10 Great Summer Jobs for Students
Summer offers a great opportunity for high school and college students to gain valuable work experience while earning extra cash. Getting work experience as a student, no matter the job, can help you throughout your career. Learning customer service, cash handling, first aid/safety and other important skills make a student resume stand out when looking for internships or jobs post-graduation. Pay for these jobs will vary greatly depending on location and experience.
Lifeguard
Summer means time in the pool or at the beach. That means need for more lifeguards. As a lifeguard, you’ll be responsible for spotting swimmers in trouble and rescuing those in danger of drowning. Strength and strong swimming skills are a requirement. You’ll also need training in first aid and CPR. This is the perfect job for those who want to make the most of the summer weather while earning money and saving lives.
Swim Instructor
If you love the water and are a great swimmer, giving swim lessons might be a great summer gig. As with lifeguards, first aid and CPR training are essential for swim instructing. You’ll also need patience and the ability to keep students safe as you guide them from water basics to advanced swim techniques.
Babysitter
Childcare is expensive, and parents will be grateful to find summer babysitters when the kids are out of school. The gig may not pay as well as other jobs, but it’s a great choice if you love kids. First aid and CPR training are generally expected for childcare providers. You’ll also need to bring plenty of energy and creativity to keep kids busy and entertained during the long summer days.
Camp Counselor
Love arts and crafts and outdoor summer activities? Camp counselors can enjoy all of these during the summer. If you enjoyed summer camp as a kid, being a counselor is the ideal summer job. Help a future generation of campers experience the fun of camping whether its hiking, wilderness skills, arts and crafts or water sports.
Lawn Care
Reliable and affordable lawn care can be difficult to find. If you enjoy being outside and know how to cut grass and trim shrubs, providing lawn care for friends and neighbors is a perfect fit. Get the word out now that you’re available and consider making business cards to hand out in your neighborhood. Remember to factor in the cost of gas and equipment maintenance when setting prices.
Sales Associate
Most retailers need extra hands during busy summers, particularly in tourist spots. Customer service and sales are skills that can prove useful in any career, so retail experience makes a perfect first-time job and resume addition. Retailers generally pay $10-$15 per hour for beginner sales associates. Pay will vary based on the job requirements, experience and location among other factors.
Tutor
Are you always making top grades in math or other subjects? You may find tutoring to be a lucrative summer job as students of all ages attend summer classes or prepare for the next grade or semester. Putting up flyers in local libraries, student apartments, class buildings or dorms will increase your chances of finding clients.
Server
Restaurants often get busier in the summer months as people travel more often. A serving job offers experience in customer service, time management and cash handling. It also offers the opportunity to earn much more than most jobs thanks to tips. Serving during busy season can be overwhelming but you’ll learn how to work well under pressure which is a skill that will prove highly valuable in future roles.
Ride Attendant
If you live in an area with amusement parks, summer means hiring amps up for seasonal ride attendants. Ride attendants ensure that safety procedures are followed, patrons are properly secured and that the equipment is operating smoothly. For ride attendants, attention to detail and vigilance are necessary to prevent accidents.
Pay for these jobs will vary greatly depending on location and experience. A sales associate at a busy retailer may earn $20 per hour while an associate at a smaller store could earn half. If you find one position doesn’t meet your pay expectations, consider a second gig for even more experience and cash.