Summer is finally here. Which means you’ve survived writing all those term papers and taking final exams. And unless your summer plans are to hang out at your parents’ house all day, you’re probably going to want a summer job.
As a college student, you might not yet be qualified for your dream job. The good news is that there are lots of great summer jobs out there that will help you bring in a few extra bucks without killing your chill summer vibe.
So sit back, relax and check out what we think are the best summer jobs for college students.
8 Best Summer Jobs for College Students
Dog Walker/Pet Sitter
There are tons of people out there who consider their fluffy companions to be a part of their family. But when it comes time for a family vacation, pets usually have to stay at home. That’s why summer is the perfect time to take on a part-time (or full time!) job of being a pet sitter or temporary dog walker.
If this sounds like the perfect fit, start your search at Rover.com. They will match you up with families who need pet sitters and you’ll give a nice paycheck. This is a total win-win; you get an awesome summer job with a flexible schedule, and pet owners get the reassurance that their cuddly creatures are getting love and attention while they’re away.
Bonus Tip: If you’re not a big animal person and would prefer to house sit then HouseSitter.com is a great option. While it’s not going to be huge money, you could make $25 to $45 in easy money every day. Just set up your profile and start looking for your next gig.
Drive for Uber or Lyft
Apps like Uber and Lyft almost always offer bonuses for new drivers, which is a great way to kick off your summer with some extra cash! If you have a car and a good driving record, this summer job is a great choice. You work on the schedule that you choose – and no business casual dress code. This is another awesome job that you can easily scale down during the school year or during other breaks.
Did you also know that Uber has a service called UberEats? It’s simple. People order food, then you pick it up and deliver it to them. It could be something as simple as going through the fast food drive-thru. This is a great way to make a little extra money without having another person in your car.
An alternative to UberEats is DoorDash. DoorDash is pretty much the same thing as UberEats except you can drive at 18 instead of 19.
Website or Social Media Creator
You don’t have to work at Google to have an awesome summer job in technology. Lots of small businesses are looking to upgrade their websites, blogs, and social media pages. Seek out businesses in your area who could use a little help, come prepared with a mock-up of what you can do, and see how quickly most of them say “Yes”! This job is perfect for entrepreneurial college students who are looking to get into marketing, business, or any technology-related field.
Retail Associate
I’ve spent a few summers working retail myself. While some might not consider it one of the best summer jobs for college students, I have two words for you: employee discount. If you can score a job at a store you like, you can use that paycheck to treat yourself at a discount when that first paycheck comes around.
Just remember not to spend it all in one place, or you’ll have no money left when school comes around again. Retail is not only great for summer but if you live close, you might be able to pick up a shift now and then during the school year as well.
Referee or Coach
Maybe you remember participating in a summer sports league, or athletic camps when you were a kid. You don’t have to be a good player to be a good coach, or to know the rules and referee for a league. This is a great way to get outdoors and spend time in your community. Save yourself from a summer hunched over a computer and try this awesome summer job instead.
Nanny
School’s out for summer! Which means families with school-aged children need extra help. Being a nanny is a super fun job for any college student who enjoys being around kids and doesn’t mind some of the extra responsibilities that might come along with that, like cooking, cleaning, and running errands. Part-time babysitting is another great choice if you would rather use your evenings and weekends to make money.
Tutor
As a college student, you’ve learned a lot. Why not get paid to teach what you know? Tutors are always in demand, whether that’s 1:1 tutoring for a school-age kid, or tutoring at a company that offers professional test-prep services. If you’re a whiz at a subject and enjoy helping others, then this is the perfect summer job for you.
Fitness Instructor
Summer means time spent at the beach. This means there are a lot of people wanting to work on their beach body. Take your favorite type of workout – spinning, Zumba, weight training, you name it – and become an instructor! Offer classes at a local community center, or check out gyms nearby to see if they’re looking for instructors.
This is a great job for college students because it helps you stay fit while you’re making some serious money. Good instructors can earn anywhere from $20-$80 per hour!
Wedding Photographer/DJ/Musician
Summer is the hottest season for weddings. Even something that you consider to be a hobby – like playing guitar or taking photos – can be a huge asset to someone planning a wedding. Set up a website and be sure to post photos or videos of your work. Then let the wedding offers roll in. This is the perfect summer job for college students because it allows you to do something you love and is flexible enough that you can continue doing it during the school year as your schedule allows.
