The Coolest and Most Powerful Summer Jobs For Teens in Lubbock History

For generations of Lubbock teenagers, summer wasn't all just about riding bikes and sleeping in late. It was also about getting that first paycheck, a major sunburn, and learning that money is much harder to make than it is to spend at the mall.

Before side hustles on social media and food delivery apps, there were a few teen summer jobs in Lubbock that actually came with a little authority. Important jobs our city could not function without. They made you automatically cool the rest of us, too.

If you grew up here, chances are, you had one of these summer jobs, or at the very least, really wish you did:

THE COOLEST AND MOST POWERFUL JOBS FOR LUBBOCK TEENS

1. Snow Cone Stand Worker

These were the official ambassadors of summer. Teens spent days surrounded by sticky syrups and crushed ice, while kids stood in line forever trying to figure out what flavors they wanted.

 2. Lifeguard

If you were a lifeguard, you were basically a total badass. You were saving lives! What's cooler than that? Super powerful job.

3. Little League Umpire/Soccer Referee

If you were a ref or an umpire, that meant you were making controversial calls in front of dozens of parents. Impressive. Gives me the willies just thinking about it. Some of those sports parents are absolutely nuts.

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4. Movie Theater Employees

This was one of the coolest summer jobs in town. Free movies. All the popcorn you could eat. And, of course, the power to sneak your friends into a free show...or not...

5. Lawn Mowing Entrepreneur

Using your dad's old mower to start your own business? Powerful teens right there. These guys were making a killing mowing lawns. They also always had an excellent tan.

6. Camp Counselor

To the kids at camp, you were basically God. You were older, wiser, and more responsible. Bonus points if you were the "cool counselor" who made little kids feel extra special just by singing a few songs around the fire and making them laugh.

7. Sonic Carhop

The coolest of these teen employees rocked a pair of rollerblades or skates while they worked. I was always fascinated by watching them carry all those orders on wheels in 30 mph winds (or worse).

8. Joyland Employee

Sadly, Joyland is gone. RIP. But, back in my day, if you worked there, you were probably the coolest teenager in town. I'm sure it wasn't all roses, and you probably cleaned up a lot of barf, but man, did we all think you were friggin' important.

Good luck with your summer job, teens!

Keep scrolling for more Lubbock fun in the galleries below!