Many teens and college students want to make money to help pay for college. Summer time is a great time to put those wants into action. Plus, summer jobs help students to hone their communications skills, time-management know-how, and work-ethic. Some of these jobs range from part-time to seasonal full-time employment. The wages will range based on job responsibilities, location, and employer. Check out our list of best summer jobs for teens and college students.
Lifeguard
If you have some strong swimming skills and are comfortable in all types of water conditions, then applying to be a lifeguard may be your dream summer job. Lifeguards may oversee aquatic activities, give swimming lessons, and enforce safety rules at the neighborhood pool, lake, water park, or recreation center. Lifeguards may require training that the student will not be paid on before they can be hired.
Babysitting or Nanny
If you are great with children, babysitting or nanny work for you. Parents will hire babysitters and nannies to provide temporary support to take care of their most precious children. Duties will vary depending on the age of the children and the hours that you work. Of course no matter what the age, ensuring child safety is paramount. If you work with babies, you should expect to be changing diapers, feeding the babies, and lots of time holding them in your arms. If you are working with toddlers and younger children, you should expect to prepare snacks and meals, play games, and clean up the play area. Hourly rates will range by the family, number of children being cared for, and location. Some local organizations or child care agencies may provide certifications after the student attends training and safety courses.
Tutor
If you are a subject matter expert, then you may want to consider being a tutor. Tutors assist students with homework, projects, papers, test preparation and other academic tasks. Tutors may start by assessing their students abilities and then assist and encourage the learning process by helping them to understand key concepts and how to apply specific information. Some tutors work in person one on one, others with groups, and sometimes it could be offered online. Rates will vary depending whether the student is offering their services (and decides on their own rate structure), working for parents who have a specific hourly rate in mind, or are hired as a part of an organization that offers tutoring services. Occasionally, many tutoring services train tutors to help them gain motivation, engagement and occasionally subject matter skills.
Landscape Worker
If you like to spend time outdoors and enjoying gardening, landscape work is a great summer job. Job responsibilities often include mowing lawns, trimming hedges, raking leaves, planting flowers and shrubs, applying fertilizers and pesticides, and outdoor maintenance duties. Your hourly rate will depend on whether you are setting your prices, contracting directly with a family or business, or are working as a part of a crew and are an employee. Many people learn their landscaping skills from a family member or friend.
Camp Counselor
If you like children and enjoy managing activities, camp counselor jobs may be your best bet for a summer job. Counselors duties typically include ensuring safety of campers, keeping track of campers’ dietary restrictions and allergies, distributing snacks and meals, coordinating outdoor and/or indoor activities, mediating conflicts and behavioral issues, helping to maintain or clean facilities, and occasionally providing subject matter training. Compensation will depend on your experience, location, type of camp, and employer. Many camps provide training before the camp starts pr on the job training with senior camp counselors.
Grocery Store Associate
If you like your local grocery store, consider becoming a grocery store associate. Job duties range from stocking shelves, bagging groceries, working as a cashier, or working with a specific department like a meat counter or bakery. Training usually happens on the job and hourly rates will vary by location, employer, and prior job experience.
Barista or Food Server
If you like food and people, you may enjoy being a food server or a barista as a summer job. Job responsibilities include answering questions about the menu, taking food orders, preparing and delivering food and beverages and managing payments. Generally, these jobs get hourly rates and most employers provide on the job training. Be aware that some larger employers may offer tuition assistance programs to employees, so some students may decide to continue working during the academic year.
Colleen Krumwiede
Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer
Colleen MacDonald Krumwiede is a financial aid and paying for college expert with over a decade of financial aid experience at Stanford GSB, Caltech, and Pomona College and another decade at educational finance and technology companies servicing higher education. She guides go-to-market strategy and product development at Quatromoney to transform the way families afford college.
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