Last Updated on August 29, 2022 by
Are you looking for your first job at the age of 18? As soon as you turn 18, you get access to various opportunities since you become an adult. However, not all employers are ready to hire freshers without work experience. But that doesn’t mean you only have to settle for low-paying opportunities.
Some businesses pay freshers an excellent average salary and also train them. In this article, you’ll find the 21 highest-paying jobs for 18-year-olds.
21 Highest Paying Jobs for 18-Year Olds (with No Experience!)
Finding your dream job without experience or network in the professional industry can be challenging. But with the proper skill set and knowledge, you can grab a high-paying job effortlessly. Here are the best-paying jobs for 18-year-olds without work experience and how you can find high-paying jobs.
1. Camp counselor
Average pay: $34,192 per year
If you are looking for part-time jobs after college, you can work as a camp counselor. Camp counselors guide children during outdoor adventures and activities. Camp counselor positions are typically open during summers.
So, they are best for those looking for work during vacations.
Camp counselors are responsible for guiding and consulting campers. They also ensure a fun and safe environment throughout the camp duration. Counselors need to be energetic, patient, and empathetic since they have to deal with kids of 7-16 years.
2. Barista
Average pay: $32,566 per year
A barista is a person who prepares espresso-based beverages like tea and coffee. The person is also responsible for welcoming customers, cleaning the store and utensils, and handling money. In simple terms, a barista is a person behind a coffee shop.
You need to have a friendly attitude and attention to detail to work as a barista. Some coffee shops typically look for people with a coffee shop or restaurant operating experience. But most of them look to hire freshers and train them accordingly.
So, you can step into your nearby coffee shops to see if they have any job openings.
3. Proofreader and editor
Average pay: $53,082 per year
Proofreader and editor is a high-paying career for young age job seekers. Proofreaders are responsible for checking books and articles for mistakes and editing them. They identify and correct punctuation, grammatical, and spelling mistakes in documents.
Generally, people looking for online or freelance opportunities work as a proofreader. Also, companies don’t need experienced candidates for proofreading, But you can increase your chances of getting hired as a proofreader or editor by pursuing a relevant course or training.
4. Lifeguard
Average pay: $32,562 per year
Lifeguard jobs are one of the best high-paying jobs for 18-year-olds. Lifeguards must ensure that people near the pool and water parks remain safe. They have to rescue struggling swimmers when needed. They also alert swimmers about dangers and highlight the safety procedures needed to follow while swimming.
Lifeguards are responsible for providing first aid and CPR during emergencies. They can also teach swim camps and manage other aquatic activities.
5. Caregiver
Average pay: $34,562 per year
A caregiver is a person who takes care of people of any age and helps them with their daily activities. It is one of the highest paying jobs for 18-year-olds requiring no special training. Generally, people hire caregivers to care for older people or people suffering from illness.
Caregivers are responsible for doing the laundry, shopping for groceries, housekeeping, scheduling appointments, etc. The demand for caregivers is increasing daily. So, regardless of your location, you might find a caregiver opportunity in your locality.
6. Delivery driver
Average pay: $62,443 per year
A delivery driver job is another in-demand and high-paying job for young people. Everything you buy, including groceries, cars, electronic appliances, etc., has to be delivered from the manufacturing industry to the showroom and your house. So, delivery drivers are required by almost every industry.
Delivery drivers are responsible for the consignment documentation, scheduling deliveries, and checking legislation laws. You can search for national delivery-type jobs and apply for them without experience. However, you must have a clean driver’s license for delivery jobs.
Also Read: Best Paying Jobs In Transportation
7. Assistant store manager
Average pay: $32,429 per year
Associate store manager opportunities are among the best entry-level jobs for full-time and part-time job seekers. Associate store managers are responsible for opening and closing the store securely daily.
They also help store owners in their daily activities such as monitoring employees, stocking items, managing employee schedules, etc.
Associate store managers also help customers in buying products or solving their issues. This opportunity trains and prepares freshers for higher-level positions such as store managers.
8. Customer service representative
Average pay: $53,413 per year
Customer service representative jobs are high-paying jobs for 18-year-olds. For companies to get repeat customers, they need to provide excellent customer service. That’s why customer service representatives are paid well!
Customer representatives talk to customers and solve their queries. They provide support via call, email, live chat, or face-to-face.
Though most companies train young people without experience to work as a customer service representative, you need a calm nature and good communication skills for this position.
9. Teller
Average pay: $36,627 per year
Bank teller positions are an excellent option for those looking for long-term career opportunities in banks. Tellers are people who work at banks or financial institutions. They are responsible for helping customers with their bank needs.
Tellers deposit funds, withdraw cash, maintain a cash register, talk with customers directly, and solve customer problems. If you are interested in working at financial institutions, you can apply for a bank teller position without a college degree.
10. Landscape technician
Average pay: $63,155 per year
Landscape technician jobs are among the highest paying jobs for 18-year-olds. Companies typically look for qualified candidates and train them to work in the landscaping business. Many landscaping technician jobs are available in the current market.
Landscaping technicians are responsible for mowing, trimming gardens, edging sidewalks, picking trash, and handling general maintenance of gardens.
They also design attractive gardens and fertilize plants. You can work with a company or a team to provide services as a landscape technician.
11. Data clerk
Average pay: $41,518 per year
Data Clerks enter data into databases, documents, spreadsheets, etc. They are also responsible for proofreading and editing the data before submission. Most companies start hiring data clerks to digitize and organize their paperwork.
Data clerk jobs are one of the highest paying jobs for 18-year-olds. You can work part-time while pursuing your high school diploma, full-time, or as a freelancer.
Data clerks don’t need any special skills. However, companies prefer hiring candidates with a knowledge of computers.
12. Administrative assistant
Average pay: $47,515 per year
If you are looking for good-paying jobs that can be done without basic labor skills, you can go for the administrative assistant position.
Administrative assistants support managers and employers by attending to their clients and office visitors. They handle the clerical work at companies.
The administrative assistant’s tasks involve handling incoming calls and maintaining company files. The administrative assistant also schedules meetings, manages inventory, responds to emails, and generates reports.
Some businesses hire freelancers to work as administrative assistants, while other jobs need administrative assistants to work from the business’s physical location. It is a viable career choice for those seeking a long-term career. But if you are looking for a career change, here are 21 Best & Highest Paying Jobs to Change Careers.
13. Construction worker
Average pay: $36,334 per year
Construction worker jobs are another popular choice for those seeking the highest paying jobs for extra money. Construction workers follow the supervisor’s instruction to construct a site or structure. They operate machines, lay building foundations, direct nearby traffic, load supplies, etc.
Construction worker positions are among the few entry-level positions you can pursue to enter the construction field. You may also have to travel to a few places during your job to accomplish your tasks.
14. Apprentice electrician
Average pay: $71,732 per year
Next on our list of the highest paying jobs for 18-year-olds is the apprentice electrician job. An apprentice electrician works with a licensed electrician to install and maintain electrical appliances. It is a well-paying job for young people interested in the electrical sector.
Apprentice electricians learn how to repair electrical equipment. They also observe the procedures done by the electrician and take feedback from them.
As an apprentice electrician, you must visit the physical location of the electrical equipment to repair it and clean up the location after the work is over.
15. Dog walker
Average pay: $40,442 per year
If you love pets, you can offer dog walking services while pursuing a high school diploma. As a dog walker, you are responsible for taking the client’s dog on a walk when the owner cannot do it. Dog walkers typically pick up the dogs from their homes and return them after their walk.
You can join a corporate or open your own business. You can also offer additional pet-related services and get multiple repeat clients while working as a dog walker.
However, dog walkers must be careful while going out with dogs since they should be protected from harmful animals.
16. Freelance writing
Average pay: $53,616 per year
Freelance writing is one of the high-paying jobs for 18-year-olds without experience. You can write on topics related to your interests and passion as a freelance writer. You can work independently and be your own boss while working as a freelance writer.
The average hourly pay of freelance writers is nearly $20, but you can earn more depending on your skills and experience.
Freelance writers don’t need any skillset to work. However, having a writing style, good command of the language, and communication skills is beneficial. Also, companies pay higher to candidates having knowledge of social media marketing and search engine optimization.
17. Voiceover work
Average pay: $77,360 per year
With a minimum wage of nearly $33, voiceover jobs are among the high-paying jobs for 18-year-olds. This job is perfect for those who want to work part-time, freelance, remote, or want to build a full-time career as a voiceover artist. It is a fancy job and one of the best virtual jobs done by fewer young people.
The primary responsibility of voiceover artists is to provide narration for audiobooks, YouTube videos, movies, animation clips, commercials, etc.
Voiceover artists don’t need any special qualifications, but they should pronounce words clearly and be able to use various accents and tones while dubbing.
18. Virtual assistant
Average pay: $66,423 per year
Virtual assistant jobs might interest you if you are looking for online jobs. As a virtual assistant, you must remotely assist businesses or freelancers in their daily office tasks.
Virtual assistant opportunities are one of the few jobs that don’t require any specific skillset and have flexible schedules.
Virtual assistants schedule appointments, send emails, attend phone calls, organize meetings, etc. You can work as a virtual assistant from any part of the world, and as you gain experience, your average salary will increase. It is a rewarding job for those looking for well-paying jobs from home.
19. Customer support agent
Average pay: $49,689 per year
Customer support agent jobs are ideal for those looking for better-paying jobs from their home. Most companies hire customer support agents to provide online support to their customers. They don’t need their workers to be present at the customer’s or business’s physical location while providing support.
Unlike customer representatives, customer support agents need to address the customer’s issues. They are responsible for giving product or service information, solving order-related issues, etc. They can talk to customers via phone, email, or live chat.
Since this job requires dealing with customers, you must be patient and have excellent communication skills.
20. Graphic design
Average pay: $53,936 per year
If you want a career in the software and technology industry, you can choose the graphic designer position. This opportunity is excellent for those who are passionate about designing and technology. Graphic designers need to develop and design multimedia content for companies.
Many companies and freelancers hire graphic designers to design websites, brochures, flyers, posters, infographics, etc.
Graphic designers use computer software to design content for clients. So, you need to learn how to use various graphic designing software or work with companies that train candidates. It is one of the few high-paying jobs that require computer software skills.
Additionally, after gaining some experience, you can work independently as a freelancer or create your company.
FAQ’s
What kind of jobs can 18-years-olds get?
18-year-olds can get various types of jobs. They can find jobs based on their interests and skills. Also, they don’t need work experience for most positions. Companies often hire candidates without experience and train them.
Some jobs for 18-year-olds include sales, receptionist, freelance writers, graphic design, dog walkers, pharmacy technician, pet sitters, babysitting, professional web designer jobs, etc.
Where should I look for a job?
If you are looking for a job, you can use online and offline platforms to boost your job search process and land your ideal career faster. Ask your friends and relatives to refer you to their companies. You can also contact companies directly and see if they have open positions.
You can also apply for jobs through job advertisements in the newspapers.
Alternatively, you can use online platforms (job portals) to search for opportunities. These platforms allow you to browse opportunities and apply from the comfort of your home. You can use online job portals like Naukri, Indeed, Glassdoor, Monster, etc., to look for your ideal opportunities.
How can I make the most money at 18?
As an 18-year-old, you might not have work experience and may have to work while studying. But you can still make money using your knowledge, skills, and passion. You can initially find part-time jobs, side-hustle gigs, or seasonal work.
Additionally, you can get commission-based work to earn more money.
Further, as you gain experience and knowledge of your industry, start working as a freelancer and establish your business. However, never give up on learning new skills and networking throughout the process. It will help you succeed in life and build a successful career.
Can I have a high-paying career without going to college?
Yes, you can get a high-paying job without going to college. While most jobs need a college degree and certification, a few exceptions exist. Some jobs need you to have the skills and knowledge of the industry. Again, if you are patient and keep learning, you can establish your business in the long run.
So, you must prepare a proper strategy and roadmap to get the career you want and advance towards it. Initially, you can take training from a professional or a company and start your business as you gain experience.
Are there any jobs that will allow me to continue my education while working?
Yes, you can do a job while working. Most students work part-time while studying. This helps them get industrial exposure and experience. They can also work as an intern, volunteer, or freelance while studying.
Some jobs to do while studying include web designer, casino gaming manager, pharmacy technician, graphic designer, virtual assistant, landscape technician, data entry clerk, delivery driver, etc.
Are there any legitimate online jobs for 18-year-olds?
Most students seeking online opportunities end up working with fraud companies. However, you can find several online careers that are legal and pay an average salary of more than $30,000 per annum.
However, you need to carefully research the company before applying for the position and only look for jobs from legit platforms.
Some online opportunities include web designer jobs, freelance writing, graphic designing, virtual assistant, proofreader, editing, etc.
Am I allowed to work five days a week if I’m only 18?
If you are 18 years old, you can work 20 hours in a school week and 40 hours in a non-school week. That means you cannot work for five days while studying. Again, the government has restricted the work timings for 18-year-olds.
So, you need to check the timings with your company while deciding on your schedule.
I’m 18 and very introverted. What are some job ideas for a shy person like me?
If you are introverted, avoid taking up jobs that require meeting new people and communicating with them. You can choose online careers or jobs that require less communication. For example, freelance writing jobs, web designer jobs, graphic design, librarian, accounting, etc. Here are 15 High-Paying Jobs for Introverts Who Want to Work from Home
Closing Thoughts
Getting a job without experience is challenging in this competitive market. However, you don’t need to get disappointed. Instead, recognize your skills and talent and try to find a career that matches your interests.
Again, you can use this post’s list of the best highest-paying jobs for 18-year-olds to find your dream career. Most of these jobs can be done online, so you can save your time on traveling and do them while studying.