Looking to earn some extra cash over the summer?
The holidays are undoubtedly a great opportunity to relax, unwind, and enjoy the long summer days. However, it could also be the perfect time to earn some extra money and gain valuable work experience during your time off from studying.
So, if you’re on the lookout for work right now, here are some of the best summer jobs for teens.
Summer jobs for teens
What it involves: A Sales Assistant serves customers and helps to ensure they have a positive shopping experience. Key responsibilities for a sales assistant include: greeting customers, answering questions, showing customers where products are, checking stock levels and handling payments.
Sales assistants typically report to a supervisor, department lead or a store manager (depending on the size of the store). They could also find themselves working in a number of different settings – from small, independent shops and concessions, through to supermarkets and department stores.
With relatively flexible hours, options for both part-time and full-time work, and many businesses recruiting temporary retail roles throughout the summer, becoming a sales assistant is often the ideal job for teenagers and students.
What you need to do the job: Aside from some basic numeracy and IT skills, you’ll also need to be confident in speaking to people, and have a helpful and approachable manner.
What you can earn: Most teenage sales assistants are paid just above the national minimum wage. For those aged under 18 this is currently £4.81 per hour.
Perfect for: People people.
Our advice: Although retail workers are in demand, it can still be a competitive industry – especially working for the most well-known names. Try using our retail CV template to set yourself apart, as well as our list of five great retail skills to add to your application.
How to become a sales assistant
What it involves: Waiters and waitresses can work in restaurants, cafes, hotels, bars and pubs. They’re responsible for ensuring that guests have a pleasant experience, and are served quickly and efficiently. As a waiter or waitress, you can expect to show people to their table, hand out menus and take orders, serve food and drinks, clear plates and deal with payment.
As hospitality is another industry where temporary workers are in-demand over the summer, roles are usually in abundance. Aside from bars and restaurants, events jobs are also available – meaning you could find yourself working anywhere from festivals to sporting events (even if you’re just looking for a flexible, short-term contract).
What you need to do the job: Restaurants, cafes, hotels and pubs are busy environments, so the ability to multi-task will be essential. Good communication and customer service skills, and the ability to work alongside others as part of a team, are also important skills to have.
What you can earn: Entry level salaries for waiting staff will be similar to those for sales assistants, starting at £4.62 per hour. However, this will increase with experience – and you’ll also have the chance to earn extra money through tips.
Perfect for: People who are good at balancing tasks (and plates).
Our advice: There’s a huge demand for waiting staff right now. So even if you lack previous experience, don’t panic. Use our free CV template to show employers you have the enthusiasm and transferable skills to make a great Waiter or Waitress.
What it involves: A lot of people adopted or purchased new pets during the pandemic to help provide a much needed sense of companionship. However, with many people returning to the workplace, some people are struggling to find the time to walk their dogs – which now makes dog walkers in high demand. A dog walker typically collects the dog from the owner’s home and walks it for a set amount of time. They may also call in multiple times during the day to check on the animal’s wellbeing, to feed it and play with it.
What you need to do the job: Firstly, you’ll have to be completely comfortable being around all types of dogs, and have a good level of experience in managing their behaviour. You’ll also need to be reliable, and have excellent time management skills.
What you can earn: If you’re working independently (not through a dog walking business), you’ll be able to set your own rates. However, you’ll want to set your pricing competitively to attract customers – so it’s always worth looking at what others are charging in your area.
Perfect for: People who like to take the lead.
Our advice: To be considered for a dog walking position, putting across your enthusiasm for dogs and having an in-depth knowledge of dog-care is a no-brainer. Aside from mentioning times you’ve been in charge of a dog (or other types of animals) in your CV and cover letter, you could also take a dog walking course to help you get up-to-speed – and add increased credibility to your application.
See all online dog walking courses
What it involves: A customer service assistant can work in a number of places, such as entertainment venues, theme parks, showrooms or shopping centres. But their main role always remains the same: to help people. Responsibilities of a customer service assistant will vary from job-to-job, but may include answering customers’ questions, giving directions and dealing with complaints.
What you need to do the job: As you’ll be dealing with the public on a daily basis, you’ll need great verbal communication skills, as well as being a good listener. Being able to remain calm in stressful situations will also be important.
What you can earn: Between £4.62 and £5 per hour, depending on experience and the size of the company.
Our advice: Many companies want to hire customer service workers who have a genuine interest in their brand and products. So always make sure you research the company well before you apply, and use our list of good customer service examples to help you ace the interview.
View all customer service assistant jobs
See all online customer service assistant courses
What it involves: A garden maintenance assistant works alongside a gardener to help keep gardens tidy, well-presented and weed-free. Typical duties include mowing lawns, clearing fallen leaves, digging holes for planting, removing weeds and watering plants. In other words, if it’s garden-related, it’s under your remit.
With most gardens requiring extra maintenance throughout the hot (see also: temperamental) summer months, many companies take on extra staff to help them cope. No previous gardening experience is usually necessary, as long as you have the right attitude and a hardworking approach.
What you need to do the job: You’ll need to love being outside in all weathers (did we mention the temperamental British summer?). A good level of physical fitness and being comfortable working with others will be similarly important. It may also help if you have some basic knowledge of plants.
What you can earn: Just above minimum wage, to begin with. However, day rates may be much higher – especially if you’re working on a large property or estate with extensive grounds.
Perfect for: People who know their gerberas from their geraniums.
Our advice: If you’re struggling to land a job as a garden maintenance assistant, always aim to get some practical experience first – whether it’s in your own garden, or helping out friends and family. That way you’ll have some real experience to add to your application, and maybe even a reference or two to help prove your credentials.
View all garden maintenance assistant jobs
See all garden maintenance courses
Other good summer jobs for teens: barista, cleaner, kitchen porter, theme park worker, lifeguard, delivery person.
How Reed.co.uk can help
If you’re looking for the perfect summer job, we’ve got you covered.
Not sure these roles pay enough? No problem. Read our guide to five of the best-paying summer jobs. Looking for a role you can carry on with whilst you’re studying? Our article on five of the best part-time jobs for students will help you get started.
We’ve also got specific CV advice for school leavers, tips on volunteering and how to find internships and apprenticeships, guides to courses you could be eligible for, and much more.
So if you’re looking for a job over the summer, or beyond – find it on Reed.co.uk.
Ready to love Mondays? View all available summer jobs now.
