, fast food, lawn care ($17/hr, Fidelity), amusement park roles, and side hustles like selling on Etsy. Most of these jobs don't require experience and help you build skills like communication and time management (kidpreneurs.org, 2025; origym.co.uk, 2025). Federal law lets you work unlimited hours when school's not in session (modakmakers.com; dol.gov).
You'll find info here on US labor laws, a decision table to help you pick quickly, and steps to apply. Parents can use it to find flexible roles that won't mess with school. Just keep in mind--this advice might not fit if your state requires work permits or if school and sports leave you with zero free hours (check your state rules first).
US Labor Laws for 16-Year-Olds: Hours, Permits, and State Differences
Federal FLSA rules let 16-year-olds work unlimited hours when school's out, giving you way more flexibility than 14-15-year-olds get (dol.gov; workforce.com). Many states allow 16-17-year-olds to work 40+ hours per week even during the school year (workforce.com; connecteam.com, 2024). States like Texas and New York let you start working at 14 with some exceptions (connecteam.com, 2024).
Some states cap school-week hours around 20, and it varies depending on whether school's in session (vettio.com, 2025; clockify.me, 2023 -- historical data, laws may have updated). The DOL sets stricter limits for 14-15-year-olds, but once you hit 16, you face fewer restrictions (dol.gov; bls.gov).
Practical Steps Checklist:
- Check your state's minimum age (most allow 16; some like Texas go as low as 14) on the DOL site.
- Find out if you need a work permit (some states require it for under 18).
- Get parental consent if your state asks for it.
- Once you're working: Track your hours to stay under limits; employers have to post the rules (dol.gov).
Top Entry-Level Part-Time Jobs Hiring at 16 with No Experience
Retail stores, fast food chains, and grocery stores hire 16-year-olds all the time for entry-level roles that build communication and teamwork skills (modakmakers.com; origym.co.uk, 2025; topresume.com). Amusement parks post seasonal openings, especially if you live near beaches or theme parks (topresume.com). About 20.3% of enrolled 16-19-year-olds work (careerfitter.com).
Pay usually starts at the federal minimum of $7.25/hr, though it's often higher locally (vettio.com, 2025). Working retail gives you confidence from dealing with customers--skills you can take anywhere (origym.co.uk, 2025). Skip this option if you don't have a way to get to the store.
High-Paying and Summer Jobs for Teens: Lifeguard, Babysitting, and More
Lifeguarding and babysitting pay the most for summer work. Babysitting averages $17.62/hr, while lifeguards can earn $28/hr at swim schools (careerfitter.com; Fidelity). Lawn care companies pay around $17/hr; coaching brings in $16/hr (Fidelity).
| Job | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Lifeguard | High pay, you're outside | You need certification (swim test plus a 30-hour course with CPR/AED) (Fidelity) |
| Babysitting | Flexible hours, no cert needed | Pay changes by area, handling multiple kids can be tough |
What you earn depends on where you live (Fidelity). For lifeguarding: Pass the swim test, then finish the training.
Teen Entrepreneurship Ideas: Flexible Side Hustles at 16
Working for yourself--pet sitting, mowing lawns, selling handmade stuff on Etsy, or trying dropshipping--gives you independence and teaches you marketing (medium.com, 2023 -- historical data, market may have changed; ownr.co, 2023; 1752.vc, 2025). One teen made money selling craft gift bags around the holidays (vettio.com, 2025).
Start small, write a simple plan, use free social media to promote (kidpreneurs.org, 2025; 1752.vc, 2025). Make sure to check local rules and get parental consent. Just know: 80% of startups fail in year 1 (historical, medium.com, 2023).
Retail, Fast Food, and Grocery Store Roles: Steady Hires for High Schoolers
Chains like McDonald's, Taco Bell, and grocery stores regularly hire 16+ for consistent shifts that teach you reliability (modakmakers.com; modakmakers.com). You'll pick up teamwork skills fast (origym.co.uk, 2025).
Application Steps:
- Put together a simple resume that shows your enthusiasm (origym.co.uk, 2025).
- Search "teen jobs near me."
- Practice answering questions about customer service and teamwork.
Pick this over gig work if you want predictable paychecks; avoid it if you'd rather be outdoors with a flexible schedule.
Evidence Pack
Job Decision Matrix
| Job | Avg Pay | Experience Needed | Flexibility (School-Friendly?) | Certification/Permit | Skills Gained | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babysitting | $17.62/hr (careerfitter.com) | None | High | No | Responsibility | Evenings/part-time |
| Lifeguard | $28/hr swim school (Fidelity) | Moderate (swim skills) | Summer/high | Yes (30-hr course) | Safety/leadership | Outdoor/high pay |
| Retail | $7.25+ (vettio.com, 2025) | None | Medium | State permit? | Communication | Steady shifts |
| Fast Food | Varies (min $7.25+) | None | Medium | State permit? | Teamwork | Chains hiring 16+ |
| Lawn Care | $17/hr (Fidelity) | None | High | No | Physical/marketing | Summer/outdoor |
| Amusement Park | Varies | None | Seasonal | State notes | Entertainment | Near parks/summer |
| Tutoring/Coaching | $16/hr (Fidelity) | Subject knowledge | High | No | Teaching | School subjects |
| Etsy Sales | Varies by area | None | High | Parental consent | Marketing | Creative independence |
Pick if: Want high pay over $15/hr? You'll need cert (lifeguard). Zero experience? Go for babysitting or retail. Pros: Schedules bend around school; cons: Some jobs only run in summer.
How to Land Your First Job at 16: Application Checklist
Teens who work under 20 hrs/week during school often do better academically (vettio.com, 2025; DOL via vettio.com, 2025).
Checklist:
- Look up your state laws and find out if you need a permit (dol.gov).
- Build a simple resume (highlight your skills and enthusiasm, origym.co.uk, 2025).
- Search locally for "teen jobs near me 16."
- Practice interview answers (focus on teamwork).
- Keep balance: under 20 hrs during school year; start small if you're trying a side hustle (kidpreneurs.org, 2025).
Don't push yourself too hard--grades come first.
FAQ
Is 16 the legal working age in all US states?
Not exactly, but most states allow it; some like Texas and NY let you start at 14 with exceptions (connecteam.com, 2024; clockify.me, 2023 -- historical).
Do 16-year-olds need a work permit?
In some states, yes, especially if you're under 18; check the DOL site and your local rules (dol.gov; modakmakers.com).
What are the highest-paying jobs for 16-year-olds?
Lifeguard ($28/hr at swim schools), babysitting ($17.62/hr), and lawn care ($17/hr) according to industry sources (Fidelity; careerfitter.com).
Can fast food chains hire at 16?
Yes, McDonald's and Taco Bell often hire at 16; some take on 14-15-year-olds with permits (modakmakers.com).
Are there flexible summer jobs for high school students at 16?
Yes, jobs like lifeguarding, lawn care, and babysitting offer high flexibility and good pay during breaks (Fidelity; careerfitter.com).
How many hours can 16-year-olds legally work during school?
Unlimited outside of school hours under FLSA, but states differ (many allow 40+/week; some cap around 20 during school weeks) (workforce.com; vettio.com, 2025).
Apply This to Your Situation:
- Got 10-20 hrs/week free after school and sports? → Try part-time retail or fast food.
- Want outdoor work and high pay with certification? → Go for lifeguard or lawn care.
- Want independence? → Babysitting or an Etsy side hustle.
Check your state's DOL page today and build a one-page resume highlighting your school activities.
