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When a person reaches the age of 18 and becomes a legal adult, they have access to a broader range of job opportunities than a minor.
You’d be surprised at how many jobs out there pay well. Many companies start hiring at the age of 18, offering a variety of entry-level positions where people can gain their first work experience.
There are several industries and types of positions to choose from if you are looking for a part-time job to work during college or if you want to start growing your future career immediately.
Quick Summarization:
Good-paying jobs for 18-year-olds are challenging, and you usually have to go out of your way and broaden your network to find them. You might find a high-paying job through online job postings or gaining experience in popular industries like hospitality, and work in hotels and restaurants. As an 18-year-old, it’s all about leveraging the limited skill and experience you have to move up the career ladder.
20 High-Paying Jobs for 18-Year-Olds
Casino Gaming Manager
Average Hourly Salary: $46.07
A casino manager manages the facility’s daily operations and personnel. You may be responsible for monitoring the floor and enforcing house rules to ensure that players are not cheating and that dealers conduct games properly.
Hiring, training, and evaluating staff, preparing work schedules, deciding what games to offer and at what odds are among your administrative responsibilities.
A casino gaming manager is an exciting and viable career choice for 18-year-olds, depending on where you live.
The best thing about this job is that there will most likely be opportunities for advancement over time. With thousands of casinos worldwide, this is an industry where you will be able to find work relatively quickly.
Dog Walker
Average Hourly Salary: $18.15
Professional dog walkers are paid animal care workers who go on outings with other people’s dogs for a set period. This is an ideal job for an animal lover and a great way to stay active. You’ll need to be in good shape, be able to handle a few aggressive dogs and manage multiple dogs simultaneously.
Oh, and there’s the poop-picking part of the job. But the companionship is worth it if you’re willing to get your hands dirty and your feet tired.
It sounds like a dream job: you spend your days outside in the fresh air, getting exercise, and being accompanied by various adorable furry companions. However, finding work as a dog walker — and earning enough money to live on — is easier said than done.
You can work as an independent dog walker or for a dedicated company. Some dog walkers take one dog out for a walk, while others may take multiple dogs out on each outing.
Dog walkers must communicate openly with owners and discuss the owner’s preferences for dog care and the dog walking process.
Trade Apprentice
Average Hourly Salary: $22.00
As more people pursue careers in IT and technology, fewer young people are available for trades. As a result of the shortage of qualified employees in this industry, this career has become quite lucrative.
A trade apprenticeship program provides paid on-the-job training and supplemental classroom training in a specific trade.
Apprenticeships are similar to vocational programs in that apprentices may attend classes at vocational or trade schools, but they do not require a long period away from work to complete their education.
Starting as an electrician or plumber at a young age can pave the way for future business ownership or management of a larger company. Many financial experts advise young people to learn a trade because it is a safe long-term career choice.
Web Designer
Average Hourly Salary: $38.81
If you’ve always felt qualified when it comes to computers, becoming a web designer is a great way to start a high-paying career.
Web designers create and construct websites and web pages by combining various visual design elements such as text, photos, graphics, animations, and videos.
However, you may have to work on some of your first projects for a lower salary. Some businesses hire freelancers as young as 14 years old for web design.
While this appears challenging, 18-year-olds can begin with design tools such as:
- WordPress
- InVision Studio
- Photoshop
- Dreamweaver
- Sketch
- Google Web Designer
As your reputation grows, you can begin charging a higher hourly rate and establishing yourself as a professional and high-quality web designer.
Administrative Assistant
Average Hourly Salary: $20.81
Administrative assistants play a critical role in organizing, managing, and running an office. Most administrative assistants are in charge of clerical and organizational tasks such as file organization, appointment scheduling, assisting other staff members, and writing correspondence or messages.
Administrative assistants also frequently use computers to work with spreadsheets, create presentations and reports, and manage databases.
The unique aspect of working in this industry as 18-year-olds is its wide range of careers. However, you should exercise extreme caution when selecting an administrative assistant position. You might be able to find something that leads to a full-time career that includes training and education.
Administrative assistants are currently in high demand in the New York City area. At the moment, there are over 2,000 job openings.
Receptionist
Average Hourly Salary: $16.64
Receptionists greet visitors, answer phones, take messages, schedule appointments, file and maintain documents, provide information to various people, make travel arrangements, and take charge of other errands.
If a receptionist handles a customer correctly, they are more likely to become repeat customers. Receptionist jobs are an excellent choice for 18-year-olds because this position has the potential to progress to a more significant role within the company.
Even if it never grows and expands, it can still lead to a long-term career with benefits.
Delivery Driver
Average Hourly Salary: $18.38
Drivers are more needed than ever in this evolving on-demand world. People will order all sorts of things, whether a hot pizza, a package, or groceries.
That’s where delivery drivers come in; they move goods quickly and easily. An 18-year-old could be cut out for this job with a clean driving record!
A basic driver’s license should suffice in most cases, but you may require an additional license if the job demands you to operate a specialized vehicle. Thoroughly review each job description and research your state’s requirements for obtaining the necessary license.
Parking Attendant
Average Hourly Salary: $15.01
Most people dislike parking and will pay you to park their cars. Customers hand over their vehicles to attendants who park them in some public and private parking lots.
When the customers return, the attendants quickly locate the cars and return them. They occasionally accept payment, but cashiers often handle the money.
While advancement opportunities are limited, some attendants go on to become managers or supervisors. Regional or city managers may be needed for parking lot chains. Some attendants go on to work as truck drivers, chauffeurs, or route delivery drivers.
All 18 year olds can apply directly to managers of parking lots, hotels, and restaurants looking for experienced car drivers. Furthermore, some municipal government websites list job openings at municipal lots. You can find employment through state employment services, union offices, and newspaper classified ads.
Police Dispatcher
Average Hourly Salary: $23.25
This position will be similar to government positions; it could be a very wise choice for 18 year olds. Police dispatchers respond to emergency and non-emergency calls, determining the level and nature of police assistance needed in each case.
As they protect the public and handle situations, on-duty cops rely on their calm responses and communication of details.
In addition to your age, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent to be considered for the role. You must then pass a civil service exam.
Furthermore, because technology is increasingly being used in law enforcement, basic technology proficiency is required for learning computer-aided dispatch programs.
Caregiver
Average Hourly Salary: $14.87
There is a greater need for caregivers as the baby boomers begin to age and face some unfortunate health issues. Caregivers help people of all ages with basic personal care tasks such as bathing, going to the bathroom, dressing, and taking medication.
Caregivers are frequently in charge of grocery shopping, housekeeping, appointment scheduling, and transportation for their clients. They also offer companionship and social connection by conversing with their clients, playing games, and engaging in other activities.
Being a caregiver allows you to be open about your skill level and how you believe you can assist. If a company requires your services, they will undoubtedly hire you.
Mail Carrier
Mail carriers have stable careers and enjoy the benefits of the job. You may deliver letters, documents, and parcels to businesses and homes.
You will either travel on foot or by truck along predetermined routes. You’ll collect outgoing mail and money for postage due along with the route when necessary. You’ll also sort mail, including packages, in the order of delivery.
You’ll spend most of the day alone, unbothered by coworkers or workplace drama. This is an excellent job for 18 year olds who wants to complete a task while enjoying their days off from work.
Tutor
Average Hourly Salary: $24.08
Were you good at something in high school? Whether it was English, science, math, or a foreign language, someone could benefit from your guidance.
Tutoring is compensated at an extremely high hourly rate. Because of the high hourly rate, many people leave teaching careers to pursue a career as a tutor.
The only drawback to becoming a personal tutor is that it takes time to establish a reputation. Starting with a local company might make sense, and build your resume while tutoring. You can also find different subjects that interest you and are easier to teach.
Bank Teller
Average Hourly Salary: $16.99
Even though we do so much of our banking online these days, many bank teller positions are still available. Working as a bank teller entails being employed by a large financial institution.
Customers will typically interact with you as soon as they enter the bank. As a result, the benefits and retirement can be substantial.
Another advantage of working as a bank teller is that it will look great on your resume. Putting a company on your resume like Chase or the Bank of America can help you get more jobs later in life.
If you stay with the same bank, you may be able to advance from the bank teller position to a more senior role at that branch or locally.
Camp Counselor
Average Hourly Salary: $15.92
Camp counselor positions are essential for college students, especially when there are no ongoing class sessions. The counselor position is a great summer job option with great pay and excellent benefits.
A camp counselor typically has a wide range of responsibilities, and some roles require specialized knowledge, such as teaching swimming lessons or providing drama instruction. A camp counselor’s typical duties include:
- organizing team games,
- leading activities such as crafts and art,
- communicating with parents,
- monitoring children with medical needs, and
- motivating and supporting all camp visitors.
Depending on the location or type of the camp, you may also be provided with room and board as part of your job. This is, without a doubt, an unusual way to spend a summer as a college student.
Lifeguard
Average Hourly Salary: $15.14
Working as a lifeguard may conjure up images of hunky guys and gorgeous girls who are tanned, muscular, and beautiful, performing daring Baywatch-style rescues along the beach.
Of course, in reality, the job is very different from how it is portrayed in the media. Lifeguards come in all shapes and sizes. It is, however, a vital job because it involves keeping people safe.
A lifeguard is an excellent option for an 18-year-old college student. You can spend your summer at the pool or on the beach. If you enjoy your time as a lifeguard, you may find that a full-time position is a good fit for you.
Although working as a lifeguard may appear to be all fun and games, there are real-life and death situations every day. Proper training is essential for those who want to work as a lifeguard.
Landscaping
Average Hourly Salary: $15.66
Landscaping business owners are constantly on the lookout for qualified help. If you have basic labor skills, you can train to become a landscaper.
The best thing about landscaping jobs is the amount of overtime involved and the vast range of companies. The more time you invest in learning and adapting, the more likely you will become a foreman.
When you advance to the position of landscape foreman, your hourly rate will skyrocket. Furthermore, landscaping companies are always on the lookout for people with valid driver’s licenses. Driving the crew around is essential, and finding good drivers can be difficult.
Pharmacy Technician
Annual Hourly Salary: $19.35
A pharmacy technician assists a pharmacist in preparing prescription medications for customers. They may receive written prescription requests or process requests sent electronically or by phone from doctors’ offices.
Depending on state laws, a pharmacy technician may compound or mix medications and obtain refill authorizations from doctors. Technicians organize drug inventory and notify pharmacists of any shortages.
Being a pharmacy technician requires some training, but it is the beginning of an enriching career. The pharmacy technician position is intriguing, and it may pique your interest in a career as a pharmacist.
Creative Freelance Jobs
Average Hourly Salary: $23.24
There are a lot of online opportunities for you if you have a creative spirit. You can land several creative freelancing jobs online, such as voice-overs and content writing.
More and more businesses are now using freelance creative workers to achieve these tasks and projects instead of hiring traditional employees.
Voice-over work entails recording yourself reading a script provided by a company. Your recording is then used for a commercial, radio ad, or online video by the company.
Before receiving any voice-over jobs, you should usually record a voice sample so that businesses can listen to it and decide if you’re a good fit for their brand and product.
Content writers create online blog articles and other web content for companies to use on their websites. They are typically compensated per word or per piece. You might be able to find work as a freelance content writer if you have strong writing and grammar skills.
Online Surveys and Reviews
Average Hourly Salary: $25.00
Completing online reviews or surveys is one of the simplest ways to earn money online. Large corporations frequently seek opinions from people of all ages, including teenagers.
You’ll be surprised how many online survey companies you can sign up for and earn money for providing your feedback.
Surveys and reviews typically take only a few minutes to complete. The more surveys you complete, the more money you will be able to earn. Sign up only with a legitimate platform.
Online reviews entail evaluating content for publishing on a website or another platform, such as a song, a commercial, or a television show. After reviewing the content, provide feedback to help companies, artists, and other entities improve their material to receive as much attention as possible.
Average Hourly Salary: $19.00
If you’re a typical teenager, social media is a part of your daily routine. Your parents may see it as a huge distraction for your future and a waste of energy, but you can turn your social media savvy into a steady job if you’re clever enough.
Local businesses all over the country require assistance with managing their social media accounts, but it’s often the last thing on an overworked business owner’s mind.
If you already know the ins and outs of social media marketing, look for work by contacting small businesses in your area or checking Indeed.
What 18-Year Olds Need To Know When Securing a Job
“Can an 18-year-old with no work experience be eligible for work benefits?” is one of the most asked questions. Because of the efforts of the US Department of Labor, everyone has access to work benefits!
If you’re still studying, you are entitled to continue your education, and some employers will provide tuition reimbursement.
It is also mandatory for employers to give you medical insurance. Your employer is responsible for selecting the plan options, and premiums are frequently split with you by your employer.
Premium contributions from an employer are not subject to federal taxes. You can make them before taxes, thus lowering your taxable income.
You are also entitled to a paid leave, such as paid sick leave and paid family and medical leave. Paid sick leave is used to recover from a minor injury or illness, such as a cold, or attend doctor’s appointments.
A paid family and medical leave typically provide a significant number of weeks for a worker’s own serious, long-term health condition or reasons related to a family member’s military service.
Helpful Tips for 18 Year Olds Working Online Jobs
Keep these tips before signing up for a site when looking for the best ways to make money online as a teen.
Get a PayPal account.
The majority of online job sites accept PayPal payments. You must first create your account to accept payments through that platform.
You must be at least 18 years old to sign up for an account. The parent or legal guardian of individuals under 18 must open the PayPal account and serve as the primary account holder.
It is simple to open a PayPal account. After you sign up, you must link it to a bank account. PayPal will make a few small deposits into your bank account and ask you to verify the amounts.
Keep your parents updated.
While keeping your new side hustle a secret may be tempting, your parents may be concerned if you’re suddenly earning extra money and not explaining where it’s coming from.
Let them know what you’re doing for your safety and benefit. Inform them that you’ve been looking into online jobs for teenagers to earn money. A strong work ethic, especially at such a young age, is impressive, and they will value your initiative.
Check age requirements
Check the company’s age requirements before signing up for any services. You don’t want to get excited about a chance only to discover that you’re too young to take advantage of it. HR will usually ask to provide proof of identification, so don’t try to lie about your age.
Track your money
It’s critical to understand how much money you’re making or spending on your business/job. You can keep track of your income and expenses with a notebook and pencil, a Google or Excel spreadsheet, or a budgeting app.
PayPal also gives you a breakdown of how much money has been deposited or withdrawn from your account.
Tracking your money allows you to see who pays on time, where the majority of your income comes from, and the amount you’ve spent on things like materials and gas. Knowing this information allows you to determine when to raise your rates or whether you need to expand (or reduce) the services you provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to be 18 to work in the US?
In general, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes the minimum age for employment (14 years for non-agricultural jobs), limits the number of hours that youth under the age of 16 may work, and prohibits children under the age of 18 from working in hazardous occupations.
Is it easy to get a job as an 18 year old?
Securing a job at 18 is both easy and difficult because your resume will lack higher degrees or educational qualifications and experience. Be cautious about the position you are applying for. Let us give you some examples of what you should look for when applying for jobs:
- Read Job Descriptions to figure out what the company expects of you.
- Jobs that do not necessitate prior experience
- Look for jobs that match your qualifications.
- If you have a particular interest, try to find a job in that field.
- a job that necessitates less physical exertion
- Finally, try to work for a company that offers benefits.
Am I allowed to work five days a week as an 18 Year Old?
As a teen, you have the legal right to work as much as your strength allows. However, there are a few exceptions. For instance, you cannot work as a bartender until you are 21 in many states in the USA.
Where should I look for a job?
Obviously, as an 18-year-old fresh out of high school, you may not have much experience or a lengthy resume. Your only experience may have come from working at teenagers’ typical entry-level jobs. The good news is that many well-paying jobs on the list do not require a degree.
When you sign up online, do companies check if you’re 18 years old?
In general, no — most businesses do not check or verify your age. However, assuming that the company will not conduct a background check on you is not good.
Most companies will include age requirements in their terms of service, which you must agree to. You may violate the terms of service if you misrepresent your age.
If the company discovers you are under their minimum age, they may withhold a balance you have earned or close your account (and you may not be able to use that platform in the future).
Key Takeaways
We’ve covered a wide range of the highest-paying jobs that an 18-year-old can apply for. Almost every job on our list has nothing to do with age and everything to do with work quality and desire to work.
If you need a job but don’t have a resume or previous experience, be willing to take a few jobs to gain experience. You won’t be earning six digits immediately, but you will be laying the groundwork for long-term success.
After all, it’s better to make a small step toward your goals than to try to make a big one. Being wise about the jobs you choose when you’re 18 will make you a very happy 50-year-old about to retire!