Miscellaneous
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Different Types of Part-Time Jobs for High School Students?

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari

Part-time jobs for high school students can vary depending on the student's location as well as his or her intended work schedule, requirements for pay, and overall employment plan. Some high school students choose to work a low-commitment job at a retail store or in a warehouse, while others choose to take jobs they can use on a college application or resumé. These jobs may include internships, clerical positions, or entry level positions in offices or businesses. Part-time jobs for high school students are most often low commitment jobs, since a student will need to be at school for most of the day.

Retail part-time jobs for high school students are perhaps the most common offerings. A student may take a job at a store selling goods, stocking shelves, loading or unloading trucks in the stock room or warehouse, and so on. These jobs are usually low-paying, though a student can work up to a raise in pay over time. A student can also work full-time over the summer, further strengthening his or her standing within the company. Many students even get promotions and raises based on performance. In general, however, retail part-time jobs for high school students require the student to work for only a few hours a day, and the schedule can change from week to week to accommodate the student's school work and extracurricular activities.

Working in a warehouse can be a good part-time job for a high school student.
Working in a warehouse can be a good part-time job for a high school student.

A student who wants to gain practical job experience may choose to participate in a paid or unpaid internship. Such part-time jobs for high school students may also feature a flexible schedule, but the student may be more invested in the work he or she does because it pertains to a future career aspiration or it builds up the student's credentials for a college application. A student interested in law may, for example, do filing work at a law office, or a future economics or accounting major may take a position at a bank as a teller. These jobs are useful because the student will gain valuable work experience as well as specific skills that pertain to the student's field of interest.

Many restaurants hire high school students to deliver food part-time.
Many restaurants hire high school students to deliver food part-time.

It is possible to acquire part-time jobs for high school students that will allow the student to keep working after graduation. If a student does not intend to go to college, for example, he or she may take a part-time job that will allow him or her to move up in the company once he or she can work full-time. Restaurants, auto repair shops, sales and retail establishments, and others will often retain a high school student after graduation and put the new graduate on a full time schedule.

Discussion Comments

ninetydegree

Jobs for teens are sometimes so low paying, the teen wants to leave as soon as they get their first paycheck.

My son got a summer job working for a pet store and his job was to clean the kennels, bathe the puppies, give medicine to the sick puppies, and feed and water them, and play with them.

He loved the puppies but disliked the job. The good character trait this job taught was perseverance. If you could hold on long enough to rise to the next level of puppy counselor, you would be paid both by salary and commission by selling a puppy.

This job is not for the faint of heart but wow, what life experience for a teenager!

indigowater

One of the best jobs for teenagers is working in a restaurant. Whether they start out as a hostess or they're busing tables, once they get to be a server their tips make the job worth their while.

My daughter got a job as a room service attendant for a large hotel and often made more than $200 in tips if she worked the evening shift. Of course, since she was the new kid on the block, she was assigned the morning shift and didn't make very much in tips. But when she subbed for the people on the night shift, she realized she could earn quite a bit and that is why people stay in that position for years.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Working in a warehouse can be a good part-time job for a high school student.
      By: maxoidos
      Working in a warehouse can be a good part-time job for a high school student.
    • Many restaurants hire high school students to deliver food part-time.
      By: auremar
      Many restaurants hire high school students to deliver food part-time.
    • Pay a visit to restaurants and hotels and ask to fill out an application for a summer job.
      By: Karen Roach
      Pay a visit to restaurants and hotels and ask to fill out an application for a summer job.
    • High school students often work at movie theaters part time.
      By: Iuliia KOVALOVA
      High school students often work at movie theaters part time.
    • Many high school students are hired to fill retail positions.
      By: Kadmy
      Many high school students are hired to fill retail positions.