Special thanks to local High School student, Reagan Crabb, for writing this article!  

As Summer approaches, the job search is on for teens. How can we spend our summer having fun and making money? Working at H-E-B, Chick-fil-a, or Target comes to mind. Or how about babysitting, house-sitting, or pet-sitting?

But these ideas are obvious… so where are some unique and local places to work? If you (or your teen) find themselves asking about summer opportunities, keep reading! Below are five great options for summer work in Austin, written by a teenager for teenagers. 


Photo courtesy of The Art Garage Instagram

The Art Garage 
Age: 15+ 
Starting Pay: $8/hour plus tips
Position: Studio Assistant
Phone Number: (512) 852-9900
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.theartgarageaustin.com/ 

Get creative this summer at The Art Garage! Help people with projects, assist with summer camps, and help lead weekly events. Projects at The Art Garage include but aren’t limited to painting pottery, making mosaics, glass fusion, and painting classes.  This May, The Art Garage is opening a new location on North Lamar, and they are looking for studio assistants!

Hiring Process:
Send an email with a resume and a cover letter explaining why you want to work at The Art Garage to [email protected], and set up an interview.

Photo courtesy of Austin Entertainment

Texas Rowing Center 
Ages: 16+
Pay: $15/hour 
Positions: Cashier, Dock Worker, Summer Camp Assistant
Phone Number: (512) 467-7799 
Website: https://www.texasrowingcenter.com/ 

Want to work outside this summer but don’t want to lifeguard? Then TRC is the place for you! With various positions from Office to Dock Work to Summer Camps, you’re sure to find something you enjoy. 

Texas Rowing Center is located on Ladybird Lake across from Austin High School. At TRC, customers can rent Kayaks, Paddle Boards, and Canoes, and learn to row. 

Cashier: Checking people in, managing the cash register, checking people out
Dock Work: Assisting customers getting on and off kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes
Summer Camps: Assistant counselor for kids camps as they kayak, SUP, and learn to row.

Hiring Process:
Send your resume to [email protected] and schedule an in-person interview at Texas Rowing Center. Then get a criminal background check (you need a passport, permit, or driver’s license for this job).

Photo courtesy of Amy’s Ice creams Facebook

Amy’s Ice Creams 
Age: 16+ 
Starting Pay: $9/hour plus tips
Position: Store Scoop
Website: https://amysicecreams.com/ 

Beat the heat this summer by working at your local Amy’s Ice Cream! Become a “Scoop” and serve customers this cool classic Austin treat! 

Hiring Process:
Amy’s keeps Austin weird with their unique hiring process. Pick up a plain white paper bag at your local Amy’s. Express your creativity by decorating or creating something with this bag. You can also apply online here.

Photo courtesy of Spectrum News 1 (Spectrum News 1/Lakisha Lemons)

Barton Springs & Other Local Austin Pools 

Barton Springs Pool 
Position: Lifeguard
Age: 16+ 
Pay: 20/hr (16+), 25/hr (18+)
Phone Number: (512) 974-6300
Website: https://www.austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool 

Local Austin Pools
Position: Lifeguard
Age: 15+ 
Starting Pay: 20/hr (15+), 25/hr (18+)
Website (List of Local Pools): https://www.austintexas.gov/page/pools-splash-pads 

Local Austin Pools (Link Above) & Barton Springs
Position: Cashier 
Age: 17+ 
Starting Pay: 20/hr (17+), 20.75/hr (18+, with six months experience)

Lifeguarding is a classic summer job, but how about the Austin twist of lifeguarding at a natural spring? Austin has many local pools, but a crowd favorite is the natural Barton Springs. You must be 16 and older to work at Barton, but if you’re only 15, have no fear! There are more than 30 other Austin Pools you can work at this summer. Heading to college and trying to save up money? If you are 18 or older, starting pay is $25 an hour!

Interested in this but not a fan of the water? If you are 17 or older, you can become a cashier for the same starting pay as a lifeguard at $20/hour. 

Hiring Process:
Submit an application online through the City of Austin Jobs website. Apply Here. For more information, visit https://www.austintexas.gov/department/lifeguarding-austin.

Austin Bouldering Project, Photo courtesy of Sela Kime

Austin Bouldering Project
Ages: 18+
Starting Pay: $15/hr 
Position: Seasonal Summer Camp Instructor 
Phone Number: (512) 645-4633 
Website: https://austinboulderingproject.com/ 

Austin Bouldering Project is a local rock climbing gym. Even if you aren’t 18 yet, this could be a fun summer activity and job for the future.

Both ABP locations are currently hiring Seasonal Summer Camp Instructors. Enjoy working with children this summer to facilitate bouldering day camps full of climbing, crafts, games, and fun. No climbing experience is necessary! 

Camp begins on May 29th and concludes on August 11th. Shifts run M-F from and range from 4-7 hours per shift. 
Staff perks include discounts on merchandise, a free membership to ABP, a free +1 membership for a friend, and a fun work environment!

Hiring Process:
Apply Here! 

Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis, with priority given to applications received before April 30th. Training begins the week of May 22nd.

Good luck with your summer job hunt!