Summer jobs for teachers: These 15 have the highest pay, study shows

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The summer months mean free time for teachers, or a great opportunity to earn extra cash while their students enjoy a break.

There are great seasonal opportunities — paying as much as $28 an hour — more likely in the New York metropolitan area — in several industries for energetic teachers looking to make extra income.

Data from Google Trends suggests that more teachers looked for summer jobs in 2024 than any year in the previous two decades. The search term “summer jobs for teachers” tends to spike every spring, but in May 2024 queries for the search term reached an all-time high.

Here are the top summer jobs for teachers, according to a study by Top Dual Diploma Programs, citing research from Indeed.com.

1. Virtual Assistant

Hourly pay: $25.38

Estimated earnings over three months: $19,112.50

This can be the most lucrative summer job for teachers, based on estimated earnings over a period of three months.

The responsibilities of a virtual assistant can vary widely depending on the client. A person may be asked to manage social media accounts, monitor and update calendars, read and respond to emails, schedule appointments, and any other administrative tasks the client needs that can be handled remotely.

However, tasks may include running errands, and these may require use of personal vehicle or public transportation.

2. Fitness Instructor

Hourly pay: $28.95

Estimated earnings over three months: $16,849.75

Another high-paying summer job, it offers plenty of skill overlap for teachers, particularly for physical education (PE) teachers or teachers with coaching experience.

Responsibilities include instructing and leading groups or individuals in physical exercise activities while ensuring their safety. The ability to instruct clients on proper techniques and help them stay motivated is essential.

3. Customer Service Rep

Hourly pay: $18.65

Estimated earnings over three months: $16,289

Many of the skills teachers hone over years spent working with students can be applied in customer service roles.

Answering questions and handling customer complaints, whether in person, over the phone, or via chat, requires strong interpersonal skills, patience, listening skills and the ability to present information in a way people can understand.

Responsibilities may also include processing payments and returns.

4. Swim Instructor

Hourly pay: $26.67

Estimated earnings over three months: $15,617.75

Apply teaching skills in an aquatic environment as a swim instructor.

Responsibilities include teaching individuals or groups how to swim using proper techniques. Students may be children or adults. Lesson plans should be developed based on the age and skill level of the students, from beginner to advanced. Swimming instructors may also coach swim teams and provide advanced instruction.

5. Freelance Writer

Hourly pay: $26.66

Estimated earnings over three months: $15,579

This can be one of the most well-paying summer jobs for teachers, but the skills and expertise of the individual will affect their ability to find and successfully complete freelance writing gigs.

However, you don’t have to be an English, journalism, or creative writing teacher to land lucrative contracts writing articles, blogs, white papers and other content.

Subject matter expertise is valuable, so whether you teach biology, history, PE, engineering, political science, algebra, or any subject, it’s likely that clients are looking for the insights you have to offer.

6. Event Planner

Hourly pay: $24.47

Estimated earnings over three months: $14,554.25

With summertime comes no shortage of events, including parties, banquets, awards ceremonies, fundraisers, workshops, festivals, and conventions – and someone needs to plan them.

Responsibilities include finding and booking venues, catering, decorating, booking entertainment and securing transportation and accommodations for guests.

7. Bartender

Hourly pay: $17.34 plus tips

Estimated earnings over three months: $13,097.50

Pour and mix drinks for customers, be friendly and outgoing to keep the atmosphere positive, and potentially take food orders. In addition to hourly pay, bartenders in the U.S. average $150 in tips per day.

8. Tutor

Hourly pay: $23.84

Estimated earnings over three months: $12,905.50

Trade the classroom for a one-on-one teaching experience. Students are typically children or young adults, and tutors often help them with more than one subject, focusing on things the student is struggling to understand.

Responsibilities include checking schoolwork, answering questions, discussing educational concepts, and helping students with their homework. Some tutors help students prepare for standardized tests.

9. Babysitter or Nanny

Hourly pay: $21.91

Estimated earnings over three months: $12,797.75

Being a nanny or babysitter can be a lucrative job for teachers looking for seasonal work.

Typically, babysitters provide childcare during specific hours of the day and on specific days. Meanwhile, nannies may live with the family to provide round-the-clock care.

Responsibilities may include preparing meals, feeding, dressing, bathing, changing diapers, monitoring playtime, and facilitating educational activities.

10. Dog Walker

Hourly pay: $18.67

Estimated earnings over three months: $10,870.75

Walking dogs may be a walk in the park compared to supervising a classroom full of students. Earn extra income while getting light physical exercise outdoors every day, and the four-legged friends can be a plus for dog lovers.

Responsibilities include ensuring the dogs stay safe and that they have plenty of food and water, collecting and disposing of waste, and completing any additional tasks the client requests.

11. Landscaper

Hourly pay: $18.23 plus overtime

Estimated earnings over three months: $10,612

In addition to salary, landscapers earn an estimated $4,000 in annual overtime pay. Assuming the rate is consistent during all seasons of the year, a teacher working as a landscaper for the season could expect $1,000 in overtime pay.

Responsibilities include mowing, trimming, and watering the lawns and vegetation surrounding a client’s home or business. Additionally, a landscaper may be asked to help build decks, patios, and other structures, or to perform other tasks on the grounds.

12. Construction Worker

Hourly pay: $20.11

Estimated earnings over three months: $10,056

Teachers who are interested in using a different set of muscles in their seasonal work can earn money in construction.

Responsibilities may include various tasks in constructing or repairing homes, roads or other buildings. You may be asked to clear debris, move building materials, or operate machinery – which may require additional certifications.

13. Camp Counselor

Hourly pay: $16.38

Estimated earnings over three months: $9,553.25

Supervise campers, plan and implement activities and programs focused on fun as well as leadership and development.

14. Lifeguard

Hourly pay: $15.83

Estimated earnings over three months: $9,241

The quintessential summer job and staple of plenty of nostalgic movies is another potential summer job for teachers. Monitor and supervise pool activities, ensure safety, uphold security, and respond to emergencies.

15. Tour Guide

Hourly pay: $22.79 plus tips

Estimated earnings over three months: $8,973.50

A teacher’s developed interpersonal skills can translate well to the duties of a tour guide. Most teachers have plenty of experience memorizing information and speaking about it to a room full of staring eyes.