Summer is the perfect time for teenagers to get a job and start earning their own money, learning valuable skills, and gaining experience. There are plenty of great summer jobs for teenagers, from babysitting to mowing lawns to working in food service. Summer jobs are a rite of passage and can teach you valuable life and work skills, and they can also be a lot of fun.
If you are looking for a teen summer job, check out this list of 41+ great summer jobs for teens. Please note that there are a few requirements for American teens before they apply for certain jobs or register on certain online platforms/websites. If you are a parent, you can help your teenager find the perfect summer job to earn money during the summer months.
45+ Summer Jobs For Teens To Make Extra Money
1. Lawn Mowing
Lawn mowing is a great summer job for teenagers o earn extra cash. It is a physically active job that can be done outdoors and does not require special skills or training. Lawn mowing businesses typically hire workers on a per-job basis, so this can be an excellent option for teens who want to earn money but do not have a lot of time to commit to a regular job.
To get started, teens can simply post flyers in their neighborhood advertising their lawn mowing services. Once they have built up a clientele, they can start charging by the hour or by the job. For safety, it is important to use proper equipment and wear protective gear when operating a lawn mower.
2. Babysitting
Babysitting is a classic job for teens to make some money. While it may seem an easy job, there is a lot of responsibility that comes with it. When you are babysitting, you are responsible for the safety and well-being of the children in your care. This means being alert and attentive at all times and knowing what to do in case of an emergency.
It is also important to be able to entertain and occupy the children while they are in your care. This may include playing games, reading stories, or coming up with other creative activities.
If you are interested in babysitting, start by talking to your friends and neighbors to see if anyone requires a babysitter.
Some babysitting sites to find babysitting jobs online include:
You can also check online classifieds or local parenting groups. Once you have found a potential client, be sure to have a conversation about expectations and pay rates before starting the job.
3. Dog Walking
If you are a dog lover, dog walking is the perfect summer job for you. However, to be a successful dog walker, you must be reliable and have flexible hours available. You will also need to be comfortable walking in all kinds of weather. Plus, you will need to be good with dogs!
Here are some online platforms to find dog walking jobs online:
If you think dog walking is the right summer job for you, here are a few tips to get started:
- Ask your friends and family members who have dogs to see if they would be interested in your dog-walking service.
- Contact local pet stores and ask if they have any recommendations for dog walkers in the area.
- Put up flyers in your neighborhood advertising your dog walking services. Be sure to include your contact information so people can reach you easily.
- Start a blog or website about your dog walking business. This is a great way to promote your business and attract new clients.
- Get involved with local animal shelters or rescue groups. They may have volunteer opportunities to walk dogs, which can lead to paid gigs down the road.
4. House Sitting
House sitting is a great way to earn some extra money and get some experience caring for a home. However, to be a successful house sitter, you will need to be responsible and reliable. You will also need to be comfortable with the idea of being in someone else’s home while they are away.
Here are some sites to find house sitter jobs:
- MindMyHouse
- House Sitters America
Here are some tips for being a great house sitter:
- Ensure you understand the homeowners’ expectations before agreeing to take on the job.
- Be sure to keep the home clean and tidy while the homeowners are away.
- Take care of any pets that may be staying at the home as well.
- If any problems or issues arise, be sure to communicate with the homeowners so they can address them when they return.
5. Car Washing
Another classic summer job for a teenager is car washing. The job of a car washer is to clean the exterior and interior of a car. This may involve using a hose to clean the outside of the car and a vacuum cleaner to clean the inside of the vehicle. Car washers may also be responsible for cleaning the windows of the car.
There are a few things to keep in mind when looking for a car wash job. First, most car washes are businesses, so you will need to be able to work during business hours. Second, many car washes require that you be at least 18 years old. Third, you will need to have a valid driver’s license and be able to drive a manual transmission vehicle.
If you meet all of the requirements, then working at a car wash can be a great summer job. You will get to work outdoors, meet new people, and learn new skills. Plus, you can earn some good money.
6. Yard Work
Yard work is a great summer job for teenagers to make some money. It is also a great way to do some exercise. There are a few things to keep in mind when looking for yard work jobs, though.
First, you will need to be able to lift heavy objects and do strenuous activities for long periods. If you have any physical limitations, yard work may not be the best job for you.
Second, you will need to be comfortable working in all types of weather. If you are not up for sweating in the summer heat or getting chilly in the spring and fall, yard work may not be the right fit.
Third, you should be able to follow instructions and pay attention to detail. Many yard work jobs will require you to use power tools or operate machinery, so it is important that you are comfortable following directions and paying attention to what you are doing.
Fourth, it is helpful if you have your own transportation. Yard work jobs can often be spread out across a city or town, so having your way to get around will make it easier to find work.
Finally, be prepared to negotiate your pay. Many people who hire teens for yard work jobs are willing to pay more than minimum wage, but you must know what your skills are worth and not undersell yourself.
7. Painting
As a painter, your responsibilities will include preparing surfaces for painting, applying paint and other finishes to surfaces, and cleaning up after yourself. To be a successful painter, you will need to have good attention to detail, be able to follow instructions carefully, and be comfortable working with your hands.
Painting can be a physically demanding job, so you will need to be in good physical shape.
You will also need to be comfortable working at heights, as many painting jobs require climbing ladders or scaffolding.
8. Food Service
Food service can be a perfect summer job for teens. There are many types of food service jobs, from working in restaurants and coffee shops to catering to grocery stores. As a food worker, you will learn important customer service skills and how to work as part of a team.
Food service jobs can be physically demanding, so you need to be able to stand for long periods and lift heavy objects.
9. Work In Retail
Many teens find summer jobs in retail stores. A summer retail job can be a great choice for teens to learn customer service skills and learn about different types of products. Retail jobs can be found in a variety of places, including department stores, clothing stores, grocery stores, and more.
Teens who work in retail typically have responsibilities such as cashiering, stocking shelves and helping customers find what they need. Some retail jobs may also involve opening and closing the store, handling returns and exchanges, and working with the store’s inventory system.
10. Camp Counselor
If you enjoy being outdoors and around children, working as a camp counselor can be the perfect summer job. As a camp counselor, you will lead activities, supervise children, and ensure their safety. You will also need to be able to handle any behavioral issues that may arise.
This can be a challenging job, but it is also very rewarding. Also, if you are looking for a summer job to help you gain experience working with children, this is the job for you.
One of the great things about being a camp counselor is that you get to work with kids and help them have an amazing summer. However, you will need to be at least 18 years old to apply for this job, and most camps require you to have experience working with kids.
11. Pool Cleaner
If you are comfortable working around water, then you may consider working as a pool cleaner during the summer months. There are a few things to consider when taking on the job of a pool cleaner. Some people are naturally afraid of large bodies of water, so this may not be the right job for them.
Another thing to keep in mind is that pool cleaning can be quite dirty work. You will be required to clean the filter and skimmers and vacuum the pool regularly. This means getting up close and personal with all the dirt and debris that can accumulate in a pool.
Finally, you must be able to work independently and be self-motivated. The job of a pool cleaner requires very little supervision, so if you are not the type of person who can stay on task without someone looking over your shoulder, this may not be the job for you.
12. House Cleaner
Working as a house cleaner can be a great summer job for teenagers. The work is usually not very physically demanding, and it can be an excellent way to earn some extra money. House cleaners typically work in teams of two or three, and they usually clean homes within a certain radius of their home. This means that teenagers can often find work close to where they live. House cleaners typically work during the day and charge by the hour.
13. Shop Assistant
Most shop assistant jobs involve customer service in some capacity. This can include soft skills such as interacting with customers to help them find what they need, handling returns or exchanges, processing transactions, and operating a cash register.
Shop assistant jobs may also involve tasks like stocking shelves, cleaning the store, or performing loss prevention. In addition, some shop assistant jobs may require lifting heavy objects or working with hazardous materials.
14. Pet Sitter
If you love animals, you can earn extra cash by taking care of other people’s pets while they are at work or on vacation. As a pet sitter, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration. The most important thing is ensuring the animal is well taken care of and its needs are met. This includes feeding them on time, walking them regularly, and providing them with any necessary medical attention.
Additionally, it is important to keep the animal’s living area clean and tidy. Another important aspect of being a pet sitter is maintaining good communication with the animal’s owner. This means keeping them updated on how their pet is doing and addressing any concerns they may have.
You can ask around your neighborhood to see if people who have pets would be interested in your pet-sitting service. You can also find pet-sitting jobs online using pet-sitting sites like:
15. Dishwasher
Working as a dishwasher can be a great summer job for teenagers. Dishwashers typically work in restaurants, hotels, or other food service establishments. They are responsible for cleaning dishes, glassware, silverware, and utensils. Dishwashers usually work in the kitchen area of a food service establishment. Some dishwashers may be responsible for cleaning other areas of the establishment, such as the dining room or restrooms.
16. Lifeguard
Working as a lifeguard is a great summer job for teenagers. There are a few things that are involved in the job, such as watching over swimmers, making sure the pool area is clean, and helping to set up and take down the equipment. Lifeguards also need to be CPR certified.
17. Daycare Worker
Working as a daycare worker can be a great summer job for teenagers. There are a few things that are involved in this type of job, such as watching the children, making sure they are safe, and keeping them entertained. This job can be a lot of fun, but it is also important to remember that it is a job and that the children’s safety is always the number one priority.
18. Au Pair
Working as an Au pair is an excellent way for teenagers to earn money while spending a summer in another country. An Au pair is typically a live-in nanny who cares for the children of a family while the parents are working. In exchange for room and board, the Au pair agrees to work for the family for a set number of hours each week.
19. Nanny
When working as a nanny, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you must be reliable and responsible. This means showing up on time every day, being organized, and being able to take care of the children in your care. Secondly, you must be patient and good with children.
This means being able to handle tantrums and other challenges that may come up. Finally, you must be able to have fun! This means being creative and engaging with the children in your care. If you can do all of these things, then working as a nanny can be a great summer job for teenagers!
20. Caddy
Caddy jobs are usually available at golf courses and involve carrying a player’s golf clubs and providing other assistance during the game. Other duties may include raking bunkers, repairing divots, and providing refreshments. Caddies typically receive a salary plus tips.
21. Golf Course Worker
Golf course workers typically perform a variety of tasks to keep the course in good condition. This can involve mowing the grass, raking the sand traps, and watering the greens. In addition, golf courses often have a staff of full-time workers responsible for more complex tasks, such as operating the machinery and applying chemicals to the greens.
22. Tennis Court Worker
A tennis court worker is responsible for cleaning and maintaining the tennis courts. This involves sweeping the courts, removing debris, and applying necessary treatments to keep the courts in good condition. Tennis court workers may also be responsible for setting up and taking down the nets and conducting any repairs that may be needed.
23. Umpiring/Refereeing
Working as an umpire/referee as a summer job for teenagers can be a great way to stay active during the summer months. There are many different levels of competition, from recreational leagues to professional matches, so there is always a need for officials. As an umpire or referee, you would be responsible for enforcing the rules of the game and ensuring that all players follow the guidelines and also have to deal with coaches from time to time.
24. Basketball Coach
Basketball coaches typically work with players of all ages but may specialize in coaching teenagers. In addition to teaching the fundamentals of the game, coaches also help players improve their skills and strategies. They may also need to develop practice plans and organize team activities.
25. Soccer Coach
Working as a soccer coach for teenagers can be a great summer job. It is important to be able to communicate well with teenagers, as they can be challenging at times. In addition, soccer coaches need to be able to teach the basics of the game, as well as more advanced techniques.
They also need to be able to work with different skill levels, as some teenagers will be very new to the game while others will have been playing for years.
26. Baseball Coach
Working as a baseball coach for teenagers can be a great summer job. You can work with kids of all ages and help them improve their skills. You will need to be patient and able to explain things clearly. You will also need to be able to keep up with the kids and their energy levels.
27. Acting/Modeling
There are many different aspects to being an actor or model. For example, you may be required to audition for roles, attend castings, or attend meetings with industry professionals. You will also need to keep your appearance up to standards and be in good physical shape. If you are successful, you may find yourself working long hours on set or at photo shoots.
28. Music Lessons
There are many different types of music lessons that a teenager can teach over the summer. Private lessons, group lessons, and even online lessons are all options for those wanting to work as music teachers. There are a few things to consider before taking on such a job. Make sure you can commit to the number of hours required per week and have a space in your home or access to a space where the lessons can be held.
29. Computer Lessons
As a computer teacher for a summer job, you will be working with summer school students of all ages to teach them various computer skills. This can include anything from how to use basic office software to more complex coding languages. No matter the skill level of your students, it is important to be patient and understand that everyone learns at their own pace.
30. Sports Lessons
A sports lessons teacher is responsible for planning and delivering sports lessons to groups of teenagers. They will need to be able to adapt their teaching style to the ability of their students and create an enjoyable and challenging learning environment. There may also be some administrative tasks involved, such as booking facilities and equipment and keeping records of student progress.
31. Art Lessons
There are a few things to keep in mind when giving art lessons as a summer job for teenagers. First, it is important to be organized and have a plan for each lesson. Second, be patient with your students and be willing to answer any questions they may have. Finally, be prepared to have some fun.
32. Photography
One option for a summer job for teenagers is giving photography lessons. This can involve going over the basics of photography, helping students pick out the right camera, and teaching them how to frame a shot. For those who are interested in a more advanced class, teaching basic photo editing skills can also be covered.
33. Sewing
A few things are involved with sewing as a summer job for teenagers. First, they will need to know how to use a sewing machine. Second, they should be familiar with different types of fabrics and how to work with them. Finally, they will need to have some basic stitching skills.
34. Cooking
Working as a food worker as a summer job for teenagers can involve a lot of different things. For example, they might have to cook food for customers at a restaurant, or they might have to cook food for events like weddings or parties. They might also have to clean the kitchen and do other cooking-related chores.
35. Waitressing
Waiting tables is a popular summer job for teenagers. It can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it also comes with some challenges. For one, you’re constantly on your feet and dealing with customers, so it can be tough to stay calm and polite when things get hectic. You also have to remember a lot of information (orders, specials, etc.) and juggle multiple tasks at once.
36. Bartending
Working as a bartender can be a great summer job for teenagers. There is a lot of customer interaction, which can be fun, and the work itself is not too difficult. The hours can be flexible, which is great for students who are also taking summer classes. Of course, being a bartender also means being responsible for handling alcohol, so it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take precautions accordingly.
37. Office Assistant
There are many duties that an office assistant may have to perform over a day. These duties can range from answering phones and taking messages to more complex tasks such as data entry or preparing reports. No matter what the specific duties are, an office assistant must be able to work well under pressure and be able to multitask.
38. Event Planning
There are many different aspects to being an event planner, and it can be a great summer job for teenagers. Some main responsibilities include creating a budget, finding a venue, sending out invitations, and organizing the event itself.
There is a lot of coordination involved, and event planners need to be able to think on their feet and solve problems quickly. It can be a lot of work, but it can also be very rewarding to see everything come together and run smoothly.
39. Fundraising
Teenagers can do many different types of fundraisers as a summer job. The most common type of fundraiser is door-to-door canvassing, where teens go door-to-door asking for donations. This can be a very effective way to raise money but it can also be exhausting.
Other types of fundraisers include bake sales, car washes, and yard sales. Whatever type of fundraiser you choose, be sure to plan and set a goal for how much money you want to raise.
40. Amusement Park Worker
Working at an amusement park as a summer job for teenagers can be a great way to earn money while having fun. There are a variety of positions available, from working in the ticket booth to operating the rides. However, you must be at least 16 years old to work at most amusement parks, and you will need to pass a background check.
41. Working In A Coffee Shop
To work in a coffee shop as a summer job for teenagers, there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration. First, most coffee shops require employees to be at least 16 years old. Secondly, many coffee shops are open early in the morning and close late at night, so employees will need to be able to work various shifts.
Finally, being able to handle customer service with a smile is a must, as coffee shops rely heavily on repeat business from their regulars.
42. Working As A Tutor
If you are a good student and have a knack for teaching others, you can tutor junior students in a subject or two that you excel in to make some extra money. You can also teach English as a second language to others worldwide.
You can talk to friends, family members, and parents of students in your school or local area to see if they would be interested in your tutoring services. You can also find tutoring jobs for teens as a summer job on tutoring sites like:
- Course Hero
- TutorEye
- Preply
- PalFish
- Cambly
- Fiverr
43. Elderly Companion
You can become a helper to someone who is older in your local area to earn money as a teen. It is also a rewarding job.
44. Food And Package Delivery
Many local businesses, such as flower shops and pharmacies, need drivers to deliver orders to their customers. If you are a teen with a clean driving record, then you can make money during the summer months as a package delivery driver for these local businesses. You can also work as a food delivery driver for a food delivery service/company in your city.
45. Grocery Stocker
Working as a grocery stocker or bagger can be a great teen summer job to earn extra money during the summer. You can easily find grocery stocker jobs, as many grocery stores hire grocery stockers for part-time positions during the summer.
As a grocery stocker or bagger, your duties will typically include stocking food items, removing expired food, collecting carts, helping customers load groceries into their cars, and assisting other departments.
46. Freelancing
Thanks to the internet, there are many different types of online jobs for teens nowadays to make extra money. If you have any marketable skill that can be utilized online, you can freelance with that skill to make money as a freelancer. So, whether you have skills in writing, proofreading, social media, data entry, graphic design, web design, or any other area, you can start making money as a freelancer.
Here are some sites to find freelancing jobs for teens online:
- Upwork
- PeoplePerHour
- Fiverr
You can work as a freelancer anytime and from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.
4 Tips For Landing A Teen Summer Job
1. Start Your Search Early
The best way to find a great summer job is to start your search early. Many employers begin hiring for summer positions in the spring, so you’ll want to get a head start on the competition.
There are a few different ways to search for part-time summer jobs. You can check out job postings online, in the newspaper, or at your local library. You can also ask family and friends if they know of any openings or jobs looking for teen employment.
Another great way to find a summer job is to attend a job fair. Job fairs are usually held in the spring and are a great way to meet potential employers and learn about different types of jobs that might be available.
2. Get Creative With Your Job Search
There are a lot of ways to find summer jobs for teens. You can start by looking online, in the newspaper, or even asking your friends and family if they know of any openings. But do not limit yourself to these traditional methods – get creative and think outside the box!
Here are a few ideas:
- Check out job postings on online classifieds websites like Craigslist or Kijiji.
- Attend job fairs specifically for teenagers – many large cities host these annually.
- Go door-to-door in your neighborhood and hand out resumes (make sure you have permission from your parents first!).
- Ask local businesses if they are hiring summer staff – often, they are!
3. Be Persistent
No matter how many rejections you get, do not give up on your job search. The more online applications you fill out, the more likely you will get a callback. If you want a particular job, check back and see if anything has opened up.
You may also want to reach out to the company directly and express your interest in working there. Persistence is key when it comes to finding a summer job.
4. Be Prepared To Be Interviewed
When applying for a summer job, it is important to be prepared for the interview process.
Here Are Some Tips To Help You Ace Your Next Interview
No matter what summer job you have, it is important to use it as an opportunity to learn new skills. For example, if you are working in a customer service role, you can practice your communication and problem-solving skills. If you work in a manual labor role, you can learn to follow instructions and take pride in your work. No matter your job, there are always opportunities to learn new skills.
Even if you are just working as a cashier or lifeguard, there are always opportunities to learn new skills. For example, you can learn how to use different types of technology, how to handle customer service inquiries, or how to work as part of a team. If you take advantage of these opportunities, you will improve your resume and gain confidence in your abilities.
1. Be A Team Player
As a team player, you will be expected to work well with others and contribute to the team’s overall success. There are a few things you can do to be a great team player:
- Listen to and respect the opinions of others.
- Cooperate and communicate effectively with your teammates.
- Be willing to compromise and work towards consensus.
- Help out where needed and pitch in when needed.
- Be upbeat, even when things are tough.
- Summer jobs are often fast-paced and require teamwork to get the job done efficiently. Whether working on a construction crew or serving food at a restaurant, you must be a team player and pitch in where needed. This will not only show your boss that you are reliable but also help build camaraderie with your co-workers.
2. Be Punctual And Reliable
One of the most important qualities employers look for in employees is punctuality and reliability. Showing up on time for your shift and being able to be counted on day after day will go a long way in impressing your boss and ensuring that you have a successful summer job experience.
Most employers will value these qualities highly, which can be a make-or-break factor in getting hired for a position. To ensure you are seen as punctual and reliable, aim to arrive at least 10 minutes early for your interview or first day on the job. If you know you are going to be running late, call ahead and let your employer know.
Once you are on the job, do your best to stick to scheduled breaks and lunch times.
If you need to take time off, give your employer as much notice as possible so they can make arrangements. Finally, when it is time to clock out at the end of the day, make sure you do so promptly.
3. Dress And Groom For Success
No matter what part-time jobs you are applying for, it is important to dress and groom for success. This means being clean and well-groomed, wearing appropriate clothing, and having a positive attitude. First impressions are important, so make sure you take the time to present yourself in the best possible light.
First impressions matter, so you must dress and groom for success when heading into your summer employment job interview or first day on the job. Even if the dress code is casual, make sure you look presentable and put-together; this will show that you take pride in yourself and take the job seriously.
4. Have A Positive Attitude
Lastly, having a positive attitude is essential for making the most of your summer job. No one wants to work with someone who’s constantly complaining or has a negative outlook on life. So instead, try to focus on the positives and make the best of every situation. If you can do this, you are sure to have a successful and enjoyable summer job experience.
Conclusion
Summer jobs for teens are a great way to make money and have fun. There are plenty of great summer jobs for American teenagers, and they can teach you valuable life and work skills.
If you are looking for a summer job, be sure to start your search early, get creative with your job search, and be prepared to be interviewed. And once you land the job, use it as an opportunity to learn new life skills, vocational skills and build your work ethic. Some summer jobs may lead teens into future career pathways.