Summer jobs for teenagers

Who hires teenagers for the summer

How to land one, step by step

1. 1

   Apply between March and May

   Seasonal employers recruit in spring for the summer season. Set an evening aside in March to apply to holiday parks, theme parks and attractions near you.

2. 2

   Make a first-job CV

   One page: school, subjects, hobbies, volunteering, two references. Shine's free CV builder has a template made for teenagers with no experience.

3. 3

   Apply to the big seasonal recruiters

   Butlin's, Haven, Parkdean Resorts, theme parks, zoos and local tourist attractions all run online applications for under-18s. Apply to five or more.

4. 4

   Ask locally in person

   Cafés, ice cream parlours, garden centres and farms near you often take on summer staff by word of mouth. Walk in with a CV in May.

5. 5

   Confirm pay and hours in writing

   Before starting, get your hourly rate, weekly hours and holiday pay in writing. You must earn at least £8.00/hour at 16–17.

FAQs

When should I apply for a summer job?

Earlier than you think. Holiday parks, theme parks and festival employers recruit between March and May for the summer season. By the time GCSEs finish in June, many of the best roles are filled. Retail and hospitality hire closer to June, but applying in April or May puts you ahead.

What summer jobs hire 16 year olds?

Holiday and theme parks (rides, retail, food outlets), summer camps and activity centres, festivals (wristbanding, litter picking, stewarding at 18+ only for some roles), garden centres, fruit picking and farm work, ice cream vans, tourist attractions, and extra retail/hospitality cover during the holiday rush.

How much do summer jobs pay at 16?

The minimum for 16–17 year olds is £8.00/hour (April 2026 rate). Holiday parks typically pay £8.00–£9, theme parks and larger attractions £8–£11, and fruit picking is often piece-rate but must average at least minimum wage. A full summer of work at 35 hours a week can earn £1,500–£2,500.

How many hours can I work in the summer holidays?

Once you reach minimum school-leaving age and are under 18: normally up to 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week, in both term time and holidays, including if you continue in sixth form or college. Count hours across all jobs; these limits cannot normally be averaged or opted out of. At 15–16, while still below minimum school-leaving age: up to 12 hours a week in term time (2 on school days and Sundays; 8 on Saturdays), or 35 hours in school holidays (8 on weekdays/Saturdays; 2 on Sundays). No work during school hours or before 7am or after 7pm. Local council rules and permits may add restrictions. The dividing line is minimum school-leaving age, not whether you still attend school, sixth form or college. School-leaving dates differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. In England you must still stay in education or training until 18; fit work around your course and attendance requirements. Young workers above school-leaving age normally get a 30-minute break when working more than 4.5 hours, 12 hours' daily rest and 48 hours' weekly rest. Children below school-leaving age must have a 60-minute break after no more than 4 hours of work and at least 2 consecutive weeks without work during school holidays each calendar year.

Will a summer job help my CV or apprenticeship application?

Yes, a lot. Employers and apprenticeship assessors consistently say any work experience — even one summer in a shop or café — puts a young applicant ahead, because it proves punctuality, reliability and customer skills. Keep a note of what you did so you can talk about it in interviews.