Benefits of seasonal jobs
Seasonal jobs are beneficial because they often provide better pay and may lead to full-time opportunities with benefits. Short-term or temporary positions allow you to familiarize yourself with a job you may want a full-time career in. Employers get to know you and your work ethic, making it more likely you will be hired when a spot opens up later.
They also have more flexible hours, which is great for families with kids and students looking for part-time work. Additionally, many seasonal positions offer more overtime opportunities.
What is the highest paying seasonal job?
There are a number of seasonal jobs that are often found during the summer months. We’re talking about resort jobs such as bartending, lifeguard and waiter positions. These are some of the highest paying seasonal jobs available, but they also come with the pressure to work fast while keeping an eye out for unsafe situations and unruly guests.
One thing that these jobs have in common is their high turnover rates. For example, only 69% of lifeguards who took the position in 2007 were still employed two years later. So if you’ve found your dream job, what should you know about it before jumping into it?
15 seasonal jobs that pay well
These seasonal jobs may offer higher than average pay during the holiday season:
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Doggy daycare employee
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Banquet server
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Retail associate
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Stocking associate
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Freelance photographer
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Package handler
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Client support specialist
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Warehouse employee
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Social media assistant
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Event coordinator
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Delivery driver
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Brand ambassador
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Snow removal driver
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Personal shopper
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Contract recruiter
1. Doggy daycare employee
National average salary: $11.08 per hour
Primary duties: Doggy daycare staff are responsible for making dogs comfortable while their owners are away. They supervise and control dogs during group play, clean playrooms, kennels and other areas of the facility as assigned and may also walk and groom dogs.
2. Banquet server
National average salary: $11.83 per hour
Primary duties: Banquet servers are waitstaff who serve food at catered events. Servers set tables and buffets and take drink and food orders if required. They also ensure buffets are replenished and assisted with all other food service-related tasks as needed.
3. Retail associate
National average salary: $12.01 per hour
Primary duties: Individuals in this role provide excellent customer service by assisting with the selection and purchasing of merchandise. They also stock items and may take inventory. Associates are responsible for keeping their department area clean and tidy, managing financial transactions and may assist with balancing and closing cash drawers.
4. Stocking associate
National average salary: $12.51 per hour
Primary duties: Stocking associates are responsible for stocking retail merchandise to ensure shelves are always filled. They receive merchandise, distribute it throughout the store and properly display it according to store policy. They also regularly take inventory and may help customers place online orders in-store.
5. Freelance photographer
National average salary: $14.43 per hour
Primary duties: Freelance photographers may work as contracted workers or be self-employed. They might take photos of weddings, parties, other special events or family gatherings.
6. Package handler
National average salary: $14.84 per hour
Primary duties: Package handlers are responsible for package quality assurance. Handlers load and unload packages in a warehouse to and from delivery vehicles. They must lift, push and pull on a daily basis. They also ensure packages and freight goods are safely and efficiently moved following company guidelines.
7. Client support specialist
National average salary: $15.03 per hour
Primary duties: Support specialists provide troubleshooting and account management services for clients. They have thorough background knowledge of the company’s products and services, and they may require some technical knowledge.
8. Warehouse employee
National average salary: $15.05 per hour
Primary duties: Warehouse employees perform a variety of duties to maintain an accurate log of goods coming in and leaving the facility. They receive and process incoming goods, organize inventory and manage filling, packing and shipping orders.
9. Social media assistant
National average salary: $15.79 per hour
Primary duties: Social media assistants help maintain client or company accounts by implementing social media marketing plans and monitoring the strategies for success. They generally post content as the brand, help increase brand awareness and may interact with brand followers.
10. Event coordinator
National average salary: $15.83 per hour
Primary duties: Event coordinators plan events based on client specifications. They orchestrate location, decorations, catering, entertainment, speakers and all other event details. During the event, they ensure all planned details are correct and may help manage the guest list and fix technical issues.
11. Delivery driver
National average salary: $16.81 per hour
Primary duties: Delivery drivers pick up packages from stores and warehouses to transport and distribute over a small region. They are required to deliver all items on time without damaging packages. They must know package drop-off policies for various apartment buildings, offices and residences based on package type.
12. Brand ambassador
National average salary: $17.25 per hour
Primary duties: Brand ambassadors represent brands by using their products and services and speaking about them positively to their social media following, friends and family. Ambassadors may need to post about the brand on their social media depending on their contract, and they usually receive a discount on products or free products in exchange for their positive reviews.
Related: Learn About Being a Brand Ambassador
13. Snow removal driver
National average salary: $19.38 per hour
Primary duties: Snow removal drivers remove ice and snow from roads, driveways, parking lots and other designated areas. Some may drive snowplows, while contracted workers may outfit their truck with a large plow. Some drivers may also deposit salt to help dissolve snow to make driving safer during winter months.
14. Personal shopper
National average salary: $21.85 per hour
Primary duties: Personal shoppers help others shop by giving personal suggestions and advice on what to buy. Personal gift buyers shop, gift wrap and ship gifts for their clients.
15. Contract recruiter
National average salary: $30.17 per hour
Primary duties: Contract recruiters work on a contract basis with companies to help fill open positions. They review candidate applications and hold interviews with qualified ones. Based on candidate experience, they appropriately place them into their client’s open positions. They also may simply pass along resumes and interview answers to clients to make a decision themselves.
