PAY DATA FROM ZIPRECRUITER & BLS · MAY 2026
Highest Paying Summer Jobs
for High School Students
Ranked by hourly rate. Includes minimum age, how to get each job, and what it's worth on a college application.
Browse Full Job Directory →📚
#1SAT / ACT Tutoring
$30–80/hrMin age 16+1400+ SAT or 32+ ACT
Summer earnings
$3,500–$8,000/summer (4 students, 3 sessions/week)
College app value
Entrepreneurship + academic achievement narrative
How to get it: Post on Nextdoor and Facebook neighborhood groups. Charge $35–50/hr to start. Raise rates as you build reputation.
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#2Swim Instructor (WSI)
$16–25/hrMin age 16+Water Safety Instructor cert (~$200)
Summer earnings
$4,800–$7,500/summer (full-time)
College app value
Service + leadership + communication
How to get it: Get WSI certified through Red Cross or local aquatics program. Apply to YMCAs, community pools, and private swim schools.
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#3Lifeguarding
$14–22/hrMin age 15+Red Cross Lifeguard cert (~$175)
Summer earnings
$3,360–$5,280/summer (20hr/week × 12 weeks)
College app value
Responsibility, safety training, potential leadership
How to get it: Get certified in April. Apply to local pools, YMCAs, water parks, and beaches in March–April. Most hire for the full summer.
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#4Golf Caddy
$50–200/round + tipsMin age 14+None — learn on the job
Summer earnings
$3,000–$6,000/summer (3 rounds/week)
College app value
Discipline, networking with professionals
How to get it: Contact your local country club or private golf course directly in January–February. Attend caddy training if offered.
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#5Freelance Photography
$50–300/sessionMin age 15+Own a decent camera
Summer earnings
$2,400–$9,600/summer (2 sessions/week)
College app value
Entrepreneurship, creative portfolio, art/design narrative
How to get it: Build a free portfolio via Instagram or Google Photos. Offer headshots, family sessions, and sports photography. Start at $75/session.
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#6Lawn Care Business
$15–35/hrMin age 14+Lawn mower (borrow or buy used for ~$150)
Summer earnings
$2,400–$4,800/summer (8 clients, weekly)
College app value
Entrepreneurship, business fundamentals
How to get it: Knock on 20 doors in your neighborhood. Offer the first cut free. Build to 8–10 regular clients for $300–500/week.
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#7Babysitting (3+ Regular Families)
$15–25/hrMin age 14+CPR cert helps ($30 online). No formal req.
Summer earnings
$2,400–$5,000/summer (15hr/week)
College app value
Childcare, reliability, caregiving narrative
How to get it: List on Care.com, Sittercity, and Nextdoor. Build recurring relationships with 3–4 families for reliable weekly income.
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#8Camp Counselor
$300–600/weekMin age 16+None usually required
Summer earnings
$3,600–$7,200/summer (12 weeks)
College app value
Leadership, mentorship, strong story for college essays
How to get it: Apply to overnight and day camps in January–February. Overnight camps often include housing + meals, increasing total value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest paying summer job for high school students?
SAT/ACT tutoring ($30–80/hr) pays the most — but requires a 1400+ SAT or 32+ ACT score. Without test score requirements: swim instructor with WSI cert ($16–25/hr), golf caddy ($50–200/round), and lifeguarding ($14–22/hr) are the best-paying options in 2026.
How can a high school student make $1,000 in a summer?
Tutoring 3 sessions/week at $35/hr × 10 weeks = $1,050+. Lifeguarding 20hr/week at $17/hr × 8 weeks = $2,720. Lawn care with 5 clients at $50/week × 10 weeks = $2,500. Any consistent work 15+ hours/week for 10 weeks will exceed $1,500.
What is the best paying job for a teen with no experience?
Lawn care ($15–35/hr self-employed), babysitting ($15–25/hr), and pet sitting ($15–25/hr) are the highest-paying no-experience options. For formal work, most grocery and retail stores start at $11–15/hr with no experience required.