Summer Jobs in Atlanta: Where to Look, Who’s Hiring, and How to Stand Out

Atlanta summers are busy, hot, and full of opportunity. Whether you’re a high school student, college student, teacher on break, or seasonal worker, there are many ways to earn money and build experience with summer jobs in Atlanta.

This guide walks through where to find summer jobs in Atlanta, typical employers, age requirements, local programs, and practical tips to actually land a position.

What Kinds of Summer Jobs Are Common in Atlanta?

Because Atlanta is a major tourism, hospitality, and business hub, summer work tends to cluster in a few big categories.

1. Hospitality, Events, and Tourism

Summer is prime time for visitors and events, which means more hiring at:

• Hotels (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Airport area)
• Restaurants and cafes in areas like Midtown, Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Buckhead
• Event venues such as:
  • Georgia World Congress Center (285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW)
  • State Farm Arena (1 State Farm Dr)
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium (1 AMB Dr NW)
• Visitor attractions that often need seasonal staff for:
  • Guest services
  • Ticketing and concessions
  • Retail and gift shops
  • Crowd management

Common roles:

• Front desk assistant
• Food runner, host/hostess, server support
• Concession stand worker
• Event setup/teardown crew
• Parking and guest services

These jobs often offer evening and weekend shifts, which can work well if you have daytime summer classes or other commitments.

2. Parks, Pools, and Recreation

With Atlanta’s heat, parks and pools are major summer employers, especially for teens and college students.

Look at:

• City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
  • Administrative Office: often associated with City Hall Annex area; check current listings
  • Positions: lifeguards, pool attendants, camp counselors, recreation assistants
• Fulton County and DeKalb County recreation centers
• YMCA of Metro Atlanta locations (throughout the city)
• Private and neighborhood pools in communities like Buckhead, East Atlanta, and Southwest Atlanta

Typical roles:

• Lifeguard (requires certifications)
• Swim instructor
• Summer camp counselor (arts, sports, STEM, general day camp)
• Front desk/check-in staff at recreation centers

These jobs usually line up with school summer breaks and may offer set daytime schedules, which some families prefer.

3. Retail and Customer Service

Shopping areas get busier in summer, especially:

• Lenox Square (3393 Peachtree Rd NE)
• Phipps Plaza (3500 Peachtree Rd NE)
• Atlantic Station (1380 Atlantic Dr NW)
• Cumberland Mall (2860 Cumberland Mall SE)
• Perimeter Mall (4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Dunwoody)

Common positions:

• Sales associate
• Cashier
• Stock/merchandising
• Customer service and greeter roles

Retail summer jobs are good for learning sales and communication skills, and many employers are used to hiring seasonal staff.

4. Sports, Camps, and Youth Programs

Atlanta’s sports and youth programs ramp up in summer:

• Private and nonprofit summer camps across the metro area
• Sports camps (basketball, football, soccer, tennis, etc.)
• Arts, music, and theater camps
• STEM and coding camps hosted by educational centers and some colleges

Roles may include:

• Camp counselor or assistant counselor
• Activity leader or coach assistant
• Check-in, registration, and parent communication support

These are especially popular among college students studying education, sports, or child development, but you don’t always need that background.

5. Office, Internship, and Admin Work

Many Atlanta businesses bring on summer interns or short-term admin help, especially around:

• Downtown and Midtown business districts
• Buckhead office towers
• Perimeter Center area

Common roles:

• Office assistant / receptionist
• Data entry
• Marketing or social media support
• Research and project support for nonprofits

Some positions are paid internships, others may be unpaid but for college credit. Always clarify pay, hours, and expectations before accepting.

Teen Summer Jobs in Atlanta (Ages 14–18)

Minimum Age Rules to Know

In Georgia, youth employment has specific rules:

• Many employers set 16 as their minimum age.
• Some types of work are open to 14–15-year-olds, but hours and job types are more limited.
• Teens under 16 may need a work permit (often called an employment certificate).

For current requirements, families can check with:

• Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL)
  • 148 Andrew Young International Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Main phone (statewide information line is typically published and stable; check for the most current number when calling)

Schools and local guidance counselors also often help students navigate work permits and age rules.

Typical Teen-Friendly Summer Job Options

For 16–18-year-olds in Atlanta, common summer jobs include:

• Fast food and quick-service restaurants
• Movie theaters
• Retail stores in malls and shopping centers
• Lifeguarding and recreation center support
• Summer camp assistant counselor roles

For 14–15-year-olds, jobs may be more limited but can include:

• Pool attendants (non-lifeguard roles where allowed)
• Camp junior counselor or volunteer-to-paid pathways
• Light office assistance or filing in small businesses
• Family business work (with rules depending on the situation)

Always ask the employer what ages they hire, since each company sets its own policy within state law.

College Student Summer Jobs and Internships in Atlanta

Atlanta’s universities and colleges help drive a large summer internship market.

Areas with frequent opportunities:

• Technology and startups in Midtown’s Tech Square area
• Nonprofits throughout the city (social services, arts, environment, youth)
• Corporate internships in finance, marketing, consulting, and logistics
• Healthcare-related office roles (non-clinical) around major hospital systems

College students can look for:

• Paid internships (often application-based in early spring)
• Short-term research assistant roles
• Seasonal customer service or hospitality work if internships are not available

If you study at local schools (Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Morehouse, Spelman, Clark Atlanta, etc.), career services offices often post Atlanta summer job and internship listings specific to your field.

Where to Find Summer Job Listings in Atlanta

You can combine online searches with local, in-person options to find more openings.

Online Job Boards and Search Tips

When searching on major job sites, use phrases like:

• “summer jobs Atlanta”
• “seasonal jobs Atlanta GA”
• “summer camp counselor Atlanta”
• “summer internship Atlanta”
• “lifeguard jobs Atlanta”

Filter by:

• Location: Atlanta + nearby suburbs (Decatur, Sandy Springs, East Point, College Park, Smyrna, etc.)
• Job type: part-time, temporary, or internship
• Experience level: entry-level for teens and first-time workers

City of Atlanta and County Opportunities

Local government and public agencies often list seasonal work:

• City of Atlanta (Parks & Recreation, pools, community centers)
  • City Hall: 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Fulton County Government
  • Government Center: 141 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs
  • Administrative offices typically in Decatur; county website lists recreation and seasonal jobs

Look specifically for:

• Lifeguards
• Recreation assistants
• Summer youth program staff
• Administrative summer help

Atlanta Workforce and Youth Employment Programs

There are recurring youth and adult workforce programs that sometimes include summer placements, training, or job-readiness services.

Key resource:

• WorkSource Atlanta
  • 818 Pollard Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30315
  • Provides job search support, training information, and youth/young adult services for eligible Atlanta residents.

Other nearby workforce offices (such as WorkSource Fulton and WorkSource DeKalb) may also list seasonal and entry-level opportunities, including for people living in the metro area but outside city limits.

These programs are especially useful if you:

• Need help preparing a resume
• Want interview coaching
• Are exploring career paths connected to summer work

Typical Pay, Hours, and Work Conditions

Pay and conditions vary by employer, but a few general patterns apply to Atlanta summer jobs:

• Pay range: Many entry-level summer jobs are hourly and may cluster around lower entry-level wages, with some paying more for specialized roles (like lifeguards or skilled internships).
• Shifts: Evening and weekend hours are common in retail and hospitality. Camps and pools usually have daytime shifts, often Monday–Friday.
• Commute: Consider MARTA access, parking costs, or bike/walking distances, especially if you don’t drive.

To avoid misunderstandings, always ask before accepting a job:

• What is the hourly pay or stipend?
• How many hours per week can I expect?
• Is this position seasonal only, and what are the start/end dates?
• Are there training days or required certifications (for lifeguarding, for example)?

Certifications and Requirements for Popular Summer Jobs

Some roles require specific preparation. Two common examples:

Lifeguard and Pool Jobs

For many public and private pools in Atlanta, lifeguard roles typically require:

• Lifeguard certification from recognized training providers
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications
• Ability to pass a swim skills test

Atlanta-area recreation centers, YMCAs, and private pool management companies sometimes offer pre-season training courses. It can help to start certification plans in late winter or early spring if you’re targeting a summer pool job.

Camp Counselor and Youth-Focused Jobs

Employers who work with children often require:

• Background checks
• Training on safety and child supervision
• Completion of orientation sessions well before camp starts

If you’re under 18, a parent or guardian may need to be involved in paperwork and background consent forms.

Standing Out When Applying for Summer Jobs in Atlanta

Even entry-level roles can be competitive in popular neighborhoods or well-known attractions. A few practical steps can help:

Prepare a Simple, Clear Resume

Include:

• School name and expected graduation year
• Any previous jobs, even short-term or part-time
• Volunteer work (church, community groups, school clubs, sports teams)
• Skills like language abilities, computer knowledge, or leadership roles

Atlanta employers hiring for summer often review many applications quickly, so keep your resume one page and easy to scan.

Start Early in the Year

Many summer hiring cycles in Atlanta begin:

• Late winter to early spring for camps, internships, and pools
• Spring to early summer for retail and hospitality, especially as events and tourism pick up

If you wait until June, some of the most structured programs may already be full, though retail and food service may still have openings.

Look Close to Home

Transportation can be a major factor in Atlanta. To increase your chances:

• Focus on jobs near your neighborhood or along MARTA bus or rail routes you can reliably reach.
• If you live near high-traffic areas (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter, Airport), there may be many options within a short commute.

Quick Comparison of Popular Atlanta Summer Job Types

Practical Next Steps if You’re Looking for a Summer Job in Atlanta

1. Decide what you want most: money, experience in a specific field, or something close to home.
2. List neighborhoods you can realistically reach (by car, MARTA, bike, or walking).
3. Check local government and recreation websites for city/county seasonal postings.
4. Search major job boards with “summer” and “seasonal” filters set to Atlanta and nearby cities.
5. If you’re a teen or student, ask:
   • School counselors
   • College career services
   • Local community centers and churches about known summer programs or job leads.
6. Apply early and to multiple places, and keep track of where you’ve applied so you can follow up.

With a clear plan, realistic expectations, and an early start, finding a summer job in Atlanta is very achievable—whether you’re aiming for a lifeguard chair, a retail floor, a camp cabin, or a downtown office.