College isn’t supposed to be all about making money, but with tuition and fees climbing every year, finding part-time jobs for college students has become a necessity for many. One of the biggest challenges you probably face is finding a job that fits around a schedule that’s not only packed but also always changing.
On top of that, finding part-time jobs for college students that pay enough to make your time worthwhile can be tough, too. If you’re on the hunt for that ideal part-time job, we’ll share in this blog a few ideas to get you started!
- What Are the Best Part-Time Jobs for College Students?
- The Pros and Cons of Working While in College
- How to Find Part-Time Jobs for College Students
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
What Are the Best Part-Time Jobs for College Students?
Interested in earning while learning? These job ideas for college students accommodate a variety of interests and schedules, from remote jobs using digital abilities to flexible skill-related work for different types of clients.
(Note: Our sources for data included on each part-time job’s average pay are from recruitment and job-searching platforms like Indeed, Upwork, and Glassdoor.)
1. Social media manager
Social media managerAverage pay: $14-$35 per hour
Social media is a huge priority for businesses trying to reach consumers and build brand awareness, and many of them need extra help posting content, running ads, and engaging with followers. As a social media manager, you’d play a key role in helping the company achieve its social media goals, whether that’s growing their following or launching a campaign.
If you’re majoring in fields like marketing, graphic design, or communications, social media management could be the perfect part-time job for you. Plus, social media managers often work remotely and have flexible schedules, making it one of the best part-time jobs for college students balancing classes and work.
Skills needed:
- Graphic design
- Copywriting
- Video editing
- Content creation
- Pay-per-click campaign management
- Analytics and reporting
- Community management
- A/B testing
- Social media platform proficiency
2. Freelance writer
Freelance writerAverage pay: $15-$40 per hour
Content writing offers a huge variety of remote work opportunities, from creating scripts for YouTube and TikTok to writing articles, sales copy, and blog posts. As a freelance writer, you can choose to specialize in different types of writing, like copywriting or technical writing. This makes content writing one of the most versatile part-time jobs for college students, as businesses across industries need writers for everything from SEO articles to ad copy.
If you’re majoring in English, journalism, or marketing, freelance writing could be the perfect way to apply your skills and earn extra income. Freelance part-time jobs for college students like this offer plenty of flexibility. As long as you meet your deadlines, you’re usually free to work at your own pace and schedule.
Skills needed:
- Creativity
- Research
- Editing
- Proofreading
- SEO
- Copywriting
3. Content creator
Content creatorAverage pay: $25-$55 per hour
Today, brands and individuals need fresh, engaging content for their websites, emails, and social media channels. Freelance content creators get to produce written, graphic, audio, and video content for these clients. If you enjoy creative work and have experience making social media content or other types of media, freelance content creation could be one of the most rewarding part-time jobs for college students like you.
Working as a content creator while in college lets you earn an income and helps you build a portfolio, which can be valuable when you’re ready to take on more clients or apply for full-time roles after graduation. Many content creators work from home with flexible schedules, making it one of the ideal part-time jobs for college students. Plus, with so many brands across different industries needing content, this job lets you explore a variety of fields while building up your skills.
Skills needed:
- Writing and editing
- Graphic design
- Videography
- Video editing
- Audio editing
- Photography
- Search engine optimization (SEO)
- Social media expertise
4. Photographer
PhotographerAverage pay: $25-$45 per hour
If you have access to quality camera equipment (or can rent it from your school’s photography department), photography could be one of the best part-time jobs for college students. Many photographers specialize in live events like weddings or graduations, while others work from home and have clients send products for staging. It’s a flexible and creative way to earn, whether you’re shooting on-site or setting up shots from home.
Local or remote photography can be a profitable side hustle that fits perfectly into a student’s schedule. To get started, you can build your portfolio by photographing friends, pets, or products for free. Once you’ve created a strong portfolio, you can start offering services to local businesses or sign up on platforms like Upwork. Event photographers, in particular, often work weekends and nights, providing the flexible schedule that makes photography one of the top part-time jobs for college students.
Skills needed:
- Staging
- Composition
- Framing
- Lighting
- Photo editing
- Retouching
- Color correction
- Time management
5. Transcriptionist
TranscriptionistAverage pay: $17-$22
Transcriptionists take audio recordings and turn them into written documents. As a beginner, you might find transcription work doing things like typing up meeting minutes for a business or creating closed captions for media. If you’re a fast typer, transcription can be one of the ideal part-time jobs for college students looking to earn extra money.
You could even consider taking an online course to earn a certification in legal or medical transcription, which can open doors to higher-paying jobs. This experience can also give you valuable exposure to a field you may want to enter after graduation. Since transcription work is typically output-based, you can work the hours that best fit your schedule, making it one of the most flexible part-time jobs for college students.
Skills needed:
- Fast and accurate typing
- Grammar and spelling
- Language proficiency
- Listening
- Proofreading
- Research
- Attention to detail
6. Online tutor
Online tutorAverage pay: $20-$40
If you’re passionate about a subject or have advanced skills in a program like Photoshop, or even coding, you can earn extra money as an online tutor. And not all tutoring jobs involve working with kids—many adult learners hire tutors to help with subjects like finance or website development. You can also work as an English tutor for ESL learners even if you don’t have a degree or previous teaching experience. This makes online tutoring one of the most versatile part-time jobs for college students.
As a student, online tutoring is also a fantastic way to reinforce what you’re learning. And if you’re majoring in education, it’s a great introduction to working with students of different ages. Online tutors usually work remotely over video calls, offering a flexible schedule that makes it one of the top part-time jobs for college students.
Skills needed:
- Subject matter expertise
- Proficiency with online platforms
- Communication
- Patience
- Time management
7. Graphic designer
Graphic designerAverage pay: $15-$35 per hour
Clients across nearly every industry rely on graphic designers for everything from logos and promotional materials to print work and digital content creation. If you’re skilled with tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite (think Photoshop and Illustrator), you can start your own graphic design side hustle. As a graphic designer, you can choose to work on a project-by-project basis or find long-term clients who need graphics every week or month. This makes graphic design one of the best part-time jobs for college students looking to use their creativity and earn money.
If you’re a design major, freelancing while you’re still in school can help you sharpen your skills and build a strong portfolio. Plus, graphic design can be a fun, creative outlet that lets you earn money outside your studies. You’ll gain real-world experience and start making valuable professional connections along the way.
Skills needed:
- Design software knowledge
- Typography
- Color theory
- Image editing
- Creativity
- Time management
- Communication
The Pros and Cons of Working While in College
Working a part-time job while you’re in college can help you pay for personal expenses, supplement financial aid, and gain valuable work experience. However, there are a few drawbacks you should be prepared for, such as time constraints and the potential impact on your tuition assistance.
In fact, about 74% of part-time undergraduate students and 40% of full-time students in the U.S. were employed in 2020, according to the most recent data from the federal National Center for Education Statistics. Taking on part-time jobs for college students can offer more than just a paycheck to cover day-to-day expenses. It can also lead to long-term benefits after graduation.
Students who balance work and school often have higher earnings down the road because they’ve developed a stronger resume and network. Although working full-time during college can sometimes negatively impact grades or the number of credits you take, studies show that students who worked part-time during college tend to earn more after graduation, especially for those not attending elite schools.
Through the federal work-study program, some students even receive financial aid for working while enrolled in college. This program is available to students who demonstrate need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
However, if you’re budgeting for college, it’s important to weigh the possible drawbacks of working while studying full-time. The wages from many part-time jobs for college students aren’t enough to cover the full cost of tuition and fees, and working too many hours could impact your academic performance. You should also be mindful of how your earnings might affect your financial aid eligibility, as it can sometimes be reduced depending on how much you make.
How to Find Part-Time Jobs for College Students
Here are a few ways on how you can search for the best part-time job that fits your schedule and goals:
1. Maximize campus resources.
Many colleges and universities have career centers or job boards specifically designed for students. Check out bulletin boards, online portals, or even visit the career services office to see what part-time jobs for college students are available.
2. Network with professors and staff.
Professors, advisors, and other faculty members can be great resources when looking for part-time jobs. They might know of research assistant positions, tutoring opportunities, or other on-campus jobs that would be a perfect fit for students like you.
3. Use online job platforms.
There are several online platforms that specialize in connecting job seekers with part-time positions. Websites like Indeed, SimplyHired, Monster, Upwork, and even LinkedIn all have dedicated sections for part-time jobs in the US.
4. Ask personal connections.
Don’t forget to reach out to family, friends, or relatives who live nearby. They might have tips on part-time jobs in the area or can help you connect with someone who’s hiring. Networking and word-of-mouth recommendations can often uncover hidden job opportunities
5. Visit the community.
Take a stroll around your town or the surrounding area and keep an eye out for “help wanted” signs in windows. Most restaurants, cafes, retail stores, and local businesses are always on the lookout for part-time employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best places to work as a college student?
The best places to work as a college student depend on your schedule, goals, and interests. The list above are some great options that offer flexibility, valuable experience, and reasonable pay. It includes being a freelance writer, photographer, and social media manager.
2. How many hours should I work each week while in college?
If you’re a full-time student, working between 10 and 20 hours a week is usually ideal. It helps you earn some extra cash without overwhelming your schedule. Plus, if you’re eligible for the Federal Work-Study Program from the U.S. Department of Education, you can work part-time for your school, up to 20 hours a week.
3. What’s the average cost of college tuition and fees?
In the US, the average price of tuition and fees for the 2023-2024 academic year is as follows: $41,540 at private colleges, $11,260 at public colleges (in-state residents), and $29,150 at public colleges (out-of-state residents).
Takeaways
- Some of the best part-time jobs for college students are being a freelance writer, a private tutor, or a social media manager.
- You can find a part-time job by networking with your professors and peers, connecting with friends and family, and maximizing your campus resources.
- Excited to earn while you learn? We got you! At AdmissionSight, we have more than a decade of helping students like you land your dream school. We offer personalized coaching services to help you make the most out of your college experience, even while having a side hustle.
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