As kids, we couldn’t wait for the days of summer to free us from the confines of the classroom. Summer break provided exciting prospects for exploring new places, meeting new friends, and trying new things. Now that you’re all grown up, summer provides additional opportunities for professional educators—and the best summer jobs for teachers are opportunities to make some extra money and grow your skillset.

While some teachers may wish to take a well-earned recharge over their summer break, others may be on the hunt for a side hustle. Whether you’re looking to pad your wallet, explore new professional avenues, or simply keep busy during the warmer months, summer offers a unique opportunity to step outside the classroom and try something new. 

We’re diving into some of the best summer jobs for teachers, from roles that leverage your educational expertise to gigs that let you explore entirely different interests.

22 Best Summer Jobs for Teachers

1. Freelance Writer
2. Online Tutor
3. Proofreader
4. Blogger
5. Youth Sports Coach
6. Nanny
7. Lesson Plan Creator
8. English as a Second Language (ESL) Tutor
9. Community Class Teacher
10. Virtual Assistant
11. Elder Care Companion
12. Transcriptionist
13. Library Assistant
14. Curriculum Designer
15. Photographer
16. Etsy Seller
17. Summer Camp Counselor
18. Local Tour Guide
19. Food or Grocery Delivery
20. House Sitter
21. Test Prep Instructor
22. Consultant

1. Freelance Writer

Freelance writing is a great side job for teachers because it offers flexible hours and the opportunity to work from anywhere. If you don’t have an established client list just yet, platforms like Upwork and Freelancer can be a good way to get your foot in the door and find your first prospects.

Writing gigs can include blog posts, articles, or even educational materials. With your background in teaching, you can explore opportunities to write textbooks or curriculum materials. In a sense, freelance writing not only allows you to earn extra income but also allows you to continue utilizing your skills as an educator.

When it comes to getting paid, it’s important to do some research on the average rates for the type of writing you’ll be doing. Responding quickly to job openings is also crucial, as competition can be fierce in the freelance marketplace. Creating a strong portfolio that showcases your skills and experience will help you stand out to potential clients.

Many subject matter niches are well-suited for teachers to leverage into freelance writing opportunities: education, child-related topics, and parenting are a start.

Average pay for a freelance writer: $23 per hour

2. Online Tutor

Perhaps one of the most classic summer jobs for teachers—and anyone else with experience in education—online tutoring is not only a great way to earn extra income, but it’s also a great way to make a positive impact on students outside of the traditional classroom setting.

To start online tutoring, the first step is to decide what subject you want to tutor in. As a teacher, you likely have expertise in a specific area, whether it’s math, science, English, or something else. Once you’ve determined your areas of expertise, you can begin setting up your online tutoring business.

Finding clients can be done through a variety of ways. You can start by reaching out to your network of colleagues, friends, and family members to let them know you’ve started tutoring. Alternatively, you can list your services on social media, education-related websites, and online tutoring platforms like Wyzant.

Potential earnings can vary depending on the amount of time and effort you put into your tutoring. Some online tutors have the potential to earn a substantial income, especially during peak tutoring seasons when students are looking to catch up or get ahead in their studies. As for setting hourly rates for online tutoring, it’s important to consider your level of teaching experience, the demand for your subject area, and the going rate for other online tutors in your area. 

Average pay for an online tutor: $19 per hour

3. Proofreader

Proofreading can be an excellent summer job for teachers. As a teacher, you already have a strong grasp of grammar, punctuation, and writing, making it a natural fit for this line of work. Proofreaders and editors are needed across all sorts of business outlets, including publishing outlets, online content creators, and companies looking to polish up their written materials.

As a proofreader, you have a wide range of content to choose from, including books, academic papers, websites, marketing materials, blog posts, and more. This makes for a diverse and interesting workload, keeping things fresh and engaging. Freelance platforms like Upwork and Freelancer are, again, great places to find gigs if you’re just getting your foot in the door. Additionally, networking within professional writing and editing communities can also lead to work opportunities.

The average hourly rate for proofreaders and editors can vary, but a typical range is $15 to $40 per hour. It’s a flexible side hustle for teachers, letting you take on as much or as little work as you want—which is perfect during the summer months when you also likely want some downtime.

Average pay for a proofreader: $28 per hour

4. Blogger

Starting a blog is not necessarily the road to fast income, but with some dedicated time and upfront effort, you can lay the groundwork for a profitable side gig and future passive income. Summer may just be the perfect time to lay that groundwork.

First, you’ll need to choose a niche for your blog. As a teacher, you have a unique perspective that could appeal to a wide audience. Consider niches like classroom management tips, lesson planning ideas, or resources for teaching specific subjects. You could appeal to parents or fellow teachers with your content.

Once you’ve chosen your niche, it’s time to set up your website. Platforms like WordPress or Squarespace make it easy to create a professional-looking blog with minimal technical expertise. You’ll also need to decide on a monetization strategy, like affiliate marketing, sponsored content, or selling your own digital products.

Creating engaging content is key to attracting readers to your blog. Share your expertise and teaching experience, and provide valuable resources and insights for your audience. Keep in mind that blogging is not a get-rich-quick scheme, but with time and dedication, it can become a lucrative source of income. You’ll want to ensure you have a plan to keep regular updates coming when it’s time to return to full-time teaching.

Average pay for a blogger: $30 per hour

5. Youth Sports Coach

As a teacher, the summer months provide a unique opportunity to earn some extra income through coaching youth sports. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just passionate about helping young kids develop their skills, there are plenty of options available to put your expertise to good use.

You could coach baseball, basketball, volleyball, or tennis, just to name a few. Each of these sports offers the opportunity to share your knowledge and passion with young athletes, while also earning some extra cash on the side.

To be an effective coach, you’ll need to possess a combination of skills and qualities. Patience, leadership, and a genuine interest in the sport are essential. Additionally, the ability to communicate effectively and provide constructive feedback is critical for helping kids improve their skills and boost their confidence.

Many community recreation centers and local summer camps are in need of dedicated coaches. Local community teams and sports leagues also often seek out passionate individuals to lead their young athletes to success.

Overall, coaching youth sports during the summer is a fantastic way for teachers to stay engaged, earn some extra money, and make a positive impact on their community. If you’re looking for a fun and fulfilling summer job for teachers, coaching just may fit the bill.

Average pay for a youth sports coach: $20 per hour

6. Nanny

Consider working as a nanny as your summer teacher side gig. With your classroom experience, you’ll be well-equipped to offer structured activities and educational experiences for the kids in your care. Finding nanny opportunities is also fairly easy. Care.com is a good resource to start your search. By creating a profile there and highlighting your teaching background, you can increase your chances of getting hired as a summer nanny.

Don’t forget to reach out to your local community, too. Word of mouth can be a powerful tool. So, if you’re looking for a job that allows you to make a positive impact on little ones while also making some extra cash, nannying could be the perfect side hustle for you.

Average pay for a babysitter: $19 per hour

7. Lesson Plan Creator

Selling lesson plans online is a fantastic way for teachers to make money during the summer while leveraging an existing skill. With the rise of digital platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers, you can create and sell your resources to a broad audience of fellow educators. You could also create your own digital storefront on a dedicated eCommerce site, though you’ll have to put extra effort into your marketing efforts in order to be found by customers.

Your lesson plans can include things like worksheets, activities, games, and other materials that you have created for your own classroom. Be sure to include clear and detailed descriptions, as well as pricing information for each plan.

Average pay for a lesson writer: $24 per hour

8. English as a Second Language (ESL) Tutor

Teaching English as a second language (ESL) can be an enormously rewarding job, and for teachers looking for a flexible summer side hustle, becoming an ESL tutor is an excellent option. With the demand for English language skills increasing globally, there are plenty of opportunities for you to use your expertise and make a decent income during the summer months.

There are several avenues to explore to become a successful ESL tutor. First, consider contacting your local language schools, community centers, or businesses that may have a need for English language instruction. Many of these organizations offer summer programs and may be looking for qualified teachers to lead classes.

Additionally, there are a plethora of online opportunities for ESL tutoring, connecting you with students from all over the world without ever leaving home. Websites like VIPKid and Cambly are just a few examples of platforms that connect ESL tutors with students globally.

Most ESL tutoring jobs typically require a bachelor’s degree, U.S. residency, and native English proficiency. While these are standard qualifications, they make ESL tutoring an accessible summer job for teachers who meet the criteria.

Average pay for an ESL tutor writer: $27 per hour

9. Community Class Teacher

Missing the classroom? Pitching a class proposal to community class networks is a unique way for teachers to secure a summer gig. Community class networks are often on the lookout for new and interesting classes to offer their members, and this creates an opportunity for you to shine. Whether you have a hobby or a passion that you’d like to share with others, or you have a specific skill set that you think would be valuable to teach, there’s likely a community class network that would be interested in hearing your ideas.

To start, do some research to find local community class networks in your area. Many cities and towns have organizations that offer a wide range of classes to their members, so there may be a good fit for your teaching skills. Once you’ve identified a few potential networks, reach out to inquire about their process for submitting class proposals.

Most community class networks will have a formal process for reviewing and approving class proposals, so be sure to follow their guidelines and provide any additional information or documentation that they request.

Average pay for a community class instructor: Varies

10. Virtual Assistant

Becoming a virtual assistant requires excellent organizational skills, which teachers have in spades. In this role, you’ll provide support to busy professionals and entrepreneurs who need help with things like email management, scheduling appointments, social media management, travel arrangements, and basic bookkeeping. Additionally, virtual assistants might also provide customer support, data entry, and research for their clients. The exact responsibilities will vary depending on the needs of the client, but typically, virtual assistants handle administrative tasks to free up their client’s time for more important matters.

There are several websites where you can begin your search for a summertime virtual assistant gig. Indeed, Zirtual, and Upwork are popular platforms to start with. You can create a profile, showcase your skills and experience, and apply to virtual assistant job postings. Additionally, these platforms often provide resources and support for virtual assistants, such as contract templates and advice for setting rates.

Average pay for a virtual assistant: $24 per hour

11. Elder Care Companion

A fulfilling summer job for teachers is working in elderly companion care. This gig involves offering assistance and companionship to senior citizens who may need some extra support.

As a care companion, you’ll be responsible for tasks like meal preparation, running errands, and light housekeeping. You may also spend time engaging in conversation, playing games, or going for walks with the seniors you’re caring for. It’s important for those working in this field to have an abundance of patience, tact, discretion, and empathy. These qualities are essential for building trust and rapport with the people in your care and ensuring that they feel comfortable and supported.

Average pay for an elder care companion: $15 per hour

12. Transcriptionist

Transcription is a great summer job for teachers looking to make extra money during their downtime. There are different categories of transcription jobs for you to explore, including general, medical, and legal transcription. General transcription involves transcribing audio or video files of a variety of topics, while you’d need more specialized knowledge for medical or legal transcription. Each category may have different requirements, but typically, all you need is a computer and a reliable internet connection to do the work.

Many transcriptionists are paid per audio minute or hour transcribed. This means that the more work you do, the more money you make. Additionally, transcription offers a ton of flexibility in terms of working hours, letting you work around your busy summer schedule.

Average pay for a transcriptionist: $20 per hour

13. Library Assistant

For teachers looking to gain some extra experience and give back to their community, finding a gig as a library assistant can be a rewarding option. During the summer months, libraries may have more patron traffic as kids are out of school and parents are looking for various programs or activities to occupy their time. Since you’re already great with kids, this summer job can be a natural fit.

Outside of helping with activities, library assistants can also help with administrative tasks, shelving books, and providing support to librarians. This role requires effective communication skills to interact with library users and staff, as well as computer skills to manage the library’s database and online catalog system.

Average pay for a library assistant: $19 per hour

14. Curriculum Designer

Curriculum designers create lesson plans, worksheets, and assessments that align with specific educational standards. They work closely with fellow educators to understand their teaching goals and then develop curriculum materials that support classroom instruction. Curriculum designer jobs can be found in a variety of places, including educational publishing companies, school districts, and educational technology companies. Many curriculum designers also work as freelancers, offering their services to individual educators or educational organizations.

If you’re looking for the perfect side job as a teacher, you probably have the credentials built right into your skillset. While some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction or a similar area of study, above all, experience in curriculum development and instructional design is highly valued. Teachers who have demonstrated strong curriculum planning and development skills in their own classrooms are well-equipped to transition into a role as a curriculum designer.

Average pay for a curriculum designer: $42 per hour

15. Photographer

Starting a photography business can be a fun way for teachers to make extra cash during the summer, which is peak season for things like weddings, senior portraits, family photos, and more. With the right equipment, artistic skills, and photo editing abilities, you can turn a hobby into a profitable side hustle.

You’ll need a few key pieces of equipment to get started with a photography gig, including a high-quality camera, lenses, and lighting. You should also be proficient with photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom to process your clients’ images. To find clients, start by creating a professional portfolio website and tapping into the social circles you’re already familiar with. As a teacher, you likely already have a lot of personal connections in your community. Once word of mouth starts to spread, business will pick up even faster.

Average pay for a photographer: $20 per hour

16. Etsy Seller

Are you a creative or collector of unique goods? Consider selling your homemade crafts or vintage items on Etsy. Selling on Etsy is a great way to make passive income all year round, and it’s especially great for teachers who have an artistic streak.

First, you’ll need to create an Etsy account and set up a shop. Add a profile picture and write a bio about yourself and your products. Next, you’ll need to list your products. Take high-quality photos of your items and write clear, concise descriptions. Don’t forget to do some research on product demand and similar pricing for competitive items. Once your products are listed, you can set up payment and shipping options, and let the sales begin.

Average pay for an Etsy seller: $23 per hour

17. Summer Camp Counselor

Summer camp counseling is one of the best summer jobs for teachers looking to make some extra money while enjoying a little time in the sunshine. As a camp counselor, you’ll get to work in a fun and laid-back environment while still having a positive impact on enriching the lives of children.

When searching for a summer camp counselor job, start by using social media to connect with local camps and organizations. Many camps post job openings on their social media pages, making it easy to see who’s hiring in your area. You can also check with local organizations like the YMCA or community centers, as they often run summer camps and need additional staff support.

Average pay for a summer camp counselor: $16 per hour

18. Local Tour Guide

How well do you know the local history and hidden gems of your city? If you’re an expert in this area, becoming a tour guide could be a fun summer side gig as well as a great way to meet like-minded people.

To excel in this role, you should possess a deep knowledge of the city or town’s attractions, hotspots, and history. You should have strong public speaking and communication skills to engage with tour participants—something you’ve undoubtedly honed as a teacher. You’ll also need to be comfortable being active as tours require you to walk (or bike) around the area. Finally, some tour guide jobs may require specific certifications or training, such as a guide license or first aid certification to ensure the safety of tour groups.

Average pay for a tour guide: $19 per hour

19. Food or Grocery Delivery

If you’re looking for a flexible and lucrative side hustle to keep you busy during the summer, consider delivering food or groceries through gig economy platforms like Uber Eats, GrubHub, Instacart, Doordash, Shipt, or Amazon Flex.

With the ability to set your own schedule, you can work as little or as much as you want. Earning potential varies based on location and demand, but many drivers report making upwards of $20 per hour during peak times. Keep in mind that each platform has its own requirements, such as age restrictions, vehicle specifications, and background checks. Be sure to review the specific qualifications for each before getting started.

Average pay for a food delivery driver: Varies

20. House Sitter

If a low-key summer job for teachers is what you’re after, consider taking care of someone else’s home, pets, and plants as a house sitter.

To become a house sitter, you can sign up with specialized house-sitting websites like TrustedHousesitters or HouseSitter.com. These platforms connect homeowners with trustworthy and reliable house sitters, making it easier for you to find opportunities in your area. When applying for house-sitting gigs, you’ll want to have references available to prove your track record of responsible and dependable nature. Mentioning that you are a teacher can also help build trust with homeowners, as it demonstrates a level of professionalism and commitment.

Average salary for a house sitter: $17 per hour

21. Test Prep Instructor

Another good summer job for teachers is becoming a test prep instructor. Start by researching local or national companies like Kaplan Test Prep and Sylvan Learning that often hire instructors for summer programs. These companies help students with test preparation for exams like the SAT, ACT, GRE, and more. You can also find clients through word of mouth by asking friends or acquaintances if they’re in need of tutoring services for their children.

Working as a test prep instructor can be profitable, and if you work independently, you have the ability to set your own rates—giving you more control over your earnings. Overall, becoming a test prep instructor is a smart way to leverage your experience and skills into a lucrative side job for teachers.

Average salary for a test prep tutor: $27 per hour

22. Consultant

As a teacher, you likely have specialized knowledge in things like curriculum development, instructional design, tutoring, and more. The summer months can be the perfect time to explore a side job as an educational consultant.

The key to finding success with consulting work is to highlight your specific areas of expertise and demonstrate your ability to provide valuable insights and measurable results. You can look for job postings on freelancing sites like sites like Upwork, Guru, and Freelancer, or you can check for local consulting opportunities at school districts, universities, or non-profit organizations.

Putting together a portfolio of satisfied clients and positive testimonials will also help you in finding new business. Once the ball is rolling, this can become a highly lucrative summer job for teachers.

Average salary for a consultant: $50 per hour

Summer Jobs for Teachers: FAQs

What do teachers do during the summer?

Some teachers choose to take their summers off and focus on relaxing, rejuvenating, and spending time with their families. They may also choose to travel, take up hobbies, or pursue other personal interests.

However, many teachers also use the summer break as an opportunity to further their professional development or earn some extra income. Summer jobs for teachers might include things like tutoring, teaching summer school, or coaching to supplement their income. Overall, while some teachers take a well-deserved break during the summer, others continue to work toward growing their bottom line.

Do teachers get paid during the summer?

Teachers do not typically get paid during the summer. However, some school districts offer teachers the option to receive prorated paychecks over 12 months rather than just the months they are actively teaching. This can help keep a steady stream of income flowing throughout the entire calendar year.

How else can teachers make the most of summer vacation?

Teachers can make the most of their summer vacation by using it as an opportunity to recharge, earn extra income, and continue to develop their skills. In addition to traditional summer jobs for teachers (like teaching summer school), side hustles like consulting, blogging, or freelance proofreading can be a fun change of pace as well as an effective way to bring in extra cash.

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