How much do high school student jobs typically pay?

I'm looking to get a part-time job during high school. Can anyone share what the average salary is for high school jobs these days? Trying to budget my expenses and wondering what to expect. Thanks for any insights!

The pay for high school student jobs can greatly vary depending on the type of job and your location. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, but many states and cities have higher minimum wages. For example, the minimum wage in Washington D.C. is $15.20 per hour as of 2024, but in Georgia, the state minimum wage is still $7.25 per hour.

Jobs in the food service industry, like fast food workers or servers, generally pay at or near the minimum wage, though tips can sometimes boost that considerably. Retail jobs also often pay close to the minimum wage.

Tutoring, babysitting, or pet-sitting can sometimes pay significantly more than minimum wage. For example, you could earn $10-$20 per hour babysitting, and potentially even more for tutoring, especially in high-demand subjects or for advanced topics.

Bear in mind that some jobs also have non-monetary perks. For example, a job at a movie theater might come with free or discounted tickets, a restaurant job often includes discounted meals or employee meals, and retail jobs frequently offer employee discounts.

Remember to balance the amount of money you could make with the amount of time you'll have to commit. A high-paying job isn't worth it if it prevents you from keeping up with your schoolwork or pursuing meaningful extracurricular activities. Make sure to discuss your plans with your parents or guardians, and get their input as well.

So, while you can make an estimate now, you should also be prepared to adjust your budget once you have a better idea of your actual hours and earnings.