If you’re a teenager or a college student, it might be tempting to kick back and relax during the summer. Or, maybe it’s the only time you can plan adventures with friends and family. As the legendary Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys perfectly put it, “Summer means happy times and good sunshine. It means going to the beach, going to Disneyland, having fun.”
Due – Due
I believe there is some truth to that sentiment. But landing a summer job can provide valuable life experience. Personally, when I got a summer gig when I was 13, that helped me set a budget in order to reach a goal. In my case, it was saving $500 for a guitar.
However, even just looking for a summer job can help develop interview skills and coping with rejection. If you do get a job, you’ll learn new skills and talents. You’ll also be pushed out of your comfort zone. And, you’ll develop self-confidence.
Oh yeah. People are getting paid more because of the labor shortage.
“One of the reasons teens are flocking to the labor market is because this labor shortage has driven up wages at the bottom,” Julia Pollak, chief economist at ZipRecruiter, told Insider. “And it has driven them up particularly in these kinds of industries, these face-to-face industries like leisure and hospitality, where many workers left because of COVID risks.”
All in all, the following summer jobs are ideal for anyone looking for high paying extra income over the summer, regardless of experience level.
1. Golf caddy.
In general, most people who regularly golf are older, affluent, and just looking to have fun. As a teenager, caddying at tournament games or at a private club is an awesome way to make money. When you’re friendly and a good caddy, you can make some pretty generous tips.
Forbes estimates that golf caddies earn between $100 and $120 per 18 holes. That equates to roughly $20 to $30 per hour! That’s some serious dough for a summer job.
2. Landscaping.
Lawn care, such as mowing is just one aspect of landscaping. Other services include gardening, planting trees and shrubs, and even lawn aeration. This summer, you may be able to start your own lawn service business if you have experience and access to lawn equipment.
If not, look for a job at a landscaping company. Currently, landscapers usually make $14.67 per hour.
3. Lifeguard.
When it comes to local pools, summer is when they are busiest. Therefore, lifeguard jobs are one of the best and most widely available summer employment options.
Just note that you must first receive your lifeguard certification and complete CPR training. In any case, this may be a great opportunity for teens and college students looking for extra income this summer.
And, according to Indeed, the average salary for a lifeguard is $14.33 per hour in the United States.
4. Referee/umpire.
Teenagers are often hired as referees and umpires in local youth leagues