Lautner began acting in 2001, appearing in the made-for-television film Shadow Fury. He subsequently had roles on the series Summerland, The Bernie Mac Show, and My Wife and Kids. He also appeared in a number of other television shows and movies, including The Nick & Jessica Variety Hour. He appeared as himself in America's Most Talented Kids, putting on an exhibition of his Martial Arts skills. In addition to television, Lautner has been very successful in voice-over work. Lautner has booked a recurring role as Youngblood on the cartoon Danny Phantom, and has recorded episodes of What's New, Scooby-Doo? and He's a Bully, Charlie Brown. Lautner has also been booked as a series regular on a pilot presentation called Which Way Is Up?, in addition to voicing the character of Silas in the animated series Silas and Brittany.

In 2005, Lautner won the role of Shark Boy in the Robert Rodriguez film, The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D. He spent three months on location in Austin, Texas filming. Months later, he successfully auditioned to play Elliot, the son of the Bakers' rivals, in Cheaper by the Dozen 2.

In October 2008, Lautner played Christian Slater's son in the television series My Own Worst Enemy, until the show was canceled after only 9 episodes. Lautner then played Native American character Jacob Black in Twilight, the movie adaptation of the novel by Stephenie Meyer. Due to major physical changes that occur in the character of Jacob Black throughout the series, the director of Twilight's sequel, The Twilight Saga: New Moon, considered replacing Lautner with a different actor in the second film. In an attempt to keep the role, Lautner weight-trained extensively and gained approximately 30 pounds. Lautner reprised his role as Jacob in New Moon. In 2010, Lautner starred in the romantic comedy film Valentine's Day as Tyler Harrinton.

In September 2009, Lautner and Shakira presented the Best Female Video award to Taylor Swift at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. Lautner hosted Saturday Night Live on December 12, 2009, making him one of the youngest celebrity hosts in the show's history.

In 2010, at the 82nd Annual Academy Awards, Lautner and Twilight co-star Kristen Stewart presented a tribute to honor the horror movie genre. Lautner is currently the highest paid teenage actor.

In 2012, Lautner will star as Stretch Armstrong in a 3-D film about the eponymous toy and has been cast in Cancun, which will center more around his martial arts skills. Lautner has also been cast in the thriller film Abduction. The film is directed by John Singleton and production is expected to begin in July 2010.