School has officially ended, and your teen is now looking to you for entertainment, and cash. Summer jobs are a great way of earning a few extra bucks, learning responsibility, and gaining new skills. Luckily, the best summer jobs for teens make for a fun summer gig and a taste of financial freedom.
When it comes to making sure your teenager gets a summer job, you may not have to push as hard as you think. A recent survey finds young people believe they’re hustling harder and earlier than ever before. Set up by Open University, the survey polled 1,000 respondents between the ages of 17 and 18. Over a quarter told researchers that they work harder than older generations. In fact, 28 percent of teens who plan to attend college report they already have a passion project that provides some income and hopes to eventually turn that passion into a successful career. Another 23 percent already work a part-time job, as well as a “side hustle,” with both having a connection to their chosen area of study. Meanwhile, one in three say they chose their college major based on what they’re passionate about. With all of these revelations in mind, it makes sense that over half the poll (56%) believe it’s very important to have the flexibility to both work and study. Perhaps the days of the full-time student being the norm will soon be over.
What’s also wonderful about summer jobs for teens is that a lot of them will keep your loved one active. New research indicates that young men who gain significant weight at an early age increase their likelihood of developing prostate cancer by nearly a third. Scientists in Sweden suggest that weight gain during a young man’s teens and twenties increases the risk of developing lethal tumors later in life. The findings come from an analysis of over a quarter-million participants for an average of 43 years. This could be instrumental in combating the second deadliest cancer among men. According to the American Cancer Society, doctors in the United States will diagnose roughly 288,300 new cases of prostate cancer in 2023.
Ah, the teen years. So many celebrations, yet so many milestones. A summer job can greatly benefit your teenager. StudyFinds researched five of the best summer jobs for teenagers. Is there one that we haven’t mentioned that your teen returns to each summer? Please share it with us in the comments below.
The List: Best Summer Jobs for Teens, According to Experts
1. Camp Counselor
There is more than one benefit for your teen as a camp counselor. They can enjoy activities like swimming and horseback riding, all while learning leadership skills. “Teens who want to get out of town and into the great outdoors might enjoy a job as a summer camp counselor. Working at summer camp allows you to reacquaint yourself with nature and disconnect from all those screens,” adds Don’t Waste Your Money.
Being a camp counselor also lets your teen mentor younger minds and is a great chance to foster and educate the next generation. “This perspective will help stabilize them as they transition into adulthood and look to their older peers for guidance. Staffing a summer camp is a wonderful way to practice leadership, celebrate youth, and make some money while you’re at it,” informs Interview Focus.
Typical summer camp jobs don’t pay excellent, but you have your room and food covered. “If they love children it’s rewarding because of the experiences you have and the positive impact you get to have on others. this is a fun summer job that can provide some lifelong memories,” explains PT Money.
2. Babysitter
Babysitting is one of the easiest jobs to get as a teenager because there’s no age requirement, you can set your own rate, and it fits well into a busy schedule. “If you feel comfortable looking after young children, there’s a good chance family, friends, or people in your neighborhood need a reliable babysitter. And if you don’t have much experience working with kids, try starting with older kids as they tend to be easier to care for and can communicate their needs and routine to you better,” says Resume Genius.
Consider how easy babysitting could be for your teenager. All they have to do is think of fun games to amuse them, feed them, and they’d also have a nap at one point during the day. “Parents who work are often stuck during summer months for childcare options so offering your services as a childcare option means you can earn some money close to home and they don’t have to find another option,” says My Kids Time.
Some teens can have it made while babysitting by hanging out at the pool, doing arts and crafts, and doing fun outings to the park— all part of the job. “Another tried and true summer job for teens who have a way with younger kids, babysitting typically pays a good hourly rate, and depending on how old the kids are, it can be a fun (and easy) way to spend the summer,” states Raising Teens Today.
3. Tutor
If you have a straight-A student, then a job as a tutor might be the best option for them. They can either be an online tutor for a tutoring company or an in-person tutor to local students. “Summer is the ideal time for tutoring. Some kids need the summer to make up low grades so they can progress to the next grade. You need to be an expert in the topic you wish to teach. If you’re tutoring in math, then you need to know everything about math for the student level you’re tutoring. The same is true of other subjects,” says Love To Know.
Many parents seek someone to help their child improve or keep up on math, reading, or other subjects over the summer. “Your teen can help younger students in the neighborhood or provide services online. Another option is for teens to teach younger kids (or even their peers) skills that they excel at, such as playing an instrument or sport,” explains Don’t Waste Your Money.
Teaching kids can be a challenge at times. It requires patience and the ability to explain concepts clearly. “In some cases, the goal is to help the student keep their skills up during the summer months. In others, you may help a student pass summer school classes,” explains The Interview Guys.
4. Dog Walker
Does your teen love dogs? Are you confident they can handle more than one at a time? Then a position as a dog walker is the perfect fit for you. My Kids Time suggests, “Offer your services as a dog walker for people who are away during the day or as a dog sitter for any families who are going away on holiday and prefer not to place their pet into a kennel.”
Dog walking will give your teen some exercise and the opportunity to breathe some fresh air. “Dog walking provides punctuality, customer service, and communication skills, all rolled up into one. This is a great job opportunity for a regular gig that will likely last well beyond summer,” states Raising Teens Today.
Dog walking is a great option for teens who don’t yet have a car because they can focus on neighbors with dogs in their neighborhood. “Those who can walk several dogs at a time can make good money. It will also give them a chance to do something that benefits their neighbors and get to know others in their neighborhood,” says Interview Focus.
5. Landscaper
Also known as doing what some refer to as “tedious yard work,” it’s a great opportunity for your teen to make money. They just need to make sure they have their own equipment and a way to haul it from one job to the next. “Some people have a lawnmower and may make it available to you. Be sure to check when inquiring about work and be prepared to offer a discounted rate,” explains Love To Know.
If you don’t mind physical labor, landscaping is a great job for teens because it requires no former work experience and pays relatively well. “Work as a landscaper can include anything from mowing your neighbor’s lawn to working with a professional landscaping company. However, the more professional landscaping jobs typically require prior experience or some kind of connection with the hiring manager,” says Resume Genius.
Summer yard work can include lawn maintenance but also more elaborate landscaping, like gardening and planting trees and bushes. “If you already have experience with lawn care and access to lawn equipment, you could launch your own lawn service this summer,” explains PT Money.
You might also be interested in:
- Best Jobs for Seniors
- Most Dishonest Professions
- Happiest Jobs Of 2023
- Most Stressful Careers In 2023
Sources:
- Resume Genius
- My Kids Time
- Don’t Waste Your Money
- The Penny Hoarder
- The Interview Guys
- Interview Focus
- PT Money
- Love To Know
- Raising Teens Today
- The Krazy Coupon Lady
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.