Looking to earn over the summer? We’ve got just the thing(s)…
Whether you’re at school, college, or university – or you’re already in work and just trying to earn some extra cash over the summer months – there are a number of different opportunities on offer that could be right for you. But what summer jobs actually provide a lucrative income?
To help you choose your perfect position, here are just five of the best-paying summer jobs:
Events Assistant
What they do: Work at a variety of sporting, entertainment, music and other seasonal events, helping with anything from catering and cleaning to bar work, organisation and admissions. Specific duties vary depending on the type of work they’re doing, with available opportunities dependent on an event’s schedule.
What you need: Great customer service skills, combined with enthusiasm and flexibility. If you’re working at a VIP event, you’ll also need to be well-presented. You won’t usually need any qualifications to work at an event, but previous experience in a customer-facing role may help.
What you can earn: You’ll usually be paid at an hourly rate, with the most well-paid positions offering up to £15 an hour – or more if you’re working in management. And with a vast amount of different events available as things open back up over the summer months, maximising your earnings couldn’t be easier.
Perfect for: People who want to avoid FOMO.
Our advice: As events work is extremely varied, you’ll probably have some experience in at least one of the roles offered in this field – whether it’s from working part-time in retail or bars, doing extra-curricular activities at college or university, or even volunteering. So to be considered for the most in-demand festivals, gigs, and shows, make employers aware of your transferable skills by mentioning them on your CV and providing tangible examples.
How to become an Events Manager
Sales Assistant
What they do: Assist, advise and serve customers in a retail store, ensuring everyone who visits has a pleasant shopping experience. Typical duties include anything from replenishing stock and tidying the shop floor, to helping customers and taking payments.
What you need: A helpful, polite and accommodating approach, alongside an ability to communicate with all kinds of people. Patience and resilience are also essential skills, as the role might involve dealing with difficult customers and working during busy periods.
What you can earn: Although the average hourly rate for a Retail Assistant is around £8*, roles in this field often come with good commission and bonuses (not to mention overtime), meaning there’s always scope for higher earnings if you meet your targets. Especially during the summer rush.
Perfect for: People people.
Our advice: Retail managers are looking for candidates who are not only passionate about what their business does, but also knowledgeable about their products and services. So find an organisation you’re really interested in and do your research beforehand. That way, you’ll be able to use what you know to show your enthusiasm at an interview.
How to become a Sales Assistant
Bar Staff
What they do: Serve food, drinks and snacks at bars, pubs, hotels and a number of other establishments. Aside from providing excellent customer service to their guests, they’re also responsible for keeping the bar and dining areas clean and tidy, as well as making sure they adhere to all the relevant health and safety regulations. Especially important as we continue to fight the spread of COVID-19.
What you need: An outgoing and friendly personality, as well as a good memory when it comes to serving food and drink orders under pressure. An ability to stay calm and patient with difficult (see also: potentially drunk) customers is also key.
What you can earn: Salaries for bar staff may vary, with the highest paid roles offering up to £10 per hour. However, this can be dramatically increased by lucrative tips, especially during busy periods, making summer one of the best times to get into the industry.
Perfect for: People who are good at getting the first round.
Our advice: Although you won’t usually need any specific qualifications to find bar work, positions can be competitive – and may be especially so during this summer, with the furlough scheme winding down and more people potentially searching for work. To help set your application apart, place a clear focus on backing up the skills and attributes (e.g. confidence, ability to multitask, and outgoing personality) needed to find work in hospitality.
Jobs in the hospitality industry
TEFL
What they do: Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) in a variety of locations all over the world – both at home and abroad. They could either work with children in schools as part of their general education, or provide support to adults looking to gain extra knowledge.
What you need: An excellent understanding of the English language, along with an ability to help others learn – whilst maintaining patience and understanding along the way. If you do travel to a new country to work, you won’t necessarily need to know the language of the country you’re looking to teach in, but you will need a TEFL/ESOL qualification.
What you can earn: You could earn up to £25,000 for teaching English abroad, with many positions including free housing and flights as part of their generous benefits package. And despite what you may think, TEFL teachers are still being hired in 2021 (although some roles may be dependent on travel restrictions being lifted).
Perfect for: People who love to travel (and/or teach).
Our advice: When it comes to landing a teaching job abroad, having a positive and enthusiastic attitude is key. Whilst competition is strong for the most in-demand organisations and locations, the need for great teachers is always high – so proving you’re a good fit is half the battle. Aside from outlining your relevant skills, gaining experience in teaching or learning some basic language skills are all perfect ways to show your willingness to learn.
Five reasons to learn a new language
Freelancer
What they do: Freelance work is available in a variety of different fields, but jobs are most commonly found in design, media, copywriting, and financial support – with duties depending on the freelancer’s expertise and the employer’s needs.
What you need: Aside from relevant skills and experience in the field you’re looking to work in, you’ll also need the ability to communicate remotely and effectively with a range of people. A high level of adaptability, excellent time management and self-motivation are also vital traits for freelancers.
What you can earn: Pay will vary depending on the job, employer and your level of skill and experience – but freelancers could stand to earn anywhere up to £100 per hour.
Perfect for: People who want to be their own boss.
Our advice: Breaking into the freelance industry can be tough, especially if you don’t have much in the way of practical experience. However, changes to our ways of working due to the pandemic has meant many more businesses may be open to freelance workers this summer. If you’re struggling to land jobs, start small – whether it’s through taking on voluntary work at first, or choosing lower paid projects in order to build a fuller portfolio. That way you’ll be able to back up your abilities to future employers using real examples.
Freelance work: What you need to know
Other high-paying summer jobs : Fundraiser, Mystery Shopper, Call Centre Advisor, Sales Executive, Lifeguard, Theme Park Worker.
Still searching for your perfect position? View all available summer jobs now
*Salary data taken from jobs live on reed.co.uk in May 2021
