For teenagers, summer has traditionally been associated with independence. It’s a great time to take it easy, see the globe, and, for many, start looking for work. Teens may get some work experience and earn some additional cash while school is out. But the issue remains: what are the most desirable professions for teenagers over the summer? Which ones, furthermore, have the highest salaries?

Teenagers entering the workforce for the first time may find the process to be particularly intimidating. But have no fear! This extensive article will focus on the best paying summer jobs for teenagers. You’ve come to the correct place if you’re a teen looking for a summer job or a parent looking for guidance for their adolescent.

The importance of having a summer job for teenagers.

It’s important for kids to know why they should get summer employment before looking at the available positions. Finding work during the summer is about more than simply money. The goals of getting a job are to teach responsibility, obtain work experience, appreciate money, and cultivate a strong work ethic.

Top 10 Jobs for teens in Summer

Teens may gain valuable experience, make connections, and broaden their horizons by entering the workforce. Teens benefit from these opportunities because they give them a taste of the working world.

1. Lifeguard

Lifeguarding is one of the most iconic summer occupations for kids because it allows them to work outside and get valuable lifesaving experience. There is a lot of pressure on lifeguards, but they usually get paid well compared to other summer occupations, especially at private beaches and pools.

What does the job entail?

The primary role of a lifeguard is to watch out for the welfare of beachgoers and swimmers. Safety standards must be enforced, the water must be monitored for signs of distress, and swift action must be taken in the event of an emergency. In addition to protecting swimmers, lifeguards may be asked to help out with cleaning and other tasks related to the pool or beach.

How much can you earn?

Salary ranges for lifeguards are quite variable, based on factors such as the type of pool or seashore and its location. However, the average hourly wage is around $9, with higher pay in more prestigious areas or those with a higher cost of living. Free use of the pool or beach may be one of the perks of some lifeguard employment.

2. Tutor

Learning should not be put on hold over the summer. Tutoring is a popular summer employment for teenagers since many students utilize the time off to study or get ahead. Sharing your expertise with others can be a lucrative career path if you have a knack for a certain field or an instrument.

What does the job entail?

Your role as a tutor, whether one-on-one or in a small group, is to help pupils learn and grasp concepts. You will need to organize classes, pinpoint student misconceptions, and aid in the expansion of their knowledge. This position calls for someone with patience, excellent communication skills, and a thorough knowledge of the material being taught.

How much can you earn?

Depending on the amount of experience, the age of the student, and the subject area, a tutor can make anywhere from $10 to $30 per hour or more. Tutoring fees tend to increase for more specific courses or for test preparation. As a private instructor, you should be aware that promoting your services and setting up sessions may be time-consuming yet instructive.

3. Babysitter or Nanny

Babysitting or working as a nanny is a great summer career option if you like dealing with children and have experience managing them.

What does the job entail?

While parents are at work or otherwise occupied, babysitters and nannies look after the children in their care. Caregiving responsibilities range from ensuring youngsters have enough to eat and drink to assisting with laundry and cleaning up after meals. Working with children demands maturity, tolerance, and sociability.

How much can you earn?

Nanny and babysitter salaries can range from minimum wage to double figures, based on factors including the number of children to be cared for, the location, and the responsibilities of the position. You may earn anywhere from $10 to $20 per hour, and more for taking care of many children or other duties. Make sure you understand the payment terms before accepting a babysitting job that pays a flat fee for a certain number of hours.

4. Pet Sitter/Dog Walker

Pet sitting and dog walking may be a satisfying summer job for kids who enjoy working with animals.

What does the job entail?

Your job as a pet sitter will involve looking after pets while their owners are away. They may need help with things like eating, drinking, going on walks, playing, and having their messes cleaned up. As a dog walker, you will be responsible for taking dogs on daily walks, which may include exercising many dogs at once.

How much can you earn?

Rates of pay might change based on factors such as the kind of dogs you care for, the specific services you offer, and your geographic area. Dog walkers and pet caregivers may often earn $10 to $30 per service. Earn additional money by pet sitting for many clients overnight.

5. Landscaping and Lawn Care Worker

Teens can make some money over the summer because lawn maintenance and landscaping labor is in great demand then.

What does the job entail?

Mowing lawns, pruning hedges, weeding gardens, planting flowers, and even designing landscape aspects are all possible jobs in the landscaping and lawn care industries. This role calls for a combination of physical strength and plant and gardening expertise.

How much can you earn?

The pay for this sort of employment varies greatly from one location to another and from one task to the next. Lawn repair and gardening jobs may provide kids with an hourly wage of $10 to $25.

6. Retail Worker

Many companies need seasonal employees over the summer months, and this is a prime time for adolescents to find work in retail.

What does the job entail?

Interacting with clients, stocking shelves, keeping the store clean, and running the registers are all essential retail duties. Sales experience is a potential perk of working in retail, and it may assist hone your interpersonal and communication abilities.

How much can you earn?

Most retail workers make between $8 and $15 per hour, however this might range from job to job and shop to store. In addition, if you appreciate the goods sold at your place of employment, you may be eligible for employee discounts.

7. Camp Counselor

Leadership, responsibility, and a ton of fun all come together in the typical summer job of a camp counselor.

What does the job entail?

A camp counselor is an adult who works in a summer camp and supervises a group of kids or teens. Depending on the camp, a counselor’s responsibilities may include conducting activities, monitoring campers for safety, mediating disagreements, and even administering first aid. Counselors’ primary responsibility is to make sure campers are safe and have a great time.

How much can you earn?

Depending on the camp, the location, and the duties you are expected to perform, camp counselors might earn anywhere from two hundred dollars to $600 each week. The fact that some camps also offer lodging and meals is a major perk.

8. Internships

Internships may not pay as much as other summer employment, but they provide excellent training in a prospective career sector. Paid internships are becoming increasingly common.

What does the job entail?

Your responsibilities as an intern will range widely from one organization and one industry to the next. Assignments might consist of anything from paperwork to teamwork. Internships are a great way to get hands-on experience in a field of study or career of interest.

How much can you earn?

Teens can gain useful experience or course credit through unpaid internships. Internship pay can vary greatly, from no compensation at all to an hourly rate comparable to that of an entry-level employment.

9. Food Service Jobs

Teens may get some extra cash during the summer by working in the food service industry at places like restaurants and cafes.

What does the job entail?

Jobs in restaurants often require multitasking, with employees expected to take orders, cook, serve, clean, and run the cash register. Jobs in this field typically call for those who are excellent with people, can work well in a fast-paced setting, and can stand for lengthy amounts of time.

How much can you earn?

Jobs in the food service industry often pay at or over the federal minimum wage, and in busier or fancier establishments, gratuities can greatly boost income.

10. House Painting

Teens may make good money painting houses over the summer, as many homeowners take advantage of the nice weather to do so.

What does the job entail?

Priming and painting are the next steps after surface preparation with scraping and sanding. It’s a test of stamina and concentration. It also frequently necessitates working outside, sometimes in extreme heat.

How much can you earn?

House painters can make anywhere from $10 to $25 per hour, depending on the difficulty of the task and the going rate in the area.

Conclusion

Teenagers can choose from a wide variety of interesting and lucrative summer employment options. There is a career for everyone, whether you have a passion for the outdoors, love working with kids, or are a natural teacher. It’s possible to earn a good living wage in these fields, and you’ll also get practical experience and broaden your skill set.

Keep in mind that although financial gain is obviously important, a summer job is also a great way to obtain valuable work experience, develop your sense of responsibility, and add to your résumé. You should pick your first job with consideration and use it as a springboard to greater things in your professional life.

summer jobs for teens

Resources

If you’re looking for more information or want to start applying for summer jobs, here are some resources that might help:

  1. Snagajob: This is a job search site specifically for hourly work, and it has plenty of jobs suitable for teens.
  2. Indeed: This general job search site can be a good resource for finding local opportunities.
  3. CoolWorks: This site features seasonal work in cool places – many of which are perfect for a summer job.
  4. Your local government website: Many cities have job boards with summer job listings for teens. Check out your local government website to see what’s available in your area.
  5. Care.com: If you’re interested in caregiving, whether for kids, seniors, or pets, this site has plenty of opportunities.