Best Part-Time Jobs That Pay Well and Where to Find Them

Part-time jobs are a great way to bring in more cash if you already have a full-time job. Many students seek out part-time jobs because they pay well and allow them the flexibility they need to accommodate their class schedule.

The Best Part-Time Jobs: Find a Great Job Now

If you’re already employed full-time, you may want to take up a part-time job to boost certain skills. Part-time work can be a good opportunity to improve your time management, collaboration, and communication skills and bring you closer to meeting your career goals. In this guide, we’ll tell you which part-time jobs are worth it and how you can get them. 

Does the idea of earning extra cash have your ears perking up? What about exploring a new interest or working from home? These are all possible with a part-time job. Don’t fall for the misconception that part-time jobs pay minimum wage and are only for students. In fact, quite the opposite can be true if you know where to look. 

Below, you can get an idea of whether a part-time job is suitable for you and review our list of some of the highest-paid part-time jobs in the US right now. 

How Much Does a Part-Time Job Pay?

The average salary for a part-time job is $13 an hour, according to ZipRecruiter. This figure equates to an annual salary of $26,507. However, there is a wide range of part-time jobs and salaries vary considerably.

For example, a physical therapist assistant with a high school diploma who has completed on-the-job training can earn an hourly wage of $27. Registered nurses, on the other hand, earn $36 per hour, but most nursing positions require that you have a bachelor’s degree. 

How to Get a High-Paying Part-Time Job

If you’re looking for high-paying part-time work and don’t have a college degree or previous experience, don’t fret. Finding a good part-time job won’t be hard if you follow the tips below.

Step 1: Identify Your Skills and Strengths

Before you start applying for jobs, reflect on your skills. Do you have basic math skills? Are you good at dealing with customers? Do you take pride in your communication abilities? There are many part-time jobs out there, and identifying your strengths will help you narrow down your options. Many part-time jobs require basic computer skills, so you can stand out by adding software skills to your resume.

Step 2: Apply for Jobs

During the job search, take time to research job titles and learn about the companies that you are applying to. The more you know about the company and the job, the better your application documents will be. Putting together a persuasive cover letter and an effective resume is essential to get a shot at the job you are interested in.

Most companies now use online platforms to process job applications. To pass the screening stage, you should tailor your resume to match the requirements listed in the job posting. This will boost your chances of landing an interview. 

Step 3: Prepare for the Interview

Before you go to an interview for a part-time job, you must have a good understanding of the duties in the job description. Read the job description carefully and become familiar with all the requirements. 

It is also a good idea to practice your answer to common behavioral interview questions using the STAR interview method. In addition, employers will want to know what hours you are available to work, so make sure to have an answer ready before you step into the interview.

What Part-Time Jobs Pay the Most? The Highest-Paying Part-Time Jobs You Should Consider

Whether you’re a student looking to make some extra cash or a professional exploring new career options, there are many jobs out there that require less than 40 hours of work per week. Below are some of the best part-time jobs.

Physical Therapist

• Average salary: $91,010 a year
• Job growth: 21%
• Companies hiring: Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, Cleveland Clinic, University of Utah

A physical therapist helps injured patients recover physical movement. These are certified professionals who often help athletes and individuals with disabilities. They work out of rehab centers, hospitals, clinics, or have their own private practice. They employ mobility exercises and training to improve the fitness and wellness of the patient.

Occupational Therapist

• Average salary: $86,280 a year
• Job growth: 17%
• Companies hiring: University of Washington, Northside Hospital, BayCare Health System, Sun Towers Retirement Community

An occupational therapist evaluates their patients’ physical condition and helps them recover from illnesses, disabilities, or injuries. You can find part-time occupational therapy jobs by assisting a private practitioner or working at a hospital, school, or nursing home. Once you have the required license, you can get a high hourly rate working as an occupational therapist.

Registered Nurse

• Average salary: $75,330 a year
• Job growth: 9%
• Companies hiring: Patient First, Disney Parks, University of Washington

A registered nurse offers patient care by coordinating recovery, administering medicine, making plans for future care, and managing a patient’s pain. They also educate patients about treatments when the patient is discharged. Registered nurses often work at outpatient care centers or hospitals.

Real Estate Agent

• Average salary: $51,220 a year
• Job growth: 4%
• Companies hiring: Wright Brothers, Inc., Keller Williams Realty, REX Real Estate

A real estate agent shows properties and assists clients who are looking to buy, sell, or rent a home. These professionals also examine and prepare contracts and documents and negotiate deals. The income from this job is often commission-based, and you can usually work remotely.  

Heavy Truck Driver

• Average salary: $47,130 a year
• Job growth: 6%
• Companies hiring: FedEx, Access Mail Processing Services, Newmont Corporation

If you have a valid driver’s license, you might want to become a truck driver to boost your income. Truck drivers cover long distances while transporting products from one location to another.

As a truck driver, you must keep the vehicle and equipment clean, follow traffic laws, and repair mechanical issues that arise. Truck drivers can be hired by retail stores, distribution centers, or manufacturing plants.

Photographer

• Average salary: $41,280 a year
• Job growth: 17%
• Companies hiring: GoDaddy, Wildlife Conservation Society, RE/MAX Evergreen 

Many companies are in need of photographers, from real estate firms to advertising and multimedia companies. A photographer should know how to use equipment and software tools to create photos that meet employers’ requirements. Photographers usually work with photo editors and content creators, or as part of a larger multimedia team. If you’re passionate about photography, this is a great side hustle that pays well.

Customer Service Representative

• Average salary: $35,830 a year
• Job growth: -1%
• Companies hiring: Walmart, Amazon, American Museum of Natural History

A customer service representative handles customer complaints and provides support with any questions they may have. Their goal is to deliver an outstanding customer experience. For this job, you should have good interpersonal and communication skills, as well as patience.

Nanny

• Average salary: $25,460 a year
• Job growth: 8%
• Companies hiring: NannyCity, The STEM Nanny Company, Morningside Nannies

Working part-time as a nanny, you will provide care for infants and toddlers, engage with children in a friendly way, do housework, and organize activities for the children. You’ll enjoy this job if you have a passion for education and creativity and a love of young children. 

A nanny cares for children by bathing, feeding, and cooking for them, and putting them down for naps. Depending on the parents’ preferences, you may be required to assist with homework, organize playtime, and drive the children to and from school. 

The requirements of a nanny job vary depending on the parents, but typically, a reliable form of transportation and experience caring for children are required. As a nanny, you can set your own rates and availability.

Bartender

• Average salary: $24,960 a year
• Job growth: 32%
• Companies hiring: Hilton Garden Inn Key West, Courtyard by Marriott, Hard Rock International

A bartender mixes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to serve to guests. They also keep the bar clean and stocked, and handle cash. For this part-time job, you should be patient and calm under pressure and open to working night shifts and long hours. If you have some knowledge of wine and spirits and strong customer service skills, you’re more likely to get hired. 

Barista

• Average salary: $24,130 a year
• Job growth: 17%
• Companies hiring: Hyatt Food & Beverages, Starbucks, Tim Hortons

A barista specializes in making coffee and espresso drinks for customers in a coffee shop, restaurant, or hotel. They usually also serve light food. These workers take care of inventory, manage the cash register, and provide great customer service. In this fast-paced role, problem-solving is a great skill to have.

Best Part-Time Jobs: Top Companies That Hire for Part-Time Jobs

Part-time jobs allow you to work around your class schedule and outside of regular business hours. There are many major companies looking for candidates to fill part-time roles, including those listed below.

• Amazon: Amazon has more than 200 job openings, many of which are part-time opportunities for associates in the company’s fulfillment and operations department.
• Edmentum: At the online learning platform Edmentum, you can apply to teach languages and other subjects virtually. This is a good place to work if you need a flexible schedule and are looking for teaching experience. 
• Target: Target is hiring part-time employees to work in its stores and distribution centers. The company is looking to hire students and career changers to work in quality control, asset recovery, human resources, product management, and shipping. Some of these roles involve sorting, distributing, providing technical support, and assisting with merchandising.
• The Mentor Network: This health care provider has over 900 part-time jobs in direct care, maintenance and food services, nursing, and rehabilitation. With the relevant training, you can work as a physical therapist, occupational therapist, foster care therapist, or early childhood worker. The Mentor Network also offers part-time jobs that don’t require a college degree or professional certificate.
• Nordstrom: Nordstrom is a luxury and fashion retail department chain that hires both regular and temporary part-time workers. It provides paid internships and also hires seasonal employees during the holidays. You can work in a restaurant or for its operations, technology, or marketing departments.

Should I Get a Part-Time Job?

There are many benefits of working a part-time job, including a more flexible schedule, better work-life balance, and of course some extra cash. Applying to a part-time job might be right for you if you are a student, balancing multiple life commitments, retired, or are looking to switch careers. 

If you fall under one of the following categories, then you should consider part-time work. 

You Are a Full-Time Student

Let’s face it, student loans aren’t going away anytime soon. That’s where a part-time job comes in. You can spend at least half of your free time on your studies and the other half working to pay for school. 

You Are Balancing Your Life

Part-time jobs are easier to manage for those who are juggling multiple life commitments, such as children. Moms and dads can spend more time at home when working part-time, especially if the position is remote. 

You Are Retired 

A part-time job is ideal if you are retired. You have earned your retirement, but perhaps you are looking for a way to keep busy as a retiree. It’s half the commitment of working full time and you can work in any field you wish, maybe even on the golf course. 

You can weigh many different options when looking for your new part-time job, including retail, restaurant work, hospitality, and more. 

You Want to Explore a New Career 

Perhaps you wish to start a new career, but you don’t know what industry might be best for you. Working part-time at first means you don’t have to fully commit right away and can make a smooth transition to full-time work when the time is right.

Where to Find a Part-Time Job

When looking for temporary employment, you should first turn to your school and your network as finding part-time jobs through referrals and word of mouth is common. Another excellent option is to visit online job boards. Below are some of the most popular sites for finding part-time jobs. 

Snagajob

This is a website for people looking for jobs that pay by the hour. You can explore options in customer service, logistics, retail, restaurants, and more. This is also a useful resource for career advice.

Monster Jobs

This is a popular place to find all kinds of jobs, including part-time employment. It also offers career advice and a salary tool so you can be sure you are earning a competitive wage. On Monster Jobs, you can find warehouse worker, cleaner, administrative assistant, driver, nurse, and sales associate job postings.

You can also create a professional profile on the website and use it to apply directly to the companies you’re interested in. Don’t forget to subscribe to job alerts to be notified of interesting openings.

Flexjobs

If you’re looking for remote, part-time work, Flexjobs is the place to go. The website is ideal if you want a job in customer service, IT, accounting and finance, or healthcare. You can also find postings for roles in marketing, social media, graphic design, and project management. 

Skills Required to Land Your First Part-Time Job

To land your first part-time job, you’ll need to showcase relevant skills during the application process and interview. Abilities that recruiters commonly look for in part-time workers include communication and clerical skills. We explore a few other key skills below.

Organization

Because you’ll be working odd hours, being organized will enhance your productivity and help you focus on your tasks and coordinate effectively with your team. Don’t shy away from mentioning organizational skills on your resume. During the interview, stress how you are able to balance different responsibilities, whether that is school, part-time employment, or volunteer work.

Prioritization

A skill that will help you excel in any part-time job is the ability to determine which tasks are most urgent. In fact, managers are looking for candidates who can spot important tasks and finish them first. 

If you don’t know how to prioritize, striking a healthy work-life balance will be difficult. During your job interview, it is likely that the hiring manager will ask you how you organize yourself to remain productive.

Time Management

Before hiring you, potential employers will try to find out if you are able to manage your time efficiently. Showing your employer that you are punctual and can finish your assignments on time will get you very far in your job. Effective time management techniques include waking up early, delegating tasks, knowing when to say “no”, and keeping meetings short.

Can a Coding Bootcamp Help Me Get a Part-Time Job?

Yes, a coding bootcamp can help you get a part-time job, particularly in IT, web development, or technical support. If you want to become a tech sales representative, there are bootcamps that offer classes that target this role. Bootcamps are also a good place to turn to for training if you want to gain the skills necessary to land a freelance design job.

Is a Part-Time Job for Me?

Part-time employment is ideal for anyone looking for extra income, whether you are a caregiver, a student, or a recent graduate. A part-time job is also a good idea if you’re a professional who is considering switching careers and wants to test the waters before fully committing. In addition, the best part-time jobs allow you to earn a sizable salary while learning new skills. 

Extra: What Are the Best Part-Time Jobs?

Job searching can be stressful and you might not know where to start. However, there are plenty of jobs that are offered for both part-time and full-time work. The best places to find part time jobs are job boards such as Glass Door or Indeed. 

You can also choose to peruse social media outlets such as LinkedIn. Additionally, you can use LinkedIn as a platform to reach out to hiring managers. Now that you know where to find them, below are some of the best part-time jobs on the market. 

Massage Therapist 

Massage therapists improve others’ lives by reducing stress, tension, and pain by using touch to manipulate the body’s muscles. There are many opportunities for a part-time masseuse. 

You can work in a spa, from home, or travel to other people’s homes to perform massages. You will also be able to build your own schedule. 

Fitness Instructor 

A fitness instructor leads, instructs, and motivates individual or group exercise activities. This is a great part-time job because there are many different avenues for you to pursue. You may choose to work in a gym, or even work from home by promoting your training on Instagram or YouTube.   

Personal Shopper

If you shop online all day for yourself without getting paid, you might want to consider a part-time position as a personal shopper. A personal shopper maintains an in-depth knowledge of stores and their products. 

You will work to develop a customer base and continuously deliver great shopping experiences. If asked, you will make recommendations based on your clients’ needs and wants. A high school diploma or GED is preferred to become a personal shopper, and the average hourly rate is $21.62. 

Delivery Driver

Take on this work opportunity from behind the wheel. In an age where you can order anything with the click of a button, there are many part-time jobs available as a delivery driver. The main duty of a delivery driver is to pick up orders and deliver them to their destination. 

Depending on your location, it may also involve planning routes to ensure efficient delivery. You will be required to have a valid driver’s license, and usually a clean driving record. The average salary for a delivery driver is $15.68 an hour. 

Bank Teller

A bank teller will greet customers and direct them to the correct department. They will also process deposits, withdrawals, and other banking transactions. To excel in this position, you will need to have basic math skills and will have to complete the training required by the bank to which you have applied. The average hourly wage for this position is $12.82.

Bookkeeper

As a bookkeeper, you will be responsible for balancing and maintaining ledgers and can build your own client base. Other tasks include organizing bank deposits and reporting financial results. 

A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a similar field is required. The average salary is $17.24 per hour. 

Freelancer

A freelancer sells a specific talent, skill, or product, and most importantly, they set their own schedule. There are freelancers in many areas, including designers, writers, consultants, and more. 

As a freelancer, you will be responsible for building and maintaining your own client base. The requirements and income of a freelancer vary based on your field and experience.

Warehouse Worker

Warehouse work might not have been the first thing to come to mind. A warehouse worker is responsible for replenishing stock and keeping the warehouse clean and organized. Job duties include organizing, retrieving, and maintaining inventory for shipments to and from a warehouse. 

Depending on the role, machine operation may be required. A high school diploma or equivalent may be required for this job, and you must be able to lift and move heavy items. The typical hourly wage for this position is $15.42 an hour.

Mail Carrier

Everybody loves receiving mail, but maybe you would enjoy delivering it as well. A mail carrier is responsible for delivering and retrieving mail or packages. As a mail carrier, you will follow specific routes to ensure consistency and timing. 

You will need a high school diploma or equivalent and will need to pass an exam. The average salary is $16.70 per hour.

Security Officer

Security officers are responsible for watching over a specific building or site. A security officer’s specific duties may include inspecting buildings, taking control of trespassers, watching security cameras, and reporting any security issues that may arise.

Requirements of a security officer include a high school diploma or equivalent and some businesses will require a clean background check. The average salary is $13.16 per hour for this position.

Tutor

You can be a tutor in any subject you choose. Job duties include asking students about topics they are struggling with and reviewing homework assignments and tests. A tutor will also be responsible for keeping the student’s guardians up to date on his or her progress. 

A tutor usually must pass a background check and drug test. The average salary is $24.40 per hour.

Receptionist

As a receptionist, you can work in many different settings. Typical responsibilities include answering phone calls and emails, making appointments, greeting clients, and entering data. The average hourly wage is $13.57. 

Conclusion: Find a Good Fit During Your Job Search

No matter what job you choose to apply for, you must find a good fit between you and your employer. Therefore, choose a part-time job that you have an interest in and where you could potentially see yourself growing in. 

While you may only be interested in part-time work right now, you never know where you will be in a few years, and you may want to work into a full-time role or up the company’s ladder. Also, ensure that you are looking at salary and schedule when choosing which part-time job you are interested in. Tailor your resume around the part-time job that you are applying to. Additionally, you can find more resume advice at Career Karma. 

Part-Time Jobs That Pay Well FAQ