Top-Paying Teen Jobs in the US for 2026: Auto Mechanics Lead, Waiters Most Popular

Summer jobs in the United States are increasingly seen by teenagers not just as a way to earn money, but as a crucial step in gaining early professional experience. A recent report from Resume Genius, utilizing data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), identifies the top-earning jobs for adolescents in 2026.

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If you have the right skills, you can make good money.

Leading the pack is the role of auto mechanic and technician, with an average hourly wage nearing $24. Career expert Nathan Soto notes that teens with basic automotive knowledge and mechanical aptitude can achieve significant earnings at a young age. "If you have the right skills, you can make good money," Soto told CNBC.

Despite the high pay for mechanics, jobs as waiters remain the most popular choice for teenagers. Approximately 360,000 young people work in this sector. Soto attributes this popularity to the abundance of opportunities and the flexible schedules that accommodate full-time schooling. "It's easier for them to attend school full-time and work part-time," he explained.

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It's easier for them to attend school full-time and work part-time.

Roles such as tutors and coaches are also considered ideal for students, allowing them to leverage their academic knowledge. While most teenagers do not view these positions as the start of a career, the experience gained, facing interviews, working with supervisors, and managing responsibilities, is highly beneficial and transferable to any future profession. "They've already been through an interview, they've had a boss. This kind of experience can be very helpful and can be applied later in any career," Soto added.

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They've already been through an interview, they've had a boss. This kind of experience can be very helpful and can be applied later in any career.