During specific times of the year, some businesses have more customers. The holiday season is a good example of this. To keep up with the increased demand, companies may decide to conduct seasonal hiring to complement their full-time staff during these busy periods.
You may have some free time on your hands during these periods and be looking for short-term opportunities to earn extra money. If that’s the case, this article is just for you. In it, we’ve detailed everything you need to know to find seasonal jobs that pay well.
How to Get a High-Paying Seasonal Job
There are many seasonal jobs available in a variety of fields. However, getting a role you like might take some effort on your part. Here are some steps you can take to make finding a high-paying seasonal job easier.
Take Advantage of Your Network
Take advantage of your network to aid in your job hunt. Speak up and let your business contacts, family members, friends, and co-workers know that you’re on the lookout for a seasonal job. Let them know when you plan to start, how long you desire to work for, and what industries you have an interest in.
Apply Early
It is important to begin your job search at least one month before you want to start working. This will give you enough time to apply for several jobs, get interviewed, learn about all the requirements for the job, and make any necessary preparations.
Consider a Variety of Options
There is a possibility that you may not get an offer for the specific position that you want. In case that happens, you should also apply for other jobs in the same industry, or explore options in a variety of fields. This will increase your chances of landing work that pays well.
If you found your last temporary job enjoyable, you should also consider going back to it. If your employer has some familiarity with your work, it becomes easier to give you more responsibilities or better financial remuneration. This could even pave the way for a full-time job or seasonal management position.
Prepare For Your Interviews
Conduct proper research on the company you applied to and prepare to answer common interview questions before going in for an interview. If your prospective employer asks why you want a seasonal job, reply that you are looking to gain more experience in the industry. You could also say you desire to make extra money and eventually settle in a full-time role in that field.
What Seasonal Jobs Pay the Most? The Highest-Paying Seasonal Jobs You Should Consider
There are a good number of seasonal positions that you can choose from depending on your interests and skills. Below are some of the highest-paying seasonal jobs you should consider. Keep in mind, the provided salaries are associated with permanent, full-time positions. Seasonal jobs usually exceed minimum wages, but won’t amount to a year-long salary.
Delivery Driver
- Average salary: $43,265 per year
- Job growth: 12%
- Companies hiring: FedEx, Uber, Amazon
Package delivery companies such as UPS and FedEx typically need more hands during holiday seasons every year. They hire temporary delivery drivers as a result of this rise in demand. This is to ensure that all packages can get to their destinations at the appropriate time. To land a job as a package delivery driver, you’ll need to have a valid driver’s license, be able to do heavy lifting, and have a good driving record.
Customer Service Representatives
- Average salary: $33,648 per year
- Job growth: -1%
- Companies hiring: Aerotek, Liiveops, Kohl’s
Many businesses go through periods where they need additional customer support. In these cases, they increase their call center staff by employing additional customer care representatives to assist customers with pressing issues or answer their questions. Customer service representatives are in exceptional demand during the winter months.
Sports Referee
- Average salary: $42,782 per year
- Job growth: 29%
- Companies hiring: YMCA, Municipal Authorities, NASO
Sports leagues are common in almost every city. It could be youth games across area schools or adult leagues in a municipality. One thing that’s sure to be needed in all these leagues is a referee. If you are very familiar with the rules of a particular sport and are down to work during games, which usually involves weekend shifts, this is a great option for seasonal work.
Warehouse Employee
- Average salary: $33,841 per year
- Job growth: 7%
- Companies hiring: Amazon, Target, UPS
A great option for a seasonal job that pays well is becoming a warehouse associate. During holiday periods, many product manufacturers and retailers usually need more warehouse associates to assist during peak shopping seasons. Warehouse associates do everything from handling orders, moving inventory, and dealing with packing and shipping.
Tour Guide
- Average salary: $30,70 per year
- Job growth: 2.8%
- Companies hiring: UCLA, Warner Bros, Madison Square Garden
Many tourist locations are busier during the summer season when people are often on vacation. Historical sites, museums, and other similar attractions frequently conduct seasonal hiring during these periods. This is to make sure they have adequate support when the number of visitors increases.
Landscaper
- Average salary: $33,800 per year
- Job growth: 0.7%
- Companies hiring: Marriott International, Liaison Landscapes
If you love working outdoors with plants, consider becoming a landscaper. This job involves creating new outdoor spaces or upgrading existing ones by planting and maintaining flowers, trees, or shrubs. The work can be a bit physically demanding, but on the plus side, it’s a great way to stay in shape.
Audio-Visual Technician
- Average salary: $44,372 per year
- Job growth: 2.4%
- Companies hiring: Imagine Solutions, Mall of America, Encore Electric
if you have some audio and visual knowledge and reside close to a major event space, such as a conference center, becoming an audio-visual technician could be a great choice. This job involves setting up or adjusting equipment for different kinds of presentations. This seasonal job gives you the chance to work on sporting events, concerts, and more.
Resort Desk Clerk
- Average salary: $25,737 per year
- Job growth: 1.1%
- Companies hiring: Hilton, MGM Resorts, Marriott International
Resort jobs can come in handy as most resorts experience peak seasons. In periods when demand rises, extra desk clerks are needed to assist guests with check-in and check-out, take reservations, and address issues that may come up. Not having prior experience in this role may not be an issue as you can usually receive on-the-job training that covers all areas.
Ski Patrol
- Average salary: $30,701 per year
- Job growth: 2.2%
- Companies hiring: CM Resort, Loon Mountain, Huff Hills
Resorts often need extra ski patrol during the winter months. In this type of role, you’ll join the ski patrol team in maintaining slopes, assuring skiers are following guidelines, and providing aid or rescue to skiers. You will likely be required to participate in training, pass the related test, and become CPR and first aid certified.
Amusement and Water Park Attendant
- Average salary: $27,816 per year
- Job growth: 2.5%
- Companies hiring: Magic Kingdom, Disneyland, Universal Orlando
Amusement and water parks often hire seasonal workers, especially during the summer. This job ensures that popular recreation spots operate smoothly. The duties of a water park attendant include handling sales of tickets and operating rides. Other job responsibilities can include clean-up, opportunities to be part of a show, and snack bar operations.
Best Seasonal Jobs: Top Companies that Hire for Seasonal Jobs
A lot of companies are interested in seasonal hiring, as this helps them offer quality services during the more hectic periods of the year. Below are some of the top companies that offer seasonal jobs that pay well.
- Macy’s: Macy’s always has seasonal jobs available during the holiday season. Macy’s usually need extra support at registers on the sales floor and people who will help handle the products that are being shipped out or received.
- FedEx: FedEx is one of the biggest shipping companies in the country. You don’t have to be a lover of warehouses to work at FedEx as they also look for temporary employees to work in administrative roles and serve as drivers.
- Amazon: Amazon has created about 400,000 jobs at its warehouses since the pandemic broke out in 2020. Veterans have even been given some training to start up their own transport companies. During peak seasons, Amazon looks to hire short-term employees in its warehouses across the country.
- Target: Target offers many different kinds of positions during its busy seasons. There are many opportunities across various departments, including distribution centers, stocking, general merchandise, and customer service. As a seasonal employee, you can enjoy flexible hours, free virtual doctor visits, and store discounts.
- Kohl’s: Kohl’s often has hundreds of job openings during the holidays. Some seasonal roles include store greeters, customer service representatives, clerks, cleaners, and organizers.
Where to Find a Seasonal Job
Searching for seasonal jobs might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. There are different ways to search for a seasonal job in any field of your choice. Below are some of the easiest ways to find seasonal jobs.
Job Sites
Many job sites such as Getwork.com, Indeed.com, and VagaJobs.com have advanced search features that make it easy for you to filter your search through keywords, location, field, and length of employment. You can also include your experience on your profile to find opportunities that match your skills.
Company Websites
Many companies have a dedicated career section on their websites. They’re often up-to-date and allow you to apply directly through the websites. If there’s a company you’re particularly interested in working with, make sure to check its website regularly and submit your application when a vacancy comes up.
Networking
One great way to get a seasonal job is to put the word out there yourself. Be willing to speak with family and friends and tell them you’re looking for a temporary job in a particular field. Also, give them details that can help them assist in your job hunt. A friend, family member, or colleague may know someone who needs your skills and recommend you.
Skills Required to Land Your First Season Job
When applying for your first seasonal job, do not feel that your limited experience will automatically rule you out, especially if you are a student or recent graduate. Employers are more interested in soft skills on your resume, as you’ll be working with people, problem-solving, and thinking critically. Below are some of the most important skills for seasonal jobs.
Flexibility
Seasonal opportunities are especially desirable in the flexibility they offer. However, that flexibility will also be expected on your part. Companies can only estimate how many workers they’ll need, how many customers they’ll receive, and thus, how many hours they can provide or will demand. You’ll need to be flexible throughout the course of your seasonal job.
Quick Learning
One thing that will help you as a seasonal worker is your ability to pick up skills and information very quickly. Because of the increase in demand over short periods, your employer may not have the time to give you full-scale training before throwing you into the mix. You need to be able to learn quickly and pick up the necessary skills as you go.
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Ability to Work Under Pressure
Holiday periods can be a very busy time. This is especially true for those in the retail, catering, and hospitality industries. Being able to deliver while under pressure and roll with the demands of peak seasons will make the job experience easier for you. It will also make the temporary job much more enjoyable.
Is a Seasonal Job For Me?
Yes. If you have extra time or you’re interested in a temporary position, you should consider applying for a seasonal job. In some cases, temporary jobs can turn into permanent positions. There are many benefits to working as a seasonal employee, especially the high pay.
Seasonal Jobs that Pay Well FAQ
There are quite a number of seasonal roles that pay well, including package delivery drivers, landscapers, customer service representatives, and audio-visual technicians. Make sure to consider your skills, interests, and availability into account when picking the seasonal job that is right for you.
Yes, in most cases. In most companies, seasonal employees are paid at the same time as full-time employees.
A typical seasonal job lasts around three months. The length can vary though, and that is dependent on the season for which you’re being hired. For instance, if you’re employed at a resort during the summer months, you can expect to work between three to four months.
Becoming a full-time employee is ultimately up to your employer, but there are some things you can do to increase your chances. Always be punctual, go above and beyond, have a positive attitude, make sure you communicate effectively with your supervisors and peers, and do your best.
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