Looking to make extra cash or gain valuable experience? Seasonal jobs are the perfect solution! Whether you’re a student, a snowbird, or simply seeking flexible opportunities, this guide dives into the best seasonal jobs that pay well.
Part-Time Seasonal Jobs
The biggest reason why part-time seasonal jobs are so popular is the flexibility they offer. A lot of people use these roles to supplement their income or gain new experience. Part-time seasonal jobs are especially popular among students and retirees. Common part-time seasonal jobs in hospitality include positions such as:
- Waiter
- Housekeeper
- Receptionist
- Concierge
These roles often require minimal or no previous experience and offer on-the-job training. Working as a Waiter or a Waitress in a busy resort during the summer or holiday season, for example, can help you earn substantial tips.
Other industries also offer attractive part-time seasonal roles, such as retail jobs during the holidays or event staffing for festivals and concerts. These positions provide the flexibility to work for a few months and make good money.
Seasonal Summer Jobs
Summer brings a lot of tourists, making it prime time for hospitality workers. Seasonal summer jobs are abundant, especially in vacation hotspots. These jobs range from entry-level positions such as Valet, to skilled roles that require certifications, such as Bartender, Chef or even Lifeguard.
In the hospitality industry, seasonal summer jobs can include positions at beach resorts, mountain lodges and cruise ships. Some other popular roles besides the ones listed above include Hotel Receptionist, Server, Sommelier and Barback. For example, a Server at a high-end resort can earn an excellent hourly wage and potentially be offered free accommodation for the duration of the season.
[source: BLS]
The chart above shows the number of unemployed people in the U.S. actively looking for a job. We have a full article exploring more unemployment statistics in the U.S. if you’re interested in checking it out.
International summer opportunities also exist and they will allow you to travel while working. Hospitality workers can also find jobs at resorts in Europe, Asia or the Caribbean. These positions typically offer competitive pay, plus the added benefit of experiencing a different country or continent.
Winter Seasonal Jobs
Winter brings a different set of opportunities, especially in colder climates or destinations popular for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. Winter seasonal jobs are often found at ski resorts and in other holiday-focused destinations. These roles can range from Chefs and Cooks at popular hotels to Baristas at lodge cafes or even roles related to holiday events like Christmas markets.
In regions experiencing heavy snowfall, Snow Removal Workers are in high demand during the winter months. Responsibilities include clearing snow from roads, driveways, and sidewalks to ensure safety. This physically demanding job often offers competitive hourly wages, with opportunities for overtime during significant snow events.
Seasonal jobs for snowbirds — people who travel to warmer locations during the winter months — are also quite common. Florida, Texas, Arizona and other southern states experience an influx of tourists and seasonal residents, creating demand for temporary hospitality workers. Snowbirds can find roles in restaurants, hotels and retirement communities, allowing them to make extra income while enjoying a warmer climate.
Examples of Seasonal Jobs
The hospitality industry offers a wide variety of seasonal jobs across different seasons and regions. Here are some examples of seasonal jobs that pay well:
- Hotel Receptionist (Front Desk Clerk): Even though it’s an entry-level position, Receptionists can earn a lot through tips and commissions. Hotels in high-demand areas may pay extra during peak season.
- Fine-Dining Server: Servers at large or up-scale events such as weddings or corporate functions can earn quite generous tips.
- Housekeeping Staff: Essential during busy tourist seasons, especially in beach resorts or mountain lodges, where demand for clean rooms and a fast turnaround is high.
- Ski Instructor: Certified Ski Instructors are in high demand at popular ski resorts during the winter season.
- Cashier (Retail Worker): During the holiday season, retail stores hire temporary workers to help with the influx of holiday shoppers. Positions like Sales Associate and Cashier are common.
- Resort Staff: Large resorts employ seasonal workers in a variety of roles, from maintenance to entertainment. Workers often receive room and board in addition to their wages.
These examples highlight how diverse seasonal job opportunities can be and how they cater to different skill sets and levels of experience.
Seasonal Hospitality Jobs
The hospitality sector is the backbone of many seasonal employment opportunities. Hotels, resorts, restaurants and event venues see significant surges in business during high-traffic seasons such as summer, winter and the holidays. Because of that, there is a strong demand for temporary staff in roles that include everything from Event Managers and Event Planners to Bartenders and Chefs.
Working seasonal hospitality jobs often come with additional benefits. Many employers offer bonuses for working the entire season, discounted lodging or even free meals. This can make hospitality an attractive option for seasonal workers, particularly for those seeking short-term employment without long-term commitments.
Popular hospitality seasonal jobs include Bartenders at resort bars, Servers at hotel restaurants and Hosts/Hostesses at popular vacation destinations. These roles can earn substantial tips, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
Seasonal Retail Jobs
Retail stores experience a massive boom in business during holiday seasons, particularly between November and January. Seasonal retail jobs are some of the most common and accessible options, as retailers increase their staff to handle the higher volume of customers. From Cashier positions to stockroom jobs and Sales Associates, the retail industry offers numerous opportunities for those looking for temporary work.
Major retailers like Target and Macy’s ramp up hiring efforts during the holiday season. For example, Target planned to hire 100,000 seasonal employees, offering roles such as Warehouse Operations Specialists and Fulfillment Experts.
In hospitality-driven areas, seasonal retail jobs often include roles in gift shops, boutiques at resorts and even in airport retail stores. While these jobs can be fast-paced, especially during the holiday rush, they often come with perks like employee discounts and the potential for overtime hours, leading to increased earnings.
Holiday Seasonal Jobs
The holiday season is a busy time for both the retail and hospitality industries. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, there is a significant rise in temporary job opportunities. Seasonal Christmas jobs, in particular, are in high demand during this period. Hotels see an influx of visitors and restaurants are bustling with holiday parties and family gatherings.
Also, during the holiday season, package delivery companies see a massive surge in shipments, creating thousands of seasonal opportunities. Companies like UPS and FedEx offer competitive hourly wages and hire extensively to meet demand—UPS, for example, brought 125,000 seasonal workers in 2024, a significant jump from the previous year’s 100,000. These roles often provide flexible schedules and the chance to earn extra during peak periods.
Companies like Amazon also hire additional Warehouse Associates to manage the holiday rush. In fact, Amazon hired 250,000 workers, maintaining last year’s figures, to meet the increased demand during the holiday shopping season.
Moreover, seasonal Christmas jobs may include roles like Banquet Servers for holiday events, Receptionists to accommodate the rush of holiday travelers or positions at resorts offering winter-themed activities. Many ski resorts hire additional staff for the Christmas period, from lift operators to Lodge Hosts.
[source: BLS]
As you can see from the chart above showing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, ever since the pandemic there’s been a steady rise in the number of people working in retail. Obviously, places with a higher influx of tourists and larger metropolitan areas have a greater need for retail workers.
Additionally, businesses often need extra help with holiday-specific roles, such as wrapping gifts, organizing holiday events or managing customer service inquiries during the busy shopping season.
Seasonal Remote Jobs
With the rise of remote work, it’s no surprise that seasonal remote jobs have become increasingly popular as well. Many companies seek temporary, remote staff to handle surges in work during busy times of the year. Seasonal remote jobs can include roles in customer service, technical support, sales and even hospitality-related positions, such as Travel Booking Agents or virtual Event Coordinators.
For those looking for flexible work they can do from home or while traveling, seasonal remote jobs offer the perfect solution. Many of these jobs provide the ability to work from anywhere, making them an excellent option for digital nomads or individuals looking for extra income.
Seasonal Jobs With Housing
One of the significant advantages of many hospitality seasonal jobs is that they often come with housing options. Seasonal jobs with housing are particularly common in resort areas, where employers need to attract workers from outside the local area. This is typical for ski resorts, summer camps and remote lodges where local labor is insufficient to meet the demand.
For example, ski resorts in popular destinations like Colorado and Utah often provide lodging for their seasonal staff, either free or at a reduced rate. This benefit not only helps attract workers but also saves employees from the hassle and cost of finding short-term housing in a high-demand area.
Jobs with housing can range from Receptionists and Restaurant Servers to Housekeepers and Ski Instructors. In addition to free or subsidized accommodation, these jobs may also include meals and other perks like free lift tickets or discounted rates on resort activities.
Where To Find Seasonal Jobs
The best place to find seasonal jobs is right here on OysterLink. We have over 40 different positions and thousands of active job listings, many of which are seasonal or part-time. If you’re looking for a seasonal job, whether it’s in Miami, NYC or somewhere else entirely in the U.S., you can find it on OysterLink.
Seasonal Jobs FAQs
Examples of seasonal jobs in NYC would include roles such as Waiter/Waitress and Cashier. You can take a look at what jobs we have available on our NYC jobs page.
Seasonal jobs in Miami include but are not limited to Bartender, Server, Chef and Cook. You can take a look at all of the Miami jobs we have listed on our page.
Seasonal jobs for college students are roles that have no requirements and can often be done by people aged 16 years old or older. These seasonal jobs for teens include positions such as Cashier, Host/Hostess and Valet.
That depends entirely on the needs of the employer. Some companies will only need seasonal employees for two to three months, while others may require them for up to six months. A lot of times seasonal work can transition into a full-time job if the demand remains high and the employer is happy with the work of the employee.
Seasonal jobs in hospitality often act as stepping stones to long-term opportunities. These roles allow you to build key skills like customer service, problem-solving and multitasking, which are highly valued in the industry. Employers frequently use seasonal positions to scout talent for permanent roles, so excelling in a short-term job can open doors to full-time positions in hotels, resorts, or event management.
Written by Stefan Petrov
With over 10 years of experience as a writer and editor, Stefan has worked in the automotive, IT, health and hospitality industries. Familiar with Google Search Console and other SEO tools like Ahrefs and Semrush, Stefan uses his experience to create content that’s visually appealing to the user but also ranks in the SERPs.
Reviewed by Stefan Stojanovic
Director of Recruitment, Talent Acquisition
Stefan has 8+ years of professional recruitment experience and over 6 years of experience in business development. Through his education and career development, he has mastered altruistic leadership skills. Being a talent acquisition specialist, he was the perfect person to review this article and give it his stamp of approval.
