- Key findings
- It’s not all about the money
- The vibe shift is real
- Beaches, forests, and — surprisingly — cities
- Perks > Pay raises
- Aesthetic matters
- Remote work? Still tempting
- How long would they stay if money didn’t matter?
- Final thoughts
Every summer has its viral moment — and this year, it just might be the job post. From zipline guides in Montana to grilled cheese ambassadors in Maine, our survey of over 3,000 young people pulled back the curtain on what Gen Z is really looking for in a seasonal gig.
The findings?
Forget the grind. It's all about good stories, good vibes, and jobs that look as good on Instagram as they do on a résumé.
Here are the top 175 coolest seasonal jobs across the country:
Key findings
It’s not all about the money
A striking 75% of young people said they’ve taken a summer job for the experience alone, not for the paycheck.
That might sound dreamy, but it’s backed by data: many are willing to trade pay for perks, purpose, or just something fun to post about.
The vibe shift is real
Adventure and travel topped the list of motivations at 41%.
Only 23% picked “the paycheck” as their main driver, falling behind “a cool story to tell” and even free access to places like beaches and festivals.
Beaches, forests, and — surprisingly — cities
While beaches and forests were popular (23% and 21%, respectively), city-based events scored just as high.
Urban gigs are holding their own among nature-based escapes. Think trivia hosts, event staff, or pop-up vendors — the kind of jobs that blend hustle with hype.
Perks > Pay raises
If employers want to attract Gen Z talent, they should:
Offer free travel or housing (41%)
Include VIP access to cool events (23%)
Make tips and bonuses worth their time (20%)
It’s less about the base rate, more about the extras that make a job feel like an experience.
Aesthetic matters
72% said they’d take a 50% pay cut for the most Instagrammable summer job in the country.
Whether that’s leading goat yoga retreats or running paddleboard tours at sunset, the photogenic factor plays a real role in decision-making.
Remote work? Still tempting
More than half (54%) said they’d take a $25/hour remote job over a lower-paid in-person role — but nearly one in three preferred something “fun” like working at a music festival or with animals.
A solid 8% would even work for free if the adventure was good enough.
The line between work and wanderlust is blurred.
How long would they stay if money didn’t matter?
All summer, said nearly half. Another 30% would do one to two months. Gen Z isn’t afraid of commitment, as long as the job feels meaningful, flexible, or flat-out fun.
Final thoughts
The summer job is being reimagined. It’s no longer just a stepping stone — for Gen Z, it’s a mood board, a chapter of self-discovery, and sometimes, a shortcut to virality.
Employers who offer flexibility, flair, or even just a great location might find themselves with more applicants than they know what to do with.
