Summer jobs you can get at 15

For many teenagers, obtaining a summer job is the first step toward independence. Working during the summer is also a good way to develop valuable skills while earning money. Here are the best 15 summer jobs for teens ready to spread their wings and enter the workforce.

Working during the summer is a great way for teens to make extra money and gain valuable work experience. Summer jobs can even help teens improve their time-management skills and develop soft skills that help them succeed in full-time roles. Below are 15 summer jobs for teens who are ready to reap the rewards of seasonal employment.

How to Find a Summer Job

Before searching for job openings, it is important to understand how to find and land a summer job. Teens interested in summer employment should do the following:

• Prepare a resume. Even if a prospective employer doesn't require one, it is helpful to have a written record of employment dates and other job-related information when filling out applications.
• Search for jobs online. The Internet is full of job opportunities that you otherwise wouldn’t find. Pairing online searches with community bulletin boards, local newspapers and other tools will go a long way in finding the perfect role.
• Practice interviewing. Teens should feel comfortable answering questions about their skills and work experience, plus asking potential employers about the nature of the job.
• Choose an interview outfit. Depending on the type of job, a suit may not be necessary. Andrew Seaman, Managing Editor for Jobs & Career Development at LinkedIn News, recommends that applicants "aim to dress slightly above the company’s baseline dress code." If employees wear jeans to work, for example, then an applicant should wear khakis with a polo shirt or something similar.
• Schedule interviews. Make sure to note interview times and arrive early to each one. Punctuality says a lot about your accountability and respect for others' time.

Top 15 Summer Jobs for Teenagers

Ready to start building a solid resume in your teens? These 15 jobs are perfect for teenagers looking to get a head start on their careers and develop valuable skills that will transfer to numerous career paths depending on their personal goals and aspirations.

1. Photographer

Teens who love to post photos on social media can turn their hobby into a money-making venture by offering photography services during the summer. To succeed as a photographer, it is important to have a high-quality camera and an eye for detail. Photographers earn an average of $18.73 per hour.

2. Designer

For artistic teens, graphic design presents an opportunity to turn a hobby into a job. Companies of all sizes need logos, website graphics and other designs. Community members may also be willing to pay for wedding invitations, baby shower decorations and custom prints. Graphic designers earn an average hourly wage of $24.38.

3. Tailor

Working as a tailor is a flexible option that fits in with other activities, making it an ideal job for teens who know how to sew. Teens who want to hem pants, fix zippers and perform related tasks should have experience reading patterns and working with several fabrics. They may earn an average of $17.03 per hour as a tailor.

Writing Gigs

4. Transcriptionist

Transcription involves watching a video or listening to an audio file and writing down what each speaker says. For fast typists with excellent listening skills, working as a transcriptionist during the summer is a good way to earn an average of $29.71 per hour.

5. Freelance Writer

Companies rely on freelancers to write blog posts, articles and other types of content. Creative teens with strong proofreading skills and a knack for writing compelling prose can turn this demand into a lucrative summer job. Freelance content writers earn an average hourly wage of $26.45.

6. Proofreader

For teens who prefer reading to writing, proofreading is a good option. Proofreaders correct errors in books, articles and other written documents. This summer job requires excellent attention to detail and a strong command of English grammar and spelling rules. Proofreaders earn an hourly average wage of $22.12.

Jobs That Get You Outside

7. Lawncare

Landscaping companies often hire teens to help with weeding, trimming and other tasks. Any teen interested in this job should feel comfortable using landscaping equipment and working with plants, trees and other landscaping elements. Lawncare jobs earn an average wage of $16.94.

8. Camp Counselor

Summer camps need counselors to supervise children and keep them engaged in indoor and outdoor activities. Teen counselors should feel comfortable leading group events, addressing behavioral issues and collaborating with other staff members. Camp counselors make an average wage of $14.27 per hour.

9. Caddie

Love spending the day on the links? Becoming a caddie during the summer is a great way to spend time on the golf course while earning money. Caddies retrieve golf balls, carry clubs and provide other assistance to golfers. They earn an average hourly wage of $14.27.

10. Lifeguard

Community pools and private beaches need lifeguards to monitor swimmers and perform rescues when needed. Lifeguarding requires strong swimming skills, a high level of physical fitness and the ability to remain calm in an emergency. This job earns an average wage of $13.14 per hour.

11. Surf Coach

An experienced surfer can make extra money by working as a surf coach during the summer. In addition to strong surfing skills, a surf coach should feel comfortable explaining basic safety practices and monitoring students closely. They earn an average hourly wage of $18.74.

Highest-Paying Jobs for Teens

12. Warehouse Worker

Warehouse workers stock shelves, pack boxes and perform related tasks. In 2021, the median hourly pay for this job was $14.58, making this one of the highest-paying summer jobs for teens.

13. Online Survey Taker

Companies use surveys to get feedback about their products or find out what customers think about their brands. For a teen with a computer and some extra time on their hands, taking online surveys is a low-stress way to earn cash. Online survey takers earn an average hourly wage of $16.78.

14. Package Delivery

Flower shops, pharmacies and other local businesses need drivers to deliver orders to their customers. This presents an opportunity for a teen with a clean driving record to make money during the summer. The average hourly wage for package delivery drivers is $17.62.

15. Receptionist

For teens who prefer to stay out of the sun, working as a receptionist is one of the highest-paying summer jobs available. Receptionists answer the telephone, greet visitors, sign for packages and perform other clerical duties. They earn an average of $14.40 per hour.

Top Takeaways

• Working during the summer is a great way to gain experience before going to college or entering the full-time workforce.
• Teens have access to summer jobs that match their interests and abilities.
• Some of the best summer jobs for teens require creativity and the ability to collaborate effectively with others.

For additional summer job options click here.

(Reporting by NPD)

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