Finding a weekend job as a high school student can be a great way to earn some extra money while gaining valuable experience. But it’s not just about the cash—weekend jobs can teach you responsibility, time management, and even help you discover your passions. Whether you’re saving up for college, a new gadget, or just some weekend spending money, here are some of the best weekend jobs for high school students that allow you to balance work, school, and fun.
1. Retail Associate
Working in retail is one of the most popular weekend jobs for high school students. Many stores, especially during busy shopping seasons, need extra help on weekends. As a retail associate, you’ll be responsible for helping customers, stocking shelves, and sometimes handling the cash register. It’s a job that teaches customer service skills and how to work in a team environment.
Why It’s Great: Flexible hours, employee discounts, and opportunities to learn about sales and customer service.
Estimated Pay: $10-$15 per hour
Related Article: For more high-paying retail job ideas, check out our guide on High-Paying Jobs for 17-Year-Olds Near Me.
2. Babysitting
If you enjoy spending time with kids, babysitting is a perfect weekend job. Parents often look for someone to watch their kids on the weekends, whether for a date night or just to get some errands done. Babysitting is not only rewarding but also offers a lot of flexibility in terms of hours and pay.
Why It’s Great: You can often set your own rates and choose your hours. Plus, it’s a great way to build responsibility.
Estimated Pay: $12-$20 per hour
Related Article: Learn more about finding local babysitting opportunities in our article Babysitting Jobs Near Me: Discover Local Opportunities for Teens.
3. Food Service Worker
Working at a local restaurant, café, or fast food joint is another popular option for high school students looking for weekend jobs. These positions can range from working as a cashier to bussing tables or even cooking. Food service jobs are often fast-paced, making the hours fly by.
Why It’s Great: Tips can significantly boost your earnings, and many food service jobs offer employee meals or discounts.
Estimated Pay: $10-$12 per hour, plus tips
Related Article: Check out our tips for succeeding in food service jobs in 3 Key Strategies for Teens to Excel in Fast Food Jobs.
4. Dog Walker or Pet Sitter
If you love animals, dog walking or pet sitting can be a fun and fulfilling way to spend your weekends. Many pet owners are looking for someone reliable to take care of their pets while they’re away for the day or the weekend. This job not only allows you to earn money but also enjoy some quality time with furry friends.
Why It’s Great: It’s a relaxed, enjoyable job that also lets you get some exercise.
Estimated Pay: $10-$18 per hour
Related Article: For more ideas on jobs that involve animals, visit Best Jobs for Teens Who Love Animals.
5. Tutor
If you’re particularly good at a subject, consider offering tutoring services on the weekends. Tutoring is a job where you can set your own hours and rates, making it highly flexible. Whether you’re helping a younger student with math, science, or English, tutoring can be both rewarding and well-paid.
Why It’s Great: High pay, flexible hours, and the satisfaction of helping someone else succeed.
Estimated Pay: $15-$25 per hour
Related Article: Learn how to land high-paying tutoring gigs in 7 Tips for Teens to Secure High-Paying Tutoring Jobs in Any Subject.
6. Freelancer
Freelancing allows you to offer your skills—whether it’s graphic design, writing, or social media management—on a flexible schedule. You can find freelance gigs online that fit your skill set and work them into your weekend schedule. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are great places to start.
Why It’s Great: Work on projects that interest you, set your own rates, and choose your clients.
Estimated Pay: Varies depending on the project, ranging from $10 to $50+ per hour
Related Article: Dive deeper into freelancing opportunities in Top 5 Freelance Jobs for Teens.
7. Lifeguard
If you’re a strong swimmer and have the necessary certifications, working as a lifeguard can be a great weekend job, especially during the warmer months. You’ll be responsible for keeping swimmers safe at a pool or beach, and it’s a job that often pays well due to the responsibility involved.
Why It’s Great: You get to spend time outdoors and stay active while earning money.
Estimated Pay: $12-$20 per hour
How to Find the Perfect Weekend Job
Finding the right weekend job is all about matching your interests and skills with the opportunities available in your area. Start by asking friends, family, or teachers if they know of any openings. You can also search online on job boards like Indeed or check local businesses in person.
Related Article: For more advice on balancing work and school, explore Part-Time Jobs That Work Around Your School Schedule.
Conclusion
Balancing school, work, and a social life can be challenging, but with the right weekend job, you can manage it all while still having time for yourself. Whether you’re looking for something low-key like dog walking or more engaging like tutoring, there’s a weekend job out there that’s perfect for you.
Ready to start your weekend job search? Head over to TeenJobster for more tips and job ideas that can help you get started on the right foot!
