Best Jobs for 16-Year-Olds in 2026: Top Picks, Pay, and Legal Guide
Are you a 16-year-old high school student ready to earn your first paycheck? Or a parent helping your teen find legal, flexible work? In 2026, opportunities abound for entry-level jobs that fit around classes, sports, and college savings goals. From lifeguarding at $15-20/hour to remote freelance gigs, this guide covers the highest-paying options, no-experience roles, and state-specific rules under the FLSA. Discover average wages (~$16/hr for teens), top employers like Publix and Taco Bell, and step-by-step tips to land a job fast.
Quick Answer: The 5 Best Jobs for 16-Year-Olds in 2026
No time to read it all? Here are the top 5 jobs based on pay, flexibility, availability, and no-experience entry. Data draws from BLS stats for 16-19-year-olds (median ~$33k annual or $16/hr part-time) and 2026 projections.
- Lifeguard ($15-20/hr + bonuses): Tops for pay and summer flexibility; requires certification but builds lifesaving skills.
- Fast Food Crew ($12-16/hr + tips): Everywhere (Taco Bell hires at 16); quick shifts fit school.
- Retail Associate ($11-15/hr): Weekends/evenings at malls; customer service experience.
- Grocery Bagger ($11-15/hr): Publix/Kroger hire 16-year-olds; light duties, steady hours.
- Camp Counselor ($12-18/hr + room/board): Summer fun, leadership skills; no experience needed.
Key Takeaways Box:
- Lifeguard leads for highest pay/flexibility (~$5k summer earnings).
- Fast food is most ubiquitous, hiring minors nationwide.
- Remote gigs like freelancing are rising (Fiverr with parent help).
- Always check state laws via DOL.gov.
- Avg US wage for 16-year-olds: $15-18/hr part-time in 2026 (BLS-adjusted).
Key Takeaways & Quick Summary
- Top earners: Lifeguard ($15-20/hr), landscaping ($15/hr), camp counselor ($12-18/hr).
- Flexible for athletes/students: Retail, movie usher (evenings/weekends), remote tech support.
- No experience needed: Grocery bagger, fast food, summer camp roles.
- Avg teen pay: $33k annual median for 16-19 group (Visual Capitalist/BLS); part-time ~$15-18/hr or $1,214 weekly adjusted for 16+ (Carry).
- Legal max: No federal hour limits for 16+, but hazardous jobs banned; school weeks ~18-40hrs by state.
- Summer potential: $5k+ earnings to save for college (e.g., lifeguard case studies).
- Remote rise: Freelance on Etsy/Fiverr ($5-15/hr) with parent supervision.
- Hiring now: Publix (14+), Kroger/Taco Bell (16+); search "hiring 16 near me" on Indeed.
- Skills gained: Customer service, time management, resume boosters for college.
- Pro tip: Get work permit and certifications for premium pay.
Legal Work Restrictions for 16-Year-Olds in the US (FLSA & State Laws 2026)
Child labor laws protect teens while allowing work. Federal FLSA sets baselines; states may be stricter. No major 2026 changes projected per DOL updates. Reference Fact Sheet #43 and state charts (DOL.gov, as of 2025).
Federal FLSA Rules for Nonagricultural Jobs
- Hours: No limits for 16-17-year-olds (unlike 14-15yo: 18hrs school week, 40hrs non-school). Work anytime, but not excessive (e.g., WSPs cap 18hrs school week).
- Hazardous bans: No heavy machinery, roofing, mining, driving (under 17), or power-driven bakery meat slicers (Fact Sheet #43, #2A). Lifeguards OK with training (Fact Sheet #60).
- Restaurants/fast food: 16+ can use most equipment except prohibited machines (Fact Sheet #2A).
State-by-State Differences (Top Variations 2026)
States vary; use DOL's July 2025 chart (stable for 2026). Here's a comparison:
| State | School Week Max (16+) | Summer Max | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal | Unlimited | Unlimited | Hazardous bans apply |
| California | 48hrs | 48hrs | Stricter on hazards |
| Florida | 30hrs | 40hrs | 8hrs/day school nights |
| New Jersey | 50hrs (post-school to Labor Day) | 50hrs | Up to 10hrs/day summer |
| Texas | 40hrs | 50hrs | No work 10pm-5am school nights |
| New York | 28hrs (Mon-Thu), 35hrs (Fri) | 48hrs | 8hrs/day |
| Colorado | Varies; 18+ rules for some | 40hrs | Alcohol service bans for under 18 |
Check DOL.gov/state for your area--e.g., NJ allows 50 summer hrs.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs for 16-Year-Olds (With 2026 Pay Data)
Ranked by avg hourly (BLS/BeamJobs 2026 projections: $11-20/hr). All legal for 16+.
- Lifeguard ($15-20/hr): Cert required (Bronze Cross/First Aid, age 15+).
- Fast Food ($12-16/hr + tips): Taco Bell, etc.
- Landscaping ($15/hr): Mowing/weeding, seasonal.
- Retail ($11-15/hr): Cashier/stock.
- Grocery Bagger ($11-15/hr): Publix hires young.
- Camp Counselor ($12-18/hr + perks): Summer 2026.
- Movie Theater Usher ($11-14/hr): Evenings.
- Delivery Assistant ($12-15/hr): Non-driving.
- Entry Tech Support ($12-16/hr remote).
- Freelance ($5-15/hr): Graphic design on Fiverr.
Mini Case: Sarah, 16, earned $5k as a summer lifeguard in FL--cert cost $200, paid off in weeks.
Entry-Level & No-Experience Jobs
Grocery bagger (Publix 14+, Kroger 16+), fast food (Taco Bell 16+), retail. Search "retail jobs hiring 16 near me."
Highest Paying with Certifications
Lifeguard: Red Cross cert (~$200, 20-30hrs training). Camp counselor: Often free training, Europe/US options.
Best Part-Time & Flexible Jobs for High School Students & Teen Athletes
School/sports first? Choose flexible schedules.
| Job | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Food | Consistent shifts, tips | Busy rushes | Steady earners |
| Retail | Weekends, sales skills | Standing | Athletes (evenings) |
| Movie Usher | Nights, free movies | Slow nights | Flexible hours |
Remote/tech support ideal for athletes--work from home.
Remote & Freelance Jobs for 16-Year-Olds in 2026
No commute: Entry tech support ($12-16/hr), freelance graphic design/crafts on Fiverr/Etsy (parent account, $5-15/hr). Platforms hire 13+ with supervision. Case: Alex, 16, earned $2k/year freelancing logos.
Summer Jobs for 16-Year-Olds (No Experience Needed)
Max earnings: Landscaping, camp counselor, grocery. NJ/FL allow 40-50hrs/week. Potential: $5k+ for college (BLS teens avg $33k full-year equivalent).
Average Wages for 16-Year-Old Workers in the US (2026)
BLS: 16-19 median $33k annual (~$16/hr). Part-time: $15-18/hr. Weekly total 16+ $1,214 (Carry), teen subset lower.
| Job | Avg Hr (2026) | By State Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lifeguard | $15-20 | FL $18 |
| Fast Food | $12-16 | CA $16 |
| Retail | $11-15 | TX $13 |
| Overall Teen | $15-18 | National |
Pros & Cons: Retail vs Fast Food Jobs for 16-Year-Olds
| Aspect | Retail | Fast Food |
|---|---|---|
| Pay | $11-15/hr | $12-16/hr + tips |
| Hours | Flexible weekends | Evenings/shifts |
| Skills | Customer service | Multitasking |
| Stress | Moderate | High pace |
Retail: Less mess, sales fun. Fast food: Tips, promotions.
How to Get Hired as a 16-Year-Old: Step-by-Step Checklist
- Work permit: School/DOL form.
- Resume: Highlight school clubs, no experience OK.
- Certifications: Lifeguard/First Aid.
- Apply: Indeed "hiring 16 near me," walk-ins.
- Interview: Enthusiasm, availability. Case: Mia landed Publix bagger via Indeed--permit + smile sealed it.
Companies Hiring 16-Year-Olds in 2026 (Retail, Grocery, Fast Food)
- Grocery: Publix (14+ bagger), Kroger (16+), Wegmans (15+ cashier).
- Fast Food: Taco Bell (16+), many franchises.
- Retail: Check local malls. Search "near me."
FAQ
Are lifeguard jobs available for 16-year-olds with no experience?
Yes--get Red Cross cert (age 15+ min); many pools hire trained teens.
What are the highest paying jobs for 16-year-olds in the US 2026?
Lifeguard ($15-20/hr), landscaping ($15/hr).
Legal work hours for 16-year-olds by state during school?
Federal: Unlimited; e.g., CA 48hrs/week, NJ 50hrs summer (DOL).
Best remote jobs for 16-year-olds with no experience?
Freelance (Fiverr/Etsy), entry tech support ($5-15/hr).
Average wages for part-time teen jobs in 2026?
$15-18/hr (BLS 16-19 median $33k annual).
Can 16-year-olds work in fast food or retail near me?
Yes--Publix, Taco Bell hire nationwide; check Indeed.