Are you wondering what the best jobs for 17-year-olds are?
Searching for a job as a teenager can feel exciting and a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, there are many opportunities that suit 17-year-olds—roles that help you earn money, build useful skills, and gain real-world experience.
When I was a teen I wanted to earn and manage my own money. My first steady job brought a sense of independence and allowed me to save for things I wanted. By 17 I was working many hours and earning a comfortable amount for my age.
Best Jobs for 17 Year Olds
Here are dependable and accessible jobs that many 17-year-olds can pursue.
1. Babysitter
Babysitting is a popular choice for teens. Parents often hire teenagers to supervise their children after school and on weekends. Responsibilities include feeding, playing, helping with homework, and putting children to bed. Pay varies by location and experience, commonly ranging from $10 to $25 per hour. Experienced sitters or those caring for multiple children may earn more.
2. Dog walker
Dog walking is enjoyable for anyone who likes animals and being outdoors. Most walks pay between $10 and $20 depending on duration and local demand. Walking multiple dogs or offering regular routes can increase your earnings.
3. Lifeguard
Lifeguarding suits teens who love swimming and want a role with responsibility. You can work at pools, beaches, or water parks. Certification is usually required and includes training in CPR and first aid. Lifeguards often earn more than other typical teen jobs—typically around $15 to $20 per hour in many areas.
4. Grocery bagger
Grocery bagging is widely available at supermarkets and is ideal for teens balancing school and work. Tasks include packing customers’ groceries and occasionally assisting with carryout. Many stores hire younger teens for this role, and at 17 you may have more flexible scheduling options.
5. Retail associate
Retail positions—sales associate, cashier, or stock worker—are common entry-level jobs. You’ll help customers, operate registers, restock shelves, and keep the store organized. Pay often starts near minimum wage, but employee discounts and steady hours can be valuable benefits.
6. Fast food crew member
Fast food jobs are accessible and usually offer flexible, part-time schedules. Duties include taking orders, preparing food, and working the register. These roles are good for building customer service and teamwork skills. Many employers provide employee meals or discounts as perks.
7. Movie theater worker
Working at a movie theater can be fun and social. Positions involve selling tickets, staffing the concession stand, checking admissions, and maintaining auditoriums. Theater jobs often offer evening and weekend shifts, which fit well with school schedules.
8. Golf caddy
Golf caddying is an excellent option if you enjoy being outdoors and appreciate sports. Caddies carry clubs, support golfers during play, and sometimes offer course strategy. Local courses often hire and train young caddies; reach out to nearby clubs to learn their requirements.
9. Amusement park attendant
Seasonal positions at amusement parks are popular for teens. Duties may include operating rides, selling tickets, running game booths, and assisting guests. Parks often hire many 16- and 17-year-olds for summer employment, providing lively work environments and flexible schedules.
10. Ice cream scooper
Ice cream shops hire many teens for summer shifts. Responsibilities include serving flavors, preparing shakes, and maintaining a clean counter. Pay typically starts near minimum wage; seasonal peaks mean more hours in summer and potential perks like free or discounted treats.
11. Library assistant
Library work is calm and structured, involving shelving, organizing materials, checking out books, and helping patrons. Part-time library positions are often tailored to students, with after-school and weekend hours available.
12. Tutor
If you excel in a subject, tutoring is a high-value option. You can tutor younger students in math, science, languages, or test prep—either in person or online. Hourly rates commonly range from $15 to $25 depending on subject matter and your experience.
13. Camp counselor
Camp counseling is a rewarding summer job for teens who enjoy working with children and leading activities. Counselors supervise games, sports, arts and crafts, and ensure camper safety. Some camps offer week-long or overnight programs; compensation varies by camp but can be substantial during peak season.
14. Gardener
Gardening and lawn care are practical jobs for teens who like physical outdoor work. Tasks include mowing lawns, weeding, planting, and trimming hedges. Pay typically ranges from $10 to $20 per hour based on task complexity and local rates.
15. Pet sitter
Pet sitting combines animal care with flexible hours. Sitters feed pets, walk dogs, clean litter boxes, and administer medication if needed. Jobs can be found through local ads, apps, or word of mouth. When properly supervised, pet sitting is safe and can be well-paid for the convenience it offers pet owners.
16. House cleaner
House cleaning is straightforward and often in steady demand. Typical tasks include vacuuming, dusting, mopping, and bathroom cleaning. You can work for a cleaning company or build a small client base on your own.
17. Customer service
Customer service roles are available across retail, hospitality, and call centers. These jobs teach communication, problem-solving, and professionalism. Responsibilities can range from helping in-store customers to answering questions by phone or online.
18. Car washer
Car washing offers active, outdoor work and flexible hours. Tasks include washing exteriors, vacuuming interiors, and detailing surfaces. Car washes often need extra staff on weekends, which works well for students attending school during weekdays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about jobs for 17-year-olds.
What job pays the best at 17?
Lifeguarding often ranks among the top-paying jobs for 17-year-olds, with many lifeguards earning around $15 to $20 per hour. Babysitting can also be lucrative, especially with experience and strong references.
What are good first jobs for teenagers?
Great first jobs include retail associate, grocery bagger, and dog walker. These roles usually require little to no prior experience and are good for learning work basics like punctuality and customer service.
How can a 17-year-old find jobs with no experience?
Look for entry-level positions that provide on-the-job training, such as fast food, retail, or local service work. You can also create your own opportunities—lawn care, pet sitting, and house cleaning are services people frequently need and are easy to offer without formal experience.
What part-time jobs work well while in school?
Flexible part-time jobs include movie theater staff, retail associate, tutoring, and food service. These roles typically offer evening and weekend shifts to fit around school commitments.
How can a 17-year-old find work near home?
Ask family and friends about openings, check local job boards and your school’s career center, and look for “Help Wanted” signs in neighborhoods. Visiting businesses in person and asking about hiring is often effective and shows initiative.
Best Jobs for 17 Year Olds – Summary
Finding a job at 17 is a valuable step toward financial independence and skill-building. Many part-time roles accommodate school schedules, from retail and food service to tutoring and outdoor work. Some positions—like lifeguarding, camp counseling, and specialized tutoring—offer higher pay and rewarding experiences.
Working as a teen can build confidence, responsibility, and a solid work ethic that will benefit you in future jobs and in life.
What do you think are the best jobs for 17-year-olds?