Fall is just getting started, but that means it’s time to start thinking about potential seasonal jobs. If you’re looking for work this fall or during the holiday season (hiring for which happens sooner than you might think), here are some great options to consider.
1. Holiday delivery driver
Think about all the Amazon packages you see piling up every day. Now picture that ramping up for the holidays, as people spend more time and resources shopping online. Companies like UPS and FedEx always need good drivers this time of year, and some companies and programs, like LaserShip and Amazon Prime, take a page from the Uber book and hire drivers who use their own cars to make deliveries.
To get started, you’ll need a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. If you’re using your own car, you will likely need to pass a background check and a series of inspections. If you’re driving a commercial truck, you may need to have a CDL (check your own state’s requirements).
What it pays: According to Glassdoor.com, seasonal delivery drivers can make about $14 an hour.
2. Festival worker
Summer is the time of music festivals and outdoor fun, but don’t count out their fall counterparts. Many communities have food or culture festivals throughout the fall. (Think Oktoberfest.) And companies need people to staff these events, just as much as they did in the summer. Jobs may range from setup and breakdown to cleaning crews, food service, and customer assistance.
What it pays: It can vary according to the job responsibilities and location, but according to Indeed.com, the average festival worker’s salary is about $13 per hour.
3. Holiday retail associate
Working in retail is basically the McDonald’s of seasonal work: it’s well-known, it’s everywhere, and it’s dependable. If you’re looking for extra holiday money or a job that can work with a flexible schedule, and you have a knack for customer service, then it’s a great option. Your tasks might include stocking and taking inventory, directly assisting customers, acting as cashier, and providing general assistance.
What it pays: According to Glassdoor.com, the average seasonal retail associate makes about $10 per hour. (This can vary according to local minimum wage rules.)
4. Seasonal customer service associate
If you have strong customer service skills but don’t want to walk the store floor, many companies bulk up their customer service teams ahead of the holiday and post-holiday rush. Customer service associates provide customer guidance and product information, process returns and refunds, and escalate issues as necessary. They might work in-house or in a call center. Customer service is often not for the impatient or the faint of heart, but if you have a talent for talking people through complex issues or defusing angry situations, then it can be a great option for you this holiday season.
What it pays: According to Glassdoor.com, seasonal customer service employees make $10-12 per hour. (This can vary according to local minimum wage rules.)
5. Seasonal warehouse associate
Remember all those packages I mentioned earlier? Well, they all originate somewhere. Manufacturing and shipping ramp up heavily ahead of the holiday season, in preparation for increased orders and more demanding ship times. This can be a very physical job, so you may need to stay on your feet for long periods of time, lift heavy objects or operate heavy equipment. There are often seasonal jobs open in sorting, processing and packing orders, and loading and unloading orders.
What it pays: Seasonal warehouse workers typically make an average of $10-15 per hour.
Now is the time to be thinking about seasonal work—waiting until November or December is often too late. Whether you’re looking for a holiday season income boost or something a little earlier, it’s time to get out there and consider your options.
