Find a Job You Really Want In
Seasonal jobs offer an excellent opportunity to earn extra income during school breaks, gain valuable experience, or supplement your earnings throughout the year. While many people associate seasonal employment with summer or holiday periods, numerous opportunities arise across all seasons. In this article, we’ll explore 17 of the best seasonal jobs available today and provide tips on how to secure one.
Key Takeaways
-
Seasonal positions can offer unique opportunities to travel and immerse yourself in different cultures.
-
Recruitment for seasonal jobs often begins well in advance of the busy season, so plan ahead.
-
Many seasonal jobs can lead to full-time employment opportunities.
17 Best Seasonal Jobs
We’ve curated a diverse list of jobs spanning various seasons, locations, and industries to cater to different interests and skills.
-
European Resort Worker
Average Yearly Salary: N/ADuring peak vacation seasons, countries such as Spain, Italy, and France recruit numerous native English speakers to work at resorts. While wages may be modest, travel and living expenses are often covered, making this an ideal job for those looking to explore new cultures.
Essential Skills: Foreign language proficiency, teamwork, attention to detail, multitasking, flexibility, customer service, and professional hospitality.
-
Summer Camp Counselor
Average Yearly Salary: $22,000Summer camp counselors supervise children and teenagers, requiring maturity, trustworthiness, and excellent interpersonal skills. Counselors organize activities and ensure campers’ safety, often with room and board included.
Essential Skills: Leadership, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, time management, flexibility, patience, and creativity.
-
Cruise Ship Worker
Average Yearly Salary: $23,000Working on a cruise ship provides an exciting way to travel while earning money. Free food and accommodations make this a coveted role, and you can choose cruises to destinations that interest you.
Essential Skills: Communication, customer service, teamwork, positivity, flexibility, time management, and service industry experience.
-
Social Media Assistant
Average Yearly Salary: $32,000Social media assistants help businesses manage their online presence, responding to comments and updating statuses. This role is especially in demand during peak business seasons.
Essential Skills: Communication, customer service, social media platform knowledge, writing, time management, video/photo editing, and critical thinking.
-
Customer Service Representative
Average Yearly Salary: $29,000During peak sales seasons, many companies increase their customer service staff, often offering remote positions. While base salaries may be lower, commission opportunities can significantly boost earnings.
Essential Skills: Communication, customer service, conflict management, empathy, patience, problem-solving, and adaptability.
-
Tour Guide
Average Yearly Salary: $29,000Tour guides are in high demand during vacation seasons, with many tourist attractions covering travel and living expenses in addition to wages.
Essential Skills: Public speaking, conflict management, articulate speaking, leadership, approachability, adaptability, time management, and a love of learning.
-
Au Pair
Average Yearly Salary: $24,651An au pair assists a local family with childcare, especially during summer months when school is out. This role often includes travel and living expenses, making it a popular choice for young individuals.
Essential Skills: Reliability, proactiveness, communication, adaptability, time management, meal preparation, childcare experience, and first aid knowledge.
-
Tax Preparer
Average Yearly Salary: $40,000Tax companies frequently hire seasonal employees during tax season to assist with preparations. This role is perfect for those with math and accounting skills.
Essential Skills: Organization, tax law knowledge, communication, adaptability, customer service, math, accounting, and attention to detail.
-
Photographer
Average Yearly Salary: $49,000Freelance photographers see peak demand during holidays, wedding season, and school events, making this an excellent opportunity for additional income.
Essential Skills: Photography, photo editing, communication, adaptability, customer service, reliability, attention to detail, and time management.
-
Chef
Average Yearly Salary: $44,000Hotels and resorts often hire additional chefs during busy seasons, providing free living and travel expenses along with a base salary.
Essential Skills: Culinary skills, creativity, management, communication, endurance, planning, attention to detail, and time management.
-
Snow Removal Driver
Average Yearly Salary: $41,000Snow removal services are essential during winter months, and drivers may work independently or as contractors using snowplows.
Essential Skills: Driving large vehicles, navigating hazardous conditions, attention span, adaptability, endurance, reliability, and time management.
-
Fitness Trainer
Average Yearly Salary: $41,000Fitness trainers often see increased demand during the summer as more people engage in outdoor activities and gym memberships rise.
Essential Skills: Personal training techniques, first aid, AED/CPR, nutrition knowledge, communication, teaching/coaching, time management, customer service, and sales.
-
Tutor
Average Yearly Salary: $33,000Demand for tutors spikes during exam seasons, with many parents willing to pay top dollar for qualified tutors, especially through remote sessions.
Essential Skills: Subject knowledge, communication, patience, empathy, active listening, and teaching abilities.
-
Personal Gift Shopper
Average Yearly Salary: $49,000As holiday shopping can be hectic, personal gift shoppers help others navigate the crowded stores, often earning additional income through consulting on gift choices.
Essential Skills: Product knowledge, customer service, communication, time management, adaptability, predicting needs, decision-making, and recordkeeping.
-
Event Planner
Average Yearly Salary: $44,000Event planners are busiest during spring, early fall, and mid-winter. They often leverage their organizational and marketing skills to attract clients and maximize earnings during peak seasons.
Essential Skills: Attention to detail, customer service, communication, time management, adaptability, leadership, predicting needs, and organizational skills.
-
Gig Food Delivery Driver (DoorDash, Grubhub, etc.)
Average Yearly Salary: $29,000Food delivery drivers are in high demand year-round, with increased earnings during colder months due to higher delivery requests and tips.
Essential Skills: Time management, customer service, communication, conflict resolution, and physical ability to lift heavy items.
-
Rickshaw Driver
Average Yearly Salary: N/ARickshaw driving has surged in popularity over the past decade, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Earnings can vary significantly based on location and demand, particularly during festivals.
Essential Skills: Sales, customer service, communication, time management, endurance, and safe driving.
How to Get Hired for a Seasonal Job
To successfully land a seasonal job, it’s crucial to start your job search early. Companies typically begin recruitment a season ahead, so being proactive is key.
If you plan on working seasonal jobs consistently, ensure your last day at one role aligns with the start of the next. Many high-paying seasonal jobs are localized, so timing your transitions is essential.
Utilize Zippia’s extensive employment resources to research seasonal roles, including pay and responsibilities, to enhance your applications.
Seasonal Job Tips
-
Use Seasonal Jobs to Re-enter the Workforce. For those returning after a break, seasonal jobs can be a stepping stone to permanent positions, especially in industries with high turnover.
-
Consider Your Skills and Interests. Seasonal roles allow you to explore new industries and develop transferable skills. Choose jobs that align with your career goals.
-
Set Clear Intentions. Understand your goals for seasonal work—whether it’s additional income or gaining experience in a new field—and choose roles that help you achieve those objectives.
-
Apply Early. Remember, seasonal job openings commonly arise about three months before the season starts. Act quickly once you identify your desired role.
By exploring these seasonal job opportunities and following the provided tips, you can enhance your work experience and financial stability while enjoying the unique aspects of seasonal employment.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
