Intro
As a 16-year-old, finding a job can be a great way to gain work experience, earn some extra money, and build your confidence. However, it's essential to find a job that fits your schedule, skills, and interests. Here are 10 jobs near you that you may want to consider as a 16-year-old.
1. Retail Sales Associate
As a retail sales associate, you'll work in a store, helping customers find products, answering questions, and processing transactions. Many retail stores hire 16-year-olds, and it's a great way to develop your communication and customer service skills.
- Pay: $8-$12 per hour
- Hours: Varying shifts, including weekends and holidays
- Requirements: Friendly and outgoing personality, basic math skills
Companies that hire 16-year-olds:
- Gap
- American Eagle
- Forever 21
2. Food Service Worker
If you enjoy working with food, consider a job as a food service worker. You'll assist with preparing and serving food, taking orders, and maintaining a clean environment. Many restaurants and cafes hire 16-year-olds, and it's a great way to develop your teamwork and time management skills.
- Pay: $8-$12 per hour
- Hours: Varying shifts, including weekends and holidays
- Requirements: Ability to lift 25 pounds, basic math skills
Companies that hire 16-year-olds:
- McDonald's
- Subway
- Starbucks
3. Babysitting or Pet Sitting
If you love working with kids or animals, consider a job as a babysitter or pet sitter. You'll care for children or pets while their owners are away, and it's a great way to develop your responsibility and nurturing skills.
- Pay: $10-$15 per hour
- Hours: Varying shifts, including weekends and holidays
- Requirements: Trustworthy and reliable, basic first aid skills
Websites that connect babysitters and pet sitters with clients:
- Care.com
- Sittercity
- Rover
4. Lawn Care or Landscaping
If you enjoy working outdoors, consider a job in lawn care or landscaping. You'll assist with mowing lawns, trimming bushes, and maintaining outdoor spaces. Many lawn care and landscaping companies hire 16-year-olds, and it's a great way to develop your physical stamina and attention to detail.
- Pay: $10-$15 per hour
- Hours: Varying shifts, including weekends and holidays
- Requirements: Ability to lift 50 pounds, basic gardening skills
Companies that hire 16-year-olds:
- Lawn Doctor
- TruGreen
- The Grounds Guys
5. Movie Theater Worker
If you love movies, consider a job at a movie theater. You'll assist with ticket sales, concessions, and maintaining a clean environment. Many movie theaters hire 16-year-olds, and it's a great way to develop your communication and teamwork skills.
- Pay: $8-$12 per hour
- Hours: Varying shifts, including weekends and holidays
- Requirements: Friendly and outgoing personality, basic math skills
Companies that hire 16-year-olds:
- AMC Theatres
- Regal Cinemas
- Cinemark Theatres
6. Grocery Store Worker
As a grocery store worker, you'll assist with stocking shelves, helping customers, and maintaining a clean environment. Many grocery stores hire 16-year-olds, and it's a great way to develop your teamwork and time management skills.
- Pay: $8-$12 per hour
- Hours: Varying shifts, including weekends and holidays
- Requirements: Ability to lift 25 pounds, basic math skills
Companies that hire 16-year-olds:
- Walmart
- Target
- Kroger
7. Camp Counselor
If you enjoy working with kids, consider a job as a camp counselor. You'll lead activities, games, and crafts for children, and it's a great way to develop your leadership and communication skills.
- Pay: $10-$15 per hour
- Hours: Varying shifts, including weekends and holidays
- Requirements: Trustworthy and reliable, basic first aid skills
Companies that hire 16-year-olds:
- YMCA
- Boys and Girls Clubs of America
- Girl Scouts of the USA
8. Library Assistant
As a library assistant, you'll help patrons find books, assist with programming, and maintain a clean environment. Many libraries hire 16-year-olds, and it's a great way to develop your research and communication skills.
- Pay: $8-$12 per hour
- Hours: Varying shifts, including weekends and holidays
- Requirements: Basic computer skills, attention to detail
Companies that hire 16-year-olds:
- Public libraries
- School libraries
- Bookstores
9. Gym or Fitness Center Worker
If you enjoy fitness, consider a job at a gym or fitness center. You'll assist with front desk duties, cleaning, and maintaining equipment. Many gyms and fitness centers hire 16-year-olds, and it's a great way to develop your communication and teamwork skills.
- Pay: $8-$12 per hour
- Hours: Varying shifts, including weekends and holidays
- Requirements: Basic knowledge of fitness equipment, friendly and outgoing personality
Companies that hire 16-year-olds:
- Planet Fitness
- 24 Hour Fitness
- Anytime Fitness
10. Amusement Park Worker
As an amusement park worker, you'll assist with ride operations, concessions, and maintaining a clean environment. Many amusement parks hire 16-year-olds, and it's a great way to develop your teamwork and time management skills.
- Pay: $8-$12 per hour
- Hours: Varying shifts, including weekends and holidays
- Requirements: Friendly and outgoing personality, basic math skills
Companies that hire 16-year-olds:
- Disneyland
- Universal Studios
- Six Flags
We hope this list helps you find a job that's a great fit for you! Remember to always prioritize your safety and well-being, and don't be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance from a trusted adult.
What are the best jobs for 16-year-olds?
+The best jobs for 16-year-olds vary depending on interests and skills, but popular options include retail sales associate, food service worker, babysitting or pet sitting, lawn care or landscaping, and movie theater worker.
How can I find jobs near me?
+You can find jobs near you by searching online job boards, such as Indeed or LinkedIn, or by visiting local businesses and inquiring about job openings. You can also ask friends, family, or teachers for job leads.
What are the requirements for most jobs for 16-year-olds?
+Most jobs for 16-year-olds require a high school diploma or equivalent, and some may require basic math skills, attention to detail, or physical stamina. Additionally, many employers require a valid work permit or proof of age.
How many hours can 16-year-olds work?
+The number of hours 16-year-olds can work varies depending on the state and type of job. Typically, 16-year-olds can work up to 20 hours per week during the school year and up to 40 hours per week during the summer.
Do I need a work permit to work as a 16-year-old?
+Yes, most states require 16-year-olds to obtain a work permit or certificate before starting a job. You can obtain a work permit from your school or state labor department.