Summer jobs Wausau WI: Summer brings new energy to Wausau, Wisconsin. As temperatures rise and tourism picks up, the city becomes a hub of seasonal hiring across multiple industries. Whether you’re a student seeking a temporary role, someone looking to earn extra income, or a worker exploring new experiences, Wausau offers a variety of summer jobs that blend flexibility, skill-building, and steady work. From outdoor recreation to hospitality, retail, and community services, job in USA seekers can find plenty of roles that match their interests and schedule.

Key Takeaways

• Wausau offers diverse summer jobs across hospitality, retail, parks and recreation, food service, and tourism-related roles.
• Many employers provide flexible scheduling, making these positions ideal for students and part-time workers.
• Seasonal jobs help workers gain customer service, communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.
• Pay rates vary by industry, with many starting at competitive hourly wages for entry-level roles.
• Early applications improve chances of landing the most in-demand summer roles in Wausau.

Introduction: Why Is a Great Place for Summer jobs Wausau WI

Wausau combines small-city charm with a strong local economy centered on tourism, outdoor recreation, and family-friendly activity. During the summer months, the city’s parks, trails, restaurants, and shopping areas come alive. As a result, employers seek dependable seasonal workers to help meet increased demand.

What makes Wausau stand out for summer job seekers is the variety of positions available, ranging from hands-on outdoor roles to indoor customer service jobs. Students on break, teachers seeking summer income, retirees wanting part-time work, and first-time job seekers all find ample options tailored to their interests.

Top Industries Offering in Summer jobs Wausau WI

1. Hospitality & Tourism

Summer jobs Wausau WI is a busy tourism season for Wausau, especially with attractions like Rib Mountain State Park, the Wisconsin River, Granite Peak’s summer activities, and local festivals.

Common summer roles include:

• Hotel front desk staff
• Housekeeping
• Event helpers for festivals and outdoor concerts
• Guest services associates
• Tour guides at outdoor recreation sites

Hospitality roles often provide flexible hours and opportunities for tips, making them attractive to students or anyone looking to earn extra cash.

2. Food Service & Restaurants

As visitors flood the city, Wausau’s restaurants, cafés, food trucks, and ice-cream shops hire seasonal workers.

Popular summer food service positions:

• Servers
• Line cooks
• Dishwashing staff
• Ice cream shop attendants
• Baristas
• Hosts and hostesses

These jobs help workers build customer service skills, work under pressure, and gain experience in a high-energy environment. Many restaurants also offer shift meals and tip-sharing.

3. Retail & Customer Service

Wausau’s retail scene ranges from shopping centers to local boutiques. Retailers hire additional staff during summer to handle tourist traffic, back-to-school shoppers, and community events.

Roles you’ll find across retail stores:

• Cashiers
• Stockers
• Merchandising assistants
• Customer service representatives
• Sales associates

These jobs suit workers who enjoy helping customers and keeping stores organized.

4. Parks, Recreation & Outdoor Jobs

Wausau’s parks and recreation department expands operations during the summer, making outdoor jobs widely available. These roles are perfect for individuals who enjoy being active and spending time outside.

Examples of outdoor summer jobs:

• Lifeguards
• Park maintenance helpers
• Camp counselors
• Sports program assistants
• Groundskeeping
• Trail maintenance support

City-run pools, youth camps, and public sports programs rely heavily on seasonal employees. Lifeguard positions, in particular, often offer higher pay and certification opportunities.

5. Seasonal Jobs for Teens

Teenagers often seek their very first jobs during summer break. Wausau features many teen-friendly roles that help young workers build responsibility and confidence.

Teen-friendly positions include:

• Grocery store baggers
• Ice cream servers
• Lifeguards
• Golf course assistants
• Movie theater crew members
• Retail cashiers

These roles provide flexible shifts that easily fit around summer plans.

6. Warehouse & General Labor

The summer season increases demand for general labor and warehouse support across the Wausau region. These jobs may involve hands-on tasks but often offer competitive wages.

Common labor roles:

• Package handlers
• Landscaping helpers
• Warehouse associates
• Delivery assistants
• Movers

Workers who enjoy physical tasks and staying active find these jobs rewarding and fast-paced.

Average Pay for in Summer jobs Wausau WI

Pay rates depend on the industry and experience level. While exact rates vary, most summer jobs in Wausau offer competitive wages to attract seasonal staff.

Typical hourly wages include:

• Retail associates: $13–$16 per hour
• Restaurant servers: Base pay plus tips (often $18–$25/hr with tips included)
• Ice cream shop workers: $12–$15 per hour
• Camp counselors: $14–$18 per hour
• Lifeguards: $15–$20 per hour
• Warehouse associates: $15–$19 per hour
• Hotel front desk clerks: $14–$17 per hour

Many employers also offer bonuses for completing the full summer season or working peak weeks.

Benefits of Working a in Summer jobs Wausau WI

1. Build Real-World Experience

Seasonal roles offer hands-on experience in communication, teamwork, leadership, and time management.

2. Flexible Schedules

Employers understand that summer workers often have vacations, sports, or social plans. Many businesses offer flexible shift patterns.

3. Perfect for Students and First-Time Job Seekers

Summer jobs give students a chance to explore career interests while earning steady income.

4. Good Pay Opportunities

Some industries—like food service or lifeguarding—offer higher-than-average wages for seasonal work.

5. Community Engagement

Working in Wausau during summer helps job seekers connect with local residents, visitors, and businesses.

6. Opportunity for Future Employment

Exceptional seasonal workers are often invited back for part-time or full-time roles.

How to Find in Summer jobs Wausau WI

Finding summer work is straightforward when you know where to look. Wausau employers post openings as early as February or March, while others continue hiring well into June.

Top places to search include:

• Local employers’ websites
• Job search platforms
• City of Wausau Parks & Recreation hiring pages
• Flyers at community centers
• Seasonal job fairs
• College job boards

Networking Helps

Sometimes the best opportunities arise from simple conversations with local businesses or acquaintances. Many managers prefer hiring people who come recommended.

Best Time to Apply for Summer jobs Wausau WI

The best time to apply is late winter through early spring. Many employers finalize their summer teams by April or May, especially for competitive roles like lifeguarding, camp counseling, and hotel staff.

If you’re applying later in the season, don’t worry—restaurants, parks, and retail stores often continue hiring throughout June and July due to increased demand.

Tips for Getting Hired for Summer Jobs

• Start early. Applying before the rush gives you the best job options.
• Create a simple, clean resume. Highlight any school activities, volunteer work, or teamwork experience.
• Show flexibility. Workers open to evenings or weekends are more likely to be hired.
• Dress neatly for interviews. It shows professionalism, even for casual roles.
• Be approachable. A friendly attitude matters more than experience for most summer jobs.
• Follow up. A short, polite follow-up message helps you stand out.

Top Summer Employers in Wausau WI

Some of the most active summer employers include:

• Wausau Parks & Recreation
• Restaurants in the downtown district
• Ice cream shops and food stalls
• Granite Peak Ski Area (summer operations)
• Local hotels and inns
• Retail stores and shopping centers
• Landscaping and lawn-care services
• Swimming pools and aquatic centers

These businesses hire every year and welcome applicants with or without experience.

Why Students Love Wausau Summer Jobs

Wausau provides a friendly environment where students can gain financial independence and job experience. Employers understand student lifestyle needs—such as vacation plans, sports schedules, or weekend availability—making it easier to balance work and free time.

Students commonly choose:

• Lifeguarding
• Camp counseling
• Retail jobs
• Food service
• Pool and park positions

Many of these roles also help strengthen college applications or future job resumes.

Closing Thoughts

Summer jobs in Wausau WI offer a perfect blend of flexibility, growth, and hands-on learning. Whether you prefer indoor or outdoor work, interacting with customers, handling physical tasks, or exploring a potential long-term career path, Wausau’s job market provides numerous opportunities for all types of workers. Applying early, staying open to different roles, and showing a positive attitude can help you secure a rewarding summer job that builds experience, confidence, and financial stability.

FAQs

When should I start applying for summer jobs in Wausau?

Late February through April is the best time, though many employers continue hiring into June.

Are there summer jobs for teenagers?

Yes. Many local employers hire teens for roles such as ice cream shop workers, lifeguards, retail associates, and camp helpers.

Do summer jobs require previous experience?

Not always. Most seasonal positions in Wausau accept first-time workers and offer on-the-job training.

What jobs pay the most during the summer?

Lifeguards, camp counselors, landscaping helpers, and some food service positions offer strong pay rates.

Are part-time roles available?

Yes. Many summer jobs offer part-time hours, making them ideal for students or workers needing flexible schedules.