In 2019, 56.2% of young people aged 16 to 24 had summer jobs. A summer job can be fun and also teaches kids to ace job interviews, learn transferable skills, such as responsibility, organization and communication, and develop money management skills. The following summer job options could be a good fit for teens.

Amusement parks often rely on teens to fill dozens of seasonal positions. Teens seeking summer employment could work as concession stand staff, ride monitors, ticket takers, musicians, dancers or housekeeping staff.

Animal lovers can cultivate their passion through a variety of options. In addition to dog walking and pet sitting, teens could work at pet stores, animal parks or even veterinary clinics. Under the supervision of professionals, teens feed, water, groom and exercise the animals, maintain cages, stalls and pens, and assist customers.

Teens can turn to summer camps for jobs as counselors, kitchen help, maintenance crew, waterfront staff or office help. With children spending their summers at a variety of camps, there are many options for teens to get involved.

Teens as young as 13 can serve as mother's helpers or babysitters. Older teens could also become summer nannies. To improve childcare skills and gain a competitive edge, teens can complete Red Cross Babysitting and Child Care Training.

Tech-savvy teens may share their knowledge of computers in repair, coding or programming jobs. Teens could also help develop websites, manage social media and help ensure cybersecurity for local small businesses.

Hotels, resorts and restaurants often need summer help to manage the busy travel season. While meeting people from around the world, teens can work at the front desk, be a part of housekeeping, help with recreation activities, and even be a temporary valet.

Teens who love fresh air and sunshine may pursue a job outdoors. The National Park's Pathways Program offers paid internships. Other available outdoor summer jobs include golf courses, farmer's markets, nurseries, lawn care, and animal or vegetable farms.

At the community pool or local beach, teens can get paid to work on the water. Strong swimmers may give swim lessons or achieve Red Cross lifeguard certification and training in first aid and CPR. Other pool or beach jobs include snack bar workers or souvenir shop attendants.

Instead of spending money, teens can make money at a retail job. Many grocery stores, local shops and theaters hire teens to operate cash registers, take orders, stock shelves or arrange displays. Some retail chains even offer college scholarships to their employees.

Sports enthusiasts can work at the concession stand, sell tickets and souvenirs, or perform maintenance and housekeeping duties at a local sports stadium or race track. Teens could also work as fitness instructors, youth sports league officials or athletic coaches.

From academics to the arts, teens can teach younger children or older adults how to play an instrument or help with certain subjects such as math or science. Teens may work for a tutoring organization or open their own tutoring businesses.

A summer job gives teens the opportunity to learn useful skills that can help with their future. It's always a good idea to check your local labor laws to make sure you understand where you can work and if any work permits are required.