Highest Paying Part-Time Jobs Based on Level of Education

Part-time work typically requires less than 30 to 35 hours a week but can differ considerably depending on the position and employer. Getting a part-time job or transitioning from full-time to part-time work can still result in a high-paying salary despite working fewer hours. Discover the highest-paying part-time jobs and what you can apply for based on your level of education. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists a number of part-time jobs and their salaries so you can find a field and hours that suit you. 

Highest-paying part-time jobs with a high school diploma

If you completed high school and earned your diploma, two potential careers to consider include insurance sales agent or police officer. 

1. Insurance sales agent

Median hourly wage in the US (BLS.gov): $28.40 [1]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 6 percent [1]

As an insurance sales agent, you will be responsible for working with potential and current clients to sell insurance to. You'll provide rate estimates and suggest the best coverage to suit your client’s needs. The specific firm you work for determines the type of insurance you will sell. Most insurance sales agents work in an office setting, occasionally traveling to meet with clients. You will need a license corresponding to your state to work as an insurance sales agent. 

2. Police officer

Median hourly wage (BLS.gov): $36.02 [2]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 4 percent [2]

As a part-time police officer, you will be responsible for protecting individuals and property in your community. You may conduct traffic stops, arrest wanted individuals, investigate crimes, and patrol assigned areas. Part-time police officers may work as reserve officers for a police department or cover for other officers when they’re off duty. Like full-time officers, part-time police officers need to complete training at their local academy.

Highest paying part-time jobs with an associate degree

If you have or are willing to earn an associate’s degree, you may be able to pursue part-time work as a dental hygienist or diagnostic medical sonographer. 

1. Dental hygienist

Median hourly wage (BLS.gov): $42.08 [3]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 9 percent [3]

As a dental hygienist, you will be responsible for teeth cleaning, oral examinations, and preventative dental services to provide patients with the best oral care. To become a dental hygienist, you will need an associate degree in dental hygiene from an accredited school. You must also obtain a license by becoming a registered dental hygienist (RDH). 

Read more: What Is a Dental Hygienist? And How to Become One

2. Diagnostic medical sonographer

Median hourly wage (BLS.gov): $38.87 [4]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 11 percent [4]

Sonographers provide requested medical images to doctors to provide a diagnosis to the patient. As a sonographer, you will work closely with physicians and patients to assist in medical diagnosis and treatment. To become a sonographer, you must complete an associate degree in sonography from an accredited school. Your employer may also require professional certification. 

Highest paying part-time jobs with a bachelor’s degree

By earning a bachelor’s degree, you could become qualified to work as a registered nurse or management analyst. 

1. Registered nurse

Median hourly wage (BLS.gov): $41.38 [5]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 6 percent [5]

Registered nurses (RNs) evaluate patients and determine the care required for them. Usually, registered nurses specialize in a specific area, such as oncology, labor and delivery, medical-surgical, or many others. To become a registered nurse, you must complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing school and obtain a license in the state where you plan to work. To become licensed, you will need to pass the NCLEX-RN examination.

Read more: What Does a Registered Nurse Do? Your Career Guide

2. Management analyst

Median hourly wage (BLS.gov): $47.80 [6]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 11 percent [6]

As a management analyst, you'll recommend ways to increase an organization’s efficiency. This could include conducting organizational evaluations, designing procedures, or managing measurement studies. Most management analysts work in an office setting and have a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field. 

Highest-paying part-time jobs with a master’s degree or higher

Earning a master’s degree will help you pursue a part-time career as a nurse practitioner or speech-language pathologist. 

1. Nurse practitioner

Median hourly wage (BLS.gov): $62.25 [7]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 40 percent [7]

Nurse practitioners are responsible for examining patients, diagnosing and treating them, and prescribing medications in some cases. To become a nurse practitioner, you must practice as a registered nurse for a few years and then complete a graduate degree such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). In this role, you'll also need a license in the state you practice in and have passed a national certification exam. 

Read more: What Is a Nurse Practitioner? Your Career Guide

2. Speech-language pathologist

Median hourly wage (BLS.gov): $42.93 [8]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 18 percent [8]

Speech-language pathologists are responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and treating speech and language disorders. Most speech-language pathologists work in schools, hospitals, or nursing care facilities. To become a speech-language pathologist, you will need a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited university, as well as a license from the state you plan on practicing in.

Next steps: Choosing a part-time job that’s best for you

Part-time employment offers a variety of opportunities across different education levels. You can make an informed career decision by understanding the part-time jobs with high pay and their qualifications.

Explore the experience required and salary for part-time jobs to find one that’s right for you. Consider researching your top choices and enrolling in a course to develop new skills to help build your career. If you want to become a dental hygienist, the University of Pennsylvania offers Introduction to Dental Medicine on Coursera. If management analytics suits you, consider taking the Google Data Analytics (PT) Professional Certificate on Coursera.