Seasonal jobs are temporary roles that peak during certain times of the year, such as holidays, summer, or harvest seasons. They provide short-term employment with flexible schedules, making them popular among students, travelers, and those seeking extra income. The salary range for seasonal jobs varies widely—some pay just above minimum wage, while others offer competitive hourly rates or bonuses. On average, earnings range from $20,000 annually (if worked full-time during the season) to over $45,000 for skilled roles. Below, we’ll break down the most common types of seasonal jobs and their salary ranges, ranked from lowest to highest.
1. Retail and Holiday Sales Jobs
Retail is one of the largest seasonal employers, especially during the holiday shopping rush in November and December. Common roles include cashiers, stock clerks, and sales associates hired to manage the surge of customers.
The salary range is modest. Most seasonal retail workers earn $20,000 to $25,000 annually (pro-rated for seasonal work), or around $10 to $13 per hour. While this isn’t high-paying, employees may also benefit from overtime opportunities and staff discounts.
These jobs don’t require extensive qualifications, which makes them accessible to high school and college students, as well as individuals seeking part-time holiday work. Employers often provide basic training, focusing on customer service and inventory management.
The main advantage is availability—retail chains hire thousands of temporary workers nationwide each year. Schedules are also flexible, with evening and weekend shifts widely offered.
For those seeking an easy entry into the workforce or extra holiday income, retail seasonal jobs are dependable, even if they sit at the lower end of the pay scale.
2. Hospitality and Tourism Jobs
Hospitality sees spikes in demand during summer vacation and festive travel seasons. Seasonal roles include hotel staff, event servers, theme park attendants, and resort workers. These jobs emphasize customer interaction and service.
The salary range is slightly higher than retail. Workers in hospitality typically earn $22,000 to $28,000 annually (pro-rated), with hourly wages between $11 and $14. Tips can boost take-home pay significantly for servers, bartenders, and hotel staff.
These jobs often appeal to young workers, students on break, or individuals looking to combine work with travel in tourist-heavy destinations. Employers typically provide housing or meal stipends in resort towns, which reduces living expenses.
Hospitality jobs are attractive because they blend work with a lively, social environment. Workers gain customer service skills that are transferable to future careers in sales, management, or events.
While salaries aren’t high, the perks—such as free meals, discounted lodging, or cultural experiences—make hospitality a rewarding seasonal choice.
3. Agricultural and Farm Jobs
Agriculture is one of the oldest seasonal employment sectors. Jobs include fruit pickers, farmhands, packers, and harvest assistants, often concentrated in summer and autumn. These positions require physical stamina but no formal education.
The salary range is competitive compared to retail and hospitality. Farmworkers typically earn $25,000 to $32,000 annually (pro-rated), with hourly pay between $12 and $16 depending on the crop and region.
These jobs are vital for food production, making them consistently available. Employers often hire large groups of workers at once, ensuring opportunities for individuals and teams. Some farms also provide housing, transportation, or meal allowances.
While agricultural work can be demanding due to weather and labor intensity, it offers a straightforward way to earn solid wages without prior training. For many seasonal workers, it’s also an opportunity to work outdoors and stay physically active.
Overall, agricultural jobs fall in the middle salary tier but provide steady seasonal income and essential work experience.
4. Delivery and Logistics Jobs
E-commerce and shipping companies hire heavily during peak shopping months, especially the holiday season. Roles include package handlers, warehouse staff, and seasonal drivers. These jobs are fast-paced and require efficiency.
The salary range is higher than agriculture. Seasonal logistics workers earn between $28,000 and $38,000 annually (pro-rated), with hourly wages of $14 to $18. Overtime pay and holiday bonuses can significantly increase total earnings.
Demand is especially strong in November and December, when shipping volumes spike. Companies like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS hire tens of thousands of seasonal workers to meet deadlines.
These roles are ideal for individuals seeking reliable, short-term income. While physically demanding, warehouse and delivery jobs often provide higher pay than retail or hospitality positions.
For those who want better-than-average seasonal wages, logistics and delivery are excellent choices, combining strong demand with solid pay rates.
5. Outdoor and Camp Jobs
The highest-paying seasonal jobs are often found in outdoor recreation and camps. Positions include lifeguards, camp counselors, ski instructors, and outdoor guides. These jobs focus on recreation, safety, and group leadership.
The salary range is attractive compared to other seasonal categories. Outdoor workers earn around $30,000 to $45,000 annually (pro-rated), with hourly pay ranging from $15 to $22. Skilled roles like lifeguards or instructors often receive premium wages.
These jobs also provide unique perks. Workers may receive free accommodation, food, or access to recreational facilities. They also gain valuable leadership, teaching, and safety certification skills that can enhance long-term career prospects.
Camp and outdoor jobs are especially popular among students and young adults looking for summer experiences. Many employers in this sector prioritize enthusiasm and interpersonal skills over formal qualifications.
Overall, outdoor and camp jobs top the seasonal pay scale, offering both competitive wages and enriching personal experiences.
Salary Comparison Table for Seasonal Jobs
| Seasonal Job Type | Average Annual Salary (USD, pro-rated) | Average Hourly Rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Retail & Holiday Sales | $20,000 – $25,000 | $10 – $13 |
| Hospitality & Tourism | $22,000 – $28,000 | $11 – $14 |
| Agricultural & Farm Work | $25,000 – $32,000 | $12 – $16 |
| Delivery & Logistics | $28,000 – $38,000 | $14 – $18 |
| Outdoor & Camp Jobs | $30,000 – $45,000 | $15 – $22 |