10 Hot, Popular Jobs to Pick Up This Summer

Whether you have some free time to fill this summer, want to earn some extra cash, or are simply in search of new experiences, a summer gig might be just what you’re looking for. While summer jobs are often considered ways to pass the time and earn spending money for high-schoolers and college students on summer break, there are plenty of reasons adults – even those with a regular 9-to-5 – might be thinking about a side job this summer.

From the usual part-time opportunities like event staffing to seasonal gigs like lifeguarding, there are plenty of opportunities in the summertime. If you’re considering taking the plunge this summer with a side job or temporary gig, here are 10 of the hottest, most popular jobs to pick up this summer.

1. Event Staffing

Event staffing gigs are typically available all year long, but during the summer months, opportunities in the event staffing industry are even more plentiful thanks to the increase in outdoor events like weddings and concerts that happen during the warmer months.

Whether you’re a social butterfly who loves to meet new people or prefer to stand in the background and take in all the action, there are a variety of event staffing gigs to suit just about any personality. Event staffing gigs run the gamut from greeting and registering guests to event security, food and beverage servers, brand ambassadors, and more.

2. Hospitality Services

Like event staffing, the hospitality industry offers a range of job opportunities for those looking for a temporary, part-time gig and even those in search of a long-term career. Line cooks, food service workers, housekeeping and janitorial staff, bartenders, and servers are just a few of the great summer jobs you can score in the hospitality industry.

If you enjoy traveling, consider a summer job at a resort in an exotic locale to take advantage of the beautiful scenery. If you have a certification such as certified massage therapist or certified nail technician, you can put those skills to work in the hospitality industry, as well.

3. Warehousing/Manufacturing

If you’re looking for a straightforward way to earn extra money this summer, there are plenty of opportunities in the warehousing and manufacturing industry. Warehouses are always looking for order pickers to help meet demand, so if you’re in good physical health and have the ability to lift and move boxes and inventory of varying weights, a warehouse job might be the perfect fit.

If you have the training and certifications required to operate machinery like forklifts, many warehouses are also looking for qualified forklift operators and material handlers. In general, summer jobs in the warehousing and manufacturing industry are ideal for those who like to be on their feet and moving, rather than sitting behind a desk all day. Pick up a few shifts here and there as your schedule permits or take on a long-term, part-time job that lasts all summer.

4. General Labor

Another ideal summer gig for those who like to stay physically active. Construction projects are getting underway, and landscaping companies are expanding their crews to meet demand, meaning general laborers are often in high demand during the warm summer months.

There’s a lot of variety among general labor jobs, too. You might be cleaning and preparing a work site, loading and unloading materials, removing hazards, or even driving materials, tools, and equipment from location to location. In addition to construction and landscaping, gigs like pool maintenance workers and movers also fall into the general labor category, so there are lots of options to find work you’ll enjoy.

5. Summer Recreation

If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, spend a little more time enjoying it this summer while also earning some extra money with a summer recreation job. Whether you’re most at home in the water or love to explore, recreation jobs are ideal for anyone who likes a good adventure.

If you live in an area that attracts many tourists in the summer, share your knowledge of your area’s history and attractions while earning some extra cash as a tour guide. Those who love spending the day on the green will enjoy working on a golf course over the summer. Other recreation jobs include lifeguards, swimming instructors, movie theater attendants, hiking/trail guides, and more.

6. Transportation/Delivery Driver

One of the most well-known ways to earn extra money (or even make a full-time living) is offering transportation services. Anyone with a valid driver’s license, a vehicle, and a clean driving record can turn their time behind the wheel into extra cash by registering with ride-sharing services.

Ride-sharing services aren’t the only way to earn money with your driving skills, though. With the growing rise of receiving goods & services on-demand, companies are turning to the gig economy to find delivery drivers to deliver packages, food orders, and floral arrangements to consumers. Companies in other industries hire delivery drivers to transport inventory or other goods from location to location or directly to consumers, as well.

7. Tutoring

Tutoring is a practical summer gig for teachers who want to fill the time in a more relaxed, one-on-one or small group setting over the summer while still utilizing their professional skills. But tutoring gigs aren’t limited to teachers; anyone with mastery in math, a musical instrument, a foreign language, or practically any other subject can earn extra money with a tutoring gig.

If you’re a college student, your university might have a tutoring service on campus you can sign up with. If your college days are over but you know many families in your area, you might be able to offer tutoring services on your own.

8. Sales Associate

If you have a knack for communicating or are known for your persuasive skills, you’ll probably enjoy a sales associate job. Sales associates work in retail stores or in the field, depending on the product or service and the industry, and some even work over the phone. If the idea of making cold calls makes you queasy, consider a customer service role instead, where you’ll work to support existing customers and help them solve problems.

Because some sales and customer service jobs are done over the phone, this is a good choice for those who prefer an office setting or aren’t physically able to stay on their feet all day.

9. Dog Walker/Pet Sitter

If you love pets and are looking to get some exercise this summer, consider becoming a dog walker to monetize the time you’ll spend walking anyway. Or, if daily, strenuous walking isn’t on your priority list for this summer, you can still turn your love of pets into extra money by offering your services as a pet sitter.

With many families heading on week-long (or longer) vacations over the next few months and business people continuing their regular travel routine, there are lots of pets in need of your love and care.

10. Blogging/Copywriting

If you have a way with the written word, consider a blogging or copywriting job to pass the time this summer. It’s a great way for college students and recent graduates to gain experience and build their portfolio while earning some much-needed cash at the same time.

If you’re not exactly a compelling storyteller, but you live for proper grammar and punctuation, you might find your niche as an editor or proofreader. Or, if you can type at least 50 words per minute, consider a transcription job to turn your speedy typing skills into cash.

Sign up with Wonolo to get access to warehouse and manufacturing jobs, general labor jobs, event staffing jobs, and other summer jobs in a variety of industries. Get notified of available jobs in your area and accept jobs that are the right fit with a simple click, so you can work when and where you want. No matter what plans you have in store this summer, Wonolo makes it easy to find flexible work around your schedule.