Studying in the USA not only provides Indian students with a host of exciting opportunities, not only in terms of education but also in terms of career prospects. One such avenue that offers valuable experience and financial support is work-study opportunities. Work-study programs allow students to work part-time while pursuing their studies, providing them with a chance to gain practical skills, enhance their resumes, and even contribute towards their education costs.
In this article, we will explore the work-study opportunities available in the USA for Indian students. We will also go through the visa requirements, popular career options, and benefits of employment in the country.
Work-study programs in the USA offer a range of employment opportunities for Indian students, both on-campus and off-campus. These programs aim to strike a balance between work and study in the USA to ensure students can efficiently manage their academic commitments while gaining valuable work experience.
Part-time job opportunities support Indian students financially while they pursue their studies. Some popular part-time jobs in the USA for Indian students include tutoring services, tour guides, babysitters, teaching assistants, etc. Below is the list of part-time jobs with their average annual salaries, which we have sourced from Glassdoor and Indeed.
Job | Avg. Annual Salary (Approx) |
Teaching Assistant | INR 46 lakhs |
Tour guide | INR 28 lakhs |
Library monitor | INR 36.5 lakhs |
Babysitter | INR 34 lakhs |
Tutoring service | INR 34.9 lakhs |
Note that these salaries can vary based on personal certifications and currency exchange rates.
Know more about part-time work while studying abroad
Once Indian students complete their studies, they also have access to a wide range of full-time career opportunities in the USA. The country’s thriving job market and diverse industries offer excellent prospects for individuals with specialised knowledge and skills. Common fields where Indian students excel and find employment opportunities include technology, engineering, healthcare, finance, and research. Below is a list of career options in the USA for Indian students, which we have sourced from Glassdoor and Indeed.
Job | Avg. Annual Salary (Approx.) |
Doctor | INR 2 crore |
Civil engineer | INR 70 lakhs |
Teacher | INR 83 lakhs |
Journalist | INR 54.4 lakhs |
Scientist | INR 1.2 crore |
Certain career paths in the USA are particularly in demand for Indian students due to their expertise and qualifications. Below is a list of some top professions in the USA with their average annual salaries, which we have compiled from Glassdoor and Indeed.
Job | Avg. Annual Salary (Approx.) |
Investment banker | INR 2.7 crore |
IT manager | INR 1 crore |
Web developer | INR 73.2 lakhs |
Data scientist | INR 1 crore |
Software engineer | INR 1 crore |
Cyber security engineer | INR 99.7 lakhs |
Also, know Best Careers After Bachelors in the USA
To make the most of the work-study opportunities, Indian students must understand the US student visa requirements for employment. Typically, students on an F-1 visa are eligible to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during breaks. The Professional Job Visa (H-1B visa), designated for working professionals, is the most prevalent visa for seeking career possibilities in the USA. It is essential to consult with the designated international student office at the university for accurate and up-to-date information. It is suggested to see an immigration counsellor to know all the rules and regulations.
Also, know how to master your visa interview
Working in the USA as an Indian student brings numerous benefits. Firstly, it provides valuable practical experience directly related to a student’s field of study, boosting their employability after graduation. Additionally, the income earned from part-time jobs helps offset the cost of living and education expenses. Students also get to experience a diverse work culture, collaborate with people from different backgrounds, and enhance their communication and professional skills.
Work-study opportunities in the USA offer Indian students a chance to enrich their academic experience, enhance their employability, and support themselves financially. Whether through on-campus jobs, off-campus positions, or full-time career prospects, Indian students can gain valuable skills, establish professional networks, and contribute towards their education costs. By seizing work-study opportunities, Indian students can make the most of their time in the USA, creating a solid foundation for a successful career ahead.
A1. Yes, you can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. However, you must have a valid F-1 visa status.
A2. The university can help you find part-time opportunities for work.
A3. Yes, you can work 40 hours a week when classes are not in session, i.e. vacation breaks.
A4. Workers are required to pay at least $7.25 an hour, according to the U.S. Department of Labour. On average, a part-time worker may earn up to $20 an hour.
A5. Under some circumstances, F-1 status students are allowed to work on campus during the first academic year, but they are not allowed to work off campus at that time.