5 high-paying seasonal jobs

Many people prefer seasonal work instead of a full-time, year-round position. Why not earn extra money while taking a break or doing something else when the busy season in your industry is over? You can find seasonal jobs over the winter holidays when store traffic increases or during summer and other seasons. You can also get high-paying seasonal jobs, depending on your skills, interests, and experience. Many of these seasonal positions are remote or work-from-home jobs. Here's some more information about high-paying seasonal jobs and their benefits.

What are seasonal jobs?

Seasonal work is a type of temporary employment that offers job openings at about the same time every year. Companies often hire seasonal employees for additional help during the busiest times of the year. For example, snowplow companies only need drivers in winter, while most lifeguard jobs are only open in summer.

"Seasonal jobs can often lead to full-time opportunities with benefits. An employer will have plenty of time to get to know you and evaluate your performance, so it can be easier for you to get a permanent position compared with someone who has no experience at the company."

The benefits of seasonal jobs

You can derive many benefits from seasonal work. Many people choose seasonal jobs to make extra money. These jobs are often popular with high school or college students and teachers who aren't very busy during the summer. A seasonal job is also an excellent opportunity for you to try out a position and gain some experience without committing to anything permanent or full-time. You can decide then whether you want to work in an industry permanently without feeling obliged to stay.

Seasonal jobs can often lead to full-time opportunities with benefits. An employer will have plenty of time to get to know you and evaluate your performance, so it can be easier for you to get a permanent position compared with someone who has no experience at the company. Many seasonal jobs have flexible hours, so you can work when it's most convenient for you and your family. Additionally, these jobs often offer opportunities for overtime.

High-paying seasonal jobs

Here are some seasonal jobs that can provide high pay:

Camp counselors

Camp is a popular activity for children, and camp counselors create fun, memorable experiences for kids while keeping them healthy and safe. Job openings are most frequent in summer when kids are out of school. The camps provide supervision and fun things for them to do while their parents are working. Some camps operate overnight, and they usually last for a week or two at a time. Others send children home at night. Typically, the camps stay open until most schools start back in the fall. The duties of camp counselors include:

Supervising children and teenagers while they play games and create crafts
Creating daily schedules for campers
Enforcing camp rules to promote safety and kindness
Directing kids while they rehearse and perform sketches and songs
Communicating with parents when needed
Performing basic first aid, such as treating a skinned knee or a sprained ankle
Helping campers resolve conflicts

Many camps teach skills such as swimming or horseback riding. Others specialize in art, dance, science, and other subjects. Most camp counselors have at least a high school diploma, but some still attend high school. Counselors may also have bachelor's degrees in psychology, environmental science, teaching, or child development. Some camps only hire counselors with first aid, CPR, or lifeguard certifications. A camp counselor makes an average of $24.15 per hour.

Photographers

Photographers often work seasonally. Spring is a busy time for weddings, graduations, and yearbook photos. Seasonal work is often available for family photos near Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and other holidays. Some seasonal photographers own their businesses or operate as independent contractors, while others work for companies. Photographers use various types of specialized equipment, such as lenses and tripods. Some take traditional photos, while others specialize in digital images.

Typically, photographers have portfolios of past work to show customers. For example, people looking for wedding photographers often ask to see previous wedding shoots to make sure they like the style and composition. Photographers usually learn by experience, and some may not have more than a high school diploma. Many photographers have bachelor's degrees in art, graphic design, or photography, while some also hold master's degrees. On average, photographers make $24.15 per hour.

Tax preparers

Tax preparers prepare and file tax returns for individuals and businesses. They often meet with clients to gather paperwork and discuss the customer's tax and financial information. They then fill out, sign, and file all the forms required by the IRS and states. Many people and organizations hire tax preparers to help them get the largest refund possible.

Tax preparers often use tax preparation software. Additionally, they advise clients about ways they can reduce their future tax bills. For example, donating to a charity can reduce income tax. Tax preparers operate mostly during tax season, from January 1 through April 15, and they often work overtime during this time. Some work in offices, while others visit clients at their homes or businesses.

Most tax preparers complete courses in business and accounting, and they often have associate or bachelor's degrees. All tax preparers need a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) from the IRS. Additionally, they frequently become certified public accountants (CPAs). To get this license, you'll need to pass the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination. A tax preparer in the United States earns an average of $26.85 per hour.

Tutors

People often hire tutors before final high school and college exams. Tutors also help candidates prepare for SAT or ACT, which are often important tests for college admissions. In summer, tutors may teach young children to prevent them from falling behind while they're out of school.

Tutors may work independently or for tutoring companies. They may teach several subjects or specialize in English, math, science, or social studies. They also update parents about students' progress. Some tutors work with students in person, while others teach remotely via video conferencing. In the United States, tutors make an average of $21.55 per hour.

Chefs

Chefs prepare appetizers, entrees, desserts, and other dishes for restaurants, hotels, resorts, and caterers. They often create new recipes and may work with a team of chefs in larger establishments. Companies often hire seasonal chefs during the busy holiday season. In summer, hotels and resorts near beaches and other attractions often have seasonal opportunities. Additionally, popular sports resorts, such as skiing, often hire chefs during the winter season. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for chefs should grow 15% by 2031.

Most chefs have a high school diploma or GED and a degree from a culinary school. Depending on the school and the type of cooking you specialize in, a culinary degree can take one to four years to complete. You might also consider getting experience through an internship or working at an entry-level restaurant or resort. A chef in the United States makes an average of $28.95 per hour.

A high-paying seasonal job can help you learn new skills and change your routine temporarily. It's an excellent way to earn extra money, and many seasonal jobs are fun and interesting. To apply for seasonal jobs, upload your resume to CareerBuilder. Start your search a month or two before the busy season so that you find a job at the appropriate time for your industry.