Looking for the best-paying summer jobs for teens in 2025? You’re not alone. As high school graduations wrap up and summer begins, thousands of teens are searching for jobs that pay more than minimum wage—and luckily, there are plenty of high-paying teen jobs in 2025 that don’t require a college degree or previous experience. From food service management to landscaping, these roles are not just financially rewarding—they also build real-world skills that can kickstart a future career.
Why Highest-Paying Teen Jobs in 2025 Matter More Than Ever
In 2025, teen employment is booming—especially in jobs offering competitive wages, flexibility, and future career potential. A new report from Resume Genius highlights 15 of the highest-paying jobs for teens based on recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. To make the list, each job must employ at least 20,000 teens (ages 16–19) and rank high in median hourly wage. These roles go far beyond fast food and retail, with several positions paying over $30 an hour.
Whether you’re interested in carpentry, healthcare, or administrative work, these roles reward teens for showing up with the right attitude and basic skills. Positions like food service manager ($31.40/hr), carpenter ($28.51/hr), and retail supervisor ($25.01/hr) prove that teens can earn well above average this summer.
Top High-Paying Summer Jobs for Teens (Ranked by Hourly Pay)
Here’s a quick look at the top-paying teen jobs in the U.S. for Summer 2025:
Food Service Manager – $31.40/hr (33,000 employed)
Carpenter – $28.51/hr (32,000 employed)
Retail Supervisor – $25.01/hr (37,000 employed)
Auto Technician – $23.88/hr (44,000 employed)
Admin Assistant – $22.82/hr (15,000 employed)
Construction Worker – $22.14/hr (104,000 employed)
Office Clerk – $20.97/hr (63,000 employed)
Customer Service Rep – $20.59/hr (236,000 employed)
Delivery Driver – $20.56/hr (47,000 employed)
Landscaping Worker – $19.13/hr (74,000 employed)
Nursing Assistant – $18.96/hr (68,000 employed)
Security Guard – $18.46/hr (18,000 employed)
Courier – $18.44/hr (30,000 employed)
Stocker – $18.12/hr (188,000 employed)
Packager – $18.12/hr (53,000 employed)
These aren’t just jobs—they’re launchpads. Most roles require soft skills like teamwork, communication, and time management—qualities you can start building today.
How Teens Can Land These High-Paying Jobs in 2025
Want in on these opportunities? Here are four proven strategies from Resume Genius to help you find and secure one of the highest-paying teen jobs this summer:
Start local: Walk into cafés, stores, or gyms and ask if they’re hiring. Bring a simple resume and show enthusiasm.
Attend job fairs: Many schools and community centers host teen-specific hiring events where you can apply on the spot.
Use school networks: Ask teachers or counselors about openings—they often know businesses looking for young talent.
Polish your online presence: A basic LinkedIn profile with your achievements and goals can impress potential employers.
Whether it’s your first job or your fifth, showing initiative and professionalism will make you stand out.
Final Thoughts: The Future Starts with Your First Paycheck
The idea that teen jobs are all low-wage is outdated. In 2025, teens have access to high-paying summer roles that offer not just income—but career-building experience. As career expert Nathan Soto puts it, “There are plenty of jobs employing teens that pay well and lay the groundwork for their future careers.” So if you’re ready to work smart this summer, these top-paying jobs are the perfect place to begin.