Best Part Time Jobs In USA for Students

Best Part Time Jobs In USA for Students

Reading Time 13 minutes/Updated on 18-12-2024

Studying in the USA can offer a mix of excitement and challenges for students like yourself! Juggling finances amidst tuition and daily expenses can feel like walking a tightrope act at times – that’s where part time jobs in USA for students can come in handy! Not only do they provide an opportunity to earn additional income and valuable work experience but they also offer a chance to forge new friendships along the journey.

Check out this article on best part time jobs for students – covering potential income prospects and tips on securing a job that fits well with your academic schedule.

Top 10 Part Time Jobs in USA for Students

There are several common part time jobs for international students in the USA. These part-time jobs can be easily balanced with your studies and other school responsibilities. Some of the benefits of these positions include opportunities to develop life skills and earn money. All of this while maintaining a healthy academic life equilibrium to avoid feeling overly stressed or burdened. Here’s a rundown of the top 10 part time jobs for international students in the USA:

1. Barista

When you work as a barista your main responsibility will involve preparing coffee. If you are passionate about coffee you may also have the opportunity to showcase your skills in creating latte art. Additionally, you will benefit from staff discounts that can help you cut down on your coffee expenses. Even this job is considered one of the part time jobs for college students.

Barista

2. Bartender

Working as a bartender is an interactive opportunity for students looking for part time jobs in USA. As a bartender, you can find yourself in bars, pubs and restaurants crafting and serving a range of traditional and innovative cocktails. With the requirement to familiarise oneself with drink recipes, this position not only provides hourly pay but also the possibility of earning tips. It’s undeniably among the appealing part-time job options available to students in the USA.

Bartender

3. Waiter/ Waitress

Working as a waiter/waitress shares similarities with bartending in terms of the earnings from hourly pay and tips combined. It’s a job that keeps you on your toes and is highly regarded as one of the best part time jobs in USA for students.

Waiter

4. Babysitter

Babysitting be quite lucrative when you cater to families in upscale areas. The preference for college students as babysitters is common among households and can provide a laid-back experience for those who find joy in interacting with kids. This role is often considered one of the most enjoyable part-time jobs for students in USA.

Babysitter

5. Freelancer

Working as a freelancer gives you the flexibility to take on projects without being tied down to a full-time job commitment. You have the freedom to set your rates and work from anywhere while picking tasks that suit your availability. Websites such as Upwork and Fiverr offer access to freelance opportunities that can be quite profitable. Freelancing is a choice among students looking for part time jobs in USA.

Freelancer

Also read: How to Manage a Part-Time Job While Studying Abroad?

6. Customer Service

Working in customer service positions allows you to help customers with their needs and enquiries. It is a favoured part time job for international students in USA. This is due to the high demand for additional hands during peak times or weekends.

Customer Service

7. Sales Representative

If you enjoy engaging with others and excel in convincing them to see your point of view through communication skills, then a sales representative job might be for you. You have the potential for both a stable hourly wage and additional earnings through commission tied to successful sales outcomes. The average salary ranges between $10 to $25 per hour. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best part time jobs for students in the USA.

Sales Representative

8. Receptionist

If you are someone who enjoys staying organised and interacting well with others, a receptionist position could be a fit for you. This position entails managing phone calls coordinating appointments and performing tasks in an office setting. Additionally, you will receive pay along with valuable exposure to office dynamics.

Receptionist

9. Tutor

If you excel in a field of study or subject matter expertise, tutoring sessions can be a rewarding choice for you. Tutorship is highly valued within university environments where students often seek assistance in mathematics, science and languages. Additionally, it presents an opportunity to refine and develop your instructional abilities as well as improve your communication skills effectively.

Tutor

10. Research Study Assistant

Numerous colleges provide paid opportunities for research assistants. This can be incredibly beneficial if you are pursuing a field that values research expertise. Furthermore building relationships with professors, through this role could potentially result in recommendations in your pursuit of career opportunities.

Research Study Assistant

Minimum Wage for Part Time Jobs in USA for Students

The minimum wage in USA for international students can differ by state and even by city. Although the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour at present, numerous cities have their minimum wages which are typically higher. The average salary for part time job in USA is $12.22 per hour. Let’s take a glimpse at the wages in some well-known cities for students;

StatesMinimum hourly wage
Oregon$15.12
Minnesota$14.89
Pennsylvania$12.73
Georgia$12.53
Texas$11.42
Indiana$11.23
Oklahoma$10.41
Alabama$9.31
Kentucky$9.30

Source: https://www.indeed.com/career/student-worker/salaries

How to Find Part Time Jobs in USA for Students?

Looking for part time jobs for international students in USA may not be as tough as you think. It might require some effort but there are numerous options. Here are a few useful strategies to assist you in locating part-time job opportunities in the USA:

1. Check out all the resources on campus

Universities typically provide career support through dedicated centres or online job listings tailored to students’ needs and interests.

2. Connect with Professors and Staff

Teachers and academic mentors are contacts when it comes to discovering part-time job opportunities within the university. Positions like research assistant roles or tutor.

3. Check part-time job listings on online platforms

Numerous websites provide opportunities for students to find part-time jobs online in the USA such as Indeed, Monster and SimplyHired. These platforms have sections tailored specifically for student employment seekers.

4. Explore nearby businesses

Stroll through your neighbourhood or the surrounding areas and keep an eye out for signs advertising job openings. You’ll often find them outside eateries like restaurants or cafes and in stores and other small businesses that frequently hire students for part-time roles. Simply walk in inquire about their job openings and ask about how to apply.

5. Work-study programs

Explore the option of engaging in work-study programs as a consideration to broaden your horizons and gain practical experience in your field of interest.

If you qualify for work-study programs at your college or university reach out to your financial aid office to explore the job options they offer to students, like you! These work-study positions are usually located there at the campus and are tailored to accommodate student schedules while offering hands-on experience that can be beneficial.

6. Online communities or forums

Connect with student discussion boards Facebook groups or online communities dedicated to your college. These platforms are great, for discovering job opportunities getting advice and exchanging tips with fellow students.

7. Leverage Personal Connections

Try reaching out to your family members or friends living in the vicinity. They might know about any part-time job openings. They could also introduce you to someone who does. Networking and word-of-mouth referrals often reveal job prospects.

Rules to Follow While Working a Part-time Job in USA for Students

As a student, it’s important to remember some key rules when looking into part time jobs in USA. These guidelines are carefully designed to prioritise your safety and guarantee a work environment.

Working at the campus

Working on campus is one of the best part time jobs for students in the USA, thanks to the more flexible rules provided by USCIS. Here’s what you should know as an F-1 student interested in on-campus employment:

  • You can work for a maximum of 20 hours per week while school is in session as long as your F-1 status stays valid. 
  • During breaks and holidays from school, you are allowed to work full-time on campus if you intend to continue your studies in the upcoming semester. 
  • Your employer is not allowed to substitute a US citizen for your job role.

Working off campus

Working off-campus may offer an organised experience for international students. Nonetheless, it remains a valuable opportunity to gather practical skills and uncover some of the top part time jobs for international students in USA. Here are some recommended steps to adhere to:

  • Always make sure to maintain the validity of your F-1 status consistently. 
  • To work off campus as a student in the US you need to have OPT or CPT authorisation that is relevant to your area of study. 
  • If you are facing difficulties and require extra income support while studying, working off-campus is possible.
  • Engaging in employment off campus without authorisation is against the law.

Conclusion

Finding the right part time job in USA for students can enhance your college experience. Engaging in a part-time job not only provides financial support but also allows you to develop essential skills. Whether you choose to work at your university campus or off campus, part-time jobs offer a valuable opportunity to alleviate financial stress and acquire practical knowledge.

Don’t forget to focus on your studies while juggling work commitments! Balancing your part-time job can enrich your college journey. Make your time in the USA more rewarding.

Part Time Jobs in USA for Students FAQs

Q1. Can an international student work in the USA?

A1.  Yes, international students can work in the USA but with some restrictions. F-1 visa students can work on-campus for up to 20 hours a week during term time. Off-campus work requires authorisation.

Q2. What’s the minimum wage in USA for international students?

A2. Minimum wage varies by state. For instance, Texas’ minimum wage is $11.42 per hour, while in other states, it may be lower.

Q3. What are the best part time jobs for students in the USA?

A3. Some popular part-time jobs include barista, bartender, waiter, freelancer and research assistant roles.

Q4. How to find part time jobs in USA?

A4. For on-campus part-time jobs, students can connect with their professors for tutoring or research assistant roles. Else, websites like SimplyHired and Indeed can help you land a good off-campus part-time gig.

Q5. What is the part-time job salary in USA for international students? 

A5. The salary depends on the job type and location. Jobs that pay tips (like waiters or bartenders) may offer lower hourly wages but higher total earnings.

Stanley Lazarus Chelli

Author: Stanley Lazarus Chelli

Stanley is our seasoned writer known for his deep knowledge of the ed-tech industry. He delivers insightful and impactful content that resonates with readers. Beyond his exceptional writing abilities, he is a die-hard petrolhead with a profound love for the automotive industry. Additionally, Stanley is a soon-to-be professional keyboardist.