I'd like to earn some money while still in school, but I'm not sure what kind of salary to expect from a part-time job. Can anyone share insights on typical pay rates for high school students?
Part-time job salaries can vary widely depending on the type of job and the location.
One common job for high school students is retail, such as clothing stores or grocery stores. The median wage for retail sales workers in 2024 was around $11.75 per hour, but this can be lower or higher depending on the specific store and location.
Another common job is food service, like restaurants or fast-food chains. The median wage for fast-food workers, for example, was around $11.15 per hour in 2024. The waitstaff at restaurants usually earn a lower hourly wage (the federal minimum is $2.13) but can make more overall due to tips.
There are also opportunities in childcare, such as babysitting or being a summer nanny. Pay can vary widely, but a typical rate could be anywhere from $10 to $20 an hour depending on your experience, the number of children, and where you live.
If you have specific skills, like tutoring in a particular subject or computer knowledge, you may be able to earn more. For example, tutors often make between $20 and $40 an hour.
In all cases, keep in mind that these are gross pay amounts, before any taxes. Your take-home pay, or net income, will be a little less once taxes are deducted.
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