Seasonal jobs are a great way to make extra money during the holidays as well as an opportunity to try a new location or even go overseas. If that’s your plan, get started as early as possible to find the right fit. Peak hiring for the holidays often begins in the fall, especially for resort properties regardless of whether you’re looking for snowy slopes or a beach destination.

Below is a list of top job titles and a general idea of what you can expect to earn for the holiday season:

  • Sales and marketing positions are critical at this time of year. Seasonal advertising and special events are tied to marketing strategies that contribute to a company’s bottom line. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a marketing coordinator can expect to be paid a median of $12-$23/hour to develop and execute these large, very special marketing events that bring extra attention to the hotel’s brand. This position might involve promotions, advertising, media campaigns or market research.
  • Seasonal decorators who create special displays and event décor can expect to make around $14/hour and up, depending on the client, their budget, and the scope of the project. This can really add up when you consider how many areas are typically decorated and how many hotels, restaurants, and resorts you can service.
  • Event Photographers can also make about $14/hour and up taking photos at special events, company parties, on the ski slopes, on the beach, or on golf course. You can work for an existing company or, if you already have equipment and experience, work independently.
  • Golf Caddies can earn approximately $100-$200 per round, as well as generous tips. Resorts that cater to high-end golf clubs to promote holiday golfing packages and lessons are always in need of extra caddies during the holiday season. Head to your local golf course and ask about their upcoming seasonal needs.
  • Do you love to shop? Personal Gift Shoppers can earn up to $100/hour. If you have a good eye for fashion, tech, or sports gear, you can offer your services to upscale hotels and resorts and work independently by providing this very special service to well-to-do guests.
  • Event Planners can earn $17-$21/hour or more handling all the parties and events offered in conference centers of larger hotels. It helps to have good social media skills and be very organized, especially if you’re working independently.
  • Don’t forget playing Santa for those who are visiting and have small children. A good Santa can often expect to be paid around $100-$200/hour working private parties and events, bringing holiday cheer to hotel guests.

In addition to being paid cold, hard cash for seasonal jobs, there’s the added benefit of enjoying a location or resort that many people pay a lot of money to visit for just a week or two at the holidays. Some hotels offer free ski passes and local discounts to employees for areas like Aspen and Vail or you may get golf privileges at a resort like Pebble Beach or Sea Island in Georgia. Some people even piece together different seasonal jobs and make successful careers out of moving from place to place to experience different locales and cultures during their “high seasons.”

Think about what you would like to do or see if you were a tourist. What activities are there to enjoy and what skills do you have? Would you enjoy a Dude Ranch, Extreme Outdoor Adventures, Heli-Skiing, Scuba Diving? The list is endless. Find out what’s available, apply early and be flexible. You’re here for the experience.