Are you wondering what the best jobs for 18-year-olds are? Finding a job as an 18-year-old can be exciting and challenging. You’re at a new stage in life, ready to earn money and gain work experience. There are many options out there for young adults like you, from part-time gigs to full-time careers. At 18,…
Are you wondering what the best jobs for 18-year-olds are?
Finding a job as an 18-year-old can be exciting and challenging. You’re at a new stage in life, ready to earn money and gain work experience. There are many options out there for young adults like you, from part-time gigs to full-time careers.
At 18, I was working full-time hours and going to school. It was tough, but I learned a lot about managing money, and making money too!
Recommended reading: 23 Business Ideas For Teens To Make Extra Money
Best Jobs for 18 Year Olds
Below are the best jobs for 18-year-olds.
1. Barista at Starbucks
Starbucks has great job opportunities for 18-year-olds.
You’ll learn to make tasty drinks and provide friendly service to customers. The job involves taking orders, preparing beverages, and keeping the store clean.
Starbucks offers health, dental, and vision insurance to all part-time workers who work at least 20 hours a week, once they’ve worked a total of 240 hours.
Starbucks also has a great benefits package, including dental care, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid vacation time, help with college tuition, and more.
Recommended reading: 15 Part Time Jobs With Health Insurance
2. Retail associate at Target
Target has many job openings for 18-year-olds as retail associates.
Retail associates help customers find products and keep the store clean. You might work at the cash register, stock shelves, or help in different departments.
Target usually gives flexible schedules, which is perfect if you’re balancing work with school or other activities. You might work days, evenings, or weekends.
I know many people who worked at Target when they were younger, and they all seemed to have good memories of working there and enjoyed the income.
3. Grocery bagger
Grocery baggers help customers pack their groceries at checkout.
Your main task will be putting items in bags carefully. You’ll need to group similar things together and keep heavy stuff separate from fragile items. This helps protect groceries and makes unpacking easier for customers.
Pretty much any grocery store will hire an 18-year-old, and the pay is usually good.
4. Blogger
Being a blogger is a fun way to make money as an 18-year-old. You can write about things you love, like games, fashion, or sports. Many teens start blogs to share their thoughts and ideas.
You can earn money from your blog in different ways. You might put ads on your site or work with brands to promote their products. Some bloggers also sell their own stuff, like ebooks or courses.
The best part is you can blog from anywhere. All you need is a computer and internet. It’s a flexible job that fits around your school or other activities.
I started this blog that you are reading right now when I was a young adult, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I make a full-time income, have a flexible schedule, and I really love what I do.
You can learn more about this at How To Start A Blog FREE Course. In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first dollar and getting page views.
5. Lifeguard
Being a lifeguard at your local pool can be a great job for 18-year-olds. You get to spend time outdoors and help keep people safe while they swim.
Most pools require lifeguards to be at least 15 or 16 years old. As an 18-year-old, you’ll easily meet the age requirement for this job.
Lifeguards do need to get certified and this usually involves taking a course and passing a test. Many places offer lifeguard training, including the Red Cross.
The pay for lifeguards can vary, but it’s usually above minimum wage. Some jobs pay between $15 and $20 per hour. This can be a good way to earn money during summer breaks.
6. Play games on your phone
If you want to make money while having fun, then you can play games on your phone and earn cash at the same time. Many apps pay rewards for playing games or watching ads.
Here’s a quick list of the top game apps that pay real cash:
- Freecash
- KashKick
- Swagbucks
- InboxDollars
Keep in mind that you won’t get rich from these apps. But they can be a fun way to earn some extra pocket money in your free time. Just remember to set limits on your game time and stick to them.
You can read more about my experience at How I Made $302.80 Playing Games on My Phone (In One Week).
7. Paid online surveys
Paid online surveys can be a fun way to make some extra money. You can share your opinions and get rewarded for it.
The survey companies I recommend signing up for and the best-paying survey sites include:
These sites let you earn points for completing surveys. You can then trade those points for cash or gift cards.
The pay for surveys varies. You might earn 50 cents to $5 per survey. So, don’t expect to get rich from surveys. Most people can make around $20 to $100 a month doing them.
You can do surveys anytime, anywhere. They’re great for filling spare moments in your day.
8. Pet sitter with Rover
Rover is a popular dog walking app that connects pet owners with pet sitters and dog walkers. If you love animals, this could be a fun way to make money at 18.
Dog sitters watch pets in their home or visit them at their house. You can offer services like dog walking, feeding, and playtime.
The great thing about Rover is that you can choose which jobs you want to take. This makes it easy to fit around school or other activities.
9. Freelance graphic designer
Freelance graphic design can include creating logos, flyers, and social media graphics for clients.
You don’t need a degree to get started. Many successful designers are self-taught, so you can practice your skills and build a portfolio to show potential clients.
Places like Fiverr and Upwork are great for finding graphic design jobs. You can set your own rates and choose projects that interest you.
10. Camp counselor
Being a camp counselor is a great summer job for 18-year-olds because you get to work outdoors and have fun with kids.
Camp counselors run activities like sports, crafts, and games at summer camps. You’ll also help campers with daily tasks and make sure they stay safe.
Many camps look for energetic people who love working with children. You don’t always need experience, but it can help.
Camp counselor jobs usually last for the summer months. Some camps are day programs, while others are overnight.
11. Fast food team member at McDonald’s
McDonald’s hires teens as young as 14 for fast food team member jobs. As a team member, you might work as a cashier or cook.
Your tasks might include taking customer orders, working the drive-thru, or preparing food.
McDonald’s usually has flexible schedules that can work around your school hours, which is nice. So, for example, you might work after school or on the weekends.
12. Library assistant
Working as a library assistant can be a great job for 18-year-olds. You’ll get to help people find books and information they need.
Libraries often hire teens and young adults for part-time positions. You might work at the front desk, checking books in and out. Or you could help put books back on shelves and keep the library nice.
13. Movie theater attendant
Working as a movie theater attendant can be a fun job for 18-year-olds. You get to be around films and interact with people who love movies.
Attendants sell tickets, check tickets, or work at the concession stand. You could also help keep the theater clean (such as cleaning up the seats after a movie is over).
14. Golf caddy
Being a golf caddy can be a great job for 18-year-olds who enjoy the outdoors and sports. Golf caddies help golfers by carrying their clubs around to the different holes.
This job is perfect if you want to work at a golf club or resort. You’ll get to spend time outside and meet new people. Plus, you might even pick up some golf tips along the way!
The pay for caddies can be pretty good. You might earn tips on top of your regular wages. Some caddies make $100 or more per round, depending on the course and the golfers.
15. Babysitter
Babysitting is a great job for 18-year-olds. You can earn money while taking care of kids in your area. Many families look for responsible teens to watch their children.
Sitters play with kids, prepare meals, and keep them safe. You might help with homework or bedtime routines too. It’s a fun way to make extra cash after school or on weekends.
Pay for babysitting varies, but you can often earn $15 to $25 per hour. Some jobs may pay even more. The amount depends on your experience and where you live.
16. Delivery driver for DoorDash
DoorDash is a popular food delivery app that hires drivers 18 and older. As a DoorDash driver, you can make money using your car to deliver food from restaurants to customers.
You get to choose your own schedule with DoorDash. This makes it a great job for students or anyone who wants flexible hours. You can work as little or as much as you want.
Each delivery shows how much you’ll earn before you accept it, and you can typically make around $15 to $20 per hour (but you’ll also want to think about how much you’re spending on maintaining your car and gas to calculate the true earnings). You get to keep 100% of your tips too.
17. Cashier at Walgreens
Walgreens has many cashier jobs for 18-year-olds. You can find these positions in different states across the U.S.
Cashiers at Walgreens handle customer transactions and help with store operations. You’ll use a cash register, scan items, and process payments.
Walgreens has flexible schedules, which can be great if you’re still in school. You might work full-time or part-time, depending on your needs.
18. Restaurant host
Working as a restaurant host or hostess can be a great job for 18-year-olds. You’ll greet guests, manage reservations, and show people to their tables.
Many restaurants hire teens for this role. You don’t need much experience to start, and being friendly and organized are the main skills you’ll use.
19. Amusement park ride operator
Being an amusement park ride operator can be a fun job for 18-year-olds. You get to work in an exciting place and help people have a good time.
Ride operators are in charge of running different rides. This means helping people get on and off safely. You’ll also make sure everyone follows the rules.
The pay for ride operators varies. It usually starts around $10 to $15 per hour. Some parks pay more, especially if you work during busy times or holidays.
20. Hotel housekeeper
Many hotels hire people as young as 18 for housekeeping jobs.
Housekeepers clean hotel rooms, such as making beds, dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning bathrooms. You’ll also restock supplies like towels and toiletries.
The job can be physically demanding. You’ll be on your feet a lot and need to lift things like pillows and sheets.
Pay for housekeepers varies, but it’s often around $10 to $20 per hour. Some hotels may pay more. You might also get tips from guests.
21. Customer service
Customer service jobs can be a great option for 18-year-olds. Many companies hire young adults for these jobs and you can find customer service jobs in stores, call centers, and even online.
You’ll help customers with questions and problems. You might answer phone calls, respond to emails, or chat online.
Pay for customer service jobs varies. Some positions start at around $15 per hour. With experience, you can earn more.
22. Landscape gardener
Landscape gardening can be a great job for 18-year-olds who love being outdoors. You get to work with plants, design beautiful spaces, and help create amazing yards for people.
As a landscape gardener, you’ll plant flowers, trim bushes, and mow lawns. You might also build paths, install water features, or set up lighting in gardens.
Summer is the busiest time for landscaping work. But some companies hire for year-round jobs if you’re willing to do snow removal in winter.
23. UPS package handler
UPS hires package handlers starting at age 18. This job can be a great fit for young adults looking for work.
Package handlers move and sort packages in UPS warehouses. The work is physical and fast-paced. You might load trucks, unload them, or organize items for delivery.
UPS hires for both part-time and full-time positions. Many start as seasonal workers during busy times like the holidays. But there are chances to stay on year-round too.
The pay for package handlers is competitive. UPS also provides benefits, even for part-time workers. These can include healthcare, tuition help, and chances to move up in the company.
My husband worked at UPS for many years and started when he was 18 years old, mainly for the health insurance. And, so did many other people who worked there. The health insurance at UPS is one of the best I’ve ever seen, and it’s available to part-time workers.
Balancing Work and School
I worked full-time as an 18-year-old, and I completely understand and know that working while in school can be tough. It takes good planning and focus to do both well.
Here are some tips to help you succeed in your job and classes.
Setting priorities
When balancing work and school, it’s important to focus on what matters most. Education usually takes priority, so make sure your job schedule doesn’t interfere with your classes or study time. Communicate with your employer about your availability, and don’t hesitate to turn down extra shifts if you need that time for school.
Setting weekly goals can help keep you on track. For example, you might aim to finish a project or save a certain amount by the end of the week. Prioritizing can make it easier to reach these goals without feeling overwhelmed. And remember, if you start to feel stressed, don’t be afraid to ask for help from teachers, parents, or friends.
Time management tips
Below are my time management tips:
- Plan your week – Write down your class schedule, work shifts, and study times. I also made sure that my classes and work schedule worked together seamlessly so that the least amount of time was wasted between classes and commuting.
- Set daily study times – Set aside time each day for studying or homework.
- Do homework right after school – Finishing assignments early in the day leaves evenings open for other activities. Of course, this can be hard if you go to work right after school, but in this case, try to do your homework on the same day (after you get off from work) so that it is out of the way.
- Take short breaks – Regular breaks help recharge your brain, improving focus and productivity.
- Use reminders and alarms – Set phone reminders for important tasks or deadlines to stay on top of your responsibilities. My phone’s calendar is full of tasks and to-dos so that I don’t forget anything and so that I know what I need to be doing.
- Limit distractions – Find a quiet place to work, and turn off notifications on your phone to keep your focus.
- Be realistic with your time – Avoid overcommitting by giving yourself enough time for each task, to make sure that you do quality work without rushing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to questions about jobs for 18-year-olds.
What age to get your first job?
Many teens start working at 14 or 15 years old. You can usually get a work permit at that age for certain jobs. By 18, you can work most jobs without restrictions. I think having a job at least by the age of 18 (or earlier) is great, as jobs can teach you so much in life!
How to get a job fast at 18?
To find a job fast at 18 years old, you may want to ask friends and family if they know of openings. You can also check online job boards and apply to lots of places. Having a good resume and being ready to interview can speed things up too. Whether you are in high school, if it’s after graduation, or if you’re in college for your bachelor’s degree, there are many jobs available for 18-year-olds.
What are the best part-time jobs for 18 year olds?
Some good part-time jobs for 18-year-olds include being a barista at Starbucks, working as a retail associate at Target, or bagging groceries at a local grocery store.
What types of jobs are available for young adults with no work experience?
There are many entry-level jobs that are great for those with no experience. You could be a lifeguard at a local pool, work as a cashier, or help at a summer camp.
How can someone who’s 18 start working from home?
To work from home at 18, you could try freelance writing or become a virtual assistant. You could also look for online tutoring jobs or customer service roles that allow remote work. Of course, I highly recommend that you make sure any job you find is legitimate before starting.
Best Jobs for 18 Year Olds – Summary
I hope you enjoyed my article on how to find the best jobs for 18-year-olds.
Getting a job at 18 can be an exciting step into adulthood, and there are many paths you can take. From barista positions at places like Starbucks and retail roles at Target to independent work like freelancing, dog walking, or babysitting, there are many ways to make money.
Working at 18 taught me lessons about responsibility and managing my time. I balanced school with full-time hours, which was tough, but it helped me grow both financially and personally.
What do you think are the best jobs for 18-year-olds?
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