Looking For A Job This Summer? This Is Where To Move

For job seekers, the summer of 2024 offers more than part-time/seasonal employment. It also provides opportunities to launch professional careers — especially for young adults and recent college graduates.  

The Best Places for Summer Jobs 2024 report, published by WalletHub, shows that amid persistent labor shortages in the U.S., many employers across the country are very eager to hire this summer. 

The report “compared the relative strength of more than 180 markets in the U.S. across 21 key indicators of employment outlook, affordability and downtime-friendliness.” 

Other metrics used in the study ranged from the median income of part-time workers, availability of summers jobs, and commuter-friendliness of jobs. 

The data shows that the availability and quality of summer jobs are not uniform across the country, with certain cities standing out as better locations for young job seekers. 

Best Places to Get a Summer Job 

Note From WalletHub: With the exception of “Total Score,” all of the columns in the table above depict the relative rank of each city, where a rank of 1 represents the best conditions for that metric. 

Columbia, Md., tops the list of best places for summer jobs in 2024. WalletHub reports that the city has a high number of internships and part-time job openings. Columbia also offers young adults substantial earning potential with a median income for part-time workers close to $26,900 per year. Additionally, the city boasts a low poverty rate and a high number of jobs accessible within a short commute — making it an ideal environment for young workers to gain valuable experience and financial stability. 

Following closely is Scottsdale, Ariz., which has the highest median income for part-time workers at nearly $34,000 per year. Scottsdale ranked high for its employment outlook, with a reported 28% more employers planning to add more staff rather than cut jobs. Similar to Columbia, the city ranks highly in terms of internship opportunities, adding to its appeal for young professionals. 

Rapid City, S.D., ranks third, distinguished by its notable “summer employment bump,” revealing a substantial increase in job availability during the summer months. This city also offers affordable commuting options, with public transportation costs being relatively low compared to the median income. For those balancing work with social activities, Rapid City provides a conducive environment for both employment and leisure. 

Plentiful summer job opportunities are not just beneficial for temporary financial security, but also for those seeking long-term career development. This summer, young adults are leveraging these opportunities to build professional skills and experience and improve their overall employability in the competitive U.S. job market.