32 Best Summer Jobs for Teens: Fun Ways for Teens to Make Money in 2025

Summer is just around the corner, and as a mom, I know this is the perfect time to encourage our teens to step out, gain valuable experience, and learn the essential skill of earning their own money. Whether your teen is saving up for a new gadget, college, or simply wants to explore independence, summer jobs provide practical life lessons in responsibility, money management, and the value of hard work.

I’ve compiled this list of 15 summer jobs perfect for teens, each one carefully selected to not only boost their confidence but also teach essential financial skills they’ll carry into adulthood. From outdoor roles that keep them active and social, to online gigs they can manage from home, there’s something here for every interest and personality. Let’s guide our teens towards financial independence, responsibility, and a rewarding summer experience!

1. Start a YouTube Channel

Start a YouTube Channel Starting a YouTube channel isn’t as simple as pressing record and uploading videos—there’s effort involved, including filming, editing, and producing engaging content. However, if your teen has charisma, creativity, and loves being in front of the camera, this could be an exciting and potentially profitable summer job. With dedication and consistent effort, teens can monetize their YouTube channel effectively.

Take inspiration from Ryan of Ryan’s World, who earns millions by reviewing toys online!

Related: How Much Do YouTubers Make and How They Make Money?

2. Sell Crafts

Create and Sell Crafts Does your teen have a knack for crafting? Encourage them to transform this creative hobby into a profitable summer job. With the accessibility of platforms like Etsy and Facebook Marketplace, selling handmade items online has never been easier.

Teens can boost their entrepreneurial skills by setting up a simple, affordable website or blog to showcase their crafts and attract customers.

Plus, creating craft tutorials on YouTube could further expand their audience, turning a fun hobby into a rewarding business venture.

Related: 72 Easy Crafts to Make and Sell from Home

3. Mow Lawns and Provide General Yard Work

Offering lawn mowing and yard care services is a fantastic summer job for teens, particularly in warmer climates where grass and gardens grow quickly.

Many families simply don’t have the time or prefer not to handle yard maintenance themselves. Teens can easily step in to help neighbors and community members, earning money while spending time outdoors and getting some physical activity. To build credibility and attract more customers, teens can create a simple Facebook business page and showcase their work through “before and after” photos, demonstrating their reliability and quality results.

According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly pay for lawn mowing is $16 per hour.

4. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

If your teen loves animals, pet sitting or dog walking can be both enjoyable and profitable. Many pet owners seek reliable teens to care for their pets while they’re away or busy with work. Teens can advertise their services locally or through community social media groups.

Teens can find pet sitting jobs in the US through online platforms like:

• Rover: This app connects pet owners with sitters and walkers. You can create a profile and list your availability and services. 
• Trusted House Sitters: This platform focuses on house and pet sitting, offering opportunities for live-in care

5. Babysitting

Babysitting is a classic summer job that helps teens build responsibility and earn income. Teens who enjoy working with children can find babysitting opportunities within their neighborhood, family connections, or local parent groups. Completing a basic childcare or CPR certification can enhance their credibility and appeal.

Teens can find babysitting jobs using the Bambino app or Facebook/Neighborhood groups.

6. Tutoring

Teens who excel academically can also offer tutoring services to younger students during the summer months! Subjects like math, reading, or science are always in demand. This job helps teens reinforce their own knowledge while developing teaching skills and earning money.

According toe ZipRecruiter, the average teen tutor salary in the US is $20 per hour.

7. Car Wash Service

Setting up a car wash service in your neighborhood can be an easy way for teens to earn money during the summer. With minimal investment in supplies, teens can provide this convenient service, especially popular during warmer months.

According to Indeed.com, car wash attendants earn an average of $15.85 per hour.

8. Lifeguarding

For teens who are strong swimmers, lifeguarding is a rewarding summer job that offers valuable skills in safety, responsibility, and teamwork. Local pools, water parks, and beaches often hire teens, providing necessary training and certification as part of the job.

9. Restaurant Server or Host

Teens can find summer jobs at local restaurants as servers or hosts. This job helps teens develop customer service and teamwork skills. Average earnings typically include hourly wages plus tips. Check local eateries or popular job boards like Indeed.

10. Grocery Store Clerk

Many grocery stores hire teens for stocking shelves, bagging groceries, grocery stocking, and cashiering, including Kroger, Publix, Hy-Vee, and Safeway. Other options to explore include Giant Eagle Supermarket, Winn-Dixie, and King Soopers.

Teens typically earn minimum wage or slightly above. Apply directly through local grocery store websites or visit the store in person.

11. Movie Theater Attendant

Working as a movie theater attendant is a popular, enjoyable job choice for teenagers. Responsibilities typically include selling tickets, serving popcorn and snacks, cleaning theaters between screenings, and occasionally assisting customers to their seats. It’s a lively environment that encourages teamwork and customer service skills.

Usually around minimum wage, though some theaters may offer slightly more based on location and responsibilities.

Many large theater chains regularly hire teens. Visit their career pages online:

• AMC Theatres Careers
• Regal Cinemas Careers
• Cinemark Careers
• Local independent theaters (check their websites or apply in person).

12. Camp Counselor

For teens who love the outdoors and working with kids, being a camp counselor is an exciting option. The pay can range from minimum wage to around $15 per hour.

13. Retail Associate

Retail jobs are perfect for teens who enjoy fashion or customer service. Many stores hire teens during the busy summer months, typically paying around minimum wage. Your teen can apply through store websites or job portals like Snagajob.

14. Food Delivery

If your teen has access to a bike or car, delivering food through apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats can be a flexible and lucrative summer job.

Earnings typically range from $10-$20 per hour depending on location and tips.

You can learn more about how much you can earn from DoorDash here.

15. Farm or Market Stand Helper

Local farms and farmer’s markets often hire teens to help with harvesting or selling produce. Earnings typically range from minimum wage to $15 per hour. Visit local farms or markets directly to inquire.

16. Golf Course Worker

Teens can assist at golf courses as caddies or groundskeepers. Caddies earn an average of $18.85 per hour. Contact golf courses directly or search local job postings.

17. House Cleaning Services

Teens can offer house cleaning services locally, earning around $15-$25 per hour depending on the task and location. Advertise services via local community bulletin boards or online platforms like Nextdoor.

18. Blogger

Blogging is an excellent summer job for teens who want to earn money, express their creativity, and learn valuable digital skills. With just a computer and internet access, teens can start a blog about any topic they love—whether it’s fashion, sports, travel, gaming, or life as a student. Blogging helps build skills in writing, web design, social media, and even basic marketing. Plus, it can become a flexible side hustle that grows into something bigger over time.

For teens who want to get started the right way, I highly recommend checking out my comprehensive blogging guide . It’s packed with beginner-friendly tips, step-by-step instructions, and real-life strategies to help new bloggers find their voice and start making money online!

Other Great Summer Jobs for Teens

19. Photo Booth Operator

Set up a simple photo booth at parties or community events for a fee.

20. Tech Helper for Seniors

Help older adults with smartphones, computers, or setting up streaming services.

21. Babysitting Co-op

Organize a small group of teens to babysit for local families and share jobs.

22. Errand Runner

Help busy neighbors with shopping, picking up prescriptions, or mailing packages.

23. Music or Art Teacher

If you’re talented, offer lessons to beginners or younger kids in your area.

24. Reselling Thrift Finds

Shop thrift stores for clothes or electronics, then resell them online for a profit.

25. Park Maintenance Helper

Assist with cleaning, gardening, or painting at local parks.

26. Umpire or Scorekeeper

Work youth baseball or softball games.

27. Beach Cleaner

Help keep local beaches or lakes clean by joining or starting a cleaning crew.

28. Garden Helper

Work for local gardeners or landscapers, helping with planting or watering.

29. Retail Store Assistant

Help with stocking shelves, organizing inventory, or running the register.

30. Busser or Host/Hostess

Work at restaurants seating guests, clearing tables, or refilling drinks.

31. Smoothie or Juice Bar Worker

Find work at a juice bar, café, or small food kiosk.

32. Farmhand

Work at a local farm or orchard—picking fruit, feeding animals, or helping at a farm stand.

Conclusion

Helping your teen find the right summer job not only teaches them valuable life skills but also fosters independence and responsibility. With these 16 summer job ideas, you can confidently guide your teen toward a productive, fulfilling, and financially rewarding summer!