It’s hard to get experience without a job, and even harder to get a job without experience. So if you’re a teen trying to break into the workforce, you’re in luck! Some companies go out of their way to support early-career workers.
This list is informed in part by the American Opportunity Index (AOI), a research initiative that identifies how well large employers promote, retain, and support workers without college degrees. Many of the companies featured here score highly for internal mobility and long-term advancement, which makes them smart starting points, not stopping points.
While not every job on this list meets SkillUp’s living wage standards, each one offers a chance to build skills, gain experience, and take a meaningful first step. Throughout this piece, you’ll see how these early roles can lead to higher-wage careers, many of which are featured on the SkillUp platform and don’t require a college degree.
Below, you’ll find 15 good starting options (and a link to way more) so you can start applying right away. We've got your back, bestie.
Not every job is teen-friendly, and not every company is worth your time. The best ones go beyond giving you hours and help you learn new skills and build a strong start.
Here’s what we looked for when choosing which employers to spotlight:
Want to skip the search? SkillUp’s job board only includes jobs that are no-degree, living-wage, and already vetted for you.
These companies are known for investing in young workers and for giving teens a way to build confidence, skills, and even careers.
Why it’s youth-friendly: Strong onboarding, team culture, and seasonal hiring.
Common roles: Team member, guest advocate, fulfillment associate
Pro tip: Some locations offer career prep programs. Ask about them in your interview.
AOI promotion score: 4/4
Why it’s youth-friendly: Casual dress, upbeat culture, and flexible scheduling.
Common roles: Retail associate, markdown associate
Pro tip: Ask about store transfer options if you're moving for school.
AOI promotion score: 4/4
Why it’s youth-friendly: Inclusive hiring and a fun work environment.
Common roles: Brand associate, stock associate
Pro tip: Apply to multiple brands. Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic often hire together.
AOI promotion score: 4/4
Why it’s youth-friendly: Great for those interested in beauty or retail.
Common roles: Beauty advisor, cashier
Pro tip: Mention any makeup or skincare experience, even personal, to help highlight your interest.
AOI promotion score: 4/4
Early roles in retail can lead to jobs like logistics coordinator, customer service specialist, or inside sales rep. These experiences also prepare you for higher-wage roles in healthcare, trades, or tech where communication and time management matter.
Why it’s youth-friendly: Paid training, tuition assistance, fast promotion tracks.
Common roles: Crew member, cashier, prep cook
Pro tip: Let your manager know you’re interested in growth. Most managers started as crew!
AOI promotion score: 4/4
Why it’s youth-friendly: Benefits after 90 days, flexible hours, and tuition help.
Common roles: Barista, shift supervisor
Pro tip: Employees can earn a full degree through ASU Online. Ask how to get started.
AOI promotion score: 4/4
Why it’s youth-friendly: Team-focused culture and flexible scheduling.
Common roles: Sales associate, stock associate
Pro tip: A great choice if you love sneakers and want sales experience.
AOI promotion score: 4/4
Food service roles can lead to management tracks in hospitality or operations, and set you up for roles like food safety technician or event coordinator. You’ll also build work habits that transfer to customer-facing roles in tech, healthcare, or business.
Why it’s youth-friendly: Tellers and interns build real-world skills.
Common roles: Teller, customer service rep
Pro tip: Look for openings in your area’s student or intern programs.
AOI promotion score: 4/4
A strong start in banking can lead to roles like loan officer or bookkeeper. It can also help you qualify for jobs in administration, payroll, or project coordination with further training.
Why it’s youth-friendly: Entry-level warehouse and customer service jobs with growth tracks.
Common roles: Fulfillment specialist, service rep
Pro tip: Start part-time, because many locations offer benefits and fast internal promotion.
AOI promotion score: 4/4
Why it’s youth-friendly: Great entry point for automotive careers.
Common roles: Tire tech, sales associate
Pro tip: Show interest in mechanical work. Even hobby experience counts.
AOI promotion score: 4/4
Why it’s youth-friendly: Real-world inventory and customer service roles.
Common roles: Sales associate, delivery driver
Pro tip: Many jobs require a driver’s license, so double-check before applying.
AOI promotion score: 4/4
These roles often lead to high-paying careers like CDL truck driver, HVAC technician, or industrial maintenance tech. They also build a solid foundation for specialized certifications in the trades.
Why it’s youth-friendly: Teaches tech skills, team culture, and problem-solving.
Common roles: Customer service, inventory associate
Pro tip: Ask about training opportunities if you’re interested in IT or tech repair.
AOI promotion score: 4/4
Retail tech jobs can pave the way toward IT helpdesk, sysadmin, or even coding and UX if you continue building your technical skills. It's a strong intro for anyone curious about tech.
Why it’s youth-friendly: Part-time roles with education and skills support.
Common roles: Customer service associate, cashier
Pro tip: Some roles include hands-on trade skills training, which is great if you’re into tools or DIY.
AOI promotion score: 4/4
Why it’s youth-friendly: Entry-level retail and pharmacy jobs open to teens.
Common roles: Customer service associate, pharmacy cashier
Pro tip: Pharmacy tech programs may be available. Ask during onboarding.
AOI promotion score: 4/4
Why it’s youth-friendly: The largest private employer with lots of entry points.
Common roles: Cashier, stocker, personal shopper
Pro tip: Walmart’s Live Better U program pays tuition for eligible associates.
AOI promotion score: 4/4
Many workers use these roles as a gateway to careers in logistics coordination, warehouse operations, or even supply chain management with additional training.
We’ve partnered with the American Opportunity Index (AOI) to highlight 50+ youth-friendly employers that support early career growth. Check them out at the link below.
You don’t need a long resume to get a job. You just need to show that you’re ready to learn. Here’s how to stand out:
You’ve got the list. Now it’s time to take action.
These first jobs aren’t the finish line; they’re your launchpad. Whether you're stocking shelves, serving coffee, or running a register, you're building skills that translate into living-wage, high-growth careers. SkillUp and the American Opportunity Index can help you connect the dots and move from “just a job” to a long-term path.
You don’t need to have it all figured out; just take one step. We’re here for the rest.
Large chains like Chipotle, Walmart, and Walgreens often hire teens across the country. You can filter by location on SkillUp’s job board.
A simple one-page resume can help, even if it just lists school, clubs, or volunteer work. Make sure to focus on your skills if you don’t have any past work experience.
It’s a company that supports young workers with training, flexible hours, and real chances to grow.
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