Top 10 High-Paying Jobs for 17-Year-Olds in 2025: Part-Time, Online, and No-Experience Roles

If you're a 17-year-old looking for jobs that pay well, you're in luck. The job market for teens is hotter than ever, with rising minimum wages, a booming gig economy, and tons of opportunities that fit around your school schedule. Whether you want to save for college, buy your first car, or just have extra cash for fun, there are high-paying jobs out there, no experience required. From part-time gigs like babysitting to online roles like social media management.

This guide has you covered with the top 10 high-paying jobs for 17-year-olds in 2025. Plus, you'll get practical tips to land these jobs, insights into the job market, and key info on labor laws to keep you safe. Ready to start earning?

Why High-Paying Jobs Matter for 17-Year-Olds

With minimum wages climbing in top cities like California ($16.50 per hour) and New York ($15.50 and up), teens can earn more than ever before. The job market for teens is full of potential. The gig economy is also exploding, with platforms like Upwork and Fiverr opening doors for freelance work, even for minors with parental consent. Add to that the rise of the creator economy, where teens are monetizing TikTok and YouTube, and you have a wealth of opportunities to make serious money.

So, why should you care about high-paying jobs as a 17-year-old? Here are the big reasons:

• Financial Independence: Earning your own money means you can pay for things like clothes, games, or even car insurance without relying on your parents.
• College Savings: High-paying jobs help you build a nest egg for tuition, books, or dorm supplies.
• Skill-Building: These jobs teach skills like time management, communication, and problem-solving, which look great on college applications.
• Career Prep: Early work experience can set you up for better jobs in the future, whether you’re aiming for tech, marketing, or something else.

But there are challenges too. School schedules limit your hours, and labor laws cap how much you can work (typically 12 hours per week during the school year).

Plus, most 17-year-olds have little to no experience, so finding jobs that pay well without requiring a resume full of skills is key. In 2025, the job market is shifting. Labor shortages are pushing wages up, and new roles in tech and content creation are emerging.

For example, the gig economy grew 100% from 2018 to 2023, according to Upwork, and that trend is expected to continue. Teens with basic digital skills, like using Canva or Google Suite, are in high demand. Whether you want to work in-person or online, this it is your year to shine.

Top 10 High-Paying Jobs for 17-Year-Olds

Here’s the main event: the top 10 high-paying jobs for 17-year-olds. These jobs are flexible, require minimal or no experience, and offer above-average pay (think $15 per hour or more). We’ve included a mix of part-time, online, and freelance roles, along with current trends to help you stay ahead.

1. Babysitting

Average Pay: $22.68 per hour
Duties: Watching kids, preparing snacks, playing games, and ensuring their safety. You might help with homework or put kids to bed.
Requirements: No formal experience needed, but CPR or first-aid certification can boost your pay and make parents trust you more.
How to Start: Sign up on platforms like Care.com or Sittercity (with parental consent if under 18). Post flyers in your neighborhood or share on social media communities to find local gigs. Ask family friends or neighbors if they need a sitter.
Current Trend: With more parents working hybrid or in-office jobs, demand for reliable babysitters is soaring. Urban areas and suburbs are seeing higher rates, especially for sitters with certifications.
Pro Tip: Take a $50 CPR course at your local Red Cross to charge $25 per hour or more.

2. Online Tutor

Average Pay: $19.40 per hour average
Duties: Teaching subjects like math, English, or science to younger students via video calls. You might create lesson plans or review homework.
Requirements: Strong grades in your subject (no degree needed). Platforms like Wyzant or Varsity Tutors handle scheduling and payments.
How to Start: Create a profile on Wyzant or Varsity Tutors (parental consent required). Advertise on school bulletin boards.
Current Trend: Demand for STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) tutors is spiking as schools push tech-focused curricula. Bilingual teens can earn more tutoring language skills.
Pro Tip: Focus on one subject you’re great at, like algebra, to stand out and charge higher rates.

3. Lifeguard

Average Pay: $13.11 to $20 per hour
Duties: Monitoring pools or beaches, ensuring swimmer safety, and performing rescues if needed. You’ll also enforce pool rules.
Requirements: Lifeguard certification (about $200, available through Red Cross or YMCA). Basic swimming skills are a must.
How to Start: Check local pools, community centers, or summer camps for openings. Apply on Indeed or visit facilities in person.
Current Trend: Coastal states like California and Florida are offering higher wages due to tourism growth. Summer camps are also hiring more teen lifeguards.
Pro Tip: Get certified in spring to snag summer jobs when demand peaks.

4. Social Media Manager

Average Pay: $25 per hour
Duties: Creating posts, scheduling content, and engaging followers for small businesses or influencers. You might design graphics or analyze engagement.
Requirements: Basic knowledge of platforms like Instagram or TikTok. Familiarity with Canva or Adobe Express helps. No experience required.
How to Start: Set up a profile on Upwork or Fiverr (with parental consent). Reach out to local businesses or influencers. Build a portfolio with sample posts.
Current Trend: Brands are hiring teen influencers who understand Gen Z trends, making this a lucrative freelance gig.
Pro Tip: Create a TikTok showcasing your skills to attract clients.

5. Delivery Driver

Average Pay: $17.35 per hour
Duties: Delivering food or packages using a car, bike, or scooter. You’ll use apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats to pick up and drop off orders.
Requirements: Valid driver’s license (for car deliveries), reliable transportation, and a smartphone. Some apps require you to be 18, but local services may hire 17-year-olds.
How to Start: Sign up on DoorDash or local delivery apps. Check with nearby restaurants for in-house delivery roles.
Current Trend: Food delivery demand remains high, with apps offering bonuses during peak hours.
Pro Tip: Work Friday evenings or weekends for the best tips.

6. Freelance Writer

Average Pay: $15 to $30 per hour
Duties: Writing blog posts, product descriptions, or social media content for clients. Topics range from travel to tech.
Requirements: Good writing skills and grammar. No formal experience needed, but a portfolio helps.
How to Start: Create a Fiverr or Upwork profile. Write sample articles for your blog or Google Docs to show clients. Pitch to small businesses online.
Current Trend: Demand for AI-assisted content (e.g., editing AI-generated drafts) is growing, and teens with strong writing skills can capitalize.
Pro Tip: Start with $10 per article to build reviews, then raise rates.

7. Retail Sales Associate

Average Pay: $16 per hour
Duties: Helping customers, stocking shelves, and ringing up purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, or clothing retailers.
Requirements: No experience needed, but customer service skills help. Must be friendly and reliable.
How to Start: Apply on Indeed or visit stores in person. Check malls or grocery stores for openings.
Current Trend: Retail wages are rising due to labor shortages, especially during holiday seasons.
Pro Tip: Apply in October for holiday jobs with overtime pay.

8. Content Creator

Average Pay: $10 to $50 per hour (varies by platform)
Duties: Creating videos or posts for TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram. Monetize through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate links.
Requirements: A smartphone and creativity. Basic editing skills (e.g., CapCut) boost earnings.
How to Start: Post regularly on TikTok or YouTube. Join affiliate programs or pitch to brands online.
Current Trend: Micro-influencers (1,000 to 10,000 followers) are in demand, with brands paying teens for authentic content.
Pro Tip: Focus on a niche like gaming or fashion to grow your audience faster.

9. Landscaping

Average Pay: $17.60 per hour
Duties: Mowing lawns, trimming bushes, or planting flowers for homeowners or businesses.
Requirements: No experience needed, but physical fitness helps. Basic tools (e.g., lawnmower) may be provided by employers.
How to Start: Check local landscaping companies on Indeed or post flyers in your neighborhood. Ask neighbors for small jobs.
Current Trend: Eco-conscious projects, like sustainable gardens, are boosting demand for teen workers.
Pro Tip: Offer to rake leaves in fall for quick cash.

10. Virtual Assistant

Average Pay: $15 to $20 per hour
Duties: Handling emails, scheduling, or social media for small businesses or entrepreneurs. Work is fully remote.
Requirements: Basic organizational skills and familiarity with Google Suite. No experience required.
How to Start: Create an Upwork profile or email local businesses offering admin help. Build a portfolio with sample tasks.
Current Trend: Small businesses are hiring teens for cost-effective virtual support as remote work grows.
Pro Tip: Learn Google Calendar to stand out to clients.

How to Land High-Paying Jobs as a 17-Year-Old

Now that you know the best jobs, how do you actually get hired? As a 17-year-old, you might feel like you’re starting from scratch, but don’t worry. These steps will help you stand out:

Build a Simple Resume

A resume shows employers you’re serious, even if you’ve never worked before. Include these sections:

• Contact Info: Name, email, phone number.
• Education: Your high school, grade level, and GPA (if 3.0 or higher).
• Skills: List transferable skills like communication (from group projects), time management (from juggling school and sports), or tech skills (e.g., Canva).
• Activities: Mention clubs, sports, or volunteer work (e.g., “Volunteered at animal shelter, 2024”).

Sample Resume Snippet:
Jane Doe
Email: [email protected] | Phone: (555) 123-4567
Education: Lincoln High School, Junior, GPA 3.5
Skills: Communication, Time Management, Canva, Google Docs
Activities: Debate Club Member, 2023–2024; Volunteer Tutor, 2024

Use Canva for free templates or Google Docs to keep it simple. Aim for one page.

Network Like a Pro

Networking isn’t just for adults. Tell family, friends, or teachers you’re looking for work. They might know someone who needs a babysitter or virtual assistant. Post on X with hashtags like #TeenJobs or #Hiring to connect with local businesses. For online jobs, join LinkedIn (with parental permission) and message small businesses offering your skills.

Use Job Platforms

Job boards make finding work easy. Try these:

• Indeed or ZipRecruiter: Search “part-time jobs near me” for retail or lifeguarding roles.
• Care.com or Sittercity: Great for babysitting gigs.
• Wyzant or Varsity Tutors: Perfect for tutoring.
• Upwork or Fiverr: Ideal for freelance writing, social media, or virtual assistant work.

Always get parental consent for online platforms if you’re under 18. Check listings weekly and apply to multiple jobs to increase your chances.

Develop Basic Skills

Some jobs, like social media management or content creation, require skills you can learn for free. Watch YouTube tutorials on Canva for graphic design or CapCut for video editing. Coursera offers affordable courses on digital marketing or writing. Spend a few hours practicing, and you’ll be ready to pitch to clients.

Nail the Interview

Interviews can be intimidating, but preparation helps. Dress neatly (business casual for retail, clean clothes for babysitting). Practice answers to questions like “Why do you want this job?” or “How do you handle stress?” Follow up with a thank-you email within 24 hours to show you’re professional. For online jobs, practice video calls to feel confident on Zoom.

Pro Tip: Keep a notebook with job applications and follow-up dates to stay organized.

2025 Job Market Trends for Teens

The job market in 2025 is a goldmine for teens. Here’s what’s driving opportunities:

• Rising Wages: States like California and New York are increasing minimum wages ($16.50 and $15.50, respectively), and labor shortages mean employers are offering bonuses or higher pay to attract teens.
• Gig Economy Boom: Platforms like DoorDash and TaskRabbit are growing, with 15% more gig workers in 2024 than 2023 (per Upwork). Teens can join with parental consent.
• Creator Economy Surge: TikTok and YouTube are paying micro-influencers (1,000 to 10,000 followers) for ads and sponsorships. Brands love teens for their authentic Gen Z voice.
• Emerging Roles: New jobs like AI content moderation (editing AI-generated text) or virtual event support (helping with Zoom events) are teen-friendly and pay $15 to $25 per hour.
• Tech Skills Demand: Basic skills in Canva, Google Suite, or video editing make you stand out for online roles.

These trends mean it is the perfect time to jump into high-paying jobs, whether you’re working at a local store or building a TikTok following from your bedroom.

Legal and Safety Considerations for Teen Workers

Before you start working, know the rules to stay safe and legal:

• Labor Laws: The U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act limits 17-year-olds to 12 hours per week during the school year and bans hazardous work (e.g., operating heavy machinery). Check your state’s laws for specifics.
• Work Permits: Most states require work permits for minors. Your school or local labor office can provide one.
• Parental Consent: Online platforms like Upwork or Fiverr require parental approval for users under 18. Have your parents review terms before signing up.
• Taxes: If you earn over $400 as a freelancer (e.g., writing or social media), you’ll need to report it to the IRS. Keep track of your income in a spreadsheet.
• Safety: Stick to reputable platforms like Care.com or Wyzant to avoid scams. Never share personal info (e.g., Social Security number) with unverified employers.

Pro Tip: Always verify job postings or job boards to ensure they’re legit.

FAQs

What is the highest-paying job for a 17-year-old in 2025?

Social media management tops the list, paying up to $25.13 per hour. Teens with a knack for Instagram or TikTok can freelance for businesses or influencers on Upwork.

Can 17-year-olds work online jobs?

Yes, with parental consent, you can work on platforms like Wyzant (tutoring), Fiverr (writing), or Upwork (virtual assistant). Always use trusted sites to stay safe.

What jobs don’t require experience for teens?

Babysitting, landscaping, retail sales, and content creation require no prior experience. These jobs value reliability and basic skills you already have.

How many hours can a 17-year-old work?

During the school year, you’re limited to 12 hours per week under federal law. During summer, you can work up to 40 hours, depending on state laws.

Do teens need a work permit in 2025?

It depends on your state. California and New York require permits for 17-year-olds, while others like Texas may not. Check with your school or local labor office.

Conclusion

17-year-olds have more high-paying job options than ever, from part-time gigs like babysitting and retail to online roles like tutoring and content creation. Whether you’re looking for flexible hours, remote work, or a chance to build skills for college, these top 10 jobs paying $15 to $50 per hour offer something for everyone. With rising wages and a booming gig economy, now’s the perfect time to earn money and gain experience.

Need help figuring out which job is right for you or how to land it? The Career Accelerators can guide you. Book a free call with one of our expert career coaches to get personalized advice, build confidence, and kickstart your journey to financial independence. Visit our website today to schedule your free mentorship session and take the first step toward a bright future.