23 Best First Jobs for Students and Teens

Fast-Food Worker

When you think of first student jobs, flipping burgers is one that always comes to mind! Fast-food employees prepare food, take customer orders, and keep the restaurant clean. They must work quickly in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality and customer satisfaction.

• Average Salary: $13.25 per hour
• Education/Training: On-the-job training

Claim to Fame: Before becoming a famous comedian and talk show host, Jay Leno worked at McDonald’s.

Barista

Baristas prepare and serve coffee, tea, and specialty drinks while providing friendly customer service. They also maintain equipment, stock supplies, and handle cash transactions.

• Average Salary: $14.75 per hour
• Education/Training: On-the-job training

Restaurant Server or Host

Servers take food orders, deliver meals, and provide excellent customer service. Hosts greet guests, manage seating, and assist with restaurant operations. Servers also have the opportunity to earn tips.

• Average Salary: $13 per hour + tips
• Education/Training: On-the-job training

Claim to Fame: Before landing her big break on Friends, Jennifer Aniston was a waitress!

Delivery Driver (for those 18+)

Delivery drivers transport food, groceries, or packages using services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart. This job offers flexible hours and the ability to earn tips. A driver’s license is obviously required!

• Average Salary: $16.50+ per hour
• Education/Training: Driver’s license, vehicle (for most jobs)

Claim to Fame: Oscar-winning actor Brad Pitt delivered food for El Pollo Loco, even dressing up as a chicken.

Catering or Banquet Server

Banquet servers work at weddings and corporate events, setting tables, serving food, and ensuring guests have a great experience.

• Average Salary: $14.50 per hour + tips
• Education/Training: On-the-job training

Retail Associate

Retail associates assist customers, organize merchandise, and handle transactions at stores like clothing shops, bookstores, and grocery stores.

• Average Salary: $14.50 per hour
• Education/Training: On-the-job training

Claim to Fame: Before becoming a rapper and fashion mogul, Kanye West worked at Gap, where he developed an interest in fashion and design.

Grocery Store Bagger or Cashier

For many years, this was the quintessential first student job! Grocery store employees assist customers by bagging items, stocking shelves, and handling transactions at the register.

• Average Salary: $13.50 per hour
• Education/Training: On-the-job training

Claim to Fame: Long before her Desperate Housewives success, Eva Longoria started as a cashier at Wendy’s.

Movie Theater Attendant

Movie theater employees sell tickets, prepare concessions, and clean theaters between showings. They often enjoy free or discounted movie tickets as a perk.

• Average Salary: $13.25 per hour
• Education/Training: On-the-job training

Claim to Fame: Legendary director Quentin Tarantino worked at a video rental store, where he developed his deep love for cinema.

Babysitter

Babysitters supervise and care for children while parents are away. They may prepare meals, assist with homework, and engage kids in fun activities.

• Average Salary: $15+ per hour (varies by location)
• Education/Training: CPR certification recommended/may be required

Claim to Fame: There are many stories of celebrities babysitting for other celebrities!

Camp Counselor

Camp counselors lead activities, supervise campers, and help create a fun and safe environment. This is a great seasonal job for students who enjoy working with kids.

• Average Salary: $13.50 per hour
• Education/Training: CPR and first aid certification may be required

Claim to Fame: Before becoming an Oscar-winning actor, Denzel Washington worked as a camp counselor, where he honed his leadership and communication skills.

Tutor

Tutors help students with academic subjects such as math, science, and English. They may work independently, through a tutoring center, or online.

• Average Salary: $18+ per hour
• Education/Training: Subject proficiency, certification sometimes required

Claim to Fame: Years before becoming a bestselling author, Stephen King worked as a tutor to help support himself while writing stories.

Lifeguard

Lifeguards oversee swimming areas to ensure safety, enforce rules, and respond to emergencies. They work at pools, water parks, and beaches.

• Average Salary: $15.50 per hour
• Education/Training: Lifeguard certification (Red Cross or equivalent)

Claim to Fame: The 40th U.S. president, Ronald Reagan, worked as a lifeguard, a summer job he kept for seven years!

Pet Sitter/Dog Walker

Pet sitters care for animals while their owners are away, providing feeding, exercise, and companionship. Dog walkers take pets on daily walks so they can relieve themselves and to get exercise.

• Average Salary: $14+ per hour (varies)
• Education/Training: None required but experience with animals might be expected

Claim to Fame: While she’s already a big star, Pamela Anderson has been known to moonlight as a dog walker.

Receptionist or Office Assistant

Receptionists answer phones, schedule appointments, and assist with clerical tasks in offices. Office assistants help with filing, data entry, and organizing paperwork.

• Average Salary: $15 per hour
• Education/Training: On-the-job training

Claim to Fame: Before landing her breakout role on Friends, Jennifer Aniston worked as a receptionist, answering phones and handling office tasks.

Library Assistant

Library assistants help organize books, assist patrons, and manage check-ins and check-outs.

• Average Salary: $14.50 per hour
• Education/Training: On-the-job training

Claim to Fame: Beloved children’s book author Beverly Cleary worked as a librarian, helping young readers discover books.

Landscaping or Lawn Care

Landscaping workers mow lawns, plant flowers, and perform general yard maintenance. This job is ideal for students who enjoy working outdoors.

• Average Salary: $14.75 per hour
• Education/Training: On-the-job training

Claim to Fame: After working as an apprentice gardener, Alan Titchmarsh became a well-known media personality.

Farm or Agricultural Worker

Farm workers help plant, harvest, and care for crops. This is a physically demanding but rewarding job, often available seasonally.

• Average Salary: $14 per hour
• Education/Training: On-the-job training

Claim to Fame: Matthew McConaughey worked on a farm in Australia before making it in Hollywood.

Car Wash Attendant

Car wash attendants clean and dry vehicles at drive-through or hand-wash stations. Some positions allow for tips, increasing earnings.

• Average Salary: $13.50 per hour + tips
• Education/Training: On-the-job training

Claim to Fame: Rapper and music mogul Rick Ross worked at a car wash, where he developed a strong work ethic and dreamed of success.

Freelance Writer or Blogger

Freelance writers create content for websites, blogs, and social media. They may write articles, product descriptions, or creative pieces.

• Average Salary: Varies
• Education/Training: Writing skills

Claim to Fame: Before founding The Huffington Post, Arianna Huffington worked as a freelance writer, publishing articles and books that helped launch her media empire.