Looking for the best seasonal jobs?
Seasonal work is an excellent way to earn extra income without committing to year-round employment. These roles suit people who want to work part of the year, earn a flexible part-time income, or try something new and adventurous.
Depending on your interests and skills, many seasonal positions can provide solid pay and valuable experience.
17 Best Seasonal Jobs
Here are some of the best seasonal jobs to consider.
1. Camp counselor
Camp counselor roles are a popular seasonal option, ranging from day camps to residential camps that last weeks or months. Counselors create a safe, fun environment by leading activities like games, arts and crafts, hikes, and campfires.
These positions are typically concentrated in summer and may be full- or part-time. Important qualities include a love of the outdoors, patience with children, responsibility, and a caring attitude. Pay varies, but many counselors earn around $20 per hour. Camp counselor jobs are especially well-suited to college students and sometimes include housing.
2. UPS seasonal helper
UPS hires a large seasonal workforce during the holidays to handle the surge in deliveries. Common roles include driver helper positions that typically run in October through December and pay around $20 per hour. These jobs are often 20–30 hours per week and are known for reliable pay and strong benefits with long-term employment.
3. Tour guide
Seasonal tour guiding blends travel and storytelling. Guides lead city tours, nature excursions, museum tours, or group trips, sharing knowledge and engaging visitors. Strong communication skills and local expertise are essential. Pay depends on location and experience, often ranging from $15 to $25 per hour, with specialized roles earning up to $30 or more.
4. Gift wrapper
Gift wrapping is a classic winter seasonal job. Retailers hire seasonal wrappers during the holidays to provide shoppers with neatly wrapped presents. Rates typically fall between $14 and $24 per hour. No prior experience is required because employers generally provide on-the-job training.
5. Raft guide
Raft guiding is an outdoor seasonal job for people who enjoy adventure. Guides lead clients on river trips, manage safety, and teach paddling techniques. These positions are common in summer and fall in destinations like Colorado, Utah, Oregon, and West Virginia. Look for openings with local outfitters and through outdoor job communities.
6. Retail sales associate
Retail associates are in high demand during peak shopping seasons. Tasks include customer service, stocking, and cashier work. Many major stores hire seasonal staff, and employee discounts are often a perk. These roles can be full- or part-time and are flexible for students or people with other commitments.
7. Landscaping worker
Landscaping is a seasonal choice for those who enjoy outdoor work. In spring and summer, landscapers mow lawns, trim hedges, plant beds, and apply treatments to keep properties attractive. Pay often ranges from $15 to $25 per hour, depending on location and experience.
8. Fireworks stand worker
Fireworks stands hire temporary staff around holidays like the Fourth of July. Work involves selling products, maintaining the stand, handling cash, and ensuring safe sales practices. Hours can be long and the work seasonal, but it can be profitable during peak demand.
9. Ski instructor
Ski instructors teach skiing techniques and safety on the slopes during winter months. You don’t need to be an elite athlete to teach—training and certification help you develop as an instructor. Entry-level pay often starts around $18–$25 per hour; certified instructors can earn $50 per hour or more in some locations. Check resort job boards and industry events for openings.
10. Tax preparer
Tax preparers are in demand during tax season, typically January through April. These roles involve preparing client tax returns and may be offered by accounting firms or tax preparation companies. Formal education or certifications help, but many preparers start after short training courses. Remote opportunities are also common in this field.
11. Bartender
Bartending is a flexible seasonal job with strong earning potential through wages and tips, especially during summer events and holiday parties. Many bartenders learn on the job after starting in supporting roles like barback or server. Formal bartending courses can accelerate skill development.
12. Lifeguard
Lifeguarding is a top summer job for teens and young adults. Lifeguards monitor swimmers at pools and beaches, perform rescues, and provide first aid. Certification is typically required. Wages can be competitive, with many positions paying around $20 per hour depending on the employer and location.
13. 1-800-Flowers seasonal roles
Companies like 1-800-Flowers hire seasonal staff during high-demand periods such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and the winter holidays. Positions include gift assembly, distribution, and production, where seasonal workers help prepare and ship floral arrangements and gift baskets.
14. Fly-fishing guide
Fly-fishing guides may work seasonally or year-round depending on location and travel patterns. Guides teach casting, fishing techniques, and gear handling. Some guides split the year between regions or work only peak months in places like Alaska. This role can be tailored to your lifestyle and travel preferences.
15. Sports referee
Refereeing is a flexible seasonal job suitable for people familiar with a particular sport—soccer, baseball, basketball, or others. Local recreation departments and youth leagues often recruit referees. Pay varies but typically ranges from $20 to $50 per hour depending on the level and sport.
16. Parking lot attendant
Parking lot attendants manage vehicle traffic and payments at venues that operate year-round or for specific events like concerts and sports games. Responsibilities include directing drivers, collecting fees, and assisting with logistics during busy periods.
17. WWOOFer (volunteer with food and lodging)
WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) connects volunteers with organic farms worldwide. In exchange for several hours of daily work—typically 4 to 6 hours—volunteers receive food and accommodation rather than cash pay. Tasks vary and may include planting, tending gardens, feeding animals, or general farm chores. WWOOFing is attractive to people seeking seasonal work with housing and cultural exchange.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about seasonal work.
What seasonal job pays the most?
Higher-paying seasonal roles often include specialized outdoor guides (raft, fly-fishing), ski instructors, tour guides, bartenders who earn tips, and certain logistics or holiday helper positions like those at UPS. Jobs with tipping opportunities or specialized skills typically yield higher earnings.
What seasonal jobs include housing?
Seasonal roles that may provide housing include campground staff, camp counselors, some guide positions (raft or fishing guides), and WWOOF placements. Employers in remote or high-cost areas sometimes offer lodging as part of the job package.
What are the best seasonal jobs for college students?
Great choices for students are retail sales associate, camp counselor, and parking lot attendant—these roles often align with academic schedules and provide flexible hours or temporary commitments.
What are the best seasonal jobs in winter?
Top winter seasonal jobs include UPS driver helper roles, gift wrapping positions, working at Christmas tree farms, and becoming a ski instructor. These jobs peak during the colder months and holiday season.
Best Seasonal Jobs – Summary
Seasonal work can provide income, unique experiences, and flexible schedules. Whether you prefer outdoor adventure as a raft or fly-fishing guide, teaching on the slopes as a ski instructor, helping customers in retail, or supporting holiday operations at companies like UPS or 1-800-Flowers, there are many options to match your interests.
Consider what you enjoy, the schedule you need, and whether housing or tips are important to you. Seasonal jobs can be stepping stones to new skills, travel opportunities, and meaningful short-term work.
What do you think are the best seasonal jobs?
Recommended reading:
- How To Earn $1,000 For The Holidays
- 36 Best Side Jobs for Teachers To Make Extra Money
- 23 Business Ideas For Teens To Make Extra Money
- 33 Best Summer Jobs for Teachers To Make Extra Money