Top 10 Good Paying Part-Time Jobs for College Students
College is an amazing, diverse, and exhilarating experience. However, the self-sufficient student inevitably arrives at the quick and abrupt realization that the joys of college life come with an expensive price tag. Are your allotted funds are depleting faster than expected? Are you in desperate need of a way to bring in extra cash? Unfortunately, many jobs simply don’t cater to the many time demands of the modern college student. Thankfully, there are a variety of options available to those students in need of work. Below are 10 of the highest paying part-time job options for college students, both on and off campus.
10. Computer Lab Assistant (on-campus)
Average Hourly Pay: $9–$12
If you are a computer savvy geek knowledgeable with hardware and software, you may be able to secure a gig in your college’s computer lab or tech department. Many students, faculty, and staff will need your assistance and expertise with a variety of computer related problems. Computer and network-related set-ups, installations, and troubleshooting are typical daily duties. However, things should run smoothly for knowledgeable computer lab assistants, giving you excess time to get homework done while on the clock.
9. Food Server (off-campus)
Average Hourly Pay: $9.41
For friendly people-persons capable of taking orders and serving food, this is an excellent option. It would also help if you are detail-oriented and efficient in your work, as a lack of these qualities could hurt your relationship with the customer. Keep in mind that it is sometimes difficult to get your foot in the door for your first serve position. Experience tends to dictate whether you could secure a position in a higher-end restaurant, where servers can make as much as $14.26+ an hour. Ultimately, your success and skill as a server can allow you to make some really good money.
Bonus: Bartender (off-campus)
Average Hourly Pay: $9.84
Are you 21 years of age? Do you know how to make a good drink? Bartending can be a great way to earn decent cash. As with serving, it is helpful to be friendly, efficient, and detail-oriented in this line of work. You must be able to work quickly and have a vast knowledge of a variety of drinks, or risk angering your patrons. The average “reported” pay is $9.84 an hour; however, about 90% of those bartending are actually earning nearly $14.93+ an hour. That’s not too shabby a gig and it’s also a great way to meet new people.
8. Babysitter (off-campus)
Average Hourly Pay: $9.79
Watching other people’s kids is far from glamorous, but if you like children, this part-time job is virtually ideal. In fact, this may be a job you can simply carry over from high school, clients and all. Additionally, you create your own work schedule as you choose if and when to book babysitting jobs. Once you build up your clientele, you should have plenty of work, especially if you’re reliable. This will also help you to build a strong customer base derived from word-of-mouth referrals. Start by posting an ad for your babysitting services on Craigslist, as well as on college bulletin boards throughout campus. You might consider placing an advertisement on your campus newspaper. Additionally, simply asking around to various acquaintances regarding anyone looking for a babysitter could easily reveal many potential clients. People with children undoubtedly need qualified babysitters from time-to-time. On a positive note, you’ll likely find time to get school assignments done during your babysitting job while the children are sleeping.
7. Hotel Desk Clerk (off-campus)
Average Hourly Pay: $9.92
The position of hotel desk clerk is not particularly challenging and it allows you the opportunity to interact with others without having to get your hands dirty. Your work environment is sure to be clean, professional, and peaceful. Especially if you are considering a career in the hospitality industry, starting as a hotel desk clerk is an excellent way to get your foot in the door. Keep in mind that you could find yourself scheduled for the graveyard shift should your class schedule conflict with working days. Additionally, hotels are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and it is inevitable that you will frequently be scheduled at less-than-ideal times.
6. Bank Teller (off-campus, generally)
Average Hourly Pay: $11.66
If you enjoy working with the public, are comfortable handling large amounts of money and can be discreet and trustworthy, then a position as a bank teller is a promising possibility. In fact, a quarter of all bank tellers work part-time. Bank tellers are typically expected to cater to the needs of the banking customer and handle transactions, including deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and a variety of other needs. Be aware, bank tellers spend many hours on their feet, so this should not be a concern if you are considering applying. Ideally, it would be best to apply at banks near your campus. However, many colleges now have on-campus banks, and it would be well worth your time to explore the possibility of obtaining a job there as well.
5. Library Assistant (on- or off-campus)
Average Hourly Pay: $11.68
Help your fellow students and the general public check out, locate, and utilize a variety of books, periodicals, reference materials, and other resources for their literary pleasures or research needs. You may also be expected to assist with the operation of audio/visual systems and computers. In the slow, peaceful atmosphere of the library, you’ll probably have a good deal of free time on your hands, so you may be able to intertwine your work and homework, all while getting paid. If your college library isn’t hiring, apply at local public libraries.
4. Telemarketer (off-campus)
Average Hourly Pay: $11.91
This is a great gig for college students for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that telemarketing is excellent entry-level customer service experience to put on a resume. Additionally, attaining a telemarketing position could be a good bet as centers typically have high turnover rates and they will be in need of new talent to fill vacancies. Telemarketers must be able to build a quick rapport with potential customers via both outgoing and incoming sales. Although cold-calling residences and businesses lacks glamour, keep in mind that call centers are usually flexible scheduling due to their extensive hours of operation. Your base pay will often be supplemented with commission, therefore a $11.91 an hour average pay has the potential to be much more.
3. Mail / Print Center Attendant (on or off-campus)
Average Hourly Pay: $12–$13
On-campus resource centers that offer printing, copying, binding, and mailing services can be found at most larger colleges. Moreover, similar positions exist at off-campus businesses like Kinko’s, AlphaGraphics and OfficeMax. Attendants are responsible for the daily operations of the print center and are expected to work well with patrons to provide excellent customer service. As an added bonus, your employment may make you eligible for a discount on those otherwise costly print jobs needed for college projects and assignments.
2. Customer Service Representative (off-campus)
Average Hourly Pay: $15.28
Becoming a customer service representative is a great prospective part-time job for college students. Call centers need these customer service representatives in addition to telemarketers, in order to provide assistance to those with complaints, problems, and inquiries. Additionally, call centers are often in need of new customer service representatives as well and provide flexible scheduling to these employees. You must be patient, courteous, and quick-thinking in order to be successful in this position. Large call centers may offer some kind of tuition reimbursement to their employees in addition to the paycheck and it is worthwhile to inquire as to this possibility.
1. Aerobic Instructor / Fitness Trainer (on or off-campus)
Average Hourly Pay: $16.50
If you’re a workout junkie and are knowledgeable as to proper exercise and training methods, why not capitalize on your skills and earn some decent money? A good fitness trainer should be able to properly assess the capabilities of the trainee, and then teach correct usage of machines and equipment, develop appropriate exercise programs, provide instruction, and motivate the client to reach his or her maximum and safe potential. Help other people get fit and healthy while making a nice income all by putting your personal workout routines to good use.
Source: Average hourly pay rates from the May 2008 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates available from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Prostitu…. O I mean servant… o i mean mcdonalds. Ehhh wheres my electronic cigarette. lol
I remember the days of baby sitting. Made some decent cash in college doing it.
Polprav, go for it. Thanks!
Its a good site specially for students
I work retail and make w/o commission but with monthly bonuses around $12 an hour
Wow that is truly amazing.
I still can’t get over the hourly rates of jobs in America. I’m an Australian
University student and i work at a supermarket stacking shelves part time.
For that i’m paid $22 per hour, which still equates to $18US per hour and i get
penalty rates if i’m working late hours or on Sundays.
How does anyone survive on such low pay rates?
And I’m still watching two after school, but for 2 hours/$50 a pop, it’s cool
Possibly “10 Well paying jobs”?
mughe part time job bank me chahiye a
freelance design/development can bring in a nice amount of money via sites like elance.com – also mechanical turk can bring in some pocket change
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