So you’re 16, ready to work, but have no idea where to start. Sound familiar?
Entering the world of work for the first time can feel a little daunting. From understanding your rights to figuring out what jobs you can actually do, there’s a lot to get your head around. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about finding a job at 16, from the legal bits about pay and hours to the best part-time and summer jobs available. We’ll also give you some top tips to get your career off to the best possible start.
What are my rights as a 16-year-old worker?
First things first: you have to know your rights. It’s great that you’re eager to work and start earning, but it’s important to understand what you’re legally entitled to. This also ensures your employer is playing by the rules.
How many hours can a 16-year-old work?
The number of hours you can work depends on whether it’s term time or school holidays. According to UK law (gov.uk/child-employment), once you’re past the minimum school leaving age, you can work full-time up to a maximum of 40 hours per week.
Here’s a general breakdown for those still in school:
During term time:
- You can work a maximum of 12 hours a week
- This includes a maximum of two hours on school days and Sundays
- On Saturdays, you can work up to eight hours
During school holidays:
- You can work up to 35 hours per week
- This includes a maximum of eight hours on weekdays and Saturdays
- On Sundays, the limit is a maximum of two hours
For 16-17 year olds who have left school, you can work up to 40 hours per week and a maximum of eight hours per day.
How much will I get paid?
All employees in the UK are entitled to the National Minimum Wage, but the rate depends on your age.
The current minimum wage for under-18s is £6.40 per hour. If you’re an apprentice, the rate is also £6.40 per hour, provided you’re under 19 or in the first year of your apprenticeship.
For more details, it’s always best to check the official government rates at gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates.
7 ways to get paid what you deserve
What job can I do at 16?
There are lots of different jobs for 16-year-olds out there.
The right one for you will depend on your situation. Do you want to work part-time while studying, get practical training with an apprenticeship, or jump straight into full-time work while learning in your spare time?
If you’re struggling to figure out what path to take, our guide on how to decide what job to look for can help you get started.
Here are some of the most popular options for jobs that hire at 16:
Part-time jobs for 16-year-olds
Retail assistant
Retail is one of the easiest industries to get into with no experience. Most shops offer flexible hours that can fit around your school or college schedule, making it perfect for weekend or evening work. You’ll develop customer service skills, learn how to handle cash, and work as part of a team – all great transferable skills for your CV.
View all part-time Retail jobs
How to become a Sales Assistant
Hospitality team member
Working as a Waiter, Barista, or Kitchen Assistant is another excellent choice. The hospitality industry is always looking for enthusiastic people, and these roles can be a lot of fun. You’ll gain valuable experience in a fast-paced environment and, in some jobs, you might even earn tips on top of your wage.
View all part-time Hospitality & Catering jobs
Babysitter
If you’re great with kids (and have a heroic level of patience for Peppa Pig reruns), babysitting can be a fantastic way to earn some cash. You’ll be responsible for keeping little ones safe and entertained – the perfect way to show off your sense of responsibility.
View all part-time Babysitter jobs
Tutor
Are you the go-to maths whiz or English grammar savant in your class? Tutoring younger students not only helps them out, it boosts your own understanding and looks great on a CV for any future job or university application.
Lifeguard
If you’ve completed the right training, working as a lifeguard at your local pool can be a great choice for 16-year-olds.
View all part-time Lifeguard jobs
Dog walker or pet sitter
Love animals more than people? Dog walking or pet sitting means you’ll get paid to hang out with animals, enjoy some fresh air, and probably rack up a few thousand steps in the process. Expect bonus points if you can throw a tennis ball particularly far.
View all part-time jobs for 16-year-olds
Online jobs for 16-year-olds
Online jobs can be a great choice for 16-year-olds who want to earn money from the comfort of their own home (and maybe their pyjamas). Some popular online roles include:
- Online tutor: If you ace maths or have a knack for science, you could help younger students with homework and revision (and sharpen your own skills at the same time).
- Data entry assistant: These jobs involve entering information into online systems. They can be a good way to build focus and attention to detail.
- Social media assistant: You spend plenty of time on TikTok anyway – why not get paid for it? Small businesses often need creative minds to help with posting, replying to messages, or brainstorming content ideas.
Just a quick heads up: always use trustworthy job sites, and never pay upfront for “training materials” or “starter kits.” If something sounds too good to be true (“Earn £1000 a day posting selfies!”), it probably is.
Apprenticeships for 16-year-olds
If full-time study isn’t for you and you’d rather learn a trade alongside work, an apprenticeship could be your perfect next step.
Anyone over 16 in the UK who isn’t in full-time education can apply, and many employers are keen to hire young, motivated people.
Here are just a few industries where you can find apprenticeships:
- Healthcare (e.g. Dental Nurse, Pharmacy Assistant, or Care Worker)
- Information Technology (e.g. IT Support Technician, Software Developer, or Digital Marketer)
- Engineering (from electrical and mechanical to civil engineering)
- Construction and property services
- Beauty and cosmetics (e.g. Hairdresser or Beauty Therapist)
- Business administration and finance
- Creative industries (including graphic design, media, and publishing)
- Hospitality and catering
Apprenticeships: How to get started
View all Apprenticeships
Full-time jobs for 16-year-olds
If you’re 16 and thinking about diving into the world of work, it’s important to know that UK law says you need to be in some form of education or training until you’re 18. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a full-time job, but you will need to combine it with part-time study or training (evening classes, online courses, or something similar).
Here are some examples of full-time jobs you could apply for at 16 (as long as you’re studying alongside):
- Sales Assistant: You’ll help customers, restock shelves, and keep the shop running smoothly. Great for chatty types who like working with people (and possibly scoring some staff discounts!).
- Junior Administrator: Support the office with filing, answering calls, booking appointments, and generally being the organisational glue that keeps things together. Super useful for those who love lists and keeping things in order.
- Warehouse Operative: Help pick, pack, and dispatch goods in a warehouse environment. It’s physical work (think of it as getting paid to skip the gym) and suits people who like being active and working with their hands.
- Receptionist: Greet visitors, answer phones, and manage bookings. Perfect for someone polite, friendly, and reliable.
- Estate Agent Trainee: Work with a team to show properties, meet clients, and learn the ropes of the property market. If you’re interested in homes and enjoy a bit of variety, this could be up your street.
No matter your interests, there’s an entry-level job out there that can help you get on the career ladder.
Six of the best Entry Level jobs
How to decide what job to look for
Tips for finding work at 16
Starting your job search can be tough. Here are a few tips to help you stand out:
- Perfect your CV: Use a school leaver CV template to make sure it looks professional, and tailor it for every job you apply for.
- Write a great cover letter: A strong cover letter is your chance to show your personality and passion for the role.
- Gain experience: If you’re finding it hard to get a paid job, volunteering or doing an internship can be a great way to build up your CV.
- Practice for interviews: Prepare answers to common interview questions to boost your confidence.
Eight ways to make your CV stand out
Frequently asked questions about jobs for 16-year-olds
Still have questions? Here are our answers to some common queries.
What are the best summer jobs for 16-year-olds?
Summer is a great time to work more hours and save money. Popular summer jobs include working at festivals, in holiday parks, summer camps, or in tourist-heavy retail and hospitality spots. These roles are often temporary and look great on your CV.
Are there online jobs for 16-year-olds?
Yes, there are some online opportunities, though they’re less common. These might include online tutoring for younger students, data entry, or helping small businesses with social media. Always be cautious with online jobs – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
What jobs can I do with no experience?
Many jobs for 16-year-olds don’t require previous experience. Retail, fast food, waiting tables, and warehouse work are all great examples of jobs that hire at 16 with no experience, as they provide on-the-job training. Focus on showing your enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and reliability in your application.
What about jobs for under 16s?
The rules are different for those under 16. Generally, you can do ‘light work’ from the age of 14, such as a paper round. Some local councils allow children to work from 13. Check out our guide on jobs for 15-year-olds for more specific information.
Ready for the next step?
Don’t be disheartened if you don’t hear back from employers straight away.
Job hunting takes practice, and rejection is a normal part of the process. The key is to stay positive, learn from any feedback you receive, and keep trying.
By continuously learning, tailoring your CV to every job you apply for, and refining your interview technique as you go, you’ll be much more likely to land a job you’ll love.
How to follow up on a job application
Browse all school leaver advice
Still searching for your perfect position? View all available jobs now
All information was correct at time of writing. Please visit https://www.gov.uk/child-employment for the most up-to-date information.
where can i find jobs for 16 year olds