Best Summer Jobs For Teens: Ways To Earn And Learn
Summer jobs are an excellent way for teens to gain invaluable experience, earn some cash, and learn new skills. Here are some terrific options for summer jobs for teens that they can do right now!
I remember my first summer job as a gymnastics instructor. It taught me responsibility and time management while giving me the chance to have fun teaching others how to do skills in a sport I love.
Whether it’s babysitting, lawn mowing, or working as a lifeguard, teens can find opportunities that suit their interests and schedules.
Each job comes with unique experiences, and finding the right fit can lead to personal growth and future job prospects.
Exploring summer jobs can also provide teens with insights into potential career paths. Whether you’re interested in technology, customer service, or creative fields, there’s likely a summer job that can give you a taste of what those careers might be like.
Plus, having a job over the summer looks great on college applications and future resumes!
I’m a huge fan of teens working during the summer, and the proof is in the pudding because my oldest son has had summer jobs since he was 15. And now my current 15 year old son is looking for work.
Benefits Of Summer Jobs For Teens
Summer jobs for teens offer a lot more than just earning some pocket money. Check out these important benefits and workplace skills young adults can learn!
- Valuable Experience – summer jobs for teens provide valuable experience that can shape future career paths and personal development.
- Responsibility – Handling work tasks and adhering to schedules helps teens become more reliable and accountable.
- Developing a strong work ethic – It’s easy to be lazy at home or when hanging with friends, but jobs demand a commitment to hard work.
- Learn practical skills – Teens can explore roles like babysitting, dog walking, or even social media managing, depending on their skills and interests.
- Building confidence – Facing new challenges and completing tasks at work can boost self-esteem and reinforce a sense of accomplishment.
- Independence – Earning their own money gives teens a taste of financial freedom and helps them learn to manage their own savings.
- Time management skills – Balancing a job with other commitments pushes teens to prioritize and organize their activities efficiently.
- Problem-solving – Encountering and overcoming various workplace issues enhances their ability to think critically and find solutions quickly.
- Improve communication skills – Interacting with colleagues and customers teaches teens how to express themselves clearly and listen attentively.
- Work experience – Even part-time jobs add to their resume, making them more attractive to future employers.
Types Of Summer Jobs
Different jobs cater to different interests and offer flexible hours to suit varying schedules. There is a huge variety of jobs, including many with career exploration opportunities for a motivated young person.
Here are some of the possibilities.
Outdoor Jobs
One popular category for summer jobs involves outdoor work. Teens can choose from roles like landscaping, yard work, or working at a nearby park.
Landscaping and yard work often involve tasks like mowing lawns, planting flowers, and maintaining gardens. This could be through a local landscaping company or even teens being entrepreneurial and working directly with neighbors.
City, State, and National park workers help with a range of duties from trail maintenance to guiding visitors.
Local government projects – Yours might offer a summer youth employment program. For example, our local county hires teens for the summer to maintain local walking and hiking trails.
Sports and Recreation
Sports and recreation jobs provide active work opportunities for teens who love being physically engaged. Popular positions include lifeguards, swim instructors, and camp counselors.
Lifeguards ensure safety at pools, recreation centers, local water parks, or beaches.
Teens who enjoy teaching and leading activities may thrive as camp counselors, sports coaches, and even umpires.
Arts and Entertainment
For creative teens, acting roles are available in community theaters, while positions like freelance writer allow teens to showcase their creativity in writing.
Many entertainment parks and local theaters also look for part-time help. These jobs can allow teens to explore their artistic talents and gain experience in the arts.
Child and Pet Care
Babysitting and pet care are classic summer jobs that many teens take on.
As a babysitter, responsibilities might include feeding, playing with children, and keeping them safe. This job often comes with flexible hours and can pay well.
For those who love animals, dog walking or being a pet sitter is an ideal summer job. Tasks can include taking pets for walks, feeding them, or even caring for them while the owners are out of town.
How To Find Your Summer Job
When looking for a summer job, the first step young people need to take is to start your job search early. Many employers begin hiring well before summer starts.
Where to Look
- Local businesses: Think about stores and shops, restaurants, and local cafes.
- Online job opportunities: Websites like Indeed, Monster, or specialized teen job sites (like Teens4Hire or SummerJobs).
- Community boards: Libraries, community centers, and schools often have job postings.
Preparing Your Resume
- Contact Information: Include your name, phone number, and email address.
- Education: Mention your current school and grade level.
- Experience: If you don’t have work experience, list volunteer activities or extracurriculars.
- Skills: Highlight any relevant skills like customer service or time management.
Applying
- Dress tidily when visiting potential employers.
- Be polite and articulate your interest in the job.
Types of Jobs to Consider
- Retail Assistant: Minimum age is often 16. Wages range from $10 to $21 per hour.
- Babysitter: Flexible hours with potential for good pay, around $20 per hour.
- Waiter/Waitress: Especially in tourist areas, this can be a lucrative option.
- Busser or host at a restaurant: Collects shopping carts.
Practical Considerations
When exploring summer jobs for teens, it’s important to understand specific requirements and working environments to find a good fit for your teen.
Job Requirements
Different jobs have varied requirements. Many retail positions, for instance, require you to be at least 16 years old.
Alternatively, some roles, like lifeguarding, may need certification and being a strong swimmer.
Check your state and country regarding labor laws to see if a work permit is necessary for younger students.
For in-person jobs, consider location and transportation. Will you need a ride from a parent or guardian? Can your teen walk or ride a bike or the bus to work?
Working Conditions
If your teen is considering roles like a cart attendant or tailing inventory at a hobby shop, know that some positions may involve standing for long periods or working in various weather conditions.
Ideas For Summer Jobs For Teens
If you need a little help thinking of places to seek employment, here are some specific ideas. This list is inspired by jobs my kids have had as well as jobs their friends have had as teens!
(Mostly) Outdoor Summer Jobs
- Window washer
- Local water park or theme park attendant
- Mover (working for a moving company)
- Park cleanup or trail maintenance at local city, state, county, or state parks
- National Park worker
- Lifeguard
- Dog walkers or pet sitters
- Mowing yards
- Landscaping
- Camp counselor (summer camps or day camps)
(Mostly) Indoor Summer Jobs
- Child care – babysitting or daycare
- Restaurant – host or hostess, bussing tables, etc.
- Fast food – burgers, ice cream, Chipotle, etc.
- Retail store – bringing in carts, running orders out for mobile orders, facilitating returns, stocking shelves
- Grocery store – bringing in carts, bagging groceries, stocking shelves
- Movie theaters – checking tickets, selling concessions
- Concert venues – checking tickets, running concession stands
- Freelance or online jobs – freelance writing, graphic design, social media management, or virtual assistance
- Internship program or apprenticeship
- Tutoring or academic support
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s address some common questions high school students and their parents may have about summer jobs.
Finding a job at 14 can be challenging due to age restrictions. Popular options include babysitting, yard work, or pet care. Some local businesses might also offer part-time positions that don’t require long work hours.
Teens can start by checking local community boards, asking friends and family, and visiting local businesses. Websites like Indeed and local Facebook groups often list job openings nearby. Online jobs are also a good option for teens who don’t have transportation options.
Lifeguarding, retail positions, and food service jobs are known for offering competitive pay. Jobs that require specific skills, like tutoring or freelancing, can also offer higher wages.
Yes, age restrictions vary by job and region. Many states require work permits for teens under 16. Certain jobs, like lifeguarding or working with machinery, may have stricter age requirements.
At 16, teens can access a broader range of jobs, including retail, food service, and camp counseling. They can also become lifeguards or swim instructors if they have the necessary certifications.
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