Are you looking for jobs for 16 year olds? You’re in the right place for ideas!
In this article, we’ll look at some of the restrictions around 16 year olds working as well as some potential roles that your 16 year old kid can consider applying for.
Can a 16 year old get a job in the UK?
Yes. From the last Friday in June of the year that they turn 16 years old, a person in the UK can get a job.
There are certain restrictions and regulations in place to ensure their safety and well-being, such as limits on working hours and types of work.
However, there are various jobs for 16-year-olds, including part-time roles in retail, hospitality, babysitting, and more. We’ll go into those further below.
What are the restrictions for 16-year-olds working?

In the UK, for example, a 16 year old cannot work for more than 40 hours a week. Let’s look at some of the restrictions in the US vs the UK as examples of countries where 16 year olds are able to work for pay.
United States
In the United States, there are regulations in place to protect the well-being of 16-year-olds who are entering the workforce. These regulations are established by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Some of the key restrictions for 16-year-olds working in the U.S., including the best jobs for 16-year-olds, are:
- Working Hours: 16-year-olds are limited in the number of hours they can work during school days. They can work a maximum of 3 hours on school days and up to 8 hours on non-school days. During the school week, they can work a maximum of 18 hours.
- Times of Day: While the FLSA doesn’t restrict the times of day that 16-year-olds can work, there are rules about working during school hours. Generally, they cannot work during school hours unless they are participating in a school-supervised work experience program.
- Hazardous Jobs: 16-year-olds are prohibited from working in hazardous occupations, such as mining, manufacturing, and operating heavy machinery.
- Prohibited Industries: They are restricted from working in certain industries, including mining, logging, and operating certain power-driven machinery.
- Education: 16-year-olds are required to attend school until a certain age, which may impact the hours and times they can work.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, the government has specific regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of 16-year-olds entering the workforce. These regulations include the best jobs for 16 year olds. Some of the key restrictions for 16-year-olds working in the UK are:
- Working Hours: 16-year-olds are classified as “young workers” and have limitations on their working hours. They cannot work more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week. They are also entitled to rest breaks during their shifts.
- Night Work: There are restrictions on night work for 16-year-olds. They generally cannot work between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM, with some exceptions.
- Types of Work: Certain types of work, especially hazardous tasks, are prohibited for 16-year-olds.
- Education: 16-year-olds are still required to attend school or participate in educational activities.
- Pay: They are entitled to the National Minimum Wage for their age group.
When considering the best jobs for 16 year olds, it’s crucial to choose roles that comply with these regulations while providing valuable learning experiences.
24 Good jobs for 16-year-olds

- Apprenticeships. Apprenticeships offer hands-on learning and skill development in various trades, providing valuable experience and potential career pathways.
- Face Painting. Face painting is a creative job that allows teens to showcase their artistic skills at events, parties, and festivals, while earning income.
- Retail Assistant. Working in retail helps teens learn customer service, teamwork, and money-handling skills, laying a strong foundation for future employment.
- Cleaning Services. Cleaning jobs teach responsibility, time management, and the importance of maintaining a tidy environment, skills that are valuable in any profession.
- Vets Assistant. Assisting at a veterinary clinic introduces teens to the world of animal care, fostering empathy and offering insights into potential future careers.
- Photography. Teens with a passion for photography can turn their hobby into a source of income by offering services for events or photoshoots.
- Cinema or Movie Theatre Worker. This job exposes teens to the entertainment industry, teaches customer service, and allows them to enjoy free or discounted movies.
- Dropshipping. Running an online dropshipping business helps teens develop entrepreneurial skills, marketing knowledge, and an understanding of e-commerce.
- Library Assistant. If you’ve been looking for part time jobs for 16 year olds, chances are that a job at the library was one of your first ideas. Working in a library nurtures organizational skills, customer interaction, and a love for books, supporting personal and academic growth.
- Blogging. Blogging empowers teens to express themselves, enhance writing skills, and potentially earn income through sponsored content or advertisements.
- Barista. Working as a barista hones multitasking abilities, customer service, and familiarity with the food and beverage industry.
- Virtual Assistant. Virtual assisting enables teens to work remotely, manage tasks, and gain experience in administrative roles.
- Babysitter. Babysitting instills responsibility, childcare skills, and nurtures strong relationships with families in the community.
- Private Tutor. Tutoring peers or younger students enhances subject knowledge, communication skills, and fosters a sense of helping others succeed academically.
- Pet Sitter. Taking care of pets builds responsibility and offers animal-loving teens a chance to earn while spending time with furry companions.
- Plant Sitter. Plant sitting encourages teens to care for plants, learn about botany, and provide a service for homeowners during vacations.
- House Sitter. House sitting includes responsibilities like mail collection and home maintenance, teaching teens about trustworthiness and reliability.
- Modelling. Modeling allows teens to explore the fashion industry, gain confidence, and potentially earn income through photoshoots and events.
- Acting. Acting offers opportunities for self-expression, creativity, and potential involvement in local theater productions or film projects.
- YouTube. Creating a YouTube channel lets teens share their interests, connect with an audience, and potentially earn revenue through ad monetization.
- Dog Walking. Walking dogs promotes physical activity, responsibility, and interaction with pets while earning money.
- Car Washing Service. Teens can start a car washing business to earn income, develop customer service skills, and learn about small-scale entrepreneurship.
- Golf Caddy. Being a golf caddy introduces teens to the sport, teaches etiquette, and offers a chance to earn money while enjoying the outdoors.
- Lawnmowing. Offering lawnmowing services teaches responsibility, time management, and provides opportunities to earn income within the neighborhood.

Can I work as a cashier at 16?
Yes, in many places, working as a cashier can be one of the best jobs for 16-year-olds to consider.
Cashier positions often provide valuable customer service experience and an opportunity to develop important skills like handling transactions, managing money and interacting with people.
Just remember that specific regulations regarding working as a cashier at 16 years old can vary depending on your location, so it’s advisable to check local labor laws and employment regulations. In some cases, there may be restrictions on the hours you can work or the types of tasks you can perform due to your age. Always prioritize your safety and obey the law while exploring the best jobs for 16 year olds.
Happy job hunting!