Earning 101: Top 12 Summer Jobs for Teens

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School is out for the summer! Okay, now what?!
We’re sure your teens have plenty of stuff to keep you busy – but do they have the money to pay for it all?
That’s where a summer job might come into play. Lots of companies hire for the summer months, and high schoolers can take advantage of their flexible schedules over the summer months to earn some cash.
But what are some good summer jobs for teens? We’ve got you covered!
12 Summer Jobs for Teens
- Babysitting
Babysitters are always in high demand, but even more so during the summer months when kids are out of school. Skilled teens can make some decent cash providing child care – and this is typically a flexible job that can work around their schedule. - Pet sitting and dog walking
Prefer pets? Your teens can also take care of furry friends – and get paid for it. Pet sitters and dog walkers are in high demand during the summer, since so many people travel during these months. With this type of job, you’ll have to find clients directly (rather than applying to work for a traditional employer). - Lifeguard
Becoming a lifeguard at a local pool or outdoor swim spot is a classic summer gig for teens – and it can pay pretty well. Note that some states have a minimum age requirement to be a lifeguard, but many allow teen lifeguards at 15 years of age or older. - Camp counselor
Being a camp counselor at a day camp or summer camp can also work for teens. Tons of places run camps during the summer, and they’re looking for workers to help out with organizing and leading activities, cooking, cleaning, and doing basic office tasks as well. - Landscaper
Landscaping is yet another industry that really ramps up during the summer. Lawn mowing alone opens up a lot of job opportunities, and many of these roles are entry-level and appropriate for teens. That said, they may need a vehicle or may be expected to work in different locations on different days, so solid transportation is a must. - Pool cleaner
If your family lives in a warmer climate where a lot of people have swimming pools, your teens might be able to get a job cleaning pools in the summer. This gig can require a bit of specialized training (since they’ll be handling chemicals), but as such, it might pay for than minimum wage. - Car washer
More people are getting car washes = more car washing businesses hiring summer workers! This is a minimum wage job typically, but it’s unusually also entry-level and open to teen workers. - National Parks worker
Love spending time in nature? Teens can get paid to do it as a National Parks intern. The National Parks Service has “Pathway Programs”, which help high schoolers find paid internship programs working in national parks while also exploring options for more permanent careers working for the government. - Retail worker
Retail workers are always needed at grocery stores, local businesses, and various big-box retailers. These jobs typically pay minimum wage, but they are teen-friendly and may be able to work around your teen’s schedule. - Restaurant worker
Restaurants also experience more busy times during the summer months and are often looking to fire food service workers for both the front of house (like servers and hosts) and the back of house (like cooks and dishwashers). - Business owner and entrepreneur
Has your teen ever dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur? This summer might be the perfect time to start taking steps toward creating their own business. They could make and sell crafts, start a dog-walking company, or be a baker – just to name a few ideas. - Referee or coach
While school sports may be on pause over the summer, tons of recreational leagues run during the summer months – and they often need referees, coaches, and help to set up games. These gigs typically pay per game, rather than per hour, as it’s more of a side hustle.
Remember, once they start getting paid, encourage them to manage their money responsibly. Sure, some spending money is great – but you may also want to think about savings or investing (with parent’s help) some of it for your future.
Greenlight helps kids and teens learn to manage money, invest, budget, spend wisely, and save – all in one easy app. Sign up today to give it a try.