Top 20 Highest Paying Part-time Jobs in the USA for Students

Are you an international student planning to study in the USA and curious about the kind of part-time jobs you can land? The good news is that there are plenty! From tutoring and content writing to graphic design and data entry, you have access to numerous flexible and high-paying part-time jobs in the USA.

Securing a part-time job is more important than just earning extra money. It's about building a future-proof career foundation while sticking to strict F-1 visa compliance.

Below, we have rounded up the highest-paying part-time jobs in the USA for Indian students. Ready to discover the options that can shape your future? Let’s dive in!

Types of Part-time Jobs in the USA for Students

Finding a part-time job in the USA for students while studying can provide valuable work experience, help cover living expenses, and offer an opportunity to engage with the local community. Students have the option to explore on-campus, off-campus, and online part-time job opportunities. 

For F-1 visa holders, job opportunities are strictly governed by immigration law. To make the most of your time and focus on regulations, part-time opportunities are categorised by the eligibility track and career value. 

Here are the types of part-time work for international students: 

• On-Campus Part-time Jobs: Job positions that are located within the university or college campus. 

• Off-Campus Part-Time Jobs: Part-time jobs that are available outside the university and offer a broader range of opportunities. 

• Online or Remote Part-Time Jobs: Online or remote part-time jobs allow students to work from home or anywhere with an internet connection. 

On-Campus Part-time Jobs in the USA for Students

These positions are located within the university or college campus and offer convenience and flexibility to students. These part-time jobs in America often provide a supportive environment and allow students to balance their academic and work commitments effectively.

Below table consists of part-time jobs in the USA for students and salary per hour.

Let us now deep dive and understand what each of these part-time work positions entails:

1. Tutor: Assist fellow students in specific subjects, offering guidance, explanations, and study support.
2. Department Assistant: You will provide support to a specific department within the university or college with tasks such as organizing files, preparing documents, etc.
3. Research Assistant: Aid faculty members or researchers in their projects, conducting literature reviews, collecting data, and performing experiments.
4. Library Assistant: Help with book circulation, shelving, customer service, and assisting students with research.
5. Administrative Assistant: Provide administrative support, such as data entry, filing, scheduling appointments, and assisting with office tasks.
6. Campus Tour Guide: Conduct campus tours for prospective students and their families, showcasing the campus facilities and answering questions.
7. Campus Event Staff: Help organize and execute campus events, including setting up venues, managing registrations, and providing event support.
8. IT Support Assistant: If you are tech-savvy, then this could be the best part-time job for students in the USA, You have to help students and staff with technology-related issues, troubleshoot computer problems, and provide technical assistance.
9. Food Runner or Catering Assistant: You may be responsible for ensuring accurate and timely delivery of food to different locations on campus or assisting with setting up and serving food at events on Campus.
10. Book Store Assistant: Your responsibilities may include helping students locate books and merchandise, organizing inventory, assisting with textbook returns or rentals, etc.

Off-Campus Part-time Jobs in the USA for Students

Off-campus part-time jobs are available outside the university and can offer a broader range of opportunities. Off-campus employment allows students to gain industry-specific experience, develop transferable skills, and network with professionals outside of the academic setting.

Here are some popular Off-Campus part-time job salaries in the USA for international students

1. Sales Associate: Assist customers with their purchases, handle transactions, and maintain a clean and organized store environment.
2. Hotel Desk Clerk: Greet guests, check them in/out, handle reservations, and provide information about hotel services and amenities.
3. Call Center Representative: They handle inbound or outbound phone calls on behalf of a company, assisting customers with inquiries, providing information, or resolving issues.
4. Food Delivery Driver: Deliver food orders to customers' locations in a timely and efficient manner, ensuring customer satisfaction.
5. Personal Trainer/Fitness Coach: Create personalized fitness programs, provide instruction on exercises and proper form, and motivate clients to achieve their fitness goals.

Online Part-time Jobs in the USA for Students

In today's digital age, online part-time jobs offer flexibility, allowing students to work from home or anywhere with an internet connection. They provide valuable skills, enhance time management, and offer opportunities to earn income while balancing academic commitments.

Here are some popular online part-time jobs in the USA for Indian students

1. Online Tutor: Provide academic assistance and guidance to students in specific subjects, helping them improve their understanding and performance.
2. Freelance Content Writer: Create written content for various purposes, such as articles, blogs, website copy, or marketing materials, on a freelance basis.
3. Graphic Designer: Design visual elements for digital or print media, including logos, illustrations, and marketing materials, using creative software.
4. Web Developer: Build and maintain websites, ensuring functionality, user experience, and responsiveness using coding languages and web development tools.
5. Social Media Manager: Manage social media accounts for businesses or organizations, create engaging content, and interact with followers to build an online presence.

How to Find Part-Time Jobs for International Students Studying in the USA

Finding a part-time job in the USA for students can be an exciting opportunity. Here are some effective ways to search for part-time job opportunities:

1. University Career Services: Utilize the resources provided by your university's career services department. They often have job boards, workshops, and counseling services specifically tailored to help students find part-time jobs.
2. Online Job Portals: Explore popular online job portals such as Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and SimplyHired. These platforms have dedicated sections for part-time and student jobs.
3. Networking: Tap into your personal and professional networks. Inform your friends, classmates, professors, and advisors that you are seeking part-time employment. They may be aware of job openings or can provide valuable referrals.
4. Job Fairs and Events: Attend job fairs, career expos, and networking events organized by your university or local community. These events provide opportunities to meet employers and learn about part-time job options.
5. Consider freelancing: Platforms such as Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr. allow you to offer your skills and services remotely to clients worldwide.

Government Regulations for Part-Time Jobs in the USA for International Students

International students holding an F1 visa can explore on-campus job opportunities in the USA starting from their first year of study.

However, there are certain restrictions for students who want to pursue off-campus jobs during the initial year. F-1 students have the option to engage in three types of off-campus employment:

1. Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

This is an integral part of the academic curriculum and requires SEVIS authorization from the Designated School Official (DSO). CPT authorizations are printed on Form I-20, and they may have more than one at any given time.

2. Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT allows international students to work temporarily in a job related to their field of study. It is divided into pre-completion OPT and post-completion OPT.

• Pre-Completion OPT: Students can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) or full-time during breaks and non-enrollment periods after completing one academic year of their program.
• Post-Completion OPT: After completing their program of study, students can work full-time for up to 12 months. They can apply for post-completion OPT up to 90 days before their program end date and up to 60 days after their program end date.

3. STEM OPT Extension

Students with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT.

To qualify for the STEM OPT extension, students must meet specific criteria such as having a STEM degree listed in the STEM Designated Degree Program List and being employed by an E-verify enrolled employer.

Tax Considerations for Part-Time Jobs in the USA

International students must understand the specific tax rules that apply to their income from part-time jobs. Below are some key points to consider

• Tax treaties may provide exemptions for certain students, but filing a tax return is still necessary.
• Even if income is exempt, students earning from taxable scholarships or fellowships must file a tax return.
• Unlike some countries, there is no minimum income requirement for filing taxes in the USA.

Start Your Part-time Job Journey in the USA with GetGIS 

Start your part-time job journey in the USA with GetGIS. Our team specialises in providing comprehensive support and guidance to international students. From visa assistance to finding accommodation and even helping you secure part-time jobs, we have you covered. We'll help you navigate the intricacies of studying and living in the USA, ensuring you have the best possible experience. 

Don't let anything hold you back from living your study abroad dream.

Useful Links

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