8 Jobs for College Students That Pay Above Minimum Wage
With tuition rates higher than ever, many students work to offset the costs of college. The best part-time jobs for college students pay more than minimum wage, allowing you to cover some of your living costs or even reduce the amount you borrow in student loans. Read on for eight high-paying part-time jobs for students that will help you earn money for school.
8 high-paying part-time jobs for college students
1. Academic tutor
Are you a strong writer or a biology expert? Did you get a great score on the SAT or ace high school algebra? Whatever your academic strength, you can find students who need your help.
Companies like Care.com connect tutors to students. You can also tutor online through internet-based education companies like Varsity Tutors.
According to Payscale, tutors make an average of about $17 to $18 per hour, making academic tutor one of the best part-time jobs for college students. And if you have specialty knowledge of graduate school exams, like the GRE or GMAT, you could anywhere from around $30 to $100 an hour, according to Glassdoor.
Not only will you earn good money, but you’ll also help put students on the path to academic success. Plus, you could dust off some old academic skills in the process.
2. Freelance web designer or programmer
Do you know how to code? Individuals and companies will pay top dollar to computer-savvy web designers. Thanks to freelance marketplaces like Upwork and Freelancer, it’s never been easier to build a clientele.
While web design and programming are advanced skills, you don’t have to wait until you have a college degree to make money with them. If you know how to code, set up a profile on one of these sites and offer freelance services.
While freelancer salary information isn’t readily available, freelancer networking organization NJ Creatives Network says web designers charge an average of $59 per hour. You may be able to charge even more over time as you build a portfolio and good reputation on the site. Plus, your work could help you get a job after graduation.
If you’re new to coding, consider a coding bootcamp course. Not only will you gain a lucrative skill, but you’ll also expand your mind by learning what is essentially a new language.
3. Editor or blogger
Editing and blogging online is another lucrative skill that doesn’t necessarily require a college degree. Sites like Upwork and Freelancer offer a variety of editing and writing projects.
Some are one-off projects, while others offer continuous employment. Since the work is online, you’ll set your own schedule and work from wherever is convenient for you.
At the time of writing, writers on Upwork charge anywhere from $15 to $85 per hour. Just as with web design, you could start with a low rate and raise it over time as you gain experience.
4. Fitness instructor
Exercising is one of the best ways to manage stress and stay healthy. If you’re a regular at your gym, why not jump into a lead role as a group fitness instructor?
To become certified, you may need to take an accredited fitness instructor course. On average, fitness instructors make over $20 an hour, according to Payscale.
5. Massage therapist
You don’t need a college degree to become a massage therapist, but you might need to take a massage training program and get state licensure. If you can invest time during the summer and part of the school year, then you could potentially work as a massage therapist for the remainder of your college years.
According to Payscale, massage therapists earn an average of $20 an hour. This choice is especially good if you’re a student of medicine, health or physical therapy, as this experience could transfer to your future career.
6. Babysitter
If you enjoy working with kids, babysitting could be a great choice — and is one of the best high-paying part-time jobs for students. Most colleges have a job board that connects local families with current students. Alternatively, check out Care.com for babysitting opportunities in your area.
The nationwide average is just $10 per hour, according to Payscale, but families might pay college students a significantly higher rate. This role is an especially good choice for students of elementary education or child development.
7. Bank teller
A bank teller is another solid choice for high-paying part-time jobs for students. You need to be comfortable counting and handling large amounts of money and inputting data into a computer system. Plus, you’ll work directly with customers to fulfill their requests.
Average salaries for part-time bank tellers will depend on the bank. Bank of America, to give an example, is raising its minimum wage to $20 per hour by 2021.
8. Mystery shopper
Did you know that companies will pay you to shop at a store and provide feedback about your experience? In fact, over 300 companies are part of MSPA Americas, a trade association committed to improving customer experience.
MSPA Americas is one of the best websites to find mystery shopping opportunities. Be wary of Craigslist, though, where there are plenty of scams. Note that you should never pay anything up front to work as a mystery shopper.
Legitimate companies will pay you for your efforts and reimburse anything you purchase. As a mystery shopper, you could make an average of nearly $15 per hour, according to Indeed. Plus, you’ll gain knowledge about consumer experiences — important intel for any future marketers or entrepreneurs.
Where to find the best part-time jobs for college students
Thanks to the internet, you can browse thousands of opportunities on job boards and your college’s employment site. Some high paying part-time jobs for students are conducted entirely online. Remote work can be ideal for college students, as it offers lots of flexibility in terms of schedule and location.
Another good resource is your college’s career services office. Make an appointment and ask for suggestions about on-campus and off-campus employment. The right role could add to your resume and give you valuable skills for your future job hunt, not to mention reduce the amount you need to borrow in student loans.