Seventeen is a transitional age, offering young people significantly more freedom in the job market compared to younger teens. Finding employment provides valuable experience and income while balancing academic commitments. This guide explores the types of jobs frequently available to 17-year-olds and offers practical advice for securing and managing that first job.
Understanding Child Labor Laws for 17-Year-Olds
The rules governing when and where a 17-year-old can work are determined by federal and state child labor laws, which ensure safety and prioritize education. Federal regulations generally remove most restrictions on the number of hours 17-year-olds can work when school is not in session. When school is active, many states impose limits on daily and weekly hours, often restricting work to a maximum of 40 hours per week and setting evening curfews to ensure adequate rest and study time.
A central focus of these laws is the prohibition of hazardous occupations, which are forbidden for all minors under the age of 18. Prohibited work includes operating most power-driven machinery, such as meat slicers, saws, and hoisting apparatuses like forklifts. Teens are also barred from working in wrecking, demolition, roofing, or excavation, or in jobs involving exposure to radioactive substances or explosives. Certain types of commercial driving are also prohibited, as motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of occupational death for this age group.
Before starting employment, most teens must obtain a work permit or age certificate, a requirement that varies by state. This document, often issued through the high school or local labor department, serves as official proof of age and verifies the job is non-hazardous and complies with local regulations. The process usually requires signatures from the student, a parent or guardian, and the employer. Employers must keep these certificates on file and adhere to the most protective law—whether federal or state—regarding hours and prohibited duties.
High-Demand Entry-Level Job Options
Retail and Customer Service
Retail environments frequently hire 17-year-olds for positions requiring direct interaction with customers and organizational skills. A sales associate role often involves assisting shoppers, maintaining floor displays, and processing transactions at the register. Positions like cashier or stocker are commonly available, offering experience in efficiency and attention to detail. Working at a movie theater as an usher or concession attendant is another option, providing a fast-paced environment focused on service during peak evening and weekend hours. These jobs help establish a professional work history and teach the basics of business operation.
Food Service and Hospitality
The food service industry is a perennial employer of teens, offering flexible scheduling to accommodate school commitments. Roles such as host or hostess require strong organizational skills to manage reservations and seating charts, serving as the first point of contact for guests. Busser positions provide experience in teamwork and efficiency, ensuring tables are quickly turned over for new diners. Teens can also find work in food preparation, such as making sandwiches or preparing salads, which teaches basic kitchen safety and food handling principles. In the hospitality sector, positions like hotel laundry attendant or light housekeeping assistant are often available. Employment involving the service or dispensing of alcoholic beverages is prohibited for those under 18.
Recreation and Entertainment
Recreation jobs are popular seasonal and part-time options that often align with a teen’s interests and school breaks. Becoming a certified lifeguard combines responsibility with the chance to work outdoors at pools, beaches, or water parks. Summer camps hire 17-year-olds as junior counselors or activity assistants, focusing on leadership, mentoring, and organizing programs for younger participants. Theme parks and family entertainment centers look for attendants to manage rides, staff game booths, or work behind the scenes in logistical support. Fitness centers often hire for front desk or membership assistant roles, involving checking in members and scheduling appointments.
Administrative and Office Support
For teens interested in a professional office setting, entry-level administrative roles provide a foundational understanding of business operations. Positions like filing or data entry assistant involve managing documents and inputting information into digital systems, requiring accuracy and attention to detail. A receptionist assistant may answer phones, greet visitors, and handle light clerical tasks. These roles are typically found in non-hazardous environments, such as medical offices, law firms, or small businesses, and are often available after school or during the summer. The work helps build proficiency in basic computer applications and professional telephone etiquette.
Gig Work and Entrepreneurial Options
The rise of the gig economy has expanded options for 17-year-olds who prefer to work independently. Freelance opportunities on platforms like Fiverr allow teens to monetize skills in areas such as graphics and design, social media assistance, or content writing. These roles emphasize self-management and direct client communication, offering a taste of entrepreneurship. Traditional entrepreneurial options, like pet sitting, dog walking, or lawn care, offer flexible scheduling and direct control over earnings. Teens engaging in these activities are considered independent contractors and may be responsible for paying self-employment tax if their net income exceeds a certain threshold. Tutoring is another popular gig, leveraging academic strengths to help younger students.
Navigating the Job Application Process
Securing a first job requires a systematic approach, starting with a professional resume, even with limited formal experience. Instead of a traditional work history, the resume should emphasize transferable skills gained from academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work. The application process requires teens to be honest and transparent about their availability around a school schedule. During the interview, professionalism is important, including arriving on time, dressing appropriately, and communicating clearly. Teens should be ready to articulate how their academic schedule will not interfere with work commitments.
Balancing Work, School, and Personal Life
Successfully holding a job while attending school requires effective time management and open communication. School must remain the priority, and teens should communicate openly with employers about their class schedule and study needs to prevent conflicts. A first job also introduces a teen to financial realities, beginning with the paycheck. Understanding a pay stub involves recognizing the difference between gross pay (total earnings) and net pay (take-home money) after deductions. Taxes, including federal and state income tax and payroll taxes like Social Security and Medicare, are withheld, and new employees must complete a Form W-4 to determine the amount of income tax withheld.