You are ready to earn your own money, but every job posting seems to ask for experience—or says applicants must be 18. The good news is that many employers hire at 16, especially for entry-level, seasonal and part-time positions. The key is knowing where to look, what work you may legally perform and how to show that you can be dependable even without a long work history.
What jobs can a 16-year-old get?
Common jobs for a 16-year-old are available in retail, food service, recreation, hospitality, education and neighborhood services. Actual hiring ages vary by employer, location and franchise, so check each posting before applying.
- Grocery store cashier, bagger, cart attendant or shelf stocker
- Retail sales associate, fitting-room attendant or inventory assistant
- Restaurant host, cashier, busser, dishwasher or counter-service worker
- Movie theater usher, concession worker or ticket attendant
- Amusement park, arcade or recreation center attendant
- Lifeguard or swim instructor with the required training and certification
- Library page or office assistant
- Camp counselor or youth-program assistant
- Pet sitter, dog walker, babysitter or tutor
- Car wash attendant or basic automotive service assistant
- Landscaping helper performing age-appropriate tasks
- Seasonal worker at a farm, garden center, holiday attraction or community event
Online work may also be possible. A teenager with useful skills might provide tutoring, graphic design, video editing or social media assistance. However, many freelance platforms and payment services require account holders to be at least 18. Read the platform’s age requirements and involve a parent or guardian when necessary.
For additional ideas, explore these employment opportunities for 16-year-olds and compare them with your interests, transportation options and school schedule.
Which employers hire 16-year-olds?
Instead of limiting your search to well-known national companies, look at all the employers in your community. Supermarkets, fast-food restaurants, cafés, clothing stores, movie theaters, hotels, swimming pools, summer camps, parks and small local businesses frequently need part-time help.
National chains may have general age policies, but individual locations can follow different practices because of state laws, insurance requirements, equipment restrictions or franchise rules. A company that hires 16-year-olds in one city may require workers to be 18 elsewhere. Confirm the minimum age with the local manager or through the official application system.
Schools and local government programs can be valuable resources too. Ask a guidance counselor about job boards, work-study programs, career and technical education, internships or employers with a history of hiring students. Parks departments, libraries and community centers may advertise seasonal openings several months before summer begins.
How many hours can you work at 16?
Under federal law, 16- and 17-year-olds may generally work unlimited hours in nonagricultural jobs that have not been declared hazardous. State law may impose stricter limits, including rules about night work, school-day shifts, weekly hours, meal breaks or required rest periods. When federal and state standards differ, the more protective rule generally applies.
Before accepting a position, review the U.S. Department of Labor’s federal rules for 16- and 17-year-old workers and check the requirements in your state. Your school district may also limit working hours or require satisfactory attendance.
Do you need a work permit?
Federal law does not generally require a work permit, but some states or school systems require an employment certificate, age certificate or parental authorization. The process may involve your school office, employer, parent or guardian, and proof of age. Ask about this early so paperwork does not delay your start date.
What work is prohibited for workers under 18?
Turning 16 opens more employment options, but it does not remove every safety restriction. Federal rules prohibit minors from performing certain hazardous nonagricultural work. State rules may add further restrictions.
Workers under 18 generally cannot perform jobs involving activities such as:
- Operating forklifts, cranes or certain powered lifting equipment
- Using many power-driven meat slicers, bakery machines, woodworking machines or saws
- Operating, unloading or cleaning certain balers and compactors
- Roofing, demolition, wrecking or hazardous excavation
- Manufacturing or storing explosives
- Most coal mining, logging and sawmill work
- Driving a motor vehicle on public roads as a regular part of the job
Restrictions often apply not only to operating a machine but also to setting it up, cleaning it, adjusting it or assisting someone who uses it. If a manager asks you to perform a task that seems unsafe or inconsistent with your training, stop and ask for clarification. Do not assume that a task is legal simply because an adult supervisor assigned it.
How much should a 16-year-old be paid?
Pay depends on the job, location and applicable wage laws. State or local minimum wages may be higher than the federal rate. Federal law also contains limited provisions that can affect the pay of some workers under 20 during their first 90 consecutive calendar days with an employer, but state law may provide stronger protections.
Before accepting an offer, ask for the hourly rate, expected schedule, payday, dress requirements and any costs for uniforms. Keep your own record of the dates and hours you work. Review each pay statement and promptly report missing hours or unexplained deductions.
How to apply without previous experience
Employers hiring teenagers usually do not expect years of experience. They are more interested in reliability, communication, willingness to learn and the ability to follow directions.
Create a simple one-page résumé
Include your contact information, school, expected graduation year, availability, relevant classes and useful skills. You can list volunteer work, clubs, sports, tutoring, babysitting, lawn care or school projects. These activities can demonstrate teamwork, responsibility, organization and customer-service ability.
Match your availability to the job
State exactly when you can work, including evenings, weekends and school breaks. Be realistic about homework, activities and transportation. Employers value a dependable schedule more than broad availability that frequently changes.
Prepare for basic interview questions
Practice explaining why you want the job, how you would handle an upset customer and what you would do if you could not attend a scheduled shift. Use specific examples from school, sports, volunteering or home responsibilities. Arrive on time, wear clean and appropriate clothing, silence your phone and bring any requested documents.
Follow up professionally
If the employer has not provided a timeline, follow up several business days after applying. Briefly introduce yourself, mention the position and ask whether additional information is needed. One polite follow-up can show interest; repeated daily calls may work against you.
Choosing a job that fits your life
The best jobs for a 16-year-old provide more than a paycheck. A suitable position should be safe, legal and manageable alongside school, sleep and other responsibilities. Consider transportation, shift ending times, supervision, workplace culture and whether the role builds useful skills.
Discuss the offer with a trusted adult before accepting it, particularly if the employer requests money upfront, asks you to communicate only through private messaging apps or will not explain your duties and pay. A legitimate employer should be willing to provide clear information about the position. Starting with a realistic schedule and a safe workplace can turn a first job into valuable experience for future applications.
