5 Types of Part-Time Jobs for College Students

A part-time job is an excellent opportunity for students looking to earn an income while attending college or university. When searching for a part-time position, it’s important to factor in your school schedule so that you can learn and work to the best of your abilities. If you’re considering working while in college, look for options such as on-campus jobs, paid internships, or freelance jobs that allow you to work around your schedule. 

Discover part-time jobs in various industries and their average wages to help determine which part-time job suits you during college.

5 part-time jobs for college students

As you search for part-time jobs, find an employer who is understanding of your status as a college student. Look for a part-time job that accommodates your college schedule and brings you experience and income as you complete your college education. 

*All hourly salary data is sourced from Indeed as of February 2025 and does not include additional pay, such as commission and benefits.

1. On-campus positions 

Working in an on-campus position can allow you to work alongside your peers, allowing you to build professional relationships and networks for your career. With an on-campus job, you will be in a more flexible position to change your working times since they will strictly depend on your class schedule:

• Library assistant: ₹124 per hour

• Tutor: ₹119 per hour 

• Teaching assistant: ₹114 per hour

• Resident assistant: ₹120 per hour

• Campus representative: ₹104 per hour

2. Retail and marketing positions 

Retail jobs include local boutiques, e-commerce, and social media. Working in a brick-and-mortar shop can provide valuable human and workplace skills that you may use later in your professional career. Explore careers in retail and marketing that you could do while in college:

• Retail sales associate: ₹71.69 per hour

• Cashier: ₹89.45 per hour

• Social media coordinator: ₹103 per hour

• Brand ambassador: ₹159 per hour

• Content writer: ₹96.96 per hour

Likewise, working in an online position will equip you with technical skills such as business analysis that can enhance your resume and gain an advantage over your competitors when applying for a job in your preferred field.

Many brands rely on social media to garner business and recognition and outsource this work to online candidates. If you have social media skills, such as content creation on YouTube or Instagram, apply for part-time social media management roles. 

If you enjoy getting in front of a camera to promote specific products, submit your resume for brand ambassador positions to increase brand awareness and sales revenue on your own time. This role presents an excellent opportunity to start a marketing, entrepreneurship, or advertising career. 

Additionally, if you have an impressive social media presence, contact different companies’ marketing or advertising teams to offer them your content creation services and rates. This approach requires more time and effort but can greatly help you generate income and build your online reputation. 

3. Food service jobs 

With a job in the food service industry, which includes restaurants, cafeterias, and catering companies, amongst other businesses, you can generate tips in addition to hourly pay. These jobs are ideal during peak hours and holidays because your income could be higher than usual. 

• Barista: ₹99.76 per hour

• Restaurant server: ₹69.18 per hour 

• Restaurant host: ₹76.83 per hour 

• Bartender: ₹80.26 per hour 

4. Paid internships 

Make the most of your part-time college job with a paid internship that can help build your resume with relevant experiences. Many paid internships take place during the summer, so they may complement your regular part-time job and help sustain you for the remainder of the school year: 

• Marketing intern: ₹155 per hour

• Fashion intern: ₹69.81 per hour

• Sales intern: ₹79.02 per hour

• Information technology (IT) intern: ₹179 per hour

• Social media intern: ₹81.94 per hour

In a paid internship, you may benefit from quality references for your resume, possible future full-time employment opportunities, a higher-paying job after graduating college, and a new skill set to take with you into your career. Paid internships also show initiative and drive, which many employers highly value. 

5. Freelancing 

The current “gig economy,” as some people call it, works to your advantage as a college student seeking part-time jobs. Jobs such as babysitting or opening your own online shop on sites like Etsy are highly convenient if you want to work flexible hours and set your own prices. If you have a talent like painting or knitting, sell your work at local artists’ markets and online. If you have experience babysitting, cleaning, or pet sitting, you may monetise it by opening your own small business:

• Rideshare driver: ₹129 per hour (varies by drive times, locations, etc.)

• Babysitter: ₹105 per hour (varies by number of children and duties) 

• Private tutor: ₹119 per hour

• Pet sitter or dog walker: ₹95.51 per hour 

These estimated incomes may vary by location, expertise, and schedule. 

Starting a small business can be rewarding for people who value being in charge of their workplace and enjoy turning their business visions into a reality.

Outline your criteria before choosing a part-time job 

Establish your criteria before looking for a part-time job so the employer will know exactly what you’re willing to do and under which conditions. If you have an established school schedule, determine how many free work hours you’ll have each week. Avoid overextending yourself, and set clear expectations and boundaries around your working and studying hours and your curriculum schedule to maintain a healthy work-life synergy. 

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Negotiate your hours.

During your job interviewing process, communicate that your schedule will likely change based on your curriculum. Don’t forget to make time for your social life in your weekly projected schedule, which is essential in keeping a good work-life balance. Discuss your paid time off, or PTO, while considering holidays, school projects, and other important events. It’s helpful and shows respect when you notify employers early about any anticipated time off. 

Set realistic expectations for pay and benefits.

Many part-time jobs you apply for will be entry-level and require little to no experience. However, you can negotiate a higher salary or hourly pay rate with relevant experience.

Be sure to ask the employers about benefits such as health insurance and paid sick leave. Laws that require employers to offer benefits to part-time employees vary by location. Check the laws in your area to find out what benefits may apply to you. 

Be conscious about location. 

Consider a part-time job close to your home to prevent long commutes while enrolling in classes. Seek on-campus positions within a few minutes drive for your convenience. If you drive a car to campus, you’ll have more flexibility to move around town as often as possible, but if you take a bus or ride a bike, a job near your home or campus will save you time and energy.

Do something you enjoy. 

To have a satisfying time between college and work, match your interests or field of study to your job. If you’re in school earning a degree in business, take your resume to locally-owned businesses. This will help you gain real-world experience that will complement your long-term career goals. You’ll develop valuable technical and human skills in the process.

Benefits of holding a part-time job in college 

Being employed in a part-time job while enrolled in college shows that you are a hard worker. It will help you build a skill set to bring into your career. These skills include time management, communication, and problem-solving, amongst others. Take this time to explore your interests, thoroughly prepare for your career, and expand your resume and character while taking charge of your finances. 

Prepare for a part-time job with Coursera 

Part-time jobs offer diverse opportunities to develop skills and make money while completing your education. As you consider which part-time job is a good fit for you, prepare your resume with a course like Writing Winning Resumes and Cover Letters from the University of Maryland or perfect your interviewing skills with a Guided Project like Accomplishment STAR Techniques for Job Interviews, available through the Coursera Project Network. 

Want to pursue your education on a flexible schedule? Complete an online bachelor’s degree on your terms, at your pace, and from anywhere worldwide. Coursera provides access to various affordable degrees in technology, science, and health, amongst other majors, offered by institutions such as the University of London, the University of Michigan, and the University of North Texas.