Searching for a job in high school? Many companies have jobs available to 16 and 17 year-olds, but there's a few important things to keep in mind. First, employment laws vary by state, meaning some companies may have jobs available for 16 and 17 year-olds in some states, but may not in other states. Second, many first jobs for teens are typically in retail, food service, education, non-profit, and government (parks & recreation and public libraries), so the majority of the jobs listed are from these sectors. With all this in mind, here are some companies that have jobs for 16 and 17 year-olds!

Target

Most positions at Target are available to 16 and 17 year-olds. What's even better is that in 2020, they raised their minimum wage to $15 an hour, which means you will be paid fairly for your work! Look for the following positions to get started: guest advocate (cashier and general merchandise), barista (for stores that have a Starbucks), specialty sales (style, beauty, and tech), and fulfillment center team member (online order pulling).

UPS

If you are looking for a fast-paced job that keeps you on your feet, consider joining the  UPS team. With increased demand in online shopping, package handlers and warehouse workers are needed more than ever - and many locations hire at 17 years old.

CVS Health

If you have an interest in healthcare, working at  CVS might be a good place to start your career and learn new skills. With over 10,000 locations in the United States, there is bound to be a CVS near you - and they hire at 16! There are lots of job opportunities available - like cashier, sales associate, beauty advisor, stock associate, and more.

Your local library

Most libraries hire teens as young as 16 years old to serve as library pages or aides. These jobs are usually responsible for putting returned books and other items in their proper places on the shelves and helping out at the circulation desk. 

Safeway

If you are interested in working at  Safeway, look for positions as a cashier, courtesy clerk, and cart attendant, and stock associate. If you are 17, you can look at specialty departments such as floral, meat department, bakery, and the customer service desk.

Chick-fil-A

With more than 2,000 stores across the US,  Chick-fil-A may have an opportunity for you. Be sure to look for front of the house (FOH) team member positions, such as cashier or drive-thru, since minors aren't able to use hot equipment like grills and deep fryers.

McDonald’s

McDonald’s is the largest fast-food restaurant chain in the world with over 36,000 restaurants. Look for crew member positions, such as cashiering, drive-thru, and front of house positions.

Chipotle

Chipotle is one of the most popular restaurants fast-casual restaurants with amazing benefits. You can get paid, and Chipotle offers education tuition assistance, free food, and other job benefits. You have to be at least 16 years old to work at Chipotle.

Kroger

Kroger owns 29 different brands of grocery stores across 42 states and have several job opportunities for teens such as cashiers, cart attendants, order pullers (for online grocery orders), bakery assistants, floral assistants, and stock associates (making sure the shelves stay full, organized, and easy for customers to shop).

Taco Bell

If you are comfortable working a cash register and taking customer orders, then consider working at  Taco Bell. With more than 7,500 locations in the U.S., Taco Bell may be a great place to get a job. They also have an awesome scholarship program for employees to help them pay for college!

AMC

Who doesn't love going to the movie theater? AMC is another place that hires at 16 and 17. Search for positions selling tickets, working in concessions, and maintenance around the theater.

The Mall

Do you like going to the mall to shop, eat and hang out with your friends? Your local mall might have the most job opportunities available for 16 and 17 year olds of any retail location. There are quite a few department stores, shops, and fast food eateries that are always looking for help. The easiest ways to get started are either online, like the job search section of Simon Mall, or by visiting your local mall and going to the stores to ask about open opportunities.  

Community Centers

Local community centers and parks & recreation have excellent job opportunities for 14 and 15-year-olds. The positions include front desk support, after-school youth support, program coordinators, coaches, tutoring, lifeguards, and more. Check out your community center or your city's website to find jobs for teens.

U-Haul

Do you want a job that allows you to work from home? Consider applying to  U-Haul. They have online customer service roles available, so if you're comfortable talking on the phone with customers and have excellent customer service skills, this role may be for you.

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