Looking for a job this summer?
Need some extra cash? If so, there are a lot of options for jobs this summer. Truthfully, the best time to apply for a summer job is in April and May before school ends because that’s usually when employers start looking to hire for the summer. But if you missed the boat, do not despair, because you can still find a job or a way to make to some money this summer.
The type of summer job you want depends on you. Do you want to work for an employer with a schedule they set for you, or do you want to work independently in which you control the days and times you work?
Now one is not necessarily better than the other, it simply comes down to a matter of choice. Below is a list of jobs separated by employers and then by what I like to call side hustles—meaning you work for yourself.
This is list by no means exhaustive, but hopefully, you will find something that will work for you so check it out.
Employer-Based Summer Jobs For Teens— must be 15 years old except where noted.
McDonald’s / Burger King/ Wendy’s/ Sonics and other fast food restaurants
Six Flags— hire 15-year-olds
Safeway
Dairy Queen
Baskin & Robbins- will hire 14-year-olds
Ben & Jerry’s
Publix Super Markets- will hire 14 & 15-year-olds as baggers
Chik Fila
Arby’s — will hire 15-year-olds
Hershey Company— will hire 15-year-olds
Culver’s — will hire 14-year-olds
Bruster’s Ice Cream— will hire 15-year-olds
Winn Dixie
Boston Market— will hire 15-year-olds
Zaxby’s
California Pizza Kitchen— will hire 15-year-olds
Seven Peaks— will 14-year-olds
Taco Time— will 15-year-olds
Types of Jobs
Life Guard
Camp Counselor
Soccer/ Sports Referee
Retail Associate in a mall store— ex. Hollister, Target, Rue 21, Claire’s, etc.
Server or hostess in a restaurant
Movie Theater Customer Service Worker
Work at an Animal shelter
Side Hustles— Start A Business & Control Your Cash Flow
Employer-based jobs can be brick and mortar or they can be online. A lot of people are working from home now, so don’t knock it until you try it. Some of the jobs listed below are considered work at home. You can either work for yourself as an entrepreneur or freelancer/ independent contractor, or for a company that will pay you to work from home as their employee.
Tutor
If you are good at math this is a great option. But don’t limit it to the academics. Are you good at playing an instrument, or playing a sport like soccer or football? You can help younger kids get better at their instrument or sport as well. The one on one training you offer may be just what they need. You can offer your services in person or on a website for tutors–just be sure to pay attention to the age requirements. Get to Googling!
Transcriptionist
If you have fast typing skills, this job may be a great fit. A transcriptionist listens to a recording and then types the words that are being spoken. Check out Rev.com. This company doesn’t require experience and is open to hiring teens. You can also work on your own time.
Babysitter
Love little people? Get CPR certified and this will give parents even more of a reason to hire you as a babysitter. Try offering your services to family members, family friends and neighbors first and then ask for referrals. Before you know it your business could be booming in no time.
Dog Walker or Pet Sitter
Not crazy about kids, but love dogs? Then dog walking or pet sitting is a perfect gig for you. People love their pets and will happily pay for someone to take care of them while they are away on summer vacation or just to walk them daily. Create some flyers, pass them out and get to work. You can either go at it alone or list yourself as a sitter on rover.com.
Landscaping/ mowing lawns
Now it may be hot if you live in the south, but rain can be your best friend if you are willing to mow lawns. This is the time of the year in which they grow fast. Borrow a lawn mower (if someone will let you ) until you earn enough money on your own and get to mowing. If you love the outdoors, try landscaping.
Photography
Love to take pictures and have a knack with the camera? There are a lot of websites including Google that would love to use your photos. Many of them will pay you for your contribution. The reason why is because there are a lot of businesses that need your original photos for their websites. Give it a try. It could be a great way to make some extra cash. Try sites like canva.com.
Writer
If you have the gift of gab and can write persuasively, writing for other businesses and business owners is a great way to make some money. You can be a copywriter, write articles for blogs and if you are really good, you can teach others how to write.
Reseller on eBay or Amazon
Do you have old books, clothes, video games, or just items you no longer want or use? Your trash could be someone else’s treasure. Reselling items on eBay and Amazon has become very popular. A lot of resellers on eBay hunt for bargain items in thrifts stores and yard sales and then resell them for a higher price on eBay. Now this will require some research on your part to find out the latest trends and what customers want, but you can create a nice cash flow for yourself once you do. Amazon.com
T-shirt Designer
I know it seems old school, but if you are artistic and can transfer your design skills to make an awesome t-shirt you can get the cash flowing. Startup costs depend on the route you take, but if you look into print on demand, you may find that your costs may be lower. Google print on demand. You will find companies like Printful.com, Printify.com. Just be sure to do your homework and compare the services and prices so that you are getting great value for your money. Check out Youtube. There are a ton of videos about how to start a t-shirt (and other items) using a print on demand service.
Tailor or Seamstress
Are you always sketching or sewing your own clothes? There are a lot of people who don’t know how to stitch a hole in their pants let alone sew an entire garment. Your skills may be in high demand once people see what you can do. Get a portfolio and samples together, research how to price your services, and then start offering your services to prospective clients.
Organizer
Is your room the cleanest room in your house? Do you organize the spice cabinet by name and then color code it? Do you get excited by the thought of going to the container store? If this is your MO (method of operation) then organizing someone else’s mess could be the ticket to some cash for you. People will make a mess, but often hate to clean it up. You can use your skills to organize someone’s house, junky garage, messy business office or even a college student’s inconsistent notes. Put your superpower to work for you and use it to make some green.
Cleaning Service
Does the thought of dirty dishes make you break out in hives? Do you have a sense of accomplishment when you see straight lines made by a vacuum cleaner? There are many homeowners and business owners, both large and small, who could really use your services. Convince a few of your friends to work with you, and you can turn it into a full-blown business.
Fiverr
Fiverr is a great platform to showcase your skills. If you have excellent computer, design, or writing skills people will hire you to do all sorts of work for them–from designing logos to writing music. Check it out, you will be amazed at what you find.
Sell Your Gently Used Clothes
Sell your clothes for some extra cash. You can sell your clothes to a consignment shop like Plato’s Closet. You can also sell your clothes at an online clothing reseller like Poshmark. Just be aware that you have to be at least 16 years old to participate.
Car Detailer
If the thought of shiny wheels makes you excited, then detailing cars just might be your thing. This entrepreneurial venture will require an upfront investment, but you can make your money back fairly quickly. Google “how to start a car detailing business” to learn more.
Artist/ Woodcarver (carpenter)
Talented artist? Sell your artwork online or frame it and sell it in person. Etsy is a great place to sell your items. People who shop on Etsy.com are often looking for unique handcrafted items. Check it out and get started making some cash using your natural talent.
Instagram or Facebook Social Media Assistant
There are A LOT of small business owners who are overwhelmed and need help managing their social media accounts. If you spend most your time on social media and consider yourself somewhat of an expert, you can really help a small business owner increase their social media presence. Take the time to learn what business owners need to help them increase their social media presence. Hootesuite.com has some free courses on how to market on social media. Go for it. It’s free. You have nothing to loose, but a lot to gain.
Looking for More
Looking for more information, check out HireTeen.com. They have write-ups and links to the applications of 247 companies that hire teens. There are plenty of summer jobs for teens; just put in the time and effort and you can be on your way to adding some green to your bank account.