Searching for your first job as a teenager? You might be surprised by how many opportunities are available if you know where to look.
From babysitting and working in retail to internships and other part-time roles, this guide will help you figure out what kind of job suits your age. We’ll also walk you through where to search and how to successfully secure the position.
Ready To Start Earning?
Getting your first job is a big milestone—and it’s perfectly normal to feel both excited and nervous. This is your first step toward financial independence and gaining real-world experience. Primarily, getting chores done has a great effect on your sense of responsibility, so this only carries it forward even further.
The good news is, you don’t need to have tons of experience or qualifications to begin. Teens between the ages of 13 and 18 can find age-appropriate jobs—from delivering newspapers before school to summer café jobs or even going full-time after graduation.
Here’s a quick look at potential earnings, and remunerations:
- Age 18+: Eligible for the full National Minimum Wage, which is £8.60/hour (as of April 2024). Working 20 hours per week could earn you over £745 monthly before tax.
- Age 16–17: Minimum pay is £7.55/hour. Working around 10 hours per week could bring in over £300 monthly.
- Earning above £96/week? You’ll start contributing to National Insurance.
- Earning over £12,750/year? You’ll also owe income tax.
- Under the school-leaving age? You’re not entitled to minimum wage—but many employers still offer fair compensation.
📌 Tip: Always check the latest youth wage rates on the official government site.
What’s Inside this Article:
- Starting Work at 13 or 14
- Jobs for 15 to 17-Year-Olds
- Full-Time Opportunities at 18
- Helpful Reminders
Getting Started at 13 or 14
At this stage, you’re not allowed to work full-time, but part-time work is usually allowed from age 13 (some local councils start at 14). Be sure to check your local authority’s rules before applying.
You’ll also need a work permit issued by your local council—employers typically apply for this on your behalf. It ensures the job is safe and suitable and doesn’t interfere with your schooling. You don’t need a permit for informal work like helping family or neighbors.
Legal guidelines for 13- and 14-year-olds:
| During School Term | During School Holidays |
| Up to 12 hours/week | Up to 25 hours/week |
| Max 2 hrs/day (school days) | Max 5 hrs/day |
| Max 5 hrs on Saturdays | |
| Max 2 hrs on Sundays |
- Cannot work during school hours
- Work only between 7am and 7pm
- If working 4+ hours, you must get a 1-hour break
- Prohibited from dangerous roles (e.g. kitchens, pubs, construction)
- Even with restrictions, plenty of earning opportunities are available.
Jobs You Can Try:
Newspaper delivery
Dog walking for neighbors
Car washing
Garden chores (weeding, raking, watering)
Babysitting younger family members or friends
Helping in a local café, stall, or small shop
Shelf stocking or light store duties
Basic admin in an office (filing, data entry)
Salon assistant roles
Event or sports club support roles
These roles, along with some others, offer a chance to earn and build experience early on. They are more easily accessible and recommended.
Where To Look:
Ask neighbors, friends, or family for small tasks
Visit local shops and look for job signs in windows
With a parent, check local Facebook groups
Scan school, library, or community centre noticeboards
Key Reminders:
- You’ll need a work permit and must follow hour restrictions
- School commitments must always come first
- Keep a trusted adult informed about your job and employer
Part-Time Work for Teens Aged 15–17
Once you turn 15, more options become available. Retailers, cafés, and grocery stores often hire weekend or holiday staff. You might also find openings in activity camps or sports centers.
However, certain rules still apply depending on whether you’re still in school.
Legal guidelines for those still in school:
| During Term Time | During School Holidays |
| Up to 12 hours/week total | Up to 35 hours/week total |
| Max 2 hrs/day on school days | Max 8 hrs/day (Mon–Sat) |
| Max 8 hrs on Saturdays (15+) | Max 2 hrs on Sundays |
- Can’t work during school hours
- Permitted to work only between 7am and 7pm
- Must have a 1-hour break if working 4+ hours
- Job must not affect school or well-being
For 17-year-olds who have finished school:
- May work up to 8 hours/day and 40 hours/week
- Must have 2 days off each week
- Can work between 6am and 10pm (hospitality may allow later hours under conditions)
- Must still be in some form of education or training until age 18
Job Ideas:
Store assistant
Coffee shop helper
Fast food crew member
Supermarket worker
Cleaner (homes, schools, offices)
Playgroup or holiday camp helper
Salon support worker
Assistant at weekend clubs or classes
How To Job Hunt:
Check the company’s careers page or contact email
Drop off a simple CV at local shops or cafés
Ask around—friends or family may know of openings
Search youth job boards or job websites like Indeed
Look at your school or community job boards
Contact your school work experience provider
Key Reminders:
- Your hours and job duties must comply with youth labour laws
- Employers are responsible for ensuring your role is safe, so don’t expose yourself to any dangerous role
- Don’t hesitate to ask a parent, carer, or teacher for advice
Full-Time Opportunities at 18
Turning 18 means you’re officially an adult—eligible for full-time jobs and a much wider range of roles. You can even pioneer something innovative enough to build your own business, according to business coach, Rob Tillman.
You may be stepping into your first career path or working while studying, saving for uni, or buying your first car.
Working Rules for Adults (Age 18+):
- Minimum one rest day per week (or two days per fortnight)
- Must get a 20-minute break during shifts longer than six hours
- Require 11 hours rest between shifts
- Eligible for night shifts (with health/safety rules applied)
- Must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage
- Maximum 48 hours/week unless you opt out voluntarily
Job Opportunities:
Apprenticeships: Get paid while gaining a qualification in sectors like business, beauty, construction, or childcare
Paid Internships: Short-term, hands-on roles in industries such as media, nonprofits, or tech
Admin & Office Roles: Entry-level support roles, many with hybrid or remote options
Retail: High street shops, supermarkets, department stores
Warehouse & Delivery: Order packing or local delivery (requires valid licence)
Freelance: Use your skills—like design, tutoring, or content creation—on sites like Upwork
Hospitality: Work at restaurants, hotels, catering companies or event venues
These positions can boost your income, enhance your resume, and build valuable life skills.
Where To Apply:
Browse listings on GOV.UK, Indeed, Reed, or LinkedIn
Drop into businesses and ask if they’re hiring
Ask around in your personal network
Visit your sixth form or college job boards
Look into local job support programmes or youth employment schemes
Tips To Stand Out:
Craft a neat, professional-looking CV—ask a teacher to proofread it
Include a short personal statement or cover letter
Use a professional email and make sure your social profiles are appropriate
Be honest about your skills—enthusiasm and attitude matter more than experience
Organize yourself properly both in person and your carry-on accessories, if you have to show up for an interview
Final Thoughts
Your first job doesn’t need to be your dream role—what matters most is learning, gaining new experiences, and building your confidence.
Every job teaches valuable lessons: showing up on time, speaking to customers, managing money, and being responsible. These are skills you’ll carry forward in life.
And remember, it’s okay if everything doesn’t go smoothly at first. Rejections and changes happen to everyone. What’s important is that you keep trying, stay positive, and ask for support when needed.
Explore more of our money tips and job guides to keep learning.
Common Questions About Teen Jobs
What’s the best job for a teenager in the UK?
It depends on your interests and what’s available nearby. Many teens start with paper rounds, shop work, or café jobs. Begin small and build up.
Can I get a job without experience?
Yes—plenty of employers are open to hiring young people with no experience. Be enthusiastic, willing to learn, and polite.
Is a CV necessary for my first job?
It helps! Even a basic CV with school details, interests, and activities shows that you’re serious. Ask someone you trust to help you write it.
What are the work rules for under-16s?
If you’re 13–15, you can work part-time only. You can’t work during school hours or very early/late. A work permit from your local authority is required.
Can I work during school holidays as a teen?
Yes! Many teens take seasonal jobs in cafés, retail, or activity camps. Just be sure to follow the rules for your age group.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
