1. Six Flags – This is a great job for active people since it requires hours of standing and walking. Ride Operation Team Members are usually the most needed over the summer. They require the workers to be 16 and they pay around $15 per hour. They offer very flexible hours and discounts on park admissions and merchandise. The only downside is the long hours.
2. Chick-Fil-A – Depending on the position that you want, you can get paid anywhere from $11-19 per hour. They often are looking for more people in their kitchen team as well as their assembling team. You must be 16 or older. Chick-Fil-A restaurants are all individually owned so each location has a slightly different atmosphere. From the reviews, it’s a good place for teens to work as opposed to adults because of certain benefits. However, the job itself is very flexible.
3. Dave & Busters – If you’re looking for a flexible job that’ll fit in with summer school and sports, here it is! This is a very easy and simple job. They look for front desk workers and party hosts. They pay $13-15 per hour and require you to be 16. You can get free food and discounts on passes. Reviews say that it’s easy and simple which is great for a first job.
4. Tropical Smoothie Cafe – This job may be hard to get into but it is definitely worth it. It’s great for a wide variety of people because you can apply if you’re 14! There are a few different locations in the area too. You can get paid $14 per hour plus tips which can get you $5 extra. The cafe closes at 9 PM so you will never have to work past then. Free food and discounts are additional perks.
One of the most popular jobs for teens is working at a park district. There are many different positions that can suit anybody, ranging from camp counselor, concessions attendant, and life guard. Ultimately, it all comes down to which park district you choose, so here are the two most popular options.
- Gurnee Park District – This park district is a very common place to work for teens, so hurry and apply before all the jobs are filled. It is only a seasonal job and therefore works out well with people’s schedules. Depending on the job, it can pay anywhere from $10 to $19 per hour, but to be a camp counselor it’s $14-16 per hour. No matter which position you want, they usually end up working with kids. It’s very important to be familiar with essential life skills such as knowing 911 and other emergency numbers for either locations. They hire employees 15 and up, and everyone says how great of an atmosphere it is to work in. There are also fun events and parties that employees get to be a part of. However, some people have complained about the long work hours.
- Grayslake Community Park District – Same as the Gurnee Park District, it’s also a seasonal job. It requires direct supervision and active planning for activities for the kids. The pay however is slightly different, however, and ranges from $13.50-$15.50 per hour. They hire people 16 years or older. Both locations require you to be active and outside the whole day. You would be working Monday through Friday as well as attending training and staff meetings. Some of the workers said they averaged 37.5 hours a week. Everyone loves the community and versatility of the job and have even said it has a laidback environment.
In conclusion, finding a job can be very difficult but rewarding. It all depends on your preferences and experience. Indeed is a great website for looking at any kind of job. Also, looking up the reviews for whatever job you’re interested in can be useful. No matter what, make sure you’re educated in whatever you pick so that you can succeed in that job. Good luck!
