10 High-Paying Retail Jobs For Teens In 2025 (The Ultimate Guide To Earning Big)

The retail job market for teenagers is booming, offering some of the highest entry-level wages seen in years, making now the perfect time for high school students to enter the workforce. As of late December 2025, the demand for part-time help in the retail sector is driving competitive pay and flexible scheduling, directly benefiting students looking to balance school and work. Retail positions are no longer just about minimum wage; current job postings show a significant wage surge, with many roles paying between $14 and $33 per hour, and some specialized positions reaching up to $40 per hour for experienced teens or specific locations.

This comprehensive guide details the best retail jobs available for teens, clarifies the essential legal requirements like the minimum age and work permits, and outlines the crucial skills you will gain. Whether you are 16 and looking for your first job or 17 and seeking a higher-paying role, the retail industry provides an excellent launchpad for developing professional skills and earning substantial income.

The Top 10 Retail Companies Actively Hiring Teens in 2025

The retail trade sector accounts for a significant portion of youth employment, with approximately 17% of all employed teenagers working in this industry. The following companies are well-known for their teen-friendly hiring practices, offering flexible schedules, entry-level positions, and a supportive environment for students.

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1. Target & Walmart: These massive general merchandise retailers consistently hire teens (typically 16 and older) for roles like Cashier, Stocker, and Cart Attendant. These jobs are excellent for building foundational customer service skills and learning inventory management.
2. Dick's Sporting Goods: As of late 2025, Dick's Sporting Goods is actively posting for Retail Sales Associates, particularly for those with an interest in sports. This role is ideal for teens looking for a more engaging, product-focused sales experience.
3. Winn-Dixie (Grocery Stores): Grocery stores are a secret launchpad for teen success, offering flexible scheduling and roles like Bagger, Deli Clerk (age restrictions apply), and Stock Associate. Winn-Dixie, along with other major grocery chains, is a reliable employer with a 2025 copyright on their hiring pages, indicating current recruitment efforts.
4. Apparel Retailers (Aeropostale & American Eagle Outfitters): Clothing stores are perfect for fashion-conscious teens. Positions like Sales Associate or Brand Ambassador focus on visual merchandising, direct sales, and customer engagement, often providing generous employee discounts.
5. Foot Locker: Specializing in footwear and athletic apparel, Foot Locker offers a high-energy environment. Teen employees can gain valuable experience in specialized sales and inventory, often working with popular, high-demand products.
6. Apple Retail Partner Stores: While direct employment at an Apple Store may be competitive, many authorized retail partners hire students for part-time roles to ensure a great customer experience, offering exposure to high-tech retail operations.
7. AMC Theatres (Non-Traditional Retail): While technically entertainment, movie theaters are a form of retail. They offer classic teen jobs like Usher and Concessions, which are excellent for evening and weekend shifts, fitting well with a school schedule.
8. Adidas North America Inc.: Similar to other apparel retailers, Adidas hires teens for Sales and Stock roles, giving them experience in a global brand environment and exposure to sports marketing.

Understanding Child Labor Laws and Work Permit Requirements

Navigating the legal landscape is the most critical first step for any teenager seeking retail employment. The rules are governed by federal and state child labor laws, primarily the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Minimum Age and Hour Restrictions

• Federal Minimum Age: The basic minimum age for non-agricultural employment under federal law is 14 years old. However, most general retail positions prefer or require applicants to be 16.
• Age 14 & 15: Work is highly restricted to non-hazardous jobs, and hours are limited (e.g., outside of school hours, fewer hours per day/week).
• Age 16 & 17: Teens can work in any non-hazardous job, with hour restrictions still applying, especially during the school year. Note that some states, like one example mentioning amendments in effect as of April 2, 2025, are continuously updating their Youth Employment Standards Act, so checking local regulations is essential.
• Age 18: Once a youth turns 18, they are no longer subject to federal youth employment provisions.

How to Obtain a Minor Work Permit

For teenagers under 18, a "Minor Work Permit" or "Age Certificate" is often a mandatory requirement before starting a job. This process ensures the employer adheres to all child labor laws.

The typical steps to secure a work permit include:

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1. Obtain the Application: Get the work permit application form from your school's administration office, guidance counselor, or your state's Department of Labor website.
2. Employer Section: The employer must complete their section, confirming the intent to hire and detailing the job duties and hours.
3. Parental Consent: A parent or legal guardian must sign the application, granting permission for the minor to work.
4. Proof of Age: You must provide proof of age, such as a birth certificate, driver’s license, or school ID.
5. School Review: In many states, the completed application is returned to the school's issuing officer, who reviews it to ensure the work schedule does not conflict with school attendance.
6. Issuance: Once approved, the minor is issued the official work permit, which must be kept on file by the employer.

The Essential Skills and Professional Development from Retail Work

A part-time retail job is more than just a paycheck; it is an invaluable opportunity for professional development and building a strong foundation for any future career. Retail positions teach a wide range of transferable skills that employers in every industry seek.

Critical Transferable Skills Developed in Retail

• Customer Service Excellence: This is the cornerstone of retail. Teens learn how to engage positively with customers, resolve conflicts, and handle difficult situations, which enhances both personal growth and professional development.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Working on a sales floor or stocking team requires constant communication and collaboration with coworkers to achieve store goals.
• Cash Handling and Transaction Management: Proficiency in managing a register, processing various payment types, and accurately counting change is a fundamental skill gained by all Cashiers and Sales Associates.
• Time Management and Responsibility: Balancing a part-time job with high school coursework forces teens to master time management and adhere to a professional schedule, a key aspect of part-time employment.
• Problem-Solving: From finding a specific product for a customer to quickly resolving a pricing error, retail jobs consistently challenge teens to think on their feet.
• Sales Techniques and Merchandising: Sales Associates learn how to upsell, cross-sell, and maintain the visual appeal of the store (visual merchandising), which are direct sales-related responsibilities.

In the competitive job market of 2025 and beyond, having these on-the-job experiences on a resume will set a high school student apart. The skills learned in an entry-level retail position—from being a Stocker to a Sales Associate—are the secret sauce for future career success, providing real-world experience that academic courses cannot replicate.