Top Summer Jobs for 13-Year-Olds: A Guide to Work Experience for Teens

Summer Jobs For 13 Year Olds

Summer is a perfect time for teenagers to get out of the house, explore the world, and develop new skills. It is also the best time for them to earn some extra money while gaining valuable work experience. While getting a job can be challenging for 13-year-olds due to strict child labor laws, there are still several opportunities for them to choose from, depending on their interests and skills. With proper guidance and preparation, they can start their summer job search and land a position that will help them grow both personally and professionally. In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of summer job opportunities for 13-year-olds that are safe, age-appropriate, and offer a chance to earn some good money while learning new skills and making new friends. Whether your child is interested in working with food, entertainment, or retail, there is something for everyone in this article. Let’s explore the exciting world of summer jobs for 13-year-olds and help them find reliable work opportunities that will nurture their personal growth.

Summer is a great time for 13-year-olds to gain work experience and earn some extra money. There are plenty of summer jobs for 13 year olds available in different industries, and finding the right one depends on their interests.

The food industry offers many job opportunities for teenagers. A popular option is working as a server in a restaurant. As servers, they can work in fast-food restaurants or other eateries. They would be responsible for greeting customers, taking orders, serving food, and cleaning tables. This role allows teenagers to interact with customers, learn new communication skills, and improve their work ethics. The pay rate depends on their state, but they can expect to make minimum wage plus tips, which can add up quickly.

Another job opportunity for teenagers is working as an ice cream scooper in an ice cream shop. In this role, they would be responsible for scooping ice cream, taking orders, serving customers, and keeping the shop clean. They could also learn how to make milkshakes and other frozen treats, which is a valuable skill that they can carry into the future. The pay rate is usually minimum wage plus tips.

Working at a concession stand at a fair or a carnival is an exciting job for 13-year-olds. They would be responsible for selling food, drinks, and snacks. They would also need to keep the stand clean, carry out inventory, and handle money. This job offers some flexibility, as some events may only be for a weekend or a week. The pay rate is generally minimum wage plus tips.

In conclusion, there are many summer jobs for 13 year olds available, and teenagers can choose the one that best fits their interests and schedule. The food industry is an excellent place to start, and the options include serving in a restaurant, scooping ice cream in an ice cream shop, and working at a concession stand. These jobs offer various benefits, including gaining work experience, learning new skills, and earning some extra money for the summer.

How to get just a summer job?

Finding a job for the summer can be a great way for students or anyone looking for seasonal work to earn some extra cash. Here are a few tips to help you land a summer job:

  • Start searching early: Many companies begin their summer hiring process in the spring, so it’s best to start your job search early.
  • Network: Reach out to family, friends and acquaintances to see if anyone knows of any job openings for the summer.
  • Use job search websites: Websites like Indeed, Monster and Glassdoor can help you find a variety of job openings.
  • Check with local businesses: Many local businesses offer seasonal employment opportunities, especially in industries like tourism, hospitality, and agriculture.

Remember to tailor your resume and cover letter to the type of job you are applying for. Good luck with your job search!

Jobs in Retail

  • Work as a young sales associate in a grocery store
  • Work as a sales associate in an art store
  • Work as a stock clerk in a shopping mall

The retail industry is another sector in which 13-year-olds can find summer employment. Here are three job opportunities that they can consider in the retail industry:

Youth Sales Associate in a Grocery Store

Working as a youth sales associate in a grocery store allows youths to assist customers, stock shelves, and bag groceries. It also enables them to develop their communication skills and interact with new people daily. These jobs are generally part-time, so kids can balance work with school and other school activities. The average hourly wage for youth sales associates in grocery stores varies depending on their location but is usually around minimum wage.

Sales Associate in an Art Store

A sales associate in an art store helps customers find the right art supplies, assists with inquiries and checkout. This role is ideal for creative teenagers that wish to learn more about art supplies and craft. They can gain work experience, develop artistic skills, and meet new people. The pay rate for sales associates in art stores usually start at a minimum wage.

Stock Clerk in a Shopping Mall

In this role, 13-year-olds would be responsible for unloading merchandise deliveries, stocking shelves, and maintaining the inventory. The duties also include price checking and helping the sales associates when needed. Working as a stock clerk improves their organizational, time management, and teamwork skill. The hourly wage may vary between states, but they usually start at minimum wage.

It is important to note that working in retail has been shown to increase mental agility, attention to detail and customer service skills. Here are general employment statistics for summer jobs for 13-year-olds in the retail sector:

Job Category Number of Jobs Annual Turnover Rate
Youth Sales Associate in a Grocery Store 400,000 14.9%
Sales Associate in an Art Store 30,000 15.2%
Stock Clerk in a Shopping Mall 220,000 17.7%

What is the work of a sales girl in a supermarket?

A sales girl in a supermarket is responsible for various tasks that ensure customer satisfaction. Some of the key responsibilities of a sales girl include:

  • Greeting and assisting customers in finding the products they need
  • Arranging products on shelves and ensuring they are well-stocked
  • Operating the cash register and handling transactions, including returns and exchanges
  • Cleaning and maintaining the store, including restocking bags and other supplies
  • Assisting with inventory management and ordering new products when necessary

Overall, a sales girl is an important member of the supermarket team, helping to ensure the store runs smoothly and customers have a positive shopping experience.

If you’re interested in learning more about supermarket jobs, check out job search websites like Indeed or Monster for job postings and salary information.


Summer jobs for 13-year-olds can be an excellent way to gain work experience, learn new skills, and earn extra money. There are plenty of jobs suitable for teenagers seeking employment opportunities in the summer. Some examples of jobs that 13-year-olds could consider include working as a camp counselor, dog walker, pet sitter, babysitter, yard worker, and farmhand.

As a camp counselor, 13-year-olds can help lead activities and assist younger campers while also learning organizational and leadership skills. For those who love animals, a dog walker or pet sitter position can be a great fit. Teenagers can put their babysitting skills to use by watching neighborhood children, while mowing lawns and doing yard work are ideal for 13-year-olds who enjoy being outdoors. Finally, a farmhand position can offer the opportunity to learn about animal husbandry, sustainable agriculture, and manual labor.

Another option for summer jobs for 13-year-olds is the food industry, such as working at an ice cream shop or a local farmer’s market. This type of work can teach important customer service skills and introduce teenagers to the world of entrepreneurship.

For young entrepreneurs seeking a more autonomous type of work, a summer reselling business can offer the chance to develop marketing, sales, and budgeting skills. Reselling stores such as ThredUp and Poshmark allow individuals to sell gently used clothing items, while reselling marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon give individuals the chance to sell a variety of items.

In conclusion, there are many unique and engaging summer job opportunities throughout different industries for 13-year-olds to gain work experience, earn money, and learn important skills. With some creativity and research, teenagers can find the perfect summer job that suits their interests and lifestyle.

What is it like to work in the entertainment industry?

Working in the entertainment industry can be exciting, unpredictable, and rewarding. Here are some things you should know:

  • You will need excellent communication and networking skills. Making industry connections is key to building a successful career in entertainment.
  • Long hours and tight deadlines are common, especially for production roles.
  • There is a lot of competition, and you may need to work your way up from entry-level positions.
  • There are many different types of jobs in the industry, including acting, production, writing, marketing, and more.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in entertainment, websites like Backstage and The Hollywood Reporter can offer valuable resources and job listings.


Finding a summer job as a 13-year-old can be an intimidating and difficult task, but there are a few things they can do to increase their chances of getting hired. Here are some tips for finding summer jobs for 13 year olds:

Network with family, friends, and neighbors. When looking for a summer job as a 13-year-old, networking is always a good idea. They can ask their family members, friends, and neighbors if they know of any available job opportunities or can help them find one.

Visit favorite local business places and ask about job openings. Sometimes, finding the right summer job is all about being in the right place at the right time. They can visit local business places that interest them, ask the employees or manager if they have any job openings for teenagers.

Check online job portal websites like SnagAJob and Indeed for age-appropriate job postings. Many online job portals specialize in age-appropriate job postings, making it easier to find temporary summer work.

Create and distribute a simple resume that highlights interests and skills. To stand out from other applicants, a resume can be a great asset. A simple resume that emphasizes skills, interests, and volunteer experience may help them get a job interview.

Write an engaging cover letter that conveys their passion and willingness to learn and work hard. Writing a cover letter that conveys their passion, willingness to learn, and hardworking attitude can make them stand out to the employer. Keep it short and to the point, and tell the employer why they are a good fit for that particular job.

In conclusion, finding a summer job as a 13-year-old requires effort, but the rewards are well worth it. When they do land a job, it is essential to remain dedicated, responsible, and hardworking.

How do you ask for a summer job?

Asking for a summer job can be nerve-wracking, but being prepared and confident can increase your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you ask for a summer job:

  • Research companies or businesses that interest you and find out if they are hiring for summer positions.
  • Contact the employer through their preferred method of communication, such as email or phone, and express your interest in the position.
  • Provide a brief introduction of yourself, highlighting your relevant skills and experiences.
  • Ask if they are currently hiring for summer positions and if they would be willing to consider you as a candidate.
  • Thank them for their time and consideration, and be sure to follow up with a thank-you note or email.

Remember to always be professional, polite, and persistent in your job search. Good luck!


Summer jobs offer many benefits beyond earning an income. As a 13-year-old, it is essential to understand how a summer job may impact their lives positively. Here are the significant benefits of working a summer job:

Learn Important Life Skills
Summer jobs offer an opportunity to learn vital life skills that can help build self-worth and increase personal responsibility. They learn the importance of teamwork, time management, and accountability for their actions, all of which are crucial in any job and in life.

Develop Important Communication and Decision-making Abilities
In a summer job, they interact with customers and colleagues, present themselves professionally, and make responsible decisions. These skills serve them well in future workplaces, meetings, and collaborations.

Gain Self-confidence and Independence
A supportive workplace can increase their self-confidence and independence. By taking on work tasks, interacting with colleagues, and contributing to achieve goals, they develop a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.

Learn About Different Jobs
Summer jobs provide exposure to different job industries and provide a greater understanding of how businesses operate. This knowledge can fuel their interest in future careers or strengthen their decision-making abilities when it comes to selecting courses in high school or college.

Build a Work Network
Working in a summer job provides the perfect opportunity to build a professional network. When they leave a job, they can ask their employer or colleagues for letters of recommendation or use them as references in the future.

In short, participation in summer jobs brings a lot of benefits beyond money. It is a perfect way to acquire valuable life skills that are not only helpful in immediate tasks but can be leveraged in future endeavors.

Why is it important to have a summer job?

  • Developing important professional skills such as communication, time management and teamwork.
  • Building a professional network and gaining valuable industry experience even if the job is not in your desired field.
  • Learning the value of hard work and earning money to save for future expenses such as college or a future car.
  • Adding a job to your resume can make you stand out to future employers and lead to other job opportunities in the future.

If you’re looking for summer job opportunities, check out websites like Indeed, Snagajob, and Glassdoor to search and apply for jobs.

Conclusion

To sum up, 13-year-olds have plenty of options for summer jobs that can provide valuable life skills and experience while earning money. Parents should encourage their young teens to work over the summer to increase self-worth, build independence, and establish a sense of responsibility. Moreover, getting work experience at an early age will help them thrive in their future careers and teaching them the importance of work ethic, punctuality, and organization is indispensable. Lastly, there are many ways for 13-year-olds to find a summer job, such as neighborhood networking, online job portals, and personal visits to the business. Before long, your kids will be earning a paycheck and learning valuable lessons outside the classroom. With this guide, 13-year-olds can take confidently take the first steps towards building a great resume while making lifelong memories.

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