Summer jobs are scarce in GA, but these companies are hiring now
For a lot of teenagers, summer means finding a part-time job, but young jobseekers might have a harder time this year, according to Newsweek. Experts predict that only about 1 million new jobs will be added for teens this summer nationwide, the lowest summer job gain since 2010.
It’s no better for Georgia, either. Augusta CEO Network says, “Georgia ranks among the lowest states for summer job pay and opportunity, especially for teens.”
Despite these numbers, teens still make up a vital part of the summer workforce. The employment rate for young people ages 16 to 24 hit 54.5% in July 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What are the most popular jobs for teens in Georgia?
The jobs that are most attractive to younger workers are in industries that ramp up during the summer and don’t require much experience.
According to the Pew Research Center, these jobs are most commonly filled by teenagers:
Accommodation and food services (think restaurants, fast food, hotels): 2.3 million teens (36.2%) working in these kinds of roles.
Retail (grocery stores, clothing shops, big-box retailers): Nearly 1.4 million teens (21.3%) work retail jobs.
Arts, entertainment and recreation (camps, pools, amusement centers): These jobs don’t often require as much experience as some others.
Hiring tips for summer jobs for teens
Career coaches and experts, Challenger, Gray and Christmas said June is when employers start to hire for the summer.
They offer a few tips for success:
Start your search early
Apply to several places
Consider getting certified in a certain trade or industry to stand out
Be flexible with your hours and willing to work evenings or weekends
Don’t be afraid to ask family, friends or teachers if they know of any openings
Available jobs for teens in Columbus and surrounding areas
Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program (MSYEP)
Company: Columbus Consolidated Government
Pay: $14/hour
Description: Six-week summer program (June 9–July 25, 2025) for people ages 16 to 24 or recent high school graduates. Work 20 hours per week in various city departments or community organizations.
How to apply: Columbus Consolidated Government jobs portal
Store Associate
Company: CVS Health
Pay: $15–$18/hour
Description: Retail sales, customer service, cashiering, stocking and assisting pharmacy staff. Flexible hours, benefits available.
How to apply: CVS Jobs
Arcade Attendant
Company: Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment
Pay: Not listed
Description: Supervise arcade games, assist guests, maintain a fun and safe environment. Must be at least 16 years old.
How to apply: On Indeed
Team Member/Party Host
Company: Urban Air Adventure Park
Pay: Not listed (typically $10 to $12)
Description: Roles include court monitor, front desk, party host, and café. Must be at least 16 years old; interact with kids, ensure safety, and facilitate parties.
How to apply: On Indeed
Front/Back of House Team Member
Company: Chick-fil-A at Midland
Pay: Not listed (typically $11–$13/hour)
Description: Greet guests, take orders, prepare food, maintain cleanliness. Flexible hours, ideal for students.
How to apply: On Indeed
Cashier
Company: Dairy Queen
Pay: Not listed (typically $9–$11/hour)
Description: Take orders, handle cash, customer service. Must be at least 15 years old.
How to apply: Dairy Queen’s careers page.
Crew Member
Company: Take 5 Car Wash
Pay: Competitive base pay plus commission (typically $10–$13/hour)
Description: Wash and detail cars, customer service, maintain site cleanliness.
How to apply: Take 5’s career website.
Crew Team Member
Company: McDonald’s
Pay: Not listed (typically $10–$12/hour)
Description: Prepare food, serve customers, clean restaurant. Flexible scheduling.
How to apply: McDonald’s careers site.
Sales Associate (Peachtree Mall)
Company: BoxLunch/Hot Topic
Pay: Not listed (typically $10–$12/hour)
Description: Customer service, restocking, merchandising pop culture items.
How to apply: Apply on Lever
Golf Cart Attendant
Company: Lakewood Golf Course
Pay: Not listed (typically $10–$12/hour)
Description: Clean and maintain golf carts, assist with range operations.
How to apply: Lakewood career page
There might be fewer jobs to go around, but there are still some jobs to be had this summer. Good luck out there.
If you have any scoop on jobs for young people this summer, email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
