With summer right around the corner, many teens start to think about how to earn money now that their days don’t revolve around school. Whether it’s for gas, clothes, concerts, saving for college or spending money to hangout with friends, having your own income makes a huge difference. While everyone’s interests and goals vary, some summer jobs consistently stand out as popular choices for teens each year. If you’re not sure where to apply or what kind of job would be the best fit for you, don’t worry. Here are some of the top summer jobs every teen should consider.
Camp counselor: 9.5/10
Being a camp counselor is one of the best summer jobs a teenager can have. Not only do you get to spend your summers outside, but you also get the chance to relive some childhood fun. This job teaches real-life skills. Being responsible for younger kids teaches leadership, patience and problem-solving. Plus, you make close friendships with other counselors and create fun memories with the kids. Since most camps are just during the day, you still have your summer evenings free to hangout with friends and relax. Though being a camp counselor can be exhausting from being in the sun all day, and it can be stressful keeping up with all the kids, the leadership experience, friendships and personal growth make the job worth it.
Ice cream worker: 8.5/10
Working at an ice cream shop is a popular summer job for teens. It’s a fun and upbeat environment where you’re constantly interacting with people. Many local ice cream shops get busy, especially at night, which allows teens to work a good amount of hours. This job teaches responsibility, teamwork and patience. That said, summer rushes can get extremely busy and stressful, which causes you to have to stand for long periods of time. Even with those downsides, it’s still a fun, social and relatively easy job. It’s a good way to get money in the summer and gain valuable work experience like customer service, time management, cash handling and problem solving, that will help you in future jobs.
Lifeguard: 8/10
Lifeguarding is another common job for teens. Instead of working indoors, you spend your days at the pool. It teaches major responsibility because you’re in charge of keeping people safe. You build focus, quick decision-making skills and confidence. It also looks really impressive on applications since it requires certification and training from the American Red Cross which teaches you emergency response, medical care and aquatic safety. However, it’s definitely not an easy job. You have to stay alert for long periods of time and sit in the sun all day. There’s also real pressure that comes with the responsibility needed to keep people safe, which can feel stressful at times. Even with those challenges, being a lifeguard is still a rewarding and valuable summer job that helps you grow.
Nannying: 7/10
Nannying is one of the most common summer jobs for teens because of its flexibility. It often works around your schedule, making it easier to balance summer plans. It teaches good responsibility since you’re trusted to care for younger kids and keep them safe. You build patience, creativity and problem solving skills, especially when you have to entertain kids or handle small conflicts. It also helps you become more independent and confident since parents are relying on you. However, kids can be unpredictable, loud and stubborn, which makes long days tiring. You might also have to give up your plans if a family needs you at the last minute. There’s also pressure that comes with being responsible for someone else’s child, which can feel overwhelming at times. But, it’s still a great way to earn money, learn responsibility and gain real-life experience that will help you in future jobs and leadership roles.
Landscaper: 6/10
Landscaping is a solid summer job for teens who enjoy staying active. It keeps you outdoors and teaches responsibility because you’re trusted to complete tasks without constant supervision. You learn management skills and how to work as part of a team. It can also pay pretty well compared to other teen jobs, especially since it involves physical labor. The downside is that it’s definitely hard work. You’re outside in the heat for hours, which can be exhausting. The job can be physically demanding with lifting, mowing, trimming and being on your feet all day. Some days might feel repetitive, and bad weather can make things uncomfortable. It’s definitely a tough job, but it teaches you how to work hard and feel proud of what you have accomplished at the end of the day.
All of these jobs are great summer options that offer more than just a paycheck. They help build responsibility, confidence and real-world experience. These jobs typically pay between $14 and $22 an hour. You can search online and through your city’s website to find these jobs. No matter which one you choose, each has the potential to teach valuable skills and create lasting memories. I definitely recommend considering these opportunities if you’re still deciding how to spend your summer. They’re the perfect way to stay productive, gain experience and make the most of your break.
