Summer job: contract, remuneration and recruiting sectors

Do you have any free time this summer? Take advantage of this to earn money in pleasant conditions! Summer is the ideal time to find a small job and replenish your finances. Summer jobs are aimed at young people aged at least 14. This is a temporary job which has particularities in terms of work organization and legislation.

During your research, target companies which experience an increase in activity during the summer: tourism, hotels, restaurants, holiday clubs – But also other activities where labor is scarce with the holidays: supermarkets, brands distribution (clothes and other), agriculture or even school support, telemarketing. To work in youth activities centers, you will need the BAFA.

What is a summer job?

Regulated by the Labor Code, the summer job is the subject of a contract between the employer and the young employee. In the same way as a student job, it allows you to work in different sectors of activity, provided that the employment remains temporary. Like an internship, it offers a first approach to the professional environment. At the end of your mission, you obtain recognized experience. Which can help you develop or acquire technical skills, as well as personal qualities related to business skills.

The employment contract for a summer job

As its name suggests, the summer job takes place during the summer period. This indeed coincides with the long school holidays. If arrangements are made for the work of minors, particularly those aged 14 to 16, the organizational conditions present difficulties. similarities with seasonal employment “classic”. Indeed, the employment contract must mention its nature and duration of validity.

A summer job is subject to the same labor law as any other job. The summer job corresponds to a fixed-term contract (CDD), with trial periods, the signing of a contract, retirement contributions, etc. On the other hand, unlike a classic CDD, the seasonal contract does not does not imply a precariousness premium.

The contract must mention your personal information (name, social security number, etc.), that of the employer and the working conditions (duration of the contract, hourly rate, weekly or monthly volume of hours, tasks to be accomplished, remuneration gross, collective agreement in force, etc.). At the end of the contract, the employer must provide the employee with a work certificate for Pôle emploi, a work certificate and a receipt for the balance of all accounts.

Before committing, it is therefore essential to read the contract carefully and highlight any possible breaches. In the event of a dispute, this allows you to assert your rights.

What are the important points to check before committing to a summer job?

As part of a summer job to finance your studies, the employer most often presents you with a fixed-term contract. He is also authorized to formalize your employee status by a seasonal contract or temporary employment contract. In terms of rights and responsibilities, there are several elements to take into consideration when hiring:

• compliance with internal regulations;
• access to internal services: cafeteria, rest area, etc.
• receiving the benefits of other employees, such as flexible break arrangements;
• remuneration according to the hourly rate and/or monthly salary;
• the duration of work.

What age for a summer job?

From 16 you can work. It is legal to work from the age of 16. For certain jobs and during vacations, minors may be authorized to work from the age of 14.

It is possible to start working from the age of 16, or even from 14 in certain situations. However, you must obtain written consent from one of your parents or your legal representative. Regarding the conditions of exercise, the missions cannot present a risk to your safety or your health. Consequently, certain professional activities are prohibited for minors. This is the case, for example, with driving construction machinery, electrical maintenance on high-voltage lines, working at height or exposure to dangerous chemical agents.

What salary for a summer job?

Your remuneration cannot be lower than the hourly minimum wage, i.e. 9.23 euros net/hour or 1,383 euros net per month (based on 35 hours) – Amounts as of January 1, 2024. The gross remuneration must be indicated on your contract, it does not include the precariousness bonus and paid leave, which you will receive at the end of your contract. If you are an entertainer at a holiday center (fed and housed), you receive on average between 14 euros and 28 euros per day. 46 euros per day in a center without accommodation.

Things to know about taxes: those under 26 are exempt from tax on salaries received during studies or during school periods, up to 3 months of minimum wage for a year.

Internship or summer job?

With an internship you may earn less money but you will have more responsibilities and increased knowledge of a future profession that you wish to aim for at the end of your studies.

It all depends on how you want to fill out your CV and how much money you need…

In the context of an internship, the legislation is completely different. You do not sign an employment contract and you do not receive a salary, but compensation (minimum 1/3 of the minimum wage or around 500 euros net/month).

What are the selection criteria to prioritize for a summer job?

How to get a summer job? In addition to the sectors of activity previously mentioned, such as tourism or hospitality, you can choose your summer job on the basis of precise criteria. Among these are the following:

• the geographical location of the employer or position to be filled;
• the start and end dates of the contract in accordance with your availability;
• weekly working hours and remuneration;
• additional expenses related to your employment.

For this last point, we can focus on an accommodation solution, catering costs, as well as the cost of your daily travel. If necessary, a means of personal transport or even a driving license can be a significant asset for your applications. This also applies to proximity to the family home.

When to look for a summer job?

Six months before summer for large companies and administrations. A few weeks before summer for small businesses, restaurants, shops and even temp agencies. Between March and April many regional forums are organized to bring together employers looking for young people for the summer (for example by the CROUS).

To benefit from a varied choice in terms of summer jobs, you must anticipate the summer period and plan ahead. Depending on when the offers are published, start your search from February or March. It all depends on the companies and their sector of activity. In this sense, public service is subject to longer administrative procedures than private companies. The latter can even offer “last minute” job offers, either around May or June.