Best Jobs for 16 and 17 Year Olds: A CPA’s Guide to Building Wealth Before Graduation

Table of Contents

1. What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs for 16 and 17 Year Olds?

2. How Many Hours Can a 16 or 17 Year Old Legally Work?](#how-year-job-which-builds-more-wealth-for-s) Jobs Build the Best Career Skills?](#which-jobs-build-the-best-career-skills)

3. How Do Remote Jobs Compare to In-Person Work for Teens?

4. What Are the Safest Jobs for Teenagers?

5. How Can Teens Maximize Their Earnings With Tips and Bonuses?

6. What Jobs Should Teens Avoid?

7. How Does a Teen Job Affect Taxes and Financial Aid?](#how perspective, the best teen jobs teach transferable skills. Here’s my ranking based on skill development:

8. Retail or customer service: Teaches conflict resolution, cash handling, and inventory management. One of my clients became a store manager by age 19.

9. Tutoring: Develops communication, patience, and subject mastery. A client who tutored math from ages 16–18 earned a full-ride scholarship to MIT.

10. Freelance writing or design: Builds portfolio, client management, and self-discipline. I’ve seen teens earn $5,000+ per month by age 17.

11. Lifeguarding: Teaches responsibility, emergency response, and teamwork. Certified lifeguards are in high demand—the BLS projects 11% growth in this field.

Pro tip: Jobs that involve direct interaction with adults (like retail or tutoring) often lead to professional references. I advise all my teen clients to ask for a LinkedIn recommendation after 90 days.

How Do Remote Jobs Compare to In-Person Work for Teens?

Remote work exploded post-2020. Here’s how they stack up:

Factor	Remote Jobs	In-Person Jobs
Hourly wage (average)	$18.50	$14.50
Flexibility	High (set own hours)	Moderate (scheduled shifts)
Skill development	Digital literacy, self-management	Social skills, teamwork
Safety	Low risk	Varies (e.g., food service burns)
Tax complexity	Often 1099 (self-employment tax)	W-2 (withholding done)

Remote jobs to consider: Virtual assistant ($15–25/hour), social media manager ($18–30/hour), or online tutor ($20–40/hour). I had a 17-year-old client who earned $2,800/month managing Instagram accounts for local businesses.

In-person jobs to consider: Grocery store clerk ($13–16/hour), movie theater staff ($12–15/hour), or camp counselor ($14–18/hour).

What Are the Safest Jobs for Teenagers?

Safety is paramount. Based on OSHA data and my own experience reviewing teen injury claims:

• Safest: Retail (cashier, stocker), tutoring, lifeguarding (with proper training), and office assistant roles.
• Moderate risk: Food service (cuts, burns—5% of teen workers report injuries annually), landscaping (sun exposure, equipment).
• Highest risk: Construction (15% of teen workplace fatalities), delivery driving (traffic accidents), and manufacturing (heavy machinery).

My advice: Avoid jobs requiring driving (especially with passengers) or operating power tools until age 18. I’ve seen too many injury claims that derail college plans.

How Can Teens Maximize Their Earnings With Tips and Bonuses?

Tips can significantly boost income. Here’s what I’ve observed:

• Waitstaff: Average $18–25/hour including tips at busy restaurants. One client earned $35/hour at a high-end steakhouse.
• Valet parking: $15–20/hour plus tips ($5–20 per car).
• Delivery driver (bike or scooter): $14–18/hour plus tips (average $3 per delivery).

Tax tip: If you earn more than $400 in tips annually, you must report them. Use IRS Form 4070. I’ve seen teens owe $200+ in back taxes from unreported tips.

What Jobs Should Teens Avoid?

Based on my experience with clients who regretted their choices:

1. Door-to-door sales: Low pay (often commission-only), high rejection, and safety risks.
2. Call center work: High stress, low pay ($12–14/hour), and no skill transfer.
3. Seasonal agricultural work: Physical demands, low pay ($11–13/hour), and exposure to pesticides.
4. Jobs with late-night shifts (past 10 PM): Disrupts sleep, grades, and social life.

Better alternatives: Pet sitting ($15–25/hour), car washing ($20–40/car), or freelance photography ($50–150/session).

How Does a Teen Job Affect Taxes and Financial Aid?

This is where my CPA expertise comes in. Here’s what every teen must know:

• Taxes: If you earn less than $13,850 (2024 standard deduction for single filers), you owe $0 federal income tax. But you still pay Social Security and Medicare (7.65% each, employer matches). If you earn over $400 from self-employment (e.g., freelancing), you pay self-employment tax (15.3%).
• Financial aid: Student earnings up to $7,570 (2024–2025) are excluded from FAFSA calculations. Earnings above that hurt aid eligibility. I advise teens to cap work at 15–20 hours/week during school.

Real example: A client earned $8,500 from a summer job. His FAFSA expected family contribution rose by $1,200, reducing his grant aid. He learned the hard way.

Key Takeaways

1. Highest-paying teen jobs ($18–25/hour): Lifeguarding, tutoring, remote freelance work.
2. Legal limits vary by state—check your local labor laws.
3. Prioritize skill-building over immediate income.
4. Remote jobs offer flexibility but require self-discipline.
5. Avoid high-risk jobs (construction, delivery driving).
6. Tips must be reported for taxes.
7. Earnings under $13,850 are tax-free, but FAFSA is affected above $7,570.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Can a 16-year-old work at a restaurant? Yes, but they cannot serve alcohol in most states. They can bus tables, host, or work in the kitchen. Average pay: $12–16/hour.

Question: What is the best job for a 17-year-old who wants to save for college? Tutoring or lifeguarding. Both pay $16–25/hour and allow flexible scheduling. I had a client save $12,000 in one year tutoring SAT prep.

Question: Do teens need a work permit? In 35 states, yes. Check your state’s Department of Labor. Permits are free and require parent/guardian signature.

Question: How can a 16-year-old start a freelance business? Register as a sole proprietor (no LLC needed). Use platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Track all income and expenses. File Schedule C with your tax return.

Question: Can teens work overnight shifts? In most states, 16–17 year olds cannot work past 10 PM on school nights. Check local laws—violations can result in fines for both teen and employer.

Question: What is the highest-paying job for a 17-year-old without a degree? Freelance web development or graphic design. I’ve seen teens earn $40–75/hour with a strong portfolio. Start with free coding courses on Codecademy.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Tax laws and labor regulations vary by state and can change. Always consult a licensed CPA or attorney for your specific situation. Earnings data is based on 2024 averages and may vary by location and employer.

Internal Links

• How to File Taxes as a Teen
• FAFSA and Student Income: What You Need to Know
• The Ultimate Guide to Freelance Work for Teens
• Building Credit at 16: A Step-by-Step Plan
• Summer Jobs vs. School-Year Jobs: Which Pays More?