Ultimate Guide to Teen Summer Job Hunting (2023)

As high school comes to an end, summer is a fantastic time for teens to discover and explore new things. A summer job is a good way to get exposure to new experiences. You can also make a little extra cash – it’s always nice to have a little spending money!

Regardless of the position, any summer job brings tasks and challenges. Over the course of a summer, you will be able to develop essential skills like communication, time management, and problem-solving.

Working during the summer can be an excellent way to discover potential career paths. You’ll expand your network and start to build a strong resume for the future. In this guide, you’ll find a detailed overview of many of the exciting and rewarding opportunities out there for teens. These jobs cater to a variety of skills and interests, so there’s something suitable no matter your goals or future plans.

Find a summer job today!

The Best Summer Jobs for Teens

1) Summer Camp Counselor

Job description: For a summer camp job, you’ll be responsible for leading, supervising, and engaging with campers. Summer camp counselors may be responsible for groups aged between 6 and 16 years. You’ll plan and execute various recreational and educational activities, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.
Skills required: Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities, as well as patience, adaptability, and a passion for working with children.
Benefits: Gain experience in leadership, teamwork, and child development, while enjoying an active and social work environment.

2) Amusement Park Employee

Job description: Amusement park employees can work in a variety of positions. These might include ride operators, ticket booth attendants, or concession stand workers. Responsibilities will vary depending on the role. Those responsibilities may include ensuring guest safety, providing excellent customer service, and maintaining the cleanliness of the park.
Skills required: Good communication, attentiveness, and a friendly demeanor, along with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Benefits: Develop customer service skills, teamwork, and multitasking abilities, while working in a fun and lively setting.

3) Movie Theater Employee

Job description: Movie theater employees can work as ticket sellers, concession stand attendants, or theater ushers. Responsibilities may include selling tickets, serving food, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring a pleasant experience for guests.
Skills required: Excellent communication, customer service skills, and the ability to work well in a team.
Benefits: Develop customer service and teamwork skills, while enjoying perks such as free movie passes.

4) Resort Desk Clerk

Job description: As a resort desk clerk, you’ll be the first point of contact for guests. You’ll handle check-ins and check-outs, answer questions, and provide information about the resort and surrounding area. You may also assist with reservations and other guest services.
Skills required: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and basic computer proficiency.
Benefits: Develop customer service and problem-solving skills, while gaining experience in the hospitality industry.

5) Yard Work or Landscaping

Job description: Yard work or landscaping jobs may involve tasks such as mowing lawns, trimming hedges, planting flowers, or maintaining gardens for clients. You could work for a landscaping company or start your own small lawn care business.
Skills required: Physical stamina, attention to detail, and basic gardening knowledge. Customer service skills are also important if you plan to work with clients directly.
Benefits: Stay active and enjoy the outdoors, while developing time management and entrepreneurship skills if running your own business.

6) Lifeguard

Job description: As a lifeguard, you’ll be responsible for ensuring the safety of swimmers at pools, beaches, or water parks. You’ll monitor activities, enforce rules, and provide assistance in case of emergencies.
Skills required: Strong swimming skills, certification in first aid and CPR, and the ability to remain vigilant and focused for extended periods.
Benefits: Develop lifesaving skills, responsibility, and teamwork, while spending time outdoors in a fun environment. Jobs on the water are always fun.

7) Retail Associate

Job description: Retail associates are responsible for assisting customers, maintaining store cleanliness, stocking shelves, and handling cash transactions. You’ll need to be knowledgeable about the products and provide excellent customer service to ensure a pleasant shopping experience.
Skills required: Good communication, a friendly demeanor, and the ability to work well in a team.
Benefits: Develop customer service, sales, and teamwork skills in a structured work environment.

8) Food Service Worker

Job description: Food service workers can hold various positions. For teens, these positions may include working as a server, cashier, or kitchen staff in restaurants, cafes, or fast-food chains. Duties may include taking orders, preparing food, and maintaining cleanliness in the workplace.
Skills required: Strong communication, multitasking, and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Benefits: Gain experience in customer service, teamwork, and time management, while potentially earning tips to supplement your income.

9) Tutor

Job description: As a tutor, you’ll provide support to students, helping them improve their understanding of specific subjects. Tutors typically work with students in their area of expertise, such as math, science, or language arts. You may be asked to work with individuals or small groups on a common subject.
Skills required: Strong knowledge in the subject area, excellent communication, and patience.
Benefits: Enhance your own understanding of the subject, and develop teaching and communication skills. Tutors may have an opportunity to earn a higher hourly wage compared to other summer jobs.

10) Social Media Assistant

Job description: Social media assistants help businesses or individuals manage their online presence. This often includes creating and curating content, engaging with followers, and tracking analytics across various social media platforms.
Skills required: Proficiency in social media platforms, strong communication, creativity, and basic graphic design skills.
Benefits: Gain experience in digital marketing, content creation, and analytics, while potentially working from home or with a flexible schedule.

11) Dog Walker or Pet Sitter

Job description: Dog walkers and pet sitters provide care for pets while their owners are at work or on vacation. Responsibilities may include dog walking, feeding and grooming pets, and giving medication when necessary.
Skills required: Love for animals, reliability, and good communication with pet owners.
Benefits: Spend time with animals, enjoy flexible hours, and potentially start your own small pet care business.

12) Babysitter or Nanny

Job description: Babysitters and nannies provide childcare for families on a part-time or full-time basis. Duties may include supervising playtime, preparing meals, assisting with homework, and following bedtime routines.
Skills required: Patience, responsibility, good communication, and experience or interest in working with children.
Benefits: Develop childcare and communication skills, while potentially earning higher pay compared to other summer jobs.

13) Local Tour Guide

Job description: Local tour guides lead groups of tourists or visitors through points of interest in their city or region. While engaging with tourists, they share historical facts, stories, and insider tips about the area.
Skills required: Excellent communication, knowledge of local history and attractions, and strong interpersonal skills.
Benefits: Develop public speaking and customer service skills while showcasing your hometown and meeting people from diverse backgrounds.

14) Delivery or Courier Service

Job description: Delivery or courier service workers transport goods, documents, or packages to customers or businesses. This job may involve driving a car, riding a bike, or even walking, depending on the location and type of deliveries.
Skills required: Time management, navigation skills, and a valid driver’s license if driving is required.
Benefits: Enjoy independence and flexibility while developing time management and problem-solving skills.

15) Community Volunteer

Job description: Community volunteers offer their time and skills to support local organizations or causes. These organizations may include food banks, animal shelters, or environmental cleanups. While not always paid, volunteering can be a rewarding way to give back to your community and gain experience.
Skills required: Willingness to help, good communication, and adaptability.
Benefits: Gain valuable experience, build your resume, and make a positive impact in your community.

16) Internships

Job description: Internships are temporary work experiences that allow students to gain hands-on experience in their field of interest. Interns typically work under the supervision of experienced professionals, learning the ins and outs of the industry.
Skills required: Dependability, strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn and contribute to the team.
Benefits: Gain knowledge and experience in industries and jobs of interest for the future. Develop professional connections, and potentially secure future job opportunities.

17) Car Wash Attendant

Job description: Car wash attendants are responsible for cleaning and detailing vehicles. They also work to ensure customer satisfaction and maintain the cleanliness of the car wash facility.
Skills required: Attention to detail, physical stamina, and good customer service skills.
Benefits: Develop teamwork and customer service skills in a fast-paced environment.

18) Library Assistant

Job description: Library assistants help patrons locate books and resources, shelve materials, and maintain a clean and organized library space.
Skills required: Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a willingness to learn about library systems.
Benefits: Develop organizational and customer service skills while working in a quiet and scholarly environment.

How to Apply for Summer Jobs

Start early. Begin your job search early in the spring, as many employers start hiring for summer positions well in advance.
Tailor your resume. Customize your resume for each job you apply to. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Network. Talk to friends, family, teachers, and neighbors about your job search. They may have leads on available positions or connections within your desired industry.
Use online resources. Browse job boards and websites like this one. Set up alerts for teen jobs to help discover and apply for available summer job opportunities. Explore pay rates and schedules to make sure opportunities are likely to line up with what you’re available for.

Tips for Acing a Summer Job Interview

Research the company. Familiarize yourself with the company and the specific job requirements to show your genuine interest in the position.
Dress professionally. First impressions matter! Dress appropriately for the interview, even if the job itself has a more casual dress code.
Prepare answers to common questions. Practice answering common interview questions, such as “Why do you want to work here?” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
Bring a list of references. Have a list of at least three references. Include contact information and be ready to provide to the interviewer upon request.

Success Strategies for Teens Doing Summer Work

Be punctual. Arrive on time and ready to work. Punctuality demonstrates your commitment and reliability.
Show initiative. Take on additional tasks or offer assistance to coworkers without being asked. This will showcase your motivation and teamwork skills.
Maintain a positive attitude. Stay upbeat and maintain a positive attitude, even when faced with challenges or difficult situations.
Ask for feedback. Seek feedback from your supervisor or coworkers to help identify areas for improvement and to learn from your experiences.

Summer jobs offer teens the opportunity to earn money, develop valuable skills, and explore potential career paths. With a wide range of job opportunities available, from summer camp counselor to library assistant, there’s something for everyone. Start your summer job search with a fun job today!