Teenagers work hard for their money. Therefore, it is great if they can find a job that pays a bit more than average. Tailor your job search to high paying summer-time and part-time jobs for 16-year-olds that can help you save for college or pay your car insurance.
What Is Good Pay?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average pay for a 16-19-year-old in the U.S. is $410. This averages out to about $10.50 an hour. For a job to be considered good pay, it would need to be higher than the average. Most 16-year-olds would consider something that pays $11 or more an hour good pay, but again there are variables. The location in the United States (i.e. California vs. Michigan) and area (i.e. urban vs rural) are some of these variables. For example, the minimum wage in California is $11.00 while the minimum wage in Michigan is $9.25. Now you know the paycheck out a few of the jobs.
Not Your Typical Nanny
If you enjoy babysitting, you might think about spending your summer as a nanny. According to PayScale.com, a nanny makes an average hourly rate of $14.62 an hour. However, they can make upwards of $19 an hour. Much like babysitting, as a nanny, your first responsibility is to care for the kids. You will feed and cloth them along with providing a stimulating environment. Nannies are also responsible for grocery shopping, taking kids to activities and making food. You'll be picking up toys and making sure everything is tidy too.
Entry-Level Web Designer
Website design can begin at any age with the completion of a free online class or through trial and error. If you have a flair for web design, becoming a web designer might be a way to get your career off the ground in high school. PayScale listed the average pay for web designers as just over $18 an hour. However, if you are just starting out or a part-timer, this can be lower. Additionally, if you are venturing out on your own in the freelance world, contracts can be sporadic. While it would seem that all you need to do is create websites, there is a lot of color theory, design, and typography that will go into your choice. You might also be needed to maintain and update the website.
Referee for Youth Sporting Events
Year round there is a need for officiants for youth games like soccer, basketball, baseball, etc. These refs can make $14 an hour according to Indeed.com in 2018. These individuals are not only responsible for checking gear and keeping track of event times, but they also provide signals for infractions and judge performances.
Lifeguard at a Beach
Do you want to spend your summer job soaking up the rays while making some fat cash, try working as a lifeguard at a beach. While they are patrolling the beach, cautioning patrons about dangerous areas and performing rescues, they can earn anywhere from $16-20 an hour working seasonally. The job can get dicey though because you are responsible for emergency situations like if someone is drowning and need to know how to use artificial respiration and other emergency measures. You must also be able to use a two-way radio and maintain emergency equipment.
High School Tutor
Do you get amazing grades? Are you top of your class? Think about using your brains to help some of your classmates for as much as $30-40 an hour, according to Care.com. This job requires you to tutor high school students in subjects like math and English. Since you typically only work an hour a week or day, finding enough jobs to make this a lucrative career can be difficult. There are also services that you can sign up for if you don't want to freelance.
Summer Golf Caddy
Carrying golf bags around in a golf cart through 18 holes of golf might not seem like the dream job, but it can pay higher than normal for part-timers. The New York Times lists the pay for caddy at about $100 for 18 holes. Glassdoor also listed their pay at about $30,000 a year. This can be higher especially given tips. In addition to handing out golf clubs, caddies are also responsible for offering advice for, particularly difficult shots.
Swim Instructor
Swim instructors teach children and adults to swim at community centers and at public swimming areas. For about $11-18 an hour, these individuals will teach infants to seniors swimming strokes and how to hold their breath. They also help them with fear of the water.
General Laborer for Construction Site
If working with your hands is more your style, you might consider getting paid about $15 an hour to be a general laborer at a construction site. Given your age, there are limitations to what you will be able to do. But you can generally load and transport materials and operate hand tools. Heavy equipment is typically off-limits to those under 18, in most instances.
Getting Paid
Job options at 16 are plentiful, but finding one that pays more than minimum wage can take some hunting. However, by using a little ingenuity and your skills, you can make bank over the summer or at your part-time job.
