Beach trips, concerts, making some money… If your summer to-do list includes generating extra income for bills, savings, or recreation, you’ve come to the right place.
When school lets out for the summer, you can put your extra time to good use with one of these summer jobs that are perfect for college students.
And don’t worry, you won’t have to spend all summer on job applications. Our AI resume builder can help.
What Are the Best Summer Jobs for College Students?
If you’re in college, you know that any work you take on has to have a flexible schedule and wages that make it worthwhile. It doesn’t hurt if they’re fun, too. Below, we’ve listed the top jobs in each of these categories.
Highest-paying summer jobs
Summer jobs are usually entry-level, but you want one that pays enough to be worth your time and cover your bills. These are some of the highest-paying summer jobs around.
1. Bartender or server
Average pay: $16.12 per hour
Bartenders average about $1 more per hour than waitstaff in their base pay, and they can also rake in more in tips, especially in upscale establishments.
To bartend, you’ll need to be at least 21 years old and complete a bartending or mixology certification course. Depending on where you live, you may also need to obtain a server permit.
2. Tutor
Average pay: $19.27 per hour
Tutoring comes in many forms, from in-person private tutors to remote video calls. Tutoring comes with an additional advantage: if the subject you’re tutoring in is related to your career field, you’ll further cement the concepts you’ve learned.
3. Mover
Average pay: $18.12 per hour
Movers carry boxes and other items, loading and sometimes driving the moving trucks. If you’re on a college sports team, this job has the additional benefit of keeping your biceps strong.
4. Caddy
Average pay: $17.00 per hour
Caddies carry golf gear, replace divots, and tend the flagstick as golfers play the course. The best caddies also have a knowledge of the game and course, such as distances to the hole and hazards. Caddying carries the additional value of providing networking opportunities with local professionals.
5. Delivery driver
Average pay: $17.85 per hour
Modern apps like Instacart and DoorDash make delivery driving more flexible than ever; you can take on deliveries when it works for you. The major downside of this job is that you have to own a car, and the gasoline and upkeep expenses fall to you.
Fun summer jobs
Money isn’t everything; after all, you want to have a fun summer! These fun jobs that pay well accomplish both goals.
6. Camp counselor
Average pay: $17.00 per hour
If you loved summer camp as a kid, you can relive the experience and get paid for it. Camp counselors chaperone campers, take the lead in crafts, sports, and outdoor activities, and provide basic first aid when needed.
7. Lifeguard
Average pay: $15.06 per hour
For many, summer is all about soaking up the sun at the pool, lake, or beach. As a lifeguard, you can get paid to people-watch in these settings. You’ll need basic first aid training; many employers have on-the-job or pre-summer training programs as well.
8. Amusement park attendant
Average pay: $14.54 per hour
Working at Disneyland or a smaller theme park might be a childhood dream. You’ll help others enjoy their day, and you might score free park visits on your off-hours.
9. Resort worker
Average pay: $15.66 per hour
Working at a resort can place you in a beautiful, perhaps tropical, location for the summer. You might work the front desk, answer phones, clean, assist guests, or work in food service. You may be offered perks like use of resort amenities.
10. Tour guide
Average pay: $17.63 per hour.
Tour guides show visitors around, often providing insider information. This job can be extremely flexible through apps like GetYourGuide. Depending on where you live, you might be a tour guide in your hometown, or the job may allow you to travel.
Summer jobs for career building
Your summer job can provide more than just spending money. As part of your career development plan, you can use a carefully selected summer job on your resume and build a professional network that will last a lifetime.
11. Paid internship
Average pay: $23.04 per hour
Internships are like stepping stones between school and your first job. They’re typically in your chosen industry. You can make networking connections and may be offered a position upon graduation.
Remuneration for paid internships varies widely, ranging from small stipends for government internships to $30.00 per hour for some specialized fields.
12. Teaching assistant
Average pay: $17.64 per hour
Teacher’s assistants work under the supervision of licensed teachers to give students extra attention.
Typically, you’ll need at least two years of college and CPR/first aid certification to qualify. If you’re entering the educational field, working as a teaching assistant may satisfy some of your graduation requirements.
13. Research assistant
Average pay: $29.99 per hour
Research assistants often work in universities, hospitals, or other fields requiring scientific research and development. Working in your field can give you hands-on training and allow you to make connections with other professionals.
14. Social media manager
Average pay: $27.29 per hour
Careers in public relations, marketing, and business administration all overlap with social media management. Your work will give you valuable experience and insights. If you work for a business or brand in your desired field, you may make valuable connections.
Because this job is largely remote, it is typically flexible enough to work around your schedule.
15. Administrative assistant
Average pay: $22.82 per hour
Administrative assistants answer phones, schedule appointments, arrange meetings, and perform other tasks that keep an office running smoothly.
If you choose your company carefully, you can expand your professional network in your field. If you make a good impression, you may be able to request a position or letter of reference after graduation.
Flexible and quick-start summer jobs
Sometimes, a flexible schedule or the ability to start right away are the main things you’re looking for in a job. From one-weekend gigs to DIY side hustles, these summer jobs are for you.
16. Festival or event staff
Average pay: $14.54 per hour
Music festivals, comic book conventions, concerts, and other limited engagements often require short-term staff to check tickets, assist guests, or act as “bouncers.” A potential perk, depending on where you’re stationed, is getting to view or listen to the event taking place.
17. Retail associate
Average pay: $17.94 per hour
Brick and mortar stores have high turnover rates, so sales positions are often available immediately. Retail associates assist customers, stock shelves, use Point of Sale systems, and keep their areas tidy.
18. Customer service representative
Average pay: $20.59 per hour
Customer service reps work in almost every industry. They may work in-store, in a call center, or take calls remotely.
19. Dog walker or pet sitter
Average pay: $16.09 per hour
Pet sitting can be very flexible, depending on the needs of the client. You can use apps like Rover to find gigs, or you can start your own side hustle business.
20. Babysitter
Average pay: $15.41 per hour
If you know someone who needs childcare, it’s easy to get started right away. Working at a daycare or Head Start program may require certification, depending on the role and where you live.
Summer Jobs for College Students Compared: Pay, Flexibility, and Requirements
You can select the best summer job for your situation by examining what you need.
- Do you need flexibility around a busy schedule?
- High salary to pay off student loans?
- Are you looking to advance your career or just enjoy your summer break?
Whatever your circumstances, there’s a summer job for you.
| Type of job | Best for | Requirements | Things to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-paying jobs | Students who want to maximize earnings during the break | Previous experience, certifications, tutoring skills, sales ability, or strong references | These roles may be more competitive and can involve longer hours or performance-based pay |
| Fun jobs | Students seeking new experiences | Previous experience or on-the-job training | You’ll be required to maintain a professional demeanor |
| Career-building jobs | Internship-seekers who want to make connections and put into practice what they’ve learned | Academic background in the field | Jobs with sought-after brands and companies can be highly competitive |
| Flexible jobs | Students with family or academic responsibilities | Self-motivated to take on gigs | You may need to provide your own vehicle or work odd hours |
| Quick-start jobs | Students looking for short-term work or those needing to pay impending bills | Immediate availability | Initial pay for gig work is often less, building up over time |
How To Find the Right Summer Job
Summer is short, and you may want to get a job fast. But you want it to be the right job. The following tips can help you choose where to apply.
- Think about your main goal. Whether it’s making as much as possible, working around a busy schedule, advancing your career, or just having fun.
- Check your availability. If a posting requires longer hours or times you aren’t able to commit to, don’t apply.
- Compare pay and flexibility. It’s hard to find both in abundance, so prioritize what you need.
- Apply early. If you wait until summer begins, the jobs you want may already be assigned to someone else. Start applying several months in advance.
- Lean into your network. Friends, classmates, or colleagues may be able to refer you to an opening.
Best places to look for a summer job
If you’re in college, check out your university’s career center. Many colleges also host career fairs. Community bulletin boards may also present job offers.
Look online at LinkedIn, online job boards, and even local Facebook groups. You can also ask in person, by email, or by phone at summer camps, golf courses, country clubs, hotels, restaurants, retail stores, and parks.
Resume example for summer job applications
Now that you’ve considered the best summer jobs to apply for, you’ll need a summer job resume to make it happen. Consider the example below.
Ava Thompson
College Student
📍 Nashville, TN | 📞 (615) 555-2837 | 📧 ava.thompson@email.com
Summary
Motivated and dependable, seeking a summer position where strong customer service, teamwork, and organizational skills can contribute to a positive workplace. Experienced in retail and campus involvement, where reliability, communication skills, and the ability to learn quickly in fast-paced environments are essential.
Skills
Business Basics | Customer Service | Teamwork | Communication | Problem Solving | Time Management | Cash Handling | Organization | Microsoft Office | Conflict Resolution | Attention to Detail
Work Experience
Sales Associate
Cumberland Outfitters (Nashville, TN) | Summer 2026
- Assisted an average of 60+ customers per shift.
- Processed transactions totaling more than $3,000 during peak weekend shifts.
- Helped reorganize merchandise displays and maintained store cleanliness.
- Restocked inventory for over 500 product items weekly.
- Trained 2 new team members on customer service standards.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Belmont University (Nashville, TN) | Expected Graduation: 2028
- Relevant Coursework: Introduction to Business, Marketing Principles, Business Communication, Economics, Accounting Fundamentals
These same principles can be applied to students looking for seasonal jobs in winter. Just as the summer rush causes businesses to hire, so does the holiday season. You’ll especially find openings in retail, seasonal event venues, and winter vacation destinations.
Winter or summer, you need to dress your resume up right. It will look its best with a matching cover letter. Our AI cover letter generator can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
A good rule of thumb is to start early. January and February are peak hiring months for many companies, and summer slots may begin to fill. March and April are ideal, and you may find that hiring managers have an increased sense of urgency in May.
Whatever you do, don’t wait until summer starts to begin your search. Many managers take time off during the summer, and the best positions will have been filled earlier.
Yes. In fact, many seasonal employers expect to fill entry-level summer jobs with students who have a few months off school. You can highlight relevant abilities you’ve gained through school, sports, clubs, volunteering, or personal projects.
This depends much on your personal circumstances. If you want to maximize your profits, you may be able to work full-time. However, if you’re juggling summer classes, family responsibilities, or a healthy work-life balance, you may want to work less.
Many part-time positions are 25 to 35 hours per week. You can look for time commitment expectations in the job description or ask at your interview.
Here are some summer job options that may include housing:
- College conference assistant roles may let you stay on campus while helping manage summer visitors in the dorms.
- Summer camps and resorts often offer employee dorms for seasonal outdoor recreation or hospitality roles.
- Conservation programs may provide housing through campsites on public lands.
- Door-to-door sales jobs may include housing if the role requires travel to new sales territories.
To increase your savings, having a lucrative summer job may be essential, but you should balance salary with other factors such as transportation costs. Some jobs may offer a meal plan, helping you cut expenses even more.
The value of unpaid internships depends on your goals and expectations. If you need to make money, it may not be worth it.
But if you want to gain experience in your field, network with industry professionals, or get your foot in the door with a certain company, it could be an invaluable opportunity.
Yes, international students can get summer jobs in the U.S., but the type of job you can get depends on your visa. If you’re a full-time student with an F-1 student visa, you can work full-time on campus. You may need approval for off-campus work or internships.
If you study outside the United States, you can still work here in the summer with a J-1 visa.
Yes, summer jobs provide real-world work experience with transferable skills. Any job can demonstrate qualities like dependability and time management, but those aligned with your chosen field can help you get a head start at learning industry jargon, tools, and basic skills.
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