Finding a part-time job in the U.S. can be an excellent way for students and expats to earn money while gaining experience.
Whether you’re looking for flexible hours or entry-level positions, plenty of opportunities are available.
This guide will walk you through the steps to apply for part-time jobs that fit your needs and schedule.
Types of Part-Time Jobs for Students and Expats
When applying for part-time jobs in the U.S., students and expats can explore a variety of roles that cater to different skills and schedules.
Here are some common types of part-time jobs to consider:
- On-campus Jobs (for students): Library assistant, research assistant, campus event staff, or food service worker.
- Off-Campus Jobs: Retail, hospitality roles (waitstaff, barista), customer service, and tutoring.
- Freelancing and Gig Economy Jobs: Freelance writing, graphic design, web development, or driving for services like Uber or Lyft.
- Internships or Volunteer Opportunities: Internships related to your field of study or volunteer work that can provide valuable experience.
- Tutoring or Teaching Assistant: Help fellow students with academic subjects, languages, or test preparation.
- Online Jobs: Virtual assistant, online survey taker, or content creator for YouTube or social media.
- Delivery Jobs: Food or package delivery with services like DoorDash, Instacart, or Amazon Flex.
- Seasonal Jobs: Retail positions during the holiday or summer job opportunities in the tourism and entertainment industries.
Where to Find Part-Time Jobs
To land a part-time job in the U.S., you must know where to look.
Whether you’re searching online or networking in person, there are multiple places to find job openings that fit your needs.
Here’s where you can start your search:
- Job Search Platforms: Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, and RemoteJobsFinder list thousands of part-time opportunities.
- College/University Career Services: Search on-campus job boards or your school’s career center for student-specific part-time roles.
- Employer Websites: Directly visit company websites and check their “Careers” page for available part-time positions.
- Social Media and Networking: Join LinkedIn groups or Facebook job groups or connect with people in your network to learn about job openings.
- Local Job Fairs and Networking Events: Many cities and universities host job fairs or networking events where you can meet employers face-to-face.
- Community Bulletin Boards: Check community centers, coffee shops, or local stores for job postings and flyers.
- Gig Platforms: Websites and apps like Upwork, Fiverr, TaskRabbit, and Rover offer various freelance and part-time job options.
Requirements for Part-Time Jobs in the USA
Certain requirements must be met when applying for part-time jobs in the U.S., depending on your status and the job type.
Here are the key requirements to keep in mind:
- Work Permit or Visa: Expats need a valid work visa or permit, such as an F-1 (for students) or H-2B (for temporary workers).
- Social Security Number (SSN): You’ll need an SSN to be legally employed and for tax reporting.
- Identification Documents: You need a government-issued ID (like a passport or driver’s license) to prove your identity.
- Proof of Enrollment (for Students): For certain job types, full-time students need to show proof of enrollment in a recognized educational institution.
- Bank Account: Employers typically require a U.S. bank account for direct deposit of wages.
- Minimum Age Requirements: In most states, you must be at least 16 years old, though some roles may require you to be 18.
- Work Experience or Skills: Certain jobs may require prior experience or specific skills (e.g., customer service, cashiering, or technical skills).
- Availability and Flexibility: Employers may ask for your availability and flexibility, particularly for evening, weekend, or holiday shifts.
Job Interview Tips
Preparing for a job interview is crucial to making a great impression and securing a part-time job.
Here are some essential tips to help you succeed in your interview:
- Research the Company: Understand the company’s values and the role you’re applying for.
- Dress Professionally: Wear appropriate attire, even for casual jobs.
- Practice Common Questions: Prepare answers for questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “Why this job?”
- Be Punctual: Arrive 10-15 minutes early to show reliability.
- Stay Positive and Confident: Speak, maintain good posture, and focus on your strengths.
Employee Benefits
When considering a part-time job, it’s important to know the benefits that may come with it.
While part-time roles often offer fewer perks than full-time positions, some companies provide valuable benefits. Here’s a list of common ones:
- Flexible Work Hours: Ability to choose shifts that fit around school or personal commitments.
- Employee Discounts: Discounts on company products or services (common in retail and food industries).
- Health Benefits: Some part-time jobs offer limited health coverage or options to purchase benefits at a reduced rate.
- Paid Time Off (PTO): Paid vacation or sick days for employees who work a certain number of hours.
- Retirement Plans: 401(k) or other retirement saving plans, sometimes with employer matching (especially in larger companies).
- Career Development Opportunities: Access to training, workshops, or mentorship programs for growth within the company.
- Performance Bonuses: Financial bonuses based on performance, sales targets, or completing specific goals.
- Commuter Benefits: Subsidies or reimbursements for transportation costs, such as bus passes or parking.
Salary Expectations
When applying for part-time jobs, it’s important to have an idea of the salary you can expect.
Here’s an overview of typical salary ranges for various part-time roles in the U.S.:
On-Campus Jobs (for students):
- Library assistant: $12–$15 per hour
- Research assistant: $15–$20 per hour
- Campus event staff: $12–$18 per hour
- Food service worker: $10–$15 per hour (tips may increase earnings)
Off-Campus Jobs:
- Retail positions: $11–$15 per hour
- Hospitality roles (waitstaff, barista): $10–$20 per hour (tips included)
- Customer service: $12–$18 per hour
- Tutoring: $15–$30 per hour (depends on subject and expertise)
Freelancing and Gig Economy Jobs:
- Freelance writing: $15–$50 per hour (depending on experience)
- Graphic design: $20–$60 per hour
- Web development: $25–$75 per hour
- Uber/Lyft driver: $10–$25 per hour (varies by location and tips)
Internships or Volunteer Opportunities:
- Internships: $10–$20 per hour (may vary by industry and location)
- Volunteer opportunities: Typically unpaid, but can offer valuable experience and networking opportunities
Tutoring or Teaching Assistant:
- Peer tutoring: $15–$25 per hour
- Teaching assistant: $12–$20 per hour
Online Jobs:
- Virtual assistant: $15–$30 per hour
- Online survey taker: $2–$5 per survey (less predictable)
- Content creator (YouTube, social media): Earnings vary widely (based on views, followers, and sponsorships)
Delivery Jobs:
- Food delivery (DoorDash, UberEats, etc.): $10–$20 per hour (varies by location and tips)
- Package delivery (Amazon Flex): $18–$25 per hour
Seasonal Jobs:
- Retail positions: $12–$15 per hour
- Summer tourism/entertainment jobs: $10–$20 per hour (may include tips or bonuses)
These approximate salary ranges can vary based on location, industry, and experience level.
To Conclude
Finding the right part-time job in the U.S. can be a rewarding experience, offering flexibility and valuable work opportunities.
Knowing where to look, understanding the requirements, and preparing your resume and interview skills can increase your chances of success.
Start applying today and take the first step toward balancing work and personal goals!
