If you are looking for a summer job as a teen, you will be glad to know that there are many great options to consider, like working in retail, babysitting, and lifeguarding. These not only help you earn extra money, but also teach you some valuable skills that can support your future career.
The good news is that you’re free to choose a role that fits your strengths and interests. To help you with this, we will take a closer look at some of the best summer jobs for teens and show you how to prepare a job application that leaves a good impression.
Key Takeaways
Working in retail, babysitting, lifeguarding, camp counseling, and landscaping are some of the most common summer jobs for teens.
Part-time jobs for teens usually pay from $7 to $21 per hour, with most roles ranging from $13 to $15.
A strong resume and cover letter can help improve your chances of securing a rewarding summer job.
You can find summer jobs for teens through online boards, local resources, and family and friends.
Once you have found a summer job that suits you, you should prepare for an interview by practising.
11 Summer Jobs for Teens with Salaries and Requirements
Here are some of the most common summer jobs for teens to consider:
#1. Part-Time Retail Jobs
Part-time jobs for teens in the retail field are common and pay around $16 per hour, depending on where you are working. These often entail flexible hours, so you can balance them with school or other summer activities.
They also help you develop valuable soft skills like communication and teamwork. Plus, if you are interested in pursuing a career in customer service or sales someday, previous retail roles can naturally lead to more opportunities down the line.
#2. Food Service and Restaurant Work
During the summer rush, working in food service is one of the most accessible teenage jobs. Many restaurants, cafés, and fast-food chains hire teenagers to help with hosting, taking orders, cleaning tables, or washing dishes.
These positions generally pay $15 per hour, with tips offering a chance to earn more. In such roles, you will learn how to multitask and stay calm in a fast-paced environment, which can set you up for future roles in any field.
#3. Babysitting and Childcare
If you like children, you can easily find summer jobs as a babysitter and try applying for them. Such roles usually involve keeping children entertained, preparing simple meals or snacks, and handling light chores while the parents are away.
You can expect to earn around $13 per hour on average, though the amount varies based on your location and the number of children you are watching. Babysitting helps you build a sense of responsibility, patience, and problem-solving skills, which make great assets to any resume for teens.
#4. Lifeguarding and Pool Staffing
Lifeguarding is one of the best jobs for teens who are confident swimmers. You will be responsible for supervising water activities in the pool, enforcing rules, and responding to emergencies if needed.
That said, most positions will require you to have CPR and first aid certification. This will be helpful if you want to pursue a career in nursing, teaching, athletic training, or emergency services in the future. Plus, you can earn around $14 per hour.
#5. Camp Counselor Positions
Working as a camp counselor is a great option if you enjoy working with kids and being outdoors. Here, you will likely lead games, manage groups, and handle basic conflict resolution. Pay typically starts around $16 per hour, with some variation depending on the location.
It is a solid teen summer job because it gives you hands-on experience supporting and guiding others. Later on, this can help you stand out when applying for paths like teaching, counseling, coaching, or coordinating youth programs.
#6. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Pet sitting and dog walking are fun and flexible summer jobs for teens who love animals. These roles often involve feeding pets, taking dogs on walks, and spending time with them while the owners are away. Depending on the area and the type of care needed, you can earn between $7 and $21 per hour.
To get started, ask around your neighborhood, post in local Facebook groups, or sign up on pet care platforms. This kind of work builds trust, time management abilities, and a sense of responsibility, all of which are crucial for any future job you may hold.
#7. Landscaping
Most people do not think of landscaping when it comes to summer jobs for teens, but it is an ideal option for those who enjoy working outdoors. You might help with trimming hedges, mowing lawns, potting flowers, or just general clean-up.
It teaches you how to follow instructions, manage physical tasks, and stick to a schedule. You can earn around $13 per hour, depending on your experience. Plus, once you are considered reliable, it is easy to pick up additional tasks through word of mouth.
#8. Library Assistant
One of the best summer jobs for teens who prefer a quiet environment is working as a library assistant. Some typical responsibilities within this role include shelving books, helping visitors find the books they want, and assisting with administrative work.
Depending on where the library is, you can expect to earn around $16 per hour. Working as a library assistant helps you hone your organization, communication, and customer service skills. It is especially valuable if you are interested in careers related to education, office administration, or publishing in the future.
#9. Barista
Becoming a barista is one of the most popular summer jobs for teens who enjoy working in a social environment. You might take orders, handle payments, prepare drinks, and assist with keeping the café clean. Many local shops and large chains like Starbucks offer part-time positions for teens, paying around $14 per hour.
You will juggle multiple tasks at once, learning how to manage time effectively and work efficiently. If you are a fan of coffee culture, it is also a fun way to learn more while earning money.
#10. Arcade Attendant
For teens who thrive in a lively atmosphere, the best summer job might be the role of arcade attendant. Most arcade jobs pay around $15 per hour, depending on your location.
You can help customers with machines or tokens, restock prizes, or handle minor issues like jammed buttons or ticket dispensers. Additionally, it is a solid first job if you are interested in joining the hospitality industry later on.
#11. Stocker
While not as widely recognized as a summer job for teens, working as a stocker is a solid option, especially if you prefer behind-the-scenes tasks. You will restock shelves, organize backrooms, maintain inventory logs, and ensure the store remains neat. This part-time job typically pays around $18 per hour.
It is a good fit if you are comfortable with lifting boxes or being on your feet for long periods. In addition to organizational skills, you can learn how to manage time efficiently, follow safety procedures, and work without extensive supervision. These transferable skills will serve you well in future roles across retail, logistics, or warehouse operations.
How to Nail Your Summer Job Search: 6 Effective Tips
To nail your summer job search, you need to create a good first job resume and cover letter. You should also get recommendations from friends and family, leverage local resources, and prepare for your interview. Let’s explore this in more detail:
#1. Create a Solid Resume
Even if you do not have formal work experience, a strong resume shows that you possess some valuable skills and shows your genuine interest in the job. Here are the mandatory sections you should include in it:
Resume Mandatory Sections
Contact details. Add your full name, email address, phone number, and city. Make sure your email is professional.
Summary. Write a short statement that highlights your strengths, goals, and the reason for applying for that specific position.
Education. Include your school, expected graduation date, and any relevant academic achievements or coursework.
Skills. List skills that are useful for the job you are applying for. For example, communication skills for retail roles. Show how you used those abilities in real situations by backing them up with examples from school projects, hobbies, or volunteer work.
Hobbies and interests. Share activities that reflect positive qualities, preferably those related to the job, such as problem-solving or creativity.
If you’re unsure where to start, tools like Resume.co make it easy to create an ATS-friendly resume for teens with templates and tips tailored to first-time job seekers. You can also take a look at our professional resume examples to get inspiration.
#2. Write a Compelling Cover Letter
A cover letter often accompanies your resume when applying for a job. It is not always required for teen summer jobs, but it can help you make a good impression and show initiative.
In it, briefly introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in the job. Focus on sharing a bit more personality rather than repeating what’s already listed in your resume. Aim for 2 to 4 paragraphs, which should be around 200 to 400 words, and state that you can contribute, not just that you hope to gain.
#3. Check Online Job Boards
To find summer jobs for teens, start by checking job search websites like Indeed or Snagajob. You can also take a look at local forums, bulletin boards, or community center websites that post part-time or seasonal roles for teens.
Make sure to read the descriptions carefully and follow the application instructions closely. If something seems too good to be true, like unusually high pay for easy tasks, there is a high chance it is a scam. Do not share your personal information unless you are sure the job is legitimate.
#4. Ask Friends and Family
Since many companies have age restrictions, it can be tough to find summer jobs for 14-year-olds or even 15-year-olds. That is why asking friends, family members, or neighbors is often the best place to start.
You might be able to help out with babysitting, dog walking, or small landscaping tasks like mowing the lawn. Even if these are not formal roles, you can develop soft and hard skills that future employees will appreciate.
#5. Leverage Local Resources
Leveraging local resources like community centers, schools, libraries, and newspapers is another smart way to find summer jobs for 15-year-olds. These places often post opportunities that have fewer age restrictions and may not be posted online.
You can also ask your counselors or teachers if they know of any programs, internships, or part-time openings that are a good fit for your age.
#6. Prepare for the Interview
Even if you have not scheduled any interviews yet, it pays to start preparing early. Practicing now will help you feel more confident when the time comes. One of the best teen job interview tips is to rehearse how you will answer common questions, such as:
Common Interview Questions
“Why do you want this job?”
“What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
“Can you share an example of when you did something similar to this job?”
Think about what you have done at school, in your free time, or while volunteering that highlights your abilities and attitude. Try practicing with a friend or family member so you get comfortable speaking out loud. With proper preparation, it will be much easier to stay calm and clear when you have your first interview.
Ready to Land Your First Job?
Build your first resume in minutes with Resume.coClosing Thoughts
There are many summer jobs for teens to choose from, depending on your strengths and interests. As you could see in this guide, working in retail, lifeguarding, pet sitting, and landscaping are among the most popular options you can consider. To make your choice, it’s recommended to look through online job boards and local resources like community centers, schools, and libraries.
Once you find a role that interests you, use Resume.co to create a professional-looking resume. Do not forget to pair it with a compelling cover letter to show that you are reliable and ready to take on responsibility!
Summer Jobs for Teens FAQs
#1. What are the highest-paying summer jobs for teens?
The highest-paying summer jobs for teens include working in retail and working as a stocker, library assistant, or camp counselor. Pet sitting or dog walking can also be high-paying, depending on your specific responsibilities.
#2. What is the best job to get as a teenager?
The best job to get as a teenager is one that aligns with your strengths and allows you to develop new skills. For example, if you are good with people, working in retail is a good idea. Meanwhile, if you prefer something easy, dog walking, babysitting, and taking orders at a restaurant are flexible options that nearly anyone can do.
#3. How early should I start looking for a summer job?
You should start looking for a summer job as early as March or April because popular roles tend to fill up quickly.
