Summer is usually considered to be a time for fun and relaxation. For those who are lucky enough to get the summer months off, it can also be a time to add to job skills, credentials or even the household coffers. For that, a summer job can’t be beat. Whether it’s a casual part-time job for your child or a foray into a new field where you can test the waters for a possible career change, summer jobs are full of potential
Why Summer Jobs Matter
While summer employment is often seen as just a way to earn money during a break from school, it also teaches essential life skills. Time management, communication, customer service and problem-solving all tend to improve through real-world work experience. For high school and college students, it’s also a chance to build a resume, explore career interests, and begin forming professional networks.
From a financial standpoint, summer jobs provide an early opportunity to learn about budgeting, saving and taxes. These first lessons in personal finance can influence long-term habits, especially when reinforced with good guidance from parents or financial professionals.
Summer Job Ideas
There’s a wide range of summer work available, depending on location, age, skills and interests. Some of the most common categories include:
Retail and hospitality - Positions in grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants, and hotels are often seasonal and offer flexible schedules.
Outdoor work - Lifeguards, camp counselors, landscaping assistants, and park employees are in demand when the weather warms up.
Internships - Paid internships provide industry-specific experience and are ideal for college students or recent graduates looking to gain experience in their field.
Gig and freelance work - Babysitting, pet sitting, tutoring, or freelance digital services (like writing or graphic design) offer flexible and often self-directed opportunities.
Small business help - Many local businesses hire summer workers for clerical tasks, inventory, delivery support, or customer service roles.
No matter the job, what matters most is leveraging the experience to develop useful skills and apply smart money management practices.
Tax Considerations for Summer Workers
Many people assume that summer jobs don’t trigger tax issues since the income is relatively low. However, taxes still apply in many cases. Your CPA can help with this.
For employees earning wages, employers are generally required to withhold federal (and sometimes state) income taxes, along with Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes. Even if earnings are below the IRS’s filing threshold, a tax return may be necessary to receive a refund of any overpaid taxes.
Some summer workers are considered independent contractors rather than employees—especially in the gig economy. This includes work like babysitting, pet care, lawn services, and freelance gigs. These workers don’t have taxes withheld from their pay, and they may be responsible for both income tax and self-employment tax (which includes both the employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare).
For young workers or their families, a CPA can offer valuable guidance on tax filing, withholding adjustments and record-keeping for gig income.
Using Earnings Wisely: Save, Spend, or Invest
Summer earnings often go toward short-term goals like spending money, travel or saving for college. But they can also offer a unique opportunity to start building long-term financial security.
One of the most effective strategies is to open a Roth IRA for a teen or young adult with earned income. Contributions are made with after-tax dollars, and the money grows tax-free. Roth IRAs are ideal for young workers in low tax brackets, since the tax benefit of deferring income is minimal—but the tax-free growth can be substantial over time.
Parents or grandparents can even gift money to match the student’s contribution, helping to build savings without reducing the child’s sense of ownership. The only requirement is that contributions cannot exceed the amount of earned income for the year.
Building a Resume and Skills
While financial rewards are a key motivation, summer jobs can also serve as a launching pad for future opportunities. Encouraging students to keep a record of their responsibilities, accomplishments and skills used and skills learned can help them build a strong resume for future employment or college applications.
Some jobs also offer the chance to develop technical skills or earn certifications, like CPR training for lifeguards or food handling certificates in hospitality. Extras like these not only build confidence but also demonstrate initiative and professionalism to future employers.
For college students, internships often lead to job offers or provide a competitive edge in the job market. Paid internships are especially valuable, offering both income and experience in a student’s chosen field. Even unpaid internships may be worthwhile if the experience is highly relevant and other financial resources are available.
Making the Most of the Experience
Summer jobs provide a concentrated window of time for learning, earning, and growing. Whether someone is earning their first paycheck or exploring their career interests, the key is to approach the experience with intention.
A few ways to maximize the opportunity:
Encourage saving part of every paycheck, no matter how small the amount.
Track income and expenses to build budgeting skills.
Ask questions on the job to learn more about the business or industry.
Explore whether employers offer mentorship, advancement opportunities, or educational support.
Keep records of all income for tax time—whether through pay stubs or a personal log.
Parents and guardians play a key role in supporting good financial habits. CPAs can assist by providing tools, answering questions, and offering financial check-ins that help turn temporary jobs into long-term advantages.
A summer job is more than just seasonal work—it’s a chance to develop practical skills, gain independence, and learn about managing money. From understanding tax responsibilities to opening a Roth IRA, summer earnings can become a stepping stone to stronger financial literacy and lifelong habits.
For individuals and families, working with a CPA can provide essential insight on how to handle taxes, set up savings plans, and make smart decisions with earned income. With the right guidance, a summer job becomes more than just a paycheck. It can be the start of a lifetime of success.
by Kate Supino