NO HOUR RESTRICTIONS · UPDATED MAY 2026
Jobs for 16 Year Olds
At 16, FLSA hour restrictions are lifted and nearly all non-hazardous jobs are open. Here are the best-paying options in 2026.
What Changes at Age 16 (FLSA)
✅
No hour restrictions
Work full-time, any time of day
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All non-hazardous jobs
Retail, food service, offices, outdoors
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Drive for some roles
With valid license + state rules
❌
No mining/roofing
Hazardous industries still restricted
Best Jobs for 16 Year Olds in 2026
Ranked roughly by pay. Top picks highlighted.
📚
SAT/ACT TutoringTOP PICK1400+ SAT or 32+ ACT
$30–80/hr
Highest-paying option by far. Market to parents of younger students on Nextdoor.
🏊
LifeguardingTOP PICKRed Cross Lifeguard cert (~$175)
$14–22/hr
Pools, water parks, beaches. Certification pays back in 2 shifts. Opens at 15+ in most states.
🌊
Swim InstructorWSI cert or lifeguard cert
$16–25/hr
Teach lessons at local pools and YMCAs. More flexible hours than lifeguarding.
🏕️
Camp CounselorNone required
$300–600/wk
Often includes housing + meals. Great for college apps — leadership + responsibility.
⛳
Golf CaddyNone required
$50–200/round
Tips can reach $200/day on busy weekends. Contact country clubs in February for summer.
📸
Freelance PhotographyOwn a camera
$50–300/session
Headshots, family photos, events, sports. Build a portfolio on Instagram.
🌿
Lawn Care BusinessSelf-employed
$15–35/hr
10 regular lawns at $50/week = $500/week. No permit needed.
🛍️
Retail / Cashier
$12–16/hr
Target, Chick-fil-A, Publix, Starbucks. Consistent hours, training provided.
🍕
Food ServiceMost restaurants hire at 16
$11–16/hr + tips
Tips in casual dining can double hourly wages. Fast food is consistent but no tips.
📱
Social Media ManagerSelf-employed
$15–40/hr
Manage Instagram/Facebook for local restaurants, salons, shops. Recurring clients = reliable income.
Frequently Asked Questions
What jobs can a 16 year old get?
At 16, FLSA hour restrictions are lifted. Almost all non-hazardous jobs are open: retail, food service, lifeguarding, tutoring, camp counseling, lawn care, photography. Cannot work in mining, roofing, excavation, or operate heavy equipment.
What is the highest-paying summer job for a 16 year old?
SAT/ACT tutoring pays $30–80/hr — the highest by far for teens with 1400+ SAT or 32+ ACT. Other top earners: swim instructor ($16–25/hr), golf caddy (tips $100–200/day), freelance photographer ($50–300/session), lifeguard ($14–22/hr).
How much can a 16 year old make in a summer?
Working full-time at $15/hr for 12 weeks = $7,200. Lifeguarding full-time at $18/hr for 10 weeks = $7,200. Tutoring 4 sessions/week at $40/hr × 12 weeks = $7,680. Most 16 year olds working consistently earn $3,000–$7,000 in a summer.
Do 16 year olds need a work permit?
About half of states require work permits for workers under 18; others only require them under 16. Check your state's Department of Labor. Self-employment (tutoring, lawn care) never requires a permit.