If you’re a student, mom, or teacher and want to know how to get a summer job fast, I’ve got you covered. From online to in-person jobs, the list includes well paying, part time jobs, as well as side hustles for people who just want to earn a little extra money. There’s something for everyone, whether you want to be an employee or an entrepreneur or a freelancer.
SUMMER JOBS FOR MOMS & TEACHERS
1. Nanny or Babysitter
The job: School’s out for summer but working parents still need childcare. Or someone to shuttle their kids back and forth to summer camps and other fun activities. If you’re a mom or a teacher (or both!), you’ll automatically instill a level of confidence in parents who are looking for someone to care for their children.
Job location: Your home or your client’s home
What you should know: If you’ll need to care for your own children while watching someone else’s, make sure you disclose that information upfront since it might be a deal breaker. You’ll need a reliable car if you’re expected to drive children around, and know the child safety seat laws for your location. If you’re caring for kids in your home, make sure you know the number of non-family-member children you can watch legally without a daycare license.
How to get started:
- Ask friends and family whether they need your services or know someone who does
- If your neighborhood has a Facebook or NextDoor.com group, post your services there
- Register with an online placement services, such as Care.com or Sitter.com
2. Tour Guide
The job: Summer is tourist season and tour guides are needed. If you’re a teacher or a mom, you’ve got plenty of experience with explaining things. Put those skills to use by showing people around your city!
Job location: Away from home
What you should know: If you’re new to your city, learn as much as you can before applying. Take a tour, research online, and read about the region. Pick up a few books about your city from a local museum bookstore or the library.
How to get started: Contact local museums and tour companies about summer employment.
3. Freelance Writer
The job: Many companies use freelance writers for all sorts of things, from writing public relations messages to blog posts. Freelance writers can specialize—for example, writing only on personal finance topics—or can be more generalists and write on a variety of topics.
Job location: At home (or work from anywhere)
What you should know: As long as you have a computer and at least occasional internet access, freelance writing is extremely flexible and can be done from home (or anywhere!).
How to get started: Check out Gina Horkey’s article “7 Steps to Become a Paid Freelance Writer“ for step-by-step instructions. Or if you want more guidance or want to take on higher-paying clients, take a look at Gina’s freelance writing course “30 Days or Less to Freelance Writing Success.” Smaller writing jobs can be found on Fiverr and Upwork.
4. Freelance Proofreader
The job: Though you do have to have grammar skills, you don’t need to have an English degree—or any degree—to be a proofreader.
Job location: At home (or work from anywhere)
What you should know: Just as with freelance writing, proofreading can be done from anywhere and is extremely flexible since you can turn down additional clients as needed.
How to get started: Check out Caitlin Pyle’s free online workshop about the skills you need to become a successful proofreader and work with bigger (i.e., higher-paying) clients. Smaller proofreading jobs can be found on Fiverr and Upwork.
Check out this post on Proofreading for beginners for more information.
5. Etsy Shop Owner
The job: I think everyone has heard of Etsy, but in case you haven’t, it’s an online marketplace for handmade goods. So if you love making things—such as soap, jewelry, clothing, accessories, or digital products—Etsy provides a great platform for sellers.
Job location: At home (or work from anywhere depending on your product)
What you should know: Although opening an Etsy shop is easy and can be done in about an hour, getting sales and running a profitable shop can be challenging and take time. But if you love making things and spend your spare time crafting anyway, why not get paid for it?
How to get started: Check out Etsy’s Seller Handbook: 7 Steps to a Successful Start on Etsy.
6. Camp Teacher
The job: Summer day camps abound in most cities, and they need people with childcare experience, such as teachers and moms, to lead their camp sessions. If you have experience in art, crafts, science, technology, engineering, or sports, you can find probably find a summer camp program that needs you.
Job location: Away from home
What you should know: Some summer camp programs require CPR and First Aid certification, and most of them will require a background check since you’ll be working with kids.
How to get started: Check online job boards, such as Monster.com or Indeed.com (search “camp counselor”). Or you can search online for local summer camps and contact them directly.
VIPKid is a flexible work-at-home job
7. Virtual Tutor/Instructor
The job: Teach K-12, college students, or adult learners online. Tutors and instructors are needed for core subjects, as well as test prep (SAT, ACT, GRE, GED, etc.).
Job location: At home (or work from any quiet location)
What you should know: Some tutoring and instructor positions require a teacher certification and classroom experience. Others require a bachelor’s degree in any field or only expertise in what you’re teaching.
How to get started:
- Kaplan: provide test prep and tutoring for high school and college subjects
- Tutor.com: tutor for K-12 students in English, math, social studies, and science
- VIPKid: teach English to Chinese students
- Search for “online tutor” on Indeed.com
- If you have a skill that others want to learn, create a course for Udemy.com or Skillshare.com
8. Virtual Assistant
The job: Virtual assistants (or VAs) help someone from afar. Tons of tasks can fall under the VA umbrella, such as social media, email or blog management, graphic creation, research, and writing.
Job location: At home (or work from anywhere)
What you should know: Accuracy and organization are must-have skills to be a good virtual assistant. VA jobs are another flexible option that allows you to work from anywhere.
How to get started: Take a look at Gina Horkey’s article “How to Become a Virtual Assistant: Everything you Need to Know.” Or if you want additional guidance, Gina’s course “30 Days or Less to Virtual Assistant Success” has you covered.
9. Translator
The job: If you’re fluent in another language, doing freelance translator work may be a great fit.
Job location: At home (or work from anywhere)
What you should know: Depending on the job, you may be able to work from anywhere as long as you have a computer. And since you’re freelancing, you’re in control of your schedule.
How to get started: Check job listings for translators on Freelancer.com and Indeed.com, or post your services on Upwork or Fiverr.
10. Website/App Tester
The job: Website owners and app developers need feedback so they can provide a good user experience. User testers visit a website or use an app and provide feedback on their experience.
Job location: At home (or work from anywhere)
What you should know: Because website and app developers may want a particular type of person to review their product, your gender, age, and other demographic information may determine which opportunities you’re given.
How to get started: UserTesting will pay you $10 to visit a website while recording your screen and speaking your thoughts aloud. Mobile tester get $15. Or post your services on Upwork or Fiverr if you have the tools to make your own recordings.
11. Sell Your Expertise on Fiverr
The job: Fiverr is a freelancing platform that links service providers with buyers. Many kinds of tasks and services are in demand: graphic design, photo editing, writing, transcription, translation, market research, etc. So if you possess a skill that others are willing to pay for, you can list your services and start making money quickly.
Job location: At home (or work from anywhere)
What you should know: Make sure you read the terms of service and follow the rules. When you first start out, the services you offer (your “gigs”) must be priced at $5. You get $4 and Fiverr gets $1, so make sure the services you offer don’t take too much time to deliver. Once you complete 10 orders, you can offer higher-priced gigs. Download the Fiverr app so you can respond to jobs right away.
How to get started: I recommend the quick read “1000+ Fiverr Gig Ideas to Get You Started” (free with Kindle Unlimited) if you need ideas about what services you can offer. The author of “The Fiverr Master Class” (free with Kindle Unlimited) provides information about how to be profitable and successful on Fiverr. (But please use common sense and go with your gut when following his advice. For example, it’s never okay to use images from a Google search for business purposes, even if you think “nobody cares.” There are plenty of royalty-free, no-cost stock photo websites, such as Pexels.com.) Then, head over to Fiverr to set up your gigs and start selling.
BONUS #12. Pool Concessions Manager
The job: Stock the concessions stand with snacks and schedule other workers to cover all the shifts. This a perfect job for someone who wants to catch up on their reading in between customers.
Job location: Away from home
What you should know: If you’re in charge of selecting and stocking items yourself, get a Sam’s Club and/or Costco membership so you can buy in bulk. You’ll need to be able to cover a shift—or find someone else to do it—if one of your employees calls in sick at the last minute.
How to get started: I know this job is in high demand, at least in some areas, because our homeowner’s association (HOA) was unable to find someone to run our pool’s snack bar this year. The teacher who usually does it moved away. The best way to find out about these jobs is to do an online search for local neighborhoods with pools and then call the HOA.
What is a way you like to make money in the summer? Let me know in the comments!
1. Pet Sitter/House Sitter
The job: Hang out at your client’s house while they’re on vacation, water their plants, take good care of their pets, and get paid for it.
What you should know: You’ll need to treat their pets as your own and be respectful of their home. Bring your own food and leave things cleaner than you found it. No inviting friends over, unless you have the owners’ permission. They’re trusting you with their home and beloved pets, so make sure you act professionally and dress neatly when you meet.
How to get started: The quickest and safest way to find clients is on Rover.com. See what other people in your area charge to help you set your prices. Make sure you include a well-composed (good lighting, in focus, you’re dressed nicely) photo of yourself, ideally, with a dog or cat.
2. Summer Camp Counselor
The job: Summer camps abound in most cities and sleep-away camps are often located in more remote areas. If you’re patient with kids and active, being a camp counselor could be a lot of fun.
What you should know: Some summer camp programs require CPR and First Aid certification, and most of them will require a background check since you’ll be working with kids.
How to get started: Check online job boards, such as Monster.com or Indeed.com (search “camp counselor”). Or you can search online for local summer camps and contact them directly.
3. Lifeguard
The job: Lifeguards not only watch swimmers and assist them out of the water if they get in trouble, but also enforce pool rules, check water quality, and clean (the pool, deck, and maybe even the bathrooms).
What you should know: Although lifeguards look like they have a passive job, they must always be vigilant and stay alert. You’ll need to make sure you can stay focused and not let your mind wander so much that you miss dangerous behavior on the deck or in the water.
How to get started: Usually, lifeguards need to already have certification before applying for jobs. The American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification is the program most employers want. Check online job boards for “lifeguard,” such as Indeed.com, SimplyHired.com, and LinkedIn. You can also search for local aquatic centers (ACAC, YMCA, etc.) and pool management companies and apply directly.
4. Swim Instructor
The job: Being a swim instructor may be the perfect job for you if you love the pool and can be patient while teaching kids how to stay safe in the water.
What you should know: Most places require swim instructors to have their lifeguard certification (see #3 above).
How to get started: Check online job boards for “swim instructor,” such as Indeed.com, SimplyHired.com, and LinkedIn. You can also search for local aquatic centers (ACAC, YMCA, etc.) and pool management companies and apply directly.
5. Personal Assistant
The job: Personal assistants complete a variety of tasks, such as grocery shopping and running other errands.
What you should know: You’ll need a reliable car and good organizational skills.
How to get started: If you live in one of these cities, you can sign up on TaskRabbit to get matched with people looking for personal assistants. If you’re not eligible for TaskRabbit, you can list your services on Care.com.
6. Lawn Care
The job: If you’re willing to get sweaty and dirty, mowing other people’s lawns can be a great gig.
What you should know: Ask upfront whether you’ll need to supply the gassed-up or fully-charged mower and weed eater or whether you can use the home owner’s.
How to get started: If you live in suburbia, you can probably fill your schedule just by going door-to-door or passing out flyers. If you need to widen your customer base, list your services on Thumbtack.com, but be prepared to haul around and use your own lawn care supplies.
7. Nanny or Babysitter
The job: Summer often creates a challenge for working parents with school-aged children, especially if their kids don’t enjoy summer camps. Many parents would love a reliable nanny to play with their kids and do fun activities, like visit the pool, parks, museums, and movies. If being a nanny is not part time enough, offer only babysitting services to cover childcare when kids are sick or injured and can’t attend camps or when parents want an evening out.
What you should know: You’ll need a reliable and safe car if you’re expected to drive children around, and know the child safety seat laws for your location. Completing a basic first aid certification and babysitting class will help you be more competitive and look professional.
How to get started:
- Ask friends and family whether they need your services or know someone who does
- If your neighborhood has a Facebook or NextDoor.com group, post your services there
- Register with an online placement services, such as Care.com or Sitter.com
8. Handyman
The job: Are you good at fixing things and have a well-stocked toolbox? Or are you able to move heavy items, put together furniture, power wash houses, or paint interiors? If so, you could earn good money as a part time handyman.
What you should know: Clearly describe your services, including not only what you can do but also what is too complicated for you to handle.
How to get started: Sign up on Thumbtack.com and get linked up with people who need your services in your location. Or if you live in an eligible city, you can get listed on TaskRabbit.
9. Driver
The job: If you like meeting and chatting with new people (and driving), being a driver may be a great summer gig for you.
What you should know: You need to be at least 21 years old, so this will disqualify many college students. You also need to have a clean driving record.
How to get started: The usual suspects: Uber and Lyft. Make sure your car meets their minimum standards before applying. You need to be strategic with your routes and on-duty times or you could find yourself making less than minimum wage. Maximize your earnings by following the advice of experienced drivers. Check out this article from the Casual Capitalist and this one from Ridester.
10. Social Media Assistant
The job: You already know how to use social media, so put those skills to use and help businesses strengthen their social media presence.
What you should know: Attention to detail is a must. You’re representing companies and can’t have a bunch of typos and misspellings in your communications. You also need to present yourself as a professional and be able to think strategically. Using social media for business is different than using it personally; learn as much as you can about social media for small business. Udemy has a full course about how to Become a Freelance Social Media Manager.
How to get started: Check job listings on Freelancer.com and Indeed.com, or post your services on Upwork or Fiverr.
11. Sell Your Expertise on Fiverr
The job: Fiverr is a freelancing platform that links service providers with buyers. Many kinds of tasks and services are in demand: graphic design, photo editing, writing, transcription, translation, market research, etc. So if you possess a skills that others are willing to pay for, you can list your services and start making money quickly.
What you should know: Make sure you read the terms of service and follow the rules. When you first start out, the services you offer (your “gigs”) must be priced at $5. You get $4 and Fiverr gets $1, so make sure the services you offer don’t take too much time to deliver. Once you complete 10 orders, you can offer higher-priced gigs. Download the Fiverr app so you can respond to jobs right away.
How to get started: I recommend the quick read “1000+ Fiverr Gig Ideas to Get You Started” (free with Kindle Unlimited) if you need ideas about what you can services to offer. The author of “The Fiverr Master Class” (free with Kindle Unlimited) provides information about how to be profitable and successful on Fiverr. (But please use common sense and go with your gut when following his advice. For example, it’s never okay to use images from a Google search for business purposes, even if you think “nobody cares.” There are plenty of royalty-free, no-cost stock photo websites, such as Pexels.com.) Then, head over to Fiverr to set up your gigs and start selling.
Summary
The lists above represent good summer jobs for college students, moms, and teachers. The freelancing opportunities—such as writer, proofreader, and virtual assistant—can continue to be done even after summer has passed, either as a side hustle or full-time career.
Happy summer, and best of luck with your summer employment!
Any other good summer jobs that you’d add to the list? I’d love to hear about them in the comments!