A summer job is a great way for teens to earn money, build confidence, develop relationships, and learn real-life skills. As a mom, I love seeing my kids come home proud of their accomplishments. If you’re helping one (or more) of your kids find some seasonal work, here’s a practical guide with tips, along with ideas for summer jobs for teens in Birmingham.
Benefits of a Summer Job
Summer is a time to relax and recharge, but it is also a great time to teach teens important lessons about responsibility, time management, and working with others. A summer job can teach those skills, plus provide a little spending money and an opportunity to put some work experience on your teen’s resume.
Things To Consider
Before tasking your child with finding a summer job, talk about the family’s summer plans, what your teen is expected to do with the earnings, and what types of jobs may be a good fit. For families who already have a summer calendar filled with sports practices, scheduled summer camps, travel, or summer school, expecting their teen to get a job may not be realistic. If your teen is saving up to help pay for a car or other large purchase, a consistent or well paying job is important.
Set Your Teen Up for Success
This is all new! Give your kid an advantage by teaching the basics of finding a job.
- Help your teen put together a simple resume that includes education, activities, volunteer work, skills, and family friends or teachers that would be good references.
- Practice interview questions together. Be sure your child understands his or her strengths and weaknesses, availability, why certain jobs would be a good fit, and why he or she wants the job.
- Help your teen search locally for positions in neighborhood Facebook groups, Nextdoor, local businesses, summer camp websites, Indeed, and school job boards.
- Help your teen contact friends and family members who own businesses that may need extra help over the summer. That personal connection can go a long way!
- Encourage your child to apply early since many summer jobs are filled quickly.
- Check out employment opportunities yourself to be sure that the job is in a safe environment and that the employer is legitimate and fair.
Create Your Own Opportunities
Help your teen to see what skills or connections he or she already has. Some teens will be able to create job opportunities for themselves. Ideas include the following:
- Nanny, Babysitter, or Mother’s Helper
- Pet Sitter or Dog Walker
- Lawn Care
- Power Washing
- Tutoring
- Photography
- Basic Graphic Design
- Social Media Help
Local Job Ideas
We put together a list of job ideas by category and listed local places that will hire teens as young as 16 years old. These positions are not guaranteed to be available, and their hiring policies for teens may have changed.
Retail
- American Eagle Outfitters
- America’s Thrift Stores
- CVS
- Five Below
- Kohl’s
- Michael’s
- Shoe Station
- Sierra
- Target
- Walgreens
Food Service
- Beef O’ Brady’s
- Chicken Salad Chick
- Chick Fil A
- Chipotle
- Chuck E. Cheese
- Jasons Deli
- McDonald’s
- Panera
- Publix
- Slice Pizza
- Tazikis
Golf Courses
- Local country clubs
- Highland Park Golf Course
- Robert Trent Jones Golf Courses
Car Washes
- Anthony’s Carwash
- Dirty Dogs Carwash
- New Day Car Wash
- Tidal Wave Car Wash
Childcare
- Burn Bootcamp
- Lifetime Fitness
- YMCA
Camp Counselor
- Check our list of 2026 Summer Camps, all of which need great counselors
Movie Theaters
- AMC Theaters, multiple locations
Aquatic and Recreation Centers
Working as a lifeguard requires certification, but there are many jobs at pools and recreation centers that do not require any certification. If your teen is looking for a lifeguard position, take a look at our Swim Teams and Swim Lessons post and our Guide to Birmingham Splash Pads and Pools to find local pools that may need their help. Here are some specific places your teen can check for employment opportunities:
- Local country clubs
- Birmingham Parks and Recreation
- Finley Center
- Homewood Parks and Recreation
- Hoover Recreation Center
- Levite Jewish Community Center
- Lifetime Fitness
- Vestavia Hills Recreation Center
- YMCA
Make Time for Fun
Summer is also a much-needed time to relax and enjoy being with friends and family. Be sure that your teen is working reasonable hours. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you notice burn out or a need to adjust the schedule.
Work can bring big challenges, so be sure to celebrate the small things like the first paycheck, positive reviews, new skills learned, and even the drive it takes to find and keep a summer job!
