Write your resume in 15 minutes
Our collection of expertly designed resume templates will help you stand out from the crowd and get one step closer to your dream job.
In this guide, you’ll find a list of the best best companies for summer jobs in the USA. We’ll look at pay, perks, flexibility, and work environments to help you find the right fit for your summer plans.
10 Best Summer Employers: Who’s Hiring and Why It’s Worth Your Time
Looking for more than just a paycheck? The companies below stand out for their pay, flexibility, and overall work environment. Here's a closer look at the top 10 companies hiring for some of the best summer jobs in the USA.
1. Six Flags
Pay: Around $13 to $16 per hour, with bonuses for peak shifts or returning staff.
For a job that doesn’t feel like work, Six Flags is hard to beat. The entire park buzzes with energy, and employees are right in the center of it all. You could be operating rides, serving up snacks, managing games, or helping guests find their way around. Most summer staff are students too, so it’s easy to make friends and feel part of a team. The shifts are active, social, and never dull, making it a great fit for outgoing, energetic workers.
Benefits:
- Free park admission
- Discounts for friends and family
- A fast-paced, social setting
- Parks all over the USA, including California and Pennsylvania
Best for: Teens and students who want a high-energy summer job with perks.
2. US National Park Service (NPS)
Pay: Starts around $15 per hour, with possible bonuses or free housing.
Spend your summer surrounded by forests, mountains, or coastlines. The NPS offers one of the most unique job settings you can find. You might work in visitor services, maintenance, or even as a tour guide. Many parks provide housing for seasonal staff.
Benefits:
- Free national park access
- Lodging in some locations
- Environmental and outdoor training
Best for: Nature lovers, hikers, or students in environmental science or the tourism industry.
3. FedEx
Pay: Starts around $18 to $22 per hour.
FedEx is a solid pick for those who want to work hard and make good money quickly. It's ideal if you're looking for a structured job with predictable hours and a clear routine. Summer roles typically include package sorting, loading trucks, or assisting with deliveries in high-volume areas.
The work is physical, but straightforward, and there’s a sense of satisfaction in seeing results at the end of each shift. Many locations offer early morning schedules, which means you still have your afternoons and evenings free.
Benefits:
- Competitive hourly pay
- Overtime opportunities
- Some tuition reimbursement programs
Best for: People who prefer behind-the-scenes work and don’t mind physical labor.
4. Target
Pay: Starts at $15 to $18 per hour in most locations.
Target is known for its positive store culture and consistent scheduling, making it a great option for summer workers. Managers are often flexible with hours, especially for students balancing other commitments.
You could be helping customers, running a register, or stocking shelves. Summer is a busy season, so there are usually plenty of hours available.
Benefits:
- Store discounts
- Opportunities for repeat seasonal work
- A team-focused atmosphere
Best for: High school and college students looking for retail experience and predictable hours.
5. YMCA
Pay: Ranges from $12 to $18 per hour, depending on role and region.
If you like working with kids or being outside, the YMCA is a rewarding place to spend your summer. The environment is supportive and mission-driven, with a strong focus on community impact and personal development.
You might work as a camp counselor, lifeguard, or youth assistant. They often provide CPR or first aid training before you start.
Benefits:
- Free or discounted YMCA membership
- Strong resume value for education and social work careers
- Hands-on leadership training
Best for: Future teachers, social workers, or anyone who enjoys active, meaningful work.
6. Amazon
Pay: Starting at $18 to $25 per hour in many locations.
Amazon is ideal for those focused on earning the most they can during the summer.
Jobs include warehouse work, sorting, and packing. Expect long hours, but the pay reflects the effort.
Benefits:
- High hourly wages
- Some tuition support
- Opportunities to stay on after the summer
- Warehouses accross the USA, inclusing Colorado, Washington, and Utah
Best for: Full-time availability and those who don’t mind warehouse environments.
7. Starbucks
Pay: Average hourly wage starts at around $15, depending on the location.
Starbucks offers more than just lattes and frappuccinos. It’s one of the most flexible employers out there for young people and part-timers.
You’ll likely work as a barista, with tasks such as handling customer orders, preparing drinks, and keeping the store clean. It’s fast-paced, but you’ll never be bored.
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Stock options
- Tuition assistance through their partnership with Arizona State University
Note that summer workers may not qualify for all benefits, but many locations promote within.
Best for: College students and recent grads who want solid training and a brand name on their resume.
8. Chick-fil-A
Pay: $13 to $17 per hour depending on location and experience.
Chick-fil-A is known for its well-run stores and focus on employee growth.
Summer workers usually fill cashier or food prep roles. The pace is fast, and strong customer service is a must.
Benefits:
- Closed on Sundays
- Flexible shifts
- Scholarships offered by some locations
Best for: Young people looking to build customer service skills in a values-driven environment.
9. L.L.Bean
Pay: $15 to $20 per hour depending on role.
If you like the outdoors and retail, L.L.Bean offers a solid mix of both.
You could work in-store, help fulfill online orders, or support outdoor discovery programs as an assistant.
Benefits:
- Employee discounts on outdoor gear
- Community-focused work culture
- Some locations offer wellness perks and activities
Best for: Outdoorsy individuals looking for a relaxed but active summer job.
10. Local Ice Cream Shops and Food Trucks
Pay: Around $12 to $14 per hour, plus tips.
For a unique summer job that supports your community, local ice cream shops, food trucks, and pop-up bars are a great pick.
You’ll likely scoop, serve, and help with clean-up. Some businesses may also involve you in events, festivals, or social media.
Benefits:
- Flexible hours
- Tipped income can add up
- Laid-back team environments
Best for: Creative types and young people who want variety, personality, and fun in their seasonal job.
Final Thoughts
The right summer job can set you up for more than just extra cash. It can open doors, teach soft skills, and help you explore what kind of work you enjoy, or don’t. From retail giants in California to national parks in Tennessee and New Hampshire, the options are wide open. The key is to think ahead, apply early, and pick a role that matches your goals and lifestyle. Summer doesn’t last forever, but the right job can have lasting value.
Create your resume with the best templates
