34 Perfect Summer Jobs for Teens Who Want to Earn Some Extra Cash

These 34 summer jobs for teens provide a range of possibilities for teens to gain valuable work experience and earn some money.

See also: 60+ Ideas for How to Make Money as a Teenager

It’s finally summer and your teen is excited to be done with school! 

And while every teen deserves a break after the crunch of finals, eventually they’ll need something to do besides playing video games or spending hours on social media.

Summer jobs for teens can not only build a sense of responsibility they also provide valuable work experience, business skills, and an understanding of employee expectations.

Plus, getting a summer job looks great to colleges – eager to find students with initiative, leadership, and a good work ethic. 

Oh…and let’s not forget about the money. Of course, a major benefit of getting a job is that teens earn money. And that money can be saved for college, cover extra expenses, or help pay for expensive extracurriculars.

The Best Summer Jobs for Teens

So without further ado, here are 34 summer jobs your teen could apply for this summer.

Lifeguard

One of the first summer jobs for teens most people think of is being a lifeguard. Lifeguards are in high demand in the summer when more pools, beaches, and lakes are open. Unlike other jobs for teens, lifeguards require specific training requiring hours of study, tests, and expenses. Teens who want to work as a lifeguard also need to be proficient swimmers, can remain calm and collected in an emergency, and have good communication skills. On average, teen lifeguards can make around $10-$15 per hour, but as lifeguards become more difficult to find, pay rates increase.

Retail associate

Working in a retail sales position can be a great experience for a teen as they learn to deal with customers, communicate with managers and co-workers, and handle money. To begin seeking employment at a retail store, teens should first think of stores they like shopping in. Next, they can reach out to these stores through email or a phone call to see if there are any open positions. Applying for a retail job usually entails filling out an application and having an interview. The hourly wage for a retail associate ranges from minimum wage to $15 per hour depending on location and experience. 

Camp counselor

Working as a camp counselor is a great opportunity for any teen who enjoys working with younger kids. Camp counselors take on a great deal of responsibility as they teach activities or coach sports as well as look after the safety and well-being of children. If becoming a day camp counselor is the goal, start by looking at local community organizations, schools, or your local YMCA to see if they offer summer camp positions. If a sleepaway camp counselor position is more desirable, check national or regional camp organizations, such as the American Camp Association (ACA), for job listings. The hourly wage for a camp counselor varies widely depending on the camp and location but on average it ranges from $8-$15 per hour. 

Babysitter/Nanny

Teens who enjoy working with kids can also seek out babysitting or nanny work as a part-time summer job. It helps to already have experience working with children and a basic knowledge of child development, safety, and first aid is a plus. Teens can seek out babysitting jobs by networking with family friends and family, using online platforms such as Care.com, Sittercity, and UrbanSitter, and advertising locally by hanging up fliers or posting in Facebook groups. The hourly wage for a babysitter or nanny varies based on experience, the number of kids, and location but can range from $10-$20 per hour.

Lawn care/landscaping worker

Work picks up in the summertime for landscaping companies which means they’re often looking for seasonal labor. Teens who know how to use lawn care equipment, including mowers and trimmers, are most likely to land a job. A bonus skill would be basic knowledge of plant care and identification, including weeds. On average, teen lawn care and landscaping workers can make around $10-$15 per hour depending on experience and location. 

Fast food worker or restaurant wait staff

Fast food restaurants are frequently looking for new employees due to high turnover in the industry and the expansion of locations. These restaurants, and restaurants in general, also offer many part-time jobs which can be ideal for some teens who are also taking classes or doing sports over the summer. To be a good food service worker, a teen will need good communication skills and the ability to work on a team. Since the job requires the handling of food, it also requires good hygiene and following safety practices. The hourly wage for a fast food worker ranges from minimum wage to $15 per hour depending on location and experience. 

Movie theater attendant

Movie buffs will enjoy being movie theater attendants. It’s not uncommon for theaters to fill open positions during the summer with teenagers. Movie theater attendants sell tickets and collect tickets from customers. These jobs require good communication skills, good customer service skills, and basic math skills for handling transitions and calculating discounts. The hourly wage for a movie theater attendant ranges from minimum wage to $15 per hour depending on the location of the theater and the teen’s experience.

Ice cream shop attendant

Working at an ice cream shop can be a fun way for a teen to spend the summer. Scooping ice cream for customers requires good communication skills (to make sure the order is understood) and good customer service. It’s also necessary to have basic math skills for handling cash transactions as these may be more common at ice cream shops. Ice cream shop attendants will also be expected to memorize flavors and be able to tell customers which ingredients are in each flavor. On average, teen ice cream shop attendants can make between $10-$15 per hour depending on their experience and the location of the shop. 

Pet sitter/dog walker

Animal lovers may enjoy getting a summer job involving pets. Families going on summer vacations need someone to watch their pets and many would prefer that their pets stay in their homes. Busy families may also be looking for someone to walk their dogs during the day while they’re at work or doing other activities. Teens can find these jobs by networking with friends and in their neighborhood, advertising with fliers or on social media, joining a pet sitting or dog walking service like Rover or Wag, or reaching out to local veterinary clinics, pet stores, or dog grooming businesses to inquire about potential job openings. Teens can expect to make about $10-$20 per hour being a pet sitter or dog walker.

Car wash attendant

A car wash attendant position is ideal for teens who want to be outside in the summer and who enjoy cars. Being a car wash attendant means being willing to potentially get wet while helping cars go through the car wash. It can be beneficial to have a basic knowledge of different types of vehicles and how to wash them. Employees also need basic math skills and will be required to handle cash and credit card transactions. The hourly wage teens can expect from being a car wash attendant ranges from minimum wage to $15 per hour depending on location and experience. 

Amusement park worker

What better way to spend your summer than at an amusement park? As seasonal operations, amusement parks can provide the perfect summer jobs for teens. Amusement park workers will need to have great customer service and communication skills. They will also need to be comfortable learning to operate the rides and attractions including following strict safety procedures. The hourly wage for amusement park workers ranges from minimum wage to $15 per hour depending on location and experience. 

Golf course attendant

If your teen is a golf enthusiast or is eager to spend their summer outside, a golf course attendant could be the perfect job. Golf course attendants frequently interact with customers so having a good rapport and attitude is crucial. Teens in this position will also need to feel comfortable operating golf carts and other related equipment. Teen golf course attendants can expect to be paid anywhere from minimum wage to $15 per hour, and if they work as golf caddies they may also receive tips.

Pool maintenance worker

Among the summer jobs for teens is a pool maintenance worker who is trained in pool chemistry and maintenance. This job entails both cleaning pools and using a variety of chemicals, such as chlorine, bromine, and pH adjusters, to maintain the water’s cleanliness, clarity, and safety. The hourly wage for pool maintenance work ranges from minimum wage to $20 per hour depending on location and experience.

Summer school tutor

Academically-minded teens may want to pursue a job as a summer school tutor. If your teen is especially good in a specific subject, they may be a valuable resource for middle school students, in particular, who need some support. The best way to find these jobs is to check with local schools, look at online job boards for positions, reach out to tutoring companies, and network with family, friends, and teachers. Summer school tutors can expect to make between $15-$50 per hour, however, the high end would be more typical of an adult’s salary. 

Farmhand/ farm worker

Teens who live in rural areas full of farmland may want to pursue a job as a farmhand or farm worker. It’s helpful to already understand agriculture and farm equipment when pursuing this work. It’s also important to be ready to handle day-long physical labor and be willing to work outdoors in all weather. The hourly wage for a farmhand or farm worker ranges from minimum wage to $15 per hour.

Grocery store clerk

Most communities have grocery stores nearby and these stores frequently need more labor, making them a perfect summer job for teens. Grocery store clerks or cashiers need good communication and customer service skills and basic math skills for when they work the register. It’s also important to be willing to do physical labor such as stocking shelves and organizing inventory. This is a minimum wage job but it’s possible to get $15 per hour depending on location. 

Restaurant dishwasher

Restaurants are often in need of new dishwashers as this can be a high turnover position, making it a potential summer job for a teen. Dishwashers tend to work afternoon and/or evening hours depending on the establishment. And they need to be prepared to work in a fast-paced environment and stand for long periods of time. The hourly wage for a dishwasher is often minimum wage to $15 per hour. 

Tour guide

A good summer job for teens who live near a tourist attraction or city is being a tour guide. These jobs require a knowledge of the tour location and its history and communicating this knowledge to customers. Teens who fulfill this role will need to be able to handle groups of people and operate audio/visual equipment. The hourly wage for a tour guide varies depending on location but can be between $10-$25 per hour plus tips.

Food delivery driver

The food delivery business has experienced significant growth over the past few years with the rise of mobile technology and the increased demand for convenience. Teens with a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle can sign up to be a delivery driver with companies like Uber Eats, DoorDash or Grubhub or simply by checking with local restaurants. In most cases, food delivery drivers can set their hours, making this a highly flexible job. Payment from food delivery apps is typically calculated with a combination of base fare, distance fee, and time fee. Drivers also get to keep 100% of their tips. 

Call center representative

Qualified teens can become call center representatives over the summer. This work involves sitting at a desk and being able to handle a high volume of calls. However, this work can also be highly flexible depending on the employer. Call center representatives need to have above-average communication skills as well as ample patience for rude or disgruntled customers. The average hourly pay for a call center representative is about $14 per hour and often, but not always, requires a high school diploma. 

Park maintenance worker

If your teen enjoys nature and wants to be outside during the summer, a park maintenance worker might be the perfect job. This job requires manual labor such as mowing lawns and trimming trees as well as picking up trash. It’s helpful to have some experience in landscaping before applying for this job. Beware that some positions require a high school diploma. The average hourly pay for a park maintenance worker tends to be around $15 per hour.

Pet store worker

Animal lovers may consider applying for a job at a pet store over the summer. This position involves assisting customers with pet-related needs such as food, bedding, supplements, and toys. It may also involve cleaning cages and tanks and assisting with animal care. The average hourly pay for a pet store worker is $11 per hour or minimum wage.

Office assistant

Some businesses may be open to hiring a teen as an office assistant over the summer. This job involves providing administrative support such as answering phones and organizing files. An office assistant may also be asked to run errands, pick up food, or perform other tasks as necessary. While some positions require a high school diploma, some offices, eager for extra help, may waive that requirement. The average hourly pay for an office assistant is $14 per hour or minimum wage. 

Daycare assistant

Teens who enjoy working with children may want to consider working as a daycare assistant. However, the requirements for working in a daycare vary by state and many states require daycare workers to be at least 18 years old. Some states may allow 16 to 17-year-olds to work as assistants as long as they meet certain requirements and are supervised by an adult. This job will typically involve preparing activities and meals and possibly changing diapers. The average hourly pay for a daycare assistant is about $12 per hour or minimum wage. 

Warehouse worker

Warehouse workers are responsible for receiving, storing, and shipping goods in a warehouse or distribution center. While these jobs often require a high school diploma or equivalent, older teens may be able to obtain a job in certain states and industries. The average hourly pay for a warehouse worker is $15 per hour or minimum wage.

House cleaner

House cleaners are responsible for cleaning and organizing the homes or businesses of their clients. This job involves using cleaning supplies and equipment while also working with customers to meet their needs. The average hourly pay for a house cleaner is about $14 per hour depending on the location. 

Event staff

Event companies or venues sometimes require increased staff during summer months and are willing to hire teens. This job requires standing for long periods, interacting with attendees, and potentially lifting and moving heavy equipment. Teens can find event staff jobs through local companies or search online for event staff job openings.

Valet/parking attendant

Older teens with a valid driver’s license and clean driving record may be able to work as valets or parking attendants. This job requires being able to operate both manual and automatic vehicles and the ability to be reliable and responsible. Local valet companies, hotels, or restaurants typically hire valets. The pay for valets or parking attendants varies but on average can earn between $8-$12 per hour plus tips.

Ride-share driver

Another summer job suitable for older teens with a license is working as a ride-share driver. Teens who consider this job must have a clean driving record and be comfortable with technology since they’ll use an app to receive ride requests and navigate destinations. To apply, teens can sign up with ride-share services like Uber or Lyft. The pay is determined by base fare, distance, and time and also whether or not it is a period of high demand. These companies may also offer bonuses or promotions for completing a certain number of trips, driving during peak hours, or recruiting new drivers but also charge fees for each fare. Ride-share drivers may also receive tips. 

Assistant coach for a sports team

Teens who excel in a certain sport may be able to assist a coach over the summer. While most of these jobs emerge because of the existing relationship between the coach and athlete, teens can check with local schools, community centers, or sports organizations for opportunities. The pay for assistant coaches can vary but on average is between $10-$20 per hour. 

Social media assistant

Teens who have a good understanding of social media platforms such as Instagram, Tiktok, or Facebook may be able to get a job as a social media assistant. This position requires the ability to work independently and to have good writing and communication skills. Teens may be able to find a social media assistant job by networking with friends and family or checking with local businesses on online job sites. The skills gained in this position could also lead to a paid internship in the future leading to future work in marketing. The pay for social media assistants varies but can be between $10-$20 per hour. 

Barista

Teens who are 16 years or older may be able to work as a barista at Starbucks or another cafe. This job requires the ability to be on your feet for your entire shift and work in a fast-paced environment, handling multiple tasks simultaneously. It’s also important to be able to follow recipes and accurately follow customers’ requests. The pay for entry-level baristas is typically minimum wage plus tips.

House or plant sitter

Many families travel during the summer and need someone to look after their house, plants or pets (more information about pet sitter positions is above). Teens who take on this work need to have good communication skills and be able to follow the precise instructions of the homeowner. House-sitting jobs can be found through networking with friends, family, and neighbors, advertising on community boards, or through social media groups. The pay rates for house or plant sitters can vary but on average earns between $10-$20 per hour.

Finding work through Upwork

Upwork is a job board for freelancers and teens of a certain age and skill set can apply for jobs there. Most of the work on Upwork involves writing, graphic design, or coding and requires freelancers to be self-motivated, disciplined, and able to manage their time efficiently. To apply for jobs on Upwork, teens need to create a strong profile that showcases their skills and experience. They also need to be prepared to submit a proposal for each job, outlining qualifications and how they can best meet the client’s needs. Pay through Upwork varies based on a variety of factors including level of experience, demand for skills, and rates set. Some freelancers only make a few dollars per hour while others make hundreds or even thousands per project. Upwork takes a percentage of earnings as a fee. 

See related:

14 Sample Interview Questions for Teens (With Realistic Answers)

28 Perfect Part Time Jobs for High Schoolers

How to Make Money Online as a Teen

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Everything Your Child Needs to Know About Money Before Leaving Home