Best Summer Jobs for Teens

School is over and summer is finally here. Your teenagers are ready to enjoy some fun in the sun and they absolutely should. The summer months are also a great time for them to learn about money management and encourage responsibility. Getting a summer job is one of the best ways for young people to begin to gain independence and learn important life lessons while they have you handy to advise them. Looking for a summer job for teens can be a bit challenging. Here is a list of some of the best summer jobs for teens to help them begin their job hunt and gain valuable work experience.

Summer jobs teach teens some basic soft skills they’ll need later in the “real world.” They’ll learn how to be responsible to their boss and their co-workers by showing up on time and doing the work that’s expected of them. They’ll learn how to be a team player with their co-workers. And they’ll learn how to be polite and communicate with their boss and their co-workers to get the job done. Full-time summer positions can help teenagers earn lots of extra money to put away for college. Part-time jobs are a great option that they may even choose to keep at lower hours during the school year.

15 Unique Summer Jobs For Teenagers To Stand Out and Shine

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “The employment-population ratio for youth—the proportion of the 16-to 24-year-old civilian non-institutional population with a job—was 46.7 percent in July 2020… the largest percentage of employed youth worked in the leisure and hospitality industry (24 percent), which includes food services.

Here are some of the best summer jobs for teens that will introduce them to the world of working and give them some extra spending cash. These make good summer jobs for teens because the are often interested in hiring seasonally and don’t require too much experience. Teens should be reminded that a job search should start with many job applications as you never know which one will pan out.

Are you tired of seeing the same old summer job options for your teenager? Well, get ready to discover the 15 unique and impressive job opportunities that will make your teen stand out from the crowd. These summer jobs not only make their resume shine but also help them develop essential skills, build confidence, and create valuable connections for their future career. From being an Outdoor Adventure Guide to a Junior Web Developer, we’ve got it all covered.

Restaurant Server

Every teen at some point should have to work in a restaurant for a short period of time. There is no better place to learn and practice customer service skills, which seems to be a dying art. Working as a server will teach your teen communication skills, how to follow instruction, how to deal with people (both the pleasant ones and the rude ones), and they’ll have the opportunity to earn good money. Although most restaurant waiters make minimum wage for servers, busy and high end restaurants usually make very good tips on top of their hourly wage.

As an added bonus, they’ll be part of a team that needs to work together for the same goal so your teen will learn necessary teamwork skills. I worked as a waitress and I loved the tips as well as the fast paced environment of the food service industry.

Tutor

Students 15 years and older can work on SolutionInn’s website tutoring students online all over the world online. You don’t need to have experience; you just have to be knowledgeable in the area you’re tutoring. A great thing about tutoring is that you can work the hours you choose and tutor the subjects you feel comfortable in. This is a great opportunity for teens to be able to join the work force even if they don’t have transportation since they can work from home.

Museum Docent

For teenagers who have a passion for history and a knack for captivating storytelling, a summer job as a Museum Docent can be an ideal opportunity to further enhance their skills in communication and education. Becoming a guide at a museum not only allows teens to immerse themselves in fascinating historical narratives but also provides them with a platform to engage and educate visitors from all walks of life.

As a Museum Docent, your teen will have the chance to delve deep into the exhibits, absorbing knowledge and details that they can then share with museum-goers. They will learn to effectively communicate complex information in a way that is engaging and accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Working as a Museum Docent can also provide valuable insights into potential career paths related to history, education, or even museum curation. By gaining firsthand experience in the museum industry, your teen can explore their interests and gain a clearer understanding of the skills and knowledge required to pursue a future in these fields.

Retail

Working in the retail world can teach your teen that there may be a variety of tasks expected from just one job. They may have to stock inventory, hand out samples, work the register, and deal with customers. If your teen is sociable, they’ll love interacting with other people all day. And if they need to develop their social skills, they’ll be forced out of their comfort zone in order to learn how to socialize with other people.

In addition to a regular paycheck, a retail job can also offer your teen an employee discount. If they work in a store where they like to shop, they’ll be able to get new school clothes or other things they need at a reduced rate. I worked in retail and I loved it.

Summer Camp Jobs For Teens- Camp Counselor

Summer camps have lots of different summer positions and they are a good job for high school students. Camp jobs make a great great first job for even younger teens if they have been to summer camp and have an idea of what the type of work entails.

As a summer camp counselor, your teen will have the opportunity to be a role model and positively impact the lives of the campers they work with. They will be responsible for leading activities, organizing games, and providing support and guidance to campers throughout their stay. This experience will not only help your teen develop leadership skills, but also enhance their ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with others.

If your teen has strong leadership skills, or if they need to develop their leadership skills, a job as a camp counselor is a good fit. They’ll be able to spend some time outside, become a mentor to younger kids, and they may even pick up a new hobby. The leadership skills they develop as a camp counselor will give them a head start on the abilities they’ll need later in life. Additionally, they’ll learn communication and conflict resolution skills as well. And if the camp is away from home, they’ll learn how to be more independent.

Nanny

If your teen is a natural nurturer, a summer job as a nanny or babysitter is a great fit. These jobs pay well and are in high-demand over the summer. Parents need to work while their kids are out of school, and many parents would prefer to have someone they trust take care of their kids at home than put them in a daycare center. This job requires older teens to be incredibly responsible with parents and little ones counting on them. Conflict resolution can also be a big part of this summer job, especially when dealing with toddlers. If your teen has dreams of becoming a teacher or social worker, this is a great way for them to test out their career choice.

Outdoor Adventure Guide

An exciting and unique summer job option for your teenager is working as an Outdoor Adventure Guide. This role not only allows them to spend their days in the great outdoors but also provides valuable experiences that can shape their future success. As an Outdoor Adventure Guide, your teen will have the opportunity to lead groups on thrilling adventures such as hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and zip-lining.

One of the key benefits of this job is that it helps your teen develop essential skills that can be applied in various areas of their life. They will learn how to effectively communicate with different types of people, provide clear instructions, and ensure the safety of the participants. These skills not only boost their confidence but also make them great team players and leaders.

Working as an Outdoor Adventure Guide in national parks also offers the chance for your teen to build a strong network and make valuable connections. They will interact with fellow guides, outdoor enthusiasts, and even professionals in related industries. These connections can open doors to future opportunities and provide valuable guidance for their career path.

Additionally, being an Outdoor Adventure Guide provides your teen with the opportunity to develop a deep appreciation for nature and the environment. They will learn about different ecosystems, conservation efforts, and sustainable practices. This hands-on education can spark a lifelong passion for the outdoors and instill a sense of responsibility towards the environment.

Social Media Manager for Local Businesses

Social media has become an integral part of our lives, and businesses are no exception. In today’s highly digital world, having a strong online presence is crucial for businesses to connect with their target audience and stay competitive. That’s where a Social Media Manager for Local Businesses comes in. As a Social Media Manager, your teen will have the opportunity to work with various local businesses and help them establish and maintain their online presence. From creating engaging content to managing social media accounts, they will play a vital role in enhancing brand visibility and engagement.

Not only will your teen gain experience in the world of social media marketing, but they will also develop skills in content creation, communication, and analytics. They will learn how to craft compelling messages that resonate with a specific target audience and how to analyze data to optimize social media strategies.

By working as a Social Media Manager for Local Businesses, your teen can also expand their professional network. They will interact with business owners, marketers, and other professionals, opening doors to potential future opportunities. This is an excellent option for teenagers who are tech-savvy, creative, and have a passion for marketing. It lays the foundation for a potential career in digital marketing or social media management, offering a firsthand glimpse into the world of online branding and marketing strategies.

Junior Event Planner

Another unique summer job that can make your teen stand out and shine is working as a junior event planner. This role provides them with the opportunity to develop skills in organization, communication, and creativity, all of which are essential for successful event planning.

As a junior event planner, your teen will work alongside experienced professionals in coordinating and executing various events such as weddings, corporate gatherings, and community festivals. They will gain hands-on experience in tasks such as creating event timelines, managing budgets, and coordinating with vendors and clients.

One of the key aspects of being a junior event planner is effective communication. Your teen will have the chance to interact with clients, understanding their expectations and translating them into successful event experiences. They will learn to handle client requests, solve problems on the spot, and ensure that every detail is meticulously taken care of. This experience can lay a strong foundation for a potential career in event management or related fields.

Barista

My daughter got a job at Starbucks this summer. The draw was the high hourly pay plus tips. It is also great for flexibility as she can transfer to the location near her college when she goes to her University in the fall. In addition, it is one of the few employers that offers benefits to part-time employees after 60 days of employment and 25+ hours worked per week. See their website for the most current details on that. It is a great job for learning customer service skills.

Pet Sitter or Dog Walker

Pet sitting and dog walking require excellent communication skills and the ability to connect with others. As a pet sitter or dog walker, your teen will not only have the chance to spend time with furry friends but also provide an essential service to pet owners in need. Whether it’s simply dropping by to feed and play with a cat or taking a dog on an adventurous walk, these tasks require reliability and attentiveness.

In addition to responsibility, this job also provides an opportunity for your teen to enhance their problem-solving skills. They may encounter different scenarios or challenges while caring for pets, such as a dog who doesn’t want to go on a walk or a cat who needs extra attention. Your teen will need to think on their feet and find creative solutions to ensure the pets are happy and well taken care of.

Being a pet sitter or dog walker also teaches your teen about time management and organization. They will have to juggle multiple responsibilities, ensuring they are meeting the needs of each pet and sticking to a schedule. By successfully managing their time and prioritizing tasks, your teen can demonstrate their ability to handle responsibilities effectively.

Your teen can find access to these types of jobs through Rover, Nextdoor, or vet office bulletin boards.

Personal Assistant to a Business Executive

As a personal assistant to a business executive, your teen will have the chance to work closely with professionals in a high-pressure environment. This job requires a high level of organization, multitasking, and attention to detail. Your teen will be responsible for managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and handling various administrative tasks. They will have the opportunity to learn about the inner workings of a business and gain valuable insight into how executives make important decisions.

Not only will this experience enhance your teen’s professional skills, but it will also provide them with a valuable network of connections. Working closely with a business executive means they will have exposure to influential individuals in the business world. These connections can open doors to future opportunities and mentorship.

Volunteer at a Non-Profit Organization

Volunteering at a non-profit organization can provide your teen with a sense of purpose and the opportunity to make a real difference in their community. Whether it’s helping out at a local food bank, assisting with fundraising events, or working with underprivileged children, there are countless ways for your teen to get involved and contribute their time and skills.

Not only will volunteering at a non-profit organization allow your teen to give back, but it will also provide them with a chance to develop valuable skills that are highly sought after in today’s job market. They will learn how to work in a team, communicate effectively, and problem-solve in a fast-paced environment. These skills will not only benefit them in their future careers but also in their personal lives.

Junior Photographer for Local Publications

As a junior photographer for local publications, your teen will have the chance to explore their creative side while capturing captivating moments. They will work alongside professional photographers and editors, learning valuable techniques and insider tips that will enhance their skills behind the lens. Whether it’s capturing the essence of a community event, documenting the vibrant local culture, or showcasing the natural beauty of the area, your teen will have the opportunity to bring these stories to life through their photographs.

Not only will your teen get to hone their photography skills, but they will also develop a keen eye for detail and storytelling. They will learn to carefully select the perfect angle, lighting, and composition to capture the essence of a moment or convey a powerful message. This attention to detail and ability to tell stories through visual imagery will set them apart as a photographer and make their work stand out in local publications.

Moreover, this summer job will provide your teen with the chance to network with professionals in the photography and publishing industry. They will have the opportunity to meet editors, writers, and other photographers who are passionate about telling stories through visual media. These connections can open doors to future collaborations, mentorship opportunities, and even potential job offers in the field.

Junior Web Developer

This one requires some computer skills upfront. As a junior web developer, your teen will have the chance to dive into the exciting world of technology and design. They will learn how to create and maintain websites, ensuring they are visually appealing, user-friendly, and optimized for search engines. Through this summer job, your teen can develop valuable technical skills that are highly sought after in today’s digital landscape.

One of the key benefits of working as a junior web developer is the opportunity to bring ideas to life. Your teen will have the chance to collaborate with clients or teams to understand their vision and translate it into a functional website. This requires both technical expertise and creative thinking, allowing your teen to exercise their problem-solving abilities while honing their design skills. With the growing importance of digital marketing and online presence, web development skills are highly valued in various industries. By gaining experience as a junior web developer, your teen can set themselves up for success in the ever-evolving world of technology and design.

More Summer Employment Sources That Hire Teens And College Students Seasonally:

• Movie Theaters
• Grocery Stores (usually open to 14 year olds+ depending on state laws)
• Fast Food Restaurants
• Lawn Mowing and Landscaping
• House Sitter
• Agricultural Work
• Golf Caddy (opens the door for full tuition scholarship opportunities)
• Amusement Park Attendants
• Book Stores
• Ice Cream Shop
• Unpaid internships in area of career interest
• Another great option is to scan the job ads

Conclusion:

These 15 unique summer job opportunities offer teenagers the chance to stand out, shine, and boost their future prospects. Through gaining work experience, developing essential skills, and building valuable connections, they can set themselves apart from the crowd. By encouraging your teenager to choose a job that aligns with their interests and goals, not only will their resume shine, but they will also embark on a rewarding and enjoyable experience. So, why wait? Help your teenager embark on a summer adventure that will shape their future success.

When helping your teen decide on the best summer job for them, always keep their personality in mind. Also, think about the skills they have or need to develop. This will help them decide if their summer job choice is a good one for them. I hope this list of good summer jobs for teenagers is useful and helps you survive parenting your teen over the summer! Do you have any other suggestions for good teen summer jobs?

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