Don’t Settle for Less! High Paying Summer Jobs for Students

As high school and college students prepare for their school year to end, there is one common question that arises among many: How will they keep busy during the summer?   For some teens and young adults, the answer is summer camp, travel or summer play productions.  But for many, it is time to find a way to earn some money to help them enjoy their summer and also carry them through the next school year.  This doesn’t mean, however, that our hard-working youth needs to jump at the first opportunity that comes their way.  With the job market and economy improving, students can afford to be a little picky this year, and hold out for a job that will reward them with a more attractive paycheck.  Here are four of the highest paying hourly summer jobs for students:

1)  Bartender

For students that want to earn a nice chunk of change in a short window of time, bartending is an ideal summer job.  While the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average hourly wage for bartenders to be about $10, most of them make tips and bring home much more than that.  The added plus is that any tips bartenders make are cash, so you receive that pay right away.  And for young students, bartending is a high-paying and fun way to meet people and enjoy the nightlife.

Bartender jobs in New York, NY

Bartender jobs in San Francisco, CA

Bartender jobs in Dallas, TX

2)  Office Assistant

For students that want a high-paying summer job in a comfortable, air-conditioned setting, look no further than a job as an office assistant.  The average hourly pay for an office assistant is about $14, and this high-paying summer job is also an excellent opportunity to get your foot in the door to the business world.  You will develop important skills such as typing, accounts payable and customer service, and also meet professionals that could potentially be valuable to your career in the future.   What’s more, the hours of most office assistant jobs are 9 to 5, giving you nights and weekends free, so you won’t miss out on too much social time!

Office Assistant jobs in New York, NY

Office Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA

Office Assistant jobs in Dallas, TX

3)  Babysitter/Nanny

For students that love children, and want a high-paying hourly summer job that offers variety, working as a babysitter or nanny is a good option to go with.  Since there are babysitters needed at all times of the day, you have some flexibility with the hours you would like to work.  And another huge plus is that most summer babysitting jobs will involve being outside with the children at the park or at the beach.  So you can still work on your tan, even while being paid!  If you are going to college out of state and want to stay in that area for the summer, you may even be able to find a nanny job that will allow you to live on premises, as well.  The average hourly pay for babysitters ranges from $10 to $15.

Nanny jobs in New York, NY

Nanny jobs in San Francisco, CA

Nanny jobs in Dallas, TX

4)  Bank Teller

This is another great high-paying option for students that want a summer job working in a comfortable and cool setting, and have their nights and weekends free.  Bank tellers make an average of about $12 an hour, and banks are known for offering excellent benefits to even part-time employees.  For students looking to go into finance or accounting as a career, this summer job makes even more sense, since you will be able to spice up your resume and do some serious networking.

Bank teller jobs in New York, NY

Bank teller jobs in San Francisco, CA

Bank teller jobs in Dallas, TX