The summer holidays are the longest stretch of free time you get all year, and the best chance to earn properly. The teenagers who make the most money over summer are usually the ones who start planning in spring, before seasonal jobs fill up and neighbours make other arrangements.
How many hours can you work in the summer holidays?
- 13 and 14 year olds: up to 5 hours a day on weekdays and Saturdays, 2 hours on a Sunday and 25 hours a week.
- 15 and 16 year olds still at school: up to 8 hours a day on weekdays and Saturdays, 2 hours on a Sunday and 35 hours a week.
- 16 and 17 year olds past the school leaving date: usually up to 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week, with the minimum wage of £8.00 an hour if employed.
School-age children cannot work before 7am or after 7pm, and must have at least 2 weeks off work during the holidays each year. Full rules are in the UK rules on working under 18.
Summer jobs for 13 to 15 year olds
- Lawn mowing and garden work, which peaks in summer
- Car washing, which is easiest in warm weather
- Dog walking and pet sitting while families go on holiday
- Plant watering for neighbours who are away
- Helping at holiday clubs and sports camps where allowed
- Stables and kennels
- Tutoring younger children ahead of the new school year
Summer jobs for 16 and 17 year olds
- Retail and supermarket summer staff
- Cafés, ice cream shops and restaurants
- Festivals, events and attractions
- Holiday camp assistants and sports coaching
- Lifeguarding, with the right qualification
- Your own local jobs, which pay well alongside any part-time work
Plan your summer in spring
- April: apply for seasonal jobs if you are 16 or over, because many fill well before the holidays start.
- May: tell neighbours and regular customers which weeks you are free, and ask who is going away.
- June: line up holiday pet sitting and plant watering, since families book these before they leave.
- July: build a weekly routine of repeat jobs, such as a lawn every week, a car every fortnight and dog walks on set days.
What to charge
For self-run jobs, keep to fixed prices per job and agree them in advance. The teen price guide has fair starting points for summer jobs like lawn mowing, car washing and pet sitting.
Stay safe in the heat
Garden and car jobs in July and August mean long spells in the sun, so take water, wear sun cream and a hat, and avoid the hottest part of the day where you can.
Find summer jobs near you
Download KidsHustle to see paid jobs posted by ID-verified adults near you this summer, with your parent approving each one and payment set aside before you start. For more ideas, see gardening jobs for teenagers.