Highest-Paying Summer Jobs for Teens: Earn Up to $24/Hour

With summer just around the corner, many North Central Washington teens are getting ready to swap textbooks for paychecks. The local job market can be tough, but new research is helping young people find the highest-paying jobs.

High-Paying Alternatives to Retail and Fast Food

A new report from Resume Genius, using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, shows which jobs pay teens the most. If you think you need to flip burgers or fold clothes to earn good money, you might be surprised by the top jobs on the list.

Top Summer Positions: Auto Techs, Babysitters, and Supervisors

The highest-paying job is a car technician or mechanic, with a median hourly wage close to $24. Teens who know their way around cars and have some mechanical skills can earn more than most of their friends.

If fixing cars isn’t your thing, there are other good options. Babysitting is the second-highest-paying job, with a median wage of $23.08 per hour. Teens with some retail experience can also try for a retail supervisor job, which pays $22.75 per hour.

“Most teens don’t see these summer jobs as the start of a lifelong career. They just want a steady way to earn extra money. Working in these higher-paying jobs gives teens valuable experience that can help them later when they start full-time work.” -Nathan Soto, Resume Genius

Boosting Your Bank Account and Future Career Skills

Whether you’re saving for your first car, getting ready for college costs, or just want extra spending money, there are good reasons to aim for higher-paying jobs. This summer, try for positions that use your skills instead of settling for the usual entry-level work. Your bank account will benefit.