The long awaited summer is here, and now that you’ve emerged from post-finals hibernation it’s time to decide what you’ll be doing until fall semester. While three months of quality time with Netflix sounds enticing, a long gap in your resume could make post-grad job hunting more difficult. Even though you may only be looking for part-time temporary employment, you’re not necessarily limited to the yogurt shop across the street from your old high school. With the ease of subletting through home sharing services like Airbnb, FlipKey and HomeAway, you could easily spend your summer in another city – why not work and vacation all at once?
Based on factors of recent positive job growth, availability of part-time employment, and variety of summer activities, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten towns for summer jobs.
Summer is the ideal time to enjoy Denver’s mountain landscape and sunny weather, but a picturesque landscape isn’t all the city has to offer. Denver draws a diverse population with acclaimed museums and galleries facilitated by its Scientific and Cultural Facilities Tax, and famous local breweries (if you decide a summer isn’t long enough, stay through the fall and attend the annual Great American Beer Festival!) Denver is currently hiring for 578 Retail and Hospitality positions.
2. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
An influx of population due to jobs created by Silicon Valley has increased growth in San Jose’s service sector, and resulted in nearly 400 currently available positions in the surrounding metropolitan area. Secure a part time gig here, and on your day off travel just under an hour north to explore San Francisco – without having to commit to the city’s high cost of living. Summer is an especially great time to be exploring San Jose and the greater Bay Area, with music festivals like Outside Lands, movie screenings, and local flea markets popping up in various nearby neighborhoods.
Indiana’s efforts to make its capital a cultural destination have drawn more young urbanites to the area, and increased the need for support in the service sector. For summer-job seekers, this means a there is work and plenty to do in your downtime. The Carmel Arts and Design District hosts varied festivals and exhibits, from car shows to concerts to dance performances, and the Monon Trail allows bikers and pedestrians to enjoy themselves on a green picturesque path nestled within the city. According to our most recent data, the Indianapolis-Carmel metropolitan area is currently hiring for 300 retail and hospitality positions.
4. Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, TN
Tennessee’s capital has long been a destination for tourists with its historic music scene and vibrant nightlife, and it shows no signs of slowing – Airbnb named it last year as its number one fastest-growing U.S. destination. With an overall low cost of living, many free local events, and regular job openings in the service sector to support its tourism, Nashville could be a great place to spend your summer.
Austin draws a diverse residential and tourist population with its thriving economy, arts scene, and nationally recognized cultural events like South by Southwest Film Festival and the Fun Fun Fun Fest music festival. Although these events take place in March and November respectively, Austin keeps it weird in the summer too – literally. There are currently 244 part time job openings in the metro area.
If you’re looking to relax and save some money, Oklahoma City could be your ideal summer destination. The area boasts a low cost of living, numerous major parks, and an urban botanical garden with an amphitheater that showcases Shakespeare in the Park performances. Oklahoma city is currently hiring for around 150 positions in the service industry.
The Grand Rapids-Wyoming area is home to sprawling parks, ethnic festivals, and multiple museums and galleries. Michigan’s arts celebration, the Festival of the Arts, is held annually at the beginning of the summer in Grand Rapids.
8. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT
Nicknamed ‘The Park City,’ Bridgeport is the perfect destination for nature lovers that don’t want to get too far away from urban life. If you snag one of their part time jobs now, you’ll get there in time for the Gathering of the Vibes and other events in their live music series.
9. Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA
Good surf, inexpensive camping, and weekly farmer’s markets make Ventura an ideal spot to spend your summer. Thrift stores and independently owned restaurants complement the casual beach town, and its central location between L.A. and Santa Barbara without the price tag of either area makes the city hard to beat for a working vacation.
Salt Lake City is another prime destination for outdoor recreation. In addition to hiking, climbing, swimming and other outdoor activities, the city boasts a diverse arts and music scene.
