Best First Jobs for High School Students

A good first job for a high school student is one that fits around school, teaches real-world skills and gives you support while you learn.

Looking for a job that works with your school schedule? Wegmans offers flexible part-time opportunities for candidates as young as 15, with some roles starting at 16-depending on labor laws and specific position or department requirements-so you can balance school, summer and work while gaining valuable experience.

If you’re choosing a first job, you’re really choosing your first work experience—not just a paycheck. The right environment can help you build confidence, learn how to work with people and develop habits that carry into future jobs.

What to look for in a first job

Not every part-time job is a good first job. The best ones usually have a few things in common:

You can actually get hired—Wegmans shares clear requirements like minimum hiring age and role expectations, so you know where you fit and how to get started
Schedules work around school and activities
You’re trained, not expected to know everything right away
You interact with people and build communication skills
You’re part of a team, not working alone

Wegmans’ careers site highlights many of these factors directly, including minimum hiring age, flexible scheduling and support for customer service and teamwork skills.

Why grocery store jobs are often a great first job

Grocery store jobs are one of the most common—and most effective—first jobs for high school students. Here's why:

You learn how to interact with customers
You build teamwork and communication skills
You develop responsibility and reliability
You get exposure to different types of work in one place

At Wegmans, part-time jobs range from cashier and customer service roles to food-related positions and other store departments. That variety helps students find a role that fits their comfort level while still learning new skills.

Why Wegmans is a strong place to start

Wegmans stands out as a first-job employer because it combines accessibility with support.

1. Clear entry points
Wegmans states that its minimum hiring age is 15, while noting that some roles or shifts require you to be at least 16. Each job posting lists the exact requirement.

2. Flexible part-time scheduling
The company says schedules can be built around school, activities or summer availability, helping students balance work with other responsibilities.

3. A team-based environment
Wegmans describes its people as the heart of the company and emphasizes teamwork and customer service as core parts of the job experience.

4. A values-driven workplace
At Wegmans, you'll find a culture that is rooted in caring, respect, high standards, and making a difference-empowering you to grow, contribute and feel confident in the impact you make from day one.

First job roles to consider

If you’re new to working, these are some of the most common starting points:

Cashier or front-end roles

Great for building confidence, communication skills and comfort working with customers.
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Customer service roles

Ideal if you enjoy helping people and working in a fast-paced environment.

Store or food-related roles

These roles can include stocking, food preparation or working in departments like bakery or prepared foods, depending on age requirements and availability.

What you can learn from your first job

A first job should set a foundation for what comes next. At Wegmans, early work experience may help you build:

Customer service skills
Teamwork and collaboration
Time management and responsibility
Confidence in new situations

The company also emphasizes training and development, helping new employees learn their role and build skills over time. For students thinking longer term, Wegmans also offers an employee scholarship program to support education. The company says this program has awarded more than $150 million to employees since it began, with financial support available to eligible part-time and full-time team members.

Start exploring first job opportunities

If you're looking for a first job that fits around school and helps you build real-world experience, the next step is to explore what’s available. You can:

• Search part-time jobs near you
• Review job postings for age requirements and schedules
• Explore different store roles to find what feels like the best fit

Starting your first job is a big step. Finding the right environment can make a real difference in how confident and prepared you feel moving forward.

Explore current opportunities

FAQs

What is the best first job for a high school student?

A good first job is one that is flexible, teaches skills and provides support while you learn. Grocery store jobs are often a strong option because they offer structure and interaction with others.
Can you work at Wegmans at 15?

Yes. Wegmans states that its minimum hiring age is 15, though some roles and shifts require candidates to be at least 16.
Are grocery store jobs good for teenagers?

Yes. They help build customer service, teamwork and responsibility—skills that are useful in future jobs.

Does Wegmans offer flexible scheduling for students?

Yes. Wegmans says it offers part-time scheduling that can work around school schedules or summer break.
What skills can teens learn from a first job?

Common skills include communication, teamwork, time management and problem-solving.
Does Wegmans help employees with college?

Yes. Wegmans offers a scholarship program that provides financial support to eligible employees pursuing higher education.

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