The holidays are undoubtedly a great opportunity to relax, unwind, and enjoy the long summer days…
However, they can also be the perfect time to earn some extra money and gain valuable work experience during your time off from studying. Finding the right summer employment that’s suitable for teens doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether you’re looking for temporary summer jobs for students or just want a few hours a week to fund your social life, there are plenty of options out there.
So, if you’re on the lookout for work right now, here are some of the best summer jobs for teens.
Key takeaways from this article
- Teens under 18 can expect a minimum wage of £8.00 per hour from April 2026, while 18 to 20-year-olds can earn £10.85.
- Strict laws govern how many hours younger teens can work, with 15 and 16-year-olds capped at 35 hours a week during the summer holidays.
- Popular summer jobs for teens include retail, hospitality, pet sitting, and seasonal theme park or festival roles.
- Volunteering is an excellent alternative to paid work if you want to build your CV and gain transferable skills.
Understanding teen employment laws and pay
Before diving into specific roles, it’s vital to know your rights regarding pay and working hours.
How much do teens get paid in summer jobs?
The National Minimum Wage dictates how much you should legally earn. From April 2026, the projected minimum wage for those under 18 is £8.00 per hour. For 18 to 20-year-olds, the rate increases to £10.85 per hour. These rates apply to almost all summer temporary employee jobs for students.
How many hours can teens work?
Child employment laws in the UK are strict. During the school holidays, 15 and 16-year-olds can only work a maximum of 35 hours a week. This includes a maximum of eight hours on weekdays and Saturdays. If you are looking for summer work for 14-year-olds, the limits are even tighter. You can only work up to 25 hours a week during the holidays, with a maximum of five hours on Saturdays.
Working hours: What you need to know
Top summer jobs for 16 year olds and above
Ready to start earning? Here are some of the most popular roles that hire teens during the warmer months.
Sales Assistant
A Sales Assistant serves customers and helps to ensure they have a positive shopping experience.
What it involves: Key responsibilities include greeting customers, answering questions, checking stock levels, and handling payments, with opportunities available in small independent shops, supermarkets, or large department stores.
What you need: Aside from basic numeracy and IT skills, you’ll need to be confident speaking to people and have an approachable manner.
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
Kitchen Porter
If you’re keen to be part of the hospitality hustle but don’t fancy being front of house, a kitchen porter role might be for you.
What it involves: As a Kitchen Porter, you’ll be the backbone of any restaurant, café, or pub kitchen. Duties include washing up, loading and unloading the dishwasher, keeping surfaces clean, taking out rubbish, and lending a hand wherever it’s needed. It’s fast-paced and sometimes chaotic, but it’s also a great way to get a foot in the door of the food sector.
What you need: You’ll need a hard-working attitude, the ability to work on your feet, and zero fear of food in the sink. Being organised and quick to pick up new routines will also set you apart.
Our advice: Don’t underestimate this position – chefs rely on their porters, and you’ll likely learn a ton about how professional kitchens tick. If you love a behind-the-scenes challenge (and enjoy a good team effort), this could be a perfect fit.
Waiting Staff and Baristas
Hospitality roles, such as Waiters, Waitresses, and Baristas, are always in high demand over the summer.
What it involves: You’ll work in restaurants, cafes, hotels, or pubs – taking orders, serving food and drinks, clearing plates, and dealing with payments. Because the summer brings festivals and outdoor events, you can also easily find events roles if you just want a flexible, short-term contract.
What you need: The ability to multi-task in a busy environment is essential. Good communication, customer service skills, and teamwork are also vital.
Our advice: There is a huge demand for hospitality staff. Use our free CV template to show employers you have the enthusiasm and transferable skills to succeed.
Lifeguard
Think you’ve got quick reflexes and nerves of steel? Lifeguarding could be the summer job that lets you flex those skills poolside (or even beachside).
What it involves: You’ll be keeping a watchful eye over swimmers at pools, leisure centres, or beaches. Your main duties are all about safety – responding to emergencies, performing rescues if needed, and making sure pool rules are followed. You might also help set up equipment and keep changing rooms tidy.
What you need: The key here is the right qualification; you’ll need the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) to work at most pools in the UK. It’s intense but worth it, and you’ll pick up essential first aid and lifesaving skills. Good concentration, strong swimming ability, and a reassuring presence are must-haves.
Our advice: Already love swimming? Turn your hobby into a summer job by getting certified before the holidays start. Check your local leisure centre for NPLQ courses – they often run in spring, so don’t leave it too late to book your spot.
Theme park and festival workers
Summer means outdoor fun, and seasonal attractions need plenty of staff to keep things running smoothly.
What it involves: A Customer Service Assistant at a theme park, festival, or entertainment venue helps visitors have a great day out. Duties might include selling tickets, giving directions, managing queues, or answering questions.
What you need: You’ll need a friendly attitude, excellent verbal communication skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
Our advice: Many venues look for people who are genuinely passionate about their brand, so make sure you research the company before you apply.
Delivery Person
If you love being out and about (and maybe can’t resist checking your step count), a delivery role could be right up your street – literally.
What it involves: Delivery people are the unsung heroes who bring food, groceries, or parcels right to customers’ doors. Whether you’re on a bike, e-bike, scooter, or even just delivering local takeaway, you’ll be collecting items from one location and making sure they reach the right address. The hours are often flexible, with some jobs letting you pick your own shifts.
What you need: Reliability is key. You’ll also need to be comfortable travelling around your area with confidence and, for some delivery jobs, a cycling helmet or public liability insurance. A smartphone helps with route tracking and order updates.
Our advice: Delivery roles often suit energetic teens looking for more independence and a break from staring at checkout screens. If you want extra exercise with your earnings, cycling deliveries can be a win-win.
Great summer jobs for 15 year olds and younger
If you’re a bit younger, your options might look slightly different due to legal working restrictions. Here are some great summer job opportunities for 14 and 15-year-olds.
Cleaner
If you’re looking for a job that doesn’t involve a uniform or memorising a menu, cleaning could be a great option.
What it involves: Cleaners can be found just about everywhere – offices, gyms, community centres, or even lending a hand in private homes. Your main duties include sweeping, wiping down surfaces, emptying bins, vacuuming, and keeping spaces tidy. Hours are often flexible, so you can squeeze shifts in around summer plans or family holidays.
What you need: Attention to detail is your best friend, as is a positive attitude when it comes to tasks others might avoid. You’ll also need to work reliably, and the ability to work independently is a must.
Our advice: Cleaning roles are a great introduction to the world of work because employers look for dependability more than experience. And trust us, a sparkling reference from a happy manager or neighbour goes a long way.
Dog Walker
Pet sitting and dog walking remain incredibly popular, especially as office workers head off on their own summer holidays.
What it involves: 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: You must be completely comfortable around all types of dogs and know how to manage their behaviour. Excellent time management is also crucial.
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
Garden Maintenance Assistant
If you love being outdoors, helping people keep their gardens tidy is a brilliant way to earn cash.
What it involves: Working alongside a gardener or independently for neighbours, duties include mowing lawns, clearing leaves, removing weeds, and watering plants.
What you need: A good level of physical fitness and a willingness to work outside in all weather conditions.
Our advice: Get some practical experience in your own garden first, and offer to help out friends and family to build up references before advertising your services locally.
Volunteering
While it does not pay a wage, volunteering is an incredible way to build your CV when you are too young for many traditional roles.
What it involves: Giving your time to a charity shop, animal shelter, or community project.
What you need: Enthusiasm, reliability, and a desire to help others.
Our advice: Volunteering shows future employers that you are proactive and hardworking. Check out our tips on work experience and volunteering to get started.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions about teens and summer jobs.
What jobs can a 16-year-old do in the summer?
Sixteen-year-olds can legally work in a wide variety of roles, including retail sales assistants, waiting staff, kitchen porters, theme park workers, and customer service assistants.
Do you need experience for summer jobs?
Not usually. Most summer jobs for teens near me are entry-level roles. Employers are generally looking for a positive attitude, reliability, and good communication skills rather than years of experience.
When should you apply for summer jobs?
The best time to apply for summer jobs for students near me is between March and May. Many seasonal businesses, like theme parks and summer camps, start their hiring process well before the holidays begin.
Start your summer job search today
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.
