So you’re 17 and looking for a job? Welcome to the weird, wonderful world of teenage employment!

Whether you’re saving for college, wanting spending money, or just trying to get some work experience (aka trying to convince future employers you’re not completely useless), there are plenty of options out there.

Let’s break down what jobs hire at 17, how much they pay, and the pros and cons of each. Plus, I’ll share some tips on actually landing these jobs without having any real experience.

Jobs That Hire at 17 (That Don’t Completely Suck)

Let’s be real – at 17, you’re probably not going to be the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with terrible options either.

Retail Jobs (AKA Folding Clothes Forever)

Retail is the classic teen job for a reason – they’re always hiring and the requirements are basically “can you show up and not be a complete disaster?”

Places like:

• Target (starting around $15-17/hour)
• Grocery stores like Kroger, Publix, or Safeway
• Mall stores (clothing, shoes, etc.)

The upside? Employee discounts (hello, cheaper clothes!) and flexible scheduling. The downside? Dealing with customers who think “the customer is always right” means they can act like jerks.

Working retail taught me that some people will yell at you about a $2 coupon like their life depends on it.

Food Service (From Fast Food to Fancy)

Whether it’s flipping burgers or hosting at a sit-down restaurant, food service jobs are perfect for teenagers.

Options include:

• Fast food (McDonald’s, Taco Bell, etc.)
• Coffee shops (Starbucks pays pretty well and has benefits)
• Casual restaurants (hosting, bussing tables, or server assistant)

Research shows that fast food wages have actually gone up dramatically, with many places starting at $15+ per hour.

The pros? Tips can be great if you’re at the right place, free or discounted food, and you develop a thick skin quickly. The cons? Smelling like french fries after every shift and occasionally having to clean things you wish you hadn’t seen.

The Digital Teen: Online Jobs

Unlike your parents’ generation, you have the option to work without leaving your bedroom (living the dream).

Some legit options:

• Data entry (boring but doable)
• Social media management for small businesses
• Content creation if you have a specific skill

The great thing about these jobs is you can often work whenever you want, which means fitting it around school is easier.

Summer-Specific Jobs (When School’s Out)

When summer hits, your options expand dramatically:

• Lifeguarding (requires certification but pays well, often $15-20/hour)
• Camp counselor (if you can tolerate other people’s children)
• Landscaping/lawn care (hard work but often pays cash)

These jobs typically pay better than retail or food service because they’re seasonal and sometimes involve actual responsibility (like, you know, saving lives as a lifeguard).

How to Actually Get Hired When You Have Zero Experience

Let’s address the chicken-and-egg problem of needing experience to get a job, but needing a job to get experience.

Create a Resume That Doesn’t Look Pathetic

Even with no job experience, you can still make a resume. Include:

• School activities and clubs (especially if you had any leadership roles)
• Volunteer work (even if it was just that one time)
• Skills (computer skills, languages, etc.)
• “Soft skills” like being responsible, punctual, and not completely socially awkward

According to career experts, focusing on transferable skills from school projects and extracurriculars can make up for lack of work experience.

Interview Like You’re Not Terrified

When you get an interview:

• Dress slightly better than you think you need to
• Practice basic questions beforehand (“Tell me about yourself,” “Why do you want this job?”)
• Show enthusiasm (even if you’re just excited about the paycheck)
• Follow up with a thank-you email (sounds old-school but works)

Where to Look for Jobs

• Indeed/ZipRecruiter/Snagajob – Filter for “teen jobs” or “no experience”
• Company websites directly (many have “careers” sections)
• Your school’s job board or guidance counselor
• Local businesses in person (sometimes the old-fashioned way works best)

Studies show that applying to multiple positions increases your chances significantly – aim for at least 10 applications.

The Legal Stuff You Need to Know

At 17, there are some annoying restrictions on when and how much you can work.

Hours and Restrictions

Most states limit 16-17 year olds to:

• No more than 8 hours on non-school days
• No more than 3-4 hours on school days
• No work during school hours
• Limited or no late-night shifts

Do You Need a Work Permit?

Depends on your state. Some require work permits for anyone under 18, while others don’t. Ask your school guidance office – they typically handle these.

Balancing School and Work Without Losing Your Mind

Working while in high school can be tough. Some tips:

• Start with fewer hours than you think you can handle
• Be upfront with employers about school commitments
• Use a calendar app to track your schedule
• Don’t work closing shifts before important school days

Research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that working 10-15 hours per week doesn’t negatively impact academic performance for most students, but more than 20 hours often does.

Bottom Line

Getting a job at 17 might seem intimidating, but there are plenty of employers who specifically look for teens. Start with realistic expectations (you won’t be making $30/hour), put yourself out there, and remember that any job gives you experience for your next one.

Plus, there’s nothing quite like that first paycheck feeling. Even if most of it goes straight to gas money or saving for college, you earned it yourself – and that’s pretty cool.