Looking to earn extra cash while keeping your schedule flexible? These eight part-time jobs are among the best-paying and most practical options for college students, based on current data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and job market research.
1. Freelance Tutor / Test Prep Instructor (On‑ or Off‑Campus)
Hourly Pay: $15–$40+
Tutoring remains one of the most flexible and lucrative gigs available to students. You can set your own hours, work online or in person, and tutor in subjects ranging from elementary math to SAT/ACT prep. Nationally, tutoring pay ranges widely. Platforms like Wyzant and Care.com list tutoring rates from $15 to $50 per hour depending on expertise and subject matter. Some localized reports, like in Tennessee, show rates averaging $12–$16/hour (ZipRecruiter).
2. Fitness Trainer / Group Instructor
Median Hourly Pay: $23.74
If you’re already active and fitness-focused, becoming a personal trainer or group class instructor is a great way to monetize your passion. Many campus recreation centers offer part-time student roles, and national chains often hire for evening and weekend shifts. The median hourly wage for fitness trainers in 2023 was $23.74 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
3. Administrative / Personal Assistant (On‑ or Off‑Campus)
Median Hourly Pay: $21.24
Administrative assistants remain in high demand both on-campus and off. Tasks often include scheduling, data entry, answering calls, and clerical support — and on the personal assistant side, you might run errands or help organize events. According to the BLS, administrative assistants earned a median of $21.24/hour in 2023.
4. Library Assistant
Median Hourly Pay: $15.34
Library jobs are classic campus roles for a reason: quiet environments, predictable hours, and the chance to get homework done during shifts. You can also check out local public libraries if your campus library is fully staffed. The BLS reports a median hourly wage of $15.34 for library assistants as of 2023.
5. Bank Teller
Average Hourly Pay: $18.33
Part-time bank teller positions are a solid option for business or finance majors. Duties include handling transactions, customer service, and opening accounts. You might even find teller roles at campus branches. The BLS lists the average hourly pay for tellers at $18.33 in 2023.
6. Print / Mail Center Attendant
Median Hourly Pay: $14.20–$16.18
If your college has a campus print center or mailroom, working there can be both convenient and relatively quiet. Similar roles exist at FedEx, UPS, and office supply stores. Mail clerks earned $16.18/hour while office machine operators earned $14.20/hour, according to BLS data from 2023.
7. Desk Attendant / Hotel Front Desk Clerk
Campus Pay: $10–$13
Hotel Pay: $15.05
Campus desk attendants help monitor dorm entrances, especially during evening or overnight shifts. These roles often allow for downtime to study. Hotel front desk clerks provide a similar service in a more active setting. According to the BLS, hotel clerks earned a median of $15.05/hour in 2023.
8. Babysitter / Nanny
Average Pay: $18.50–$22.68
Babysitting jobs are flexible, often pay well, and can be found through campus listings, local families, or apps like Care.com. Evening or weekend jobs leave you time for classes, and night sitting can even allow for some quiet study time. The national average babysitting rate was $22.68/hour in 2024, according to UrbanSitter, while Care.com reports an average of $18.50/hour.
Bonus Picks Worth Considering
- Barista or Café Worker – $12–$18/hour including tips (Indeed)
- Gig Work (Instacart, DoorDash, TaskRabbit, Rover) – $13–$34/hour depending on location and demand (NerdWallet)
- Freelance Work (Graphic Design, Writing, Editing) – Rates vary by skill but can range from $20 to $100/hour on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
Key Takeaways
- Jobs like tutoring, fitness training, and bank teller work pay more than traditional campus roles.
- Babysitting, library work, and desk attendant roles offer quiet study-friendly shifts.
- Gig work and freelancing are increasingly popular for students with digital skills and flexible schedules.