Every State’s Most Popular Summer Job

Millions of Americans take on seasonal jobs during the summer. Many teachers and college/high school students turn to summer work while they have time off, ranging from lifeguarding to pet sitting, tutoring, and more. Summer jobs are a great way to earn some extra money or pick up work experience, and they’re offered in various industries. 

At StudyPrepLounge, we’ve compiled some interesting findings from the United States’ favorite summer jobs. Take a look to find out your state’s most popular summer job!

Facts & Findings

• In 18 states, Americans prefer to nanny during the summer–the most popular job in the country. 
• Camp counselors, landscapers, rideshare drivers, and tutors tie in for the least popular summer jobs. Residents in 4 states, Connecticut, Kansas, New Mexico, and Mississippi, prefer each job respectively. 
• Residents in Hawaii love lifeguarding in the summer–the only coastal state where it’s the most popular. Ironically, it’s also the most favored job in Nevada.

Popular Summer Jobs

Teachers, high school and college students, and many other Americans take seasonal summer jobs while they have time off. Here’s a list of their preferred jobs and some interesting facts.

Camp Counselor

Kids of all ages flock to summer camps while they’re out of school, and there’s a massive demand for workers to supervise them. High school or college students often become camp counselors during the summer, performing various job functions depending on the camp. Summer camps may need counselors for extracurriculars like sports, music, dance, and acting, or general day camps that supervise children while their parents work. 

The state where a camp counselor is the most popular summer job:

• Connecticut

Lifeguard

Lifeguarding has tons of perks. You can catch a tan and sit by the pool, but lifeguards must supervise swimmers and protect their safety. Lifeguards must have multiple qualifications, such as above-average swimming abilities and CPR and first aid training. High school and college swimmers often decide to work as lifeguards during the summer, either at the local pool or the beach. Lifeguarding isn’t for everyone; it requires lots of responsibility and willingness to save others. Yet, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding job for many people who like to enjoy summer days by the water. 

States where lifeguarding is the most popular summer job: 

• Hawaii
• Nevada

Nanny

The demand for nannies can skyrocket over the summer, and parents may not have the time to watch their kids while they’re at work. Thankfully, tons of students and teachers make great nannies, and it’s the most popular summer job in the U.S. Parents often hire nannies to watch their kids in their own home, and usually, it’s not too intensive or demanding of a job. Some nannies may shuttle kids around or entertain them, like seeing a movie or going to the pool. Nannies can develop meaningful bonds with children and help them while their parents are away, and usually, it’s relatively easy to find nannying jobs. 

States where nannying is the most popular summer job:

• Alaska
• California
• District of Columbia
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Montana
• New York
• North Dakota
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wyoming

Landscaper

Landscapers can do a variety of services like cutting grass, trimming bushes or trees, raking leaves, and more. Not everyone wants to maintain their yard during the hot summer months, and they often hire landscapers instead. Some landscapers may work in their neighborhood and serve customers door-to-door, or they can join a larger company and use their equipment. Although landscaping can be a demanding job, it may earn decent money during the summer months if you already have your own equipment. 

The state where landscaping is the most popular summer job:

• Kansas

Pet Sitter

Americans love pets, and the summer months bring vacations and time away from home. Summer workers often choose to become pet sitters to watch over neighbors, friends, or residents’ furry friends, and this is one of the most common summer jobs in the country. Pet sitters can take on a variety of responsibilities, and some may periodically check on pets, like morning/evening walks and feeding, or stay with pets for longer periods while their owners are away. 

States where pet sitter is the most popular summer job:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Maryland
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• North Carolina
• Vermont
• Virginia

Golf Caddy

Summer’s a great time to escape to the golf course, and tons of young adults and seasonal workers choose to pick up golf caddy jobs around the country. Golf caddies carry around a golfer’s clubs and give strategic advice and support, and those familiar with the game may enjoy working as a caddy during the summer. Americans love golf, and most areas have a nearby course or driving range in need of caddies and workers. 

States where golf caddy is the most popular summer job:

• Indiana
• Louisiana
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Wisconsin

Rideshare Driver

Those who don’t mind driving may enjoy working as rideshare drivers during the summer. Rideshare drivers can often set their schedules and work at their own pace, and there are tons of rideshare service options to find nearby work. Some platforms may not even require you to carry passengers, and instead, you can deliver food or groceries at your leisure. Plus, you get the convenience of an air-conditioned car. Young adults or those without a license/reliable vehicle may not be eligible, but ridesharing can often make a great summer job for those who like to be on the road. 

The state where rideshare driver is the most popular summer job:

• New Mexico

Tutor

Many parents hire tutors for their kids over the summer, either in-person or online. Summer tutoring can help improve students’ understanding in various academic areas and set them up for success in the fall. Of course, teachers naturally make great tutors and often pick up tutoring jobs during their downtime, but qualified high school and college students may be able to do some basic tutoring for certain subjects. Learning centers, daycares, schools, or college campuses may offer tutoring programs over the summer, or some online platforms may pick up summer tutors. 

The state where tutoring is the most popular summer job: 

• Mississippi

Methodology

We analyzed Google search trends surrounding common summer jobs and compared their search volume in each state to identify the most popular summer job in every state.