What are the highest paying summer jobs?

Exploring lucrative summer job opportunities

Modified on:
July 14, 2025 11:09 am

In summer, many seek ways to earn extra income. Luckily, there are several summer jobs that pay well and not just fatten the wallet but also build a resume. Here are some of them.

Finance internships: a pathway to substantial earnings

If you have a knack for numbers and an interest in the financial sector, pursuing a finance internship can be highly rewarding. Some top hedge funds and trading firms offer lucrative packages to their interns. For instance, firms like Citadel, DE Shaw, and Balyasny Asset Management have been known to pay up to $25,000 a month for PhD interns, including bonuses and allowances.

Similarly, Jane Street, a leading trading firm, offers its quantitative researcher interns a base annual salary of $250,000, equating to nearly $21,000 a month before tax.

These internships not only provide substantial earnings but also offer hands-on experience in data analysis, model building, and strategy research.

Construction jobs: building your future with high pay

The construction industry offers numerous opportunities for those seeking well-paying summer jobs. Roles such as construction workers involve tasks like removing debris, loading and unloading building materials, and operating heavy equipment. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction workers earn an average salary of $49,871 per year.

These positions provide not only a good income but also valuable experience in the trades.

Landscaping: turning green thumbs into greenbacks

If you enjoy working outdoors, landscaping can be a lucrative summer job. Landscapers are responsible for maintaining the appearance of clients’ properties, including mowing lawns, trimming shrubs, and watering plants. The national average salary for landscapers is $52,089 per year.

This job offers the satisfaction of transforming outdoor spaces while earning a substantial income.

Bartending: mixing drinks and maximizing tips

For those with excellent interpersonal skills, bartending can be a high-paying summer job. Bartenders are responsible for preparing a variety of drinks and ensuring customers have a positive experience. The national average salary for bartenders is $39,458 per year.

Additionally, bartenders often earn significant tips, which can substantially increase their overall earnings.

Camp counseling: leading the way while earning well

If you have a passion for leadership and enjoy working with youth, becoming a camp counselor can be both fulfilling and financially rewarding. Camp counselors supervise campers, plan activities, and ensure a safe environment. The national average salary for camp counselors is $39,744 per year.

This role not only provides a decent income but also offers the opportunity to develop leadership and organizational skills.

Lifeguarding: safeguarding lives with a rewarding paycheck

Lifeguarding is another excellent summer job, especially for strong swimmers. Lifeguards monitor activities at pools or beaches to ensure safety and respond to emergencies. The national average salary for lifeguards is $30,330 per year.

This position offers the chance to make a difference while earning a respectable income.

Freelance writing: crafting words into income

For those with a flair for writing, freelance writing can be a profitable summer endeavor. Freelance writers create content based on client instructions, including blogs, articles, and white papers. The national average salary for freelance writers is $74,316 per year.

This job offers flexibility and the opportunity to work from anywhere, making it an attractive option for many.

Virtual assistance: supporting businesses remotely

With the rise of remote work, virtual assistants are in high demand. They provide services such as managing emails, scheduling appointments, and handling administrative tasks from a remote location. The national average salary for virtual assistants is $40,842 per year.

This role offers flexibility and the opportunity to work with diverse clients.

Tutoring: sharing knowledge for a price

If you excel in a particular subject, tutoring can be a rewarding summer job. Tutors help students understand challenging subjects and prepare for exams. The national average salary for tutors is $39,217 per year.

This position allows you to make a positive impact on students’ academic journeys while earning a good income.

Fitness instruction: turning passion for fitness into profit

For those interested in fitness, becoming a fitness teacher may be an attractive and very profitable career. A fitness instructor could lead exercise activities to an individual or a group, demonstrating certain exercises and practices for some modifications, as required. According to the national average, fitness instructors earn an annual salary of $48,516. This is actually a good source of sharing the love for fitness while earning real fat income.

Related article:

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Neither a government worker nor a bank clerk: these are the high-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree

Enobong Demas
Enobong Demashttps://polifinus.com/author/e-demas/
I write on social welfare programs and initiatives for the United States, focusing on how these programs impact the lives of everyday Americans. My background in environmental sciences allows me to approach these topics with a unique analytical lens to provide my readers with a clear and well-rounded insight, eliminating the complexities often common with these topics.

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