The best part-time jobs for students in 2024

It comes as no surprise that studying abroad can be expensive. The cost of tuition for international students in the US can go as high as US$70,000 per year. This, combined with rent, transportation and living expenses, can quickly bust our budget.

On top of that, international students pay more than domestic students and may not have access to the same financial aid options. In the UK and Canada, the cost of tuition for international students is double that of domestic students. 

If you’re short on money for essentials or want to bulk up your savings, it’s time to get a part-time job.

These allow you to cover your living expenses, contribute towards tuition fees and gain valuable work experience at the same time. 

Why you should get a part-time job as a student

Part-time jobs are a great source of income to help you cover your tuition fees, rent, groceries, transportation and other daily expenses.

You’ll learn how to manage money well and understand what it’s like to rely on yourself, and not your parents.

It can be your first step towards becoming a true adult.

Another priceless benefit? Part-time jobs also provide you with valuable work experience that can enhance your resume and improve your employability after graduation. Employers often value candidates who have demonstrated the ability to balance work and studies, as it shows time management, responsibility, and adaptability – all valuable skills in the workforce.

What should you look out for when choosing a part-time job?

When looking for a part-time job, don’t agree to the first offer you get.

There are several things you need to consider to ensure that the job aligns with your needs, preferences and degree commitments. 

Here are some factors to look for:

• Flexible hours: You should choose jobs that offer flexible working hours to accommodate your class schedules, study sessions and other academic commitments.
•  Location: Opting for a job near campus can save you commuting time and expenses. This proximity makes transitioning between classes and work shifts easier.
• Career goals: Ideally, you should pick a part-time job related to your field of study or ambitions. Gaining relevant work experience enhances your resume, builds industry-specific skills and networking opportunities.
• Work-life balance: Look for employers who understand and respect the importance of balancing work with personal and academic commitments.
• Salary: While financial compensation is essential, you should also consider the overall value of the job, including opportunities for advancement, skill development and benefits such as employee discounts, tuition assistance or health insurance.

The worst part-time jobs for students

While part-time jobs can be beneficial, some aren’t the most suitable for students juggling university and work. 

The worst part-time jobs usually come with low pay, long hours, high levels of stress and without flexible hours. These jobs usually lack proper training, support and safety measures to protect workers. 

Here are some of the worst part-time jobs for students and why they can be problematic:

• Fast food server: Jobs in fast food restaurants often involve long hours on your feet, irregular schedules and dealing with difficult customers. This job typically offers low pay and limited opportunities for advancement. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for fast-food workers in the US is US$20 an hour. 
• Telemarketing: This is a high-pressure sales job that involves dealing with rejection from customers. The work environment can be stressful and monotonous, which could affect your mental well-being.
• Manual labour: These jobs can be physically demanding and dangerous. You may be required to work in extreme weather conditions or operate heavy machinery without proper training. BLS reports that construction and extraction occupations have a higher rate of injuries and illnesses than other industries.
• Overnight jobs: Working night shifts or overnight jobs can disrupt your sleep which could affect your academic performance. This could also make it hard for you to participate in extracurricular activities at university. 

8 best part-time jobs for students in 2024

Barista 

Salary: US$42,515 per year

Working as a barista is often considered one of the best part-time jobs for students.

As a barista, you will develop transferable skills such as customer service, multitasking, teamwork and time management, which can be valuable in many other professions.

Though it can get busy during peak hours, the atmosphere in most coffee shops tends to be less stressful compared to other part-time jobs, such as retail or food delivery.

While the salary isn’t the best, you will receive tips which can provide additional income. 

The best part about working part-time as a barista is that many coffee shops offer employee discounts or even free coffee. This is perfect if you are a coffee lover. 

Server 

Salary: US$36,517 per year 

Becoming a server is one of the most common part-time jobs for students. 

You will develop useful skills like multitasking, communication, teamwork and problem-solving in this role.

Serving provides many opportunities for interaction with customers and coworkers, allowing you to interact and build a network. 

Servers often earn tips on top of their hourly wage, which can increase your earnings compared to other entry-level positions.

You could also save some extra cash as many restaurants offer employee discounts or free meals, so you don’t have to worry about spending money on food. 

Babysitter

Salary: US$40,186 per year

Babysitting has a flexible schedule, making it easier for you to balance work and your studies. 

Dealing with children and parents will help you develop responsibility, problem-solving, communication and patience skills. 

Babysitters can often earn competitive hourly rates, especially if you have experience in childcare. Families may even offer bonuses for special occasions or longer hours.

Unlike some part-time jobs that require consistent shifts, babysitting jobs aren’t as frequent, allowing you to take on the job when it fits your schedule. 

Tutor

Salary: US$43,669 per year

If you are an expert in a specific subject, you can leverage this and help others succeed while making money. 

Teaching others can also help deepen your understanding of the subject matter. And, of course, teaching is a highly rewarding and satisfying career. 

Tutoring helps you gain many skills, such as communication, patience, adaptability and leadership. This can enhance your resume and make you more competitive in the job market.

This job can be done remotely in your dorm room or the library. So you don’t have to worry about commuting to work. 

Freelancer

Salary: US$73,538 per year

Freelancing allows you to choose your own hours and the ability to work from anywhere with an internet connection. This flexibility means you can balance work with your studies and even have time to meet up with friends.

You can choose to freelance in many areas, like writing, graphic design, programming or social media management. 

The great thing about freelancing is that you can earn money on your own terms without being tied to a traditional part-time job with fixed hours and wages. You can set your own rates and take on as much or as little work as you choose., giving them greater control over their finances.

Freelancing also allows you to build a portfolio of work to showcase to potential employers or clients in the future. This portfolio will demonstrate your skills, experience and expertise.

Customer service representative

Salary: US$43,317 per year

Customer service roles often require minimal prior experience or qualifications, making it one of the best part-time jobs for students. 

When working in customer service, you can work in many industries, including retail, hospitality, telecommunications and finance. This exposure can help you explore different career paths and gain insight into industries you may be interested in pursuing after graduation.

Working in customer service allows you to interact with many people and build relationships, which could lead to networking opportunities and potential referrals for future job opportunities.

In this line of work, you will also be able to improve your communication skills as you will have to communicate with customers regularly via phone, email and in-person interactions. 

Dog walker

Salary: US$41,259 per year

Working as a dog walker is one of the best part-time jobs for students – mainly because you get to spend your days playing with dogs. 

As a dog walker, you can create your own schedule and choose your working hours. 

Dog walking allows you to spend time outdoors, enjoying fresh air and physical activity while getting paid. This can be a refreshing break from your lecture halls and library.

As a university student, you may face high-stress levels, and dog walking is an opportunity to unwind and relax. Spending time with dogs has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. 

Youtuber 

Salary: Around US$5 per 1,000 views

Managing a YouTube channel on the side might be the best part-time job for you. 

YouTube is a great place to express yourself, share your interests and showcase your talents. Whether it’s vlogging, gaming, educational content or something else, you can create content that resonates with you and your audience.

Starting a YouTube channel requires minimal start-up costs and technical expertise. You can create content using equipment you own, such as smartphones or laptops, and learn editing skills through free or affordable software.

You can earn passive income through advertising revenue, sponsorships, merchandise sales and other monetisation strategies. 

Running a YouTube channel means developing various skills, including content creation, video editing, marketing, audience engagement and analytics. These skills are valuable in many industries and can increase your employability.