When you’re in college, checking your bank account balance can be rough. Hence, the trifecta diet of Top Ramen, mac ‘n’ cheese packets and two-for-one pizza deals. But when you’ve got a full schedule of classes, studying and — real talk — memory-making, having a full-time job isn’t necessarily feasible which is why it can be difficult to find good jobs for college students. What strapped college students need is a part-time gig that’s both flexible and pays well.
While the list of part-time jobs spans far and wide, gigs that work with the specific demands of students’ individual schedules and needs are a little more narrow. For instance, some students want to earn a little spending money in between classes while others need night and weekend gigs that will help account for spending money and textbooks and food.
Whether you’re after a job where you’re solely responsible for making your own hours or something with a little structure, check out this list of popular part-time jobs for college students, along with the current national average hourly pay rates for those jobs in 16 U.S. states with the most colleges and students, too. Here’s how to make money as a college student.
Highest-paying jobs for college students across the nation, based on posted rates
Check it out. Here are the national average posted pay rates for some of the best paying jobs for college students, starting with the highest paying jobs.
- Tutoring: $24.29/hr.
- Housekeeping: $21.07/hr.
- Senior care: $20.43/hr.
- Pet care: $17.71/hr.
- Babysitting: $17.68/hr.
- Food delivery driver: $17.62/hr.
- Retail worker: $14.03/hr.
- Cashier: $13.11/hr.
- Restaurant server: $12.49/hr.
- Host/hostess: $12.35/hr.
Want to learn a little more? Here’s a breakdown of the benefits of each of these high paying jobs for college students.
#1 – Tutoring
National average posted rate: $24.29/hour
To say tutoring is a good side hustle for a college student is an understatement. In addition to it being one of the most flexible gigs out there (you set your own hours), it pays well. In fact, based on national data, tutoring has the most earning potential among the 10 top jobs for college students. That said, your tutoring rate will vary by your experience and the subject you’re helping with, among other things.
“I’ve met and connected with so many other students through tutoring,” says Emily Marinucci, a college student and tutor in New Brunswick, New Jersey. “And in addition to it being a flexible way to make money, tutoring has helped reinforce and retain the information for myself. It’s also a good way to network with professors since they all know me through helping other students.”
“In addition to it being a flexible way to make money, tutoring has helped reinforce and retain the information for myself.”
— EMILY MARINUCCI, COLLEGE STUDENT AND TUTOR
#2 – Housekeeping
National average posted rate: $21.07/hour
Got a knack for tidying? A compulsive itch to organize? Then a housekeeping gig, which is also wildly flexible — and can earn you some serious coin — could be a good side hustle for you. And if you like the self-imposed scheduling aspect of housekeeping, but not so much the cleaning, keep in mind there are tons of odd jobs for which people are looking for help.
#3 – Senior care
National average posted rate: $20.43/hour
If you’re looking for a rewarding role outside of school hours, consider pursuing a senior caregiving job. There are lots of “hands-off care” job options for seniors who are living at home and don’t require medical attention but simply need help in their everyday lives. Many families are hiring for senior care help with transportation for errands and appointments, assistance with meal prep, basic companionship and more.
#4 – Pet care
National average posted rate: $17.71/hour
There are a number of factors that contribute to how much you’ll make as a dog walker or pet sitter (such as how often you work and how many four-legged clients you have), but caring for pets is a great gig for college students on the hunt for a flexible job. Whether you walk a few pups in between classes or take care of your traveling neighbors’ cats in the evening, pet care can put extra cash in your pocket while working with your schedule.
“I am primarily a pet sitter, and it has been very beneficial for my mental health during college,” says Jamie Brewton, college student and pet caregiver. “Dog sitting has been a great way for me to relax between homework and research. Dog walking takes me out of the house and keeps me active, even if it’s only 20 minutes a day.” Even better, Brewton adds, “It also makes me feel like I have family here even though home is across the country.”
“Dog sitting has been a great way for me to relax between homework and research. Dog walking takes me out of the house and keeps me active, even if it’s only 20 minutes a day.”
— JAMIE BREWTON, COLLEGE STUDENT AND PET CAREGIVER
#5 – Babysitting
National average posted rate: $17.68/hour
As far as part-time college jobs go, it doesn’t get much better than babysitting. In addition to getting to hang out with adorable small humans, babysitting gigs are always available during non-class hours; and depending on your experience and what the job entails, they can be seriously lucrative.
“Babysitting is the perfect side-gig for me as a college student because people usually need sitters in the evening or on weekends, which are usually the only times I don’t have class,” says Josie Powell, a college student and babysitter in the Bay Area. “I’ve been consistently babysitting for one family throughout college, and it’s nice because they’re very flexible and understanding when school obligations come up, and I’ve also been able to really bond with the kids and watch them grow.” She adds, “Living in the Bay Area is expensive, but I’ve been lucky to be connected with families who are able to pay me well. That consistent extra income makes a big difference in my financial stability.”
“Living in the Bay Area is expensive, but I’ve been lucky to be connected with families who are able to pay me well. That consistent extra income makes a big difference in my financial stability.”
— JOSIE POWELL, COLLEGE STUDENT AND BABYSITTER
#6 – Food delivery driver
National average: $17.62/hour
Wherever there’s a college, there’s a need for food delivery drivers. While less flexible than tutoring or housekeeping, a gig as a food delivery driver — either through a restaurant or third party, such as UberEats or DoorDash — will earn you an hourly rate, as well as tips. (Though don’t forget to factor in gas and vehicle expenses!)
#7 – Retail worker
National average: $14.03/hour
If you’re looking for something a little more low-key — i.e., a job where someone tells you when to show up and what to do — a retail job is a good option. Some retail stores offer employee discounts, too, which can be pretty great when you need new sneakers.
#8 – Cashier
National average: $13.11/hour
Whether you work at a grocery store or the local Target, a gig as a cashier can be a great way to ring up a little extra cash. You might eat out less often, too, since it’s so easy to grab groceries on the way out the door at the end of your shift.
#9 – Restaurant server
National average: $12.49/hour
Another profitable part-time gig for college students? Waiting tables. If you’re friendly and good at turning tables, the tips can add up nicely for you too.
“Being a server is a great way to make a lot of money in a short amount of time. Hours are typically flexible, and you can make a lot of money working only two or three shifts a week,” says Celia Strumph, college student and restaurant server in New York. “What makes waitressing so great, especially in a big city, is the tips. My hourly wage plus tips in NYC usually comes to about $30 an hour, which is a lot of money compared to a lot of other flexible, entry-level jobs. Also, you usually get a free meal with each shift, which is always a great bonus.” “On top of the financial benefits,” Strumph adds, “working in restaurants is a great way to meet people around the same age, as my coworkers have typically been young as well.”
“Being a server is a great way to make a lot of money in a short amount of time. Hours are typically flexible, and you can make a lot of money working only two or three shifts a week.”
— CELIA STRUMPH, COLLEGE STUDENT AND RESTAURANT SERVER
#10 – Host/hostess
National average: $12.35/hour
Every college town has their share of restaurants and bars, so generally speaking, jobs at such establishments are pretty pervasive. Anyone looking for a part-time job at a restaurant that involves interacting with people, but not necessarily balancing trays of food and drinks, should consider becoming a host or hostess.
Highest-paying jobs for college students by state
Knowing the national hourly rates can be helpful in determining which jobs generally pay more than others, but it doesn’t tell you what you can earn in your own state. Check out the going rates for the highest-paying jobs for college students in these 16 college- and student-saturated states in the U.S.
1. California
- Tutoring: $25.81/hr
- Housekeeping: $22.23/hr
- Senior care: $22.81/hr
- Babysitting: $20.62/h
- Pet care: $20.01/hr
- Food delivery driver: $17.34/hr
- Retail worker: $14.73/hr
- Host/hostess: $14.62/hr
- Restaurant server: $14.55/hr
- Cashier: $14.39/hr
2. Colorado
- Tutoring: $25.37/hr
- Senior care: $23.39/hr
- Housekeeping: $22.58/hr
- Babysitting: $19.43/hr
- Pet care: $19.06/hr
- Food delivery driver: $14.59/hr
- Retail worker: $14.44/hr
- Cashier: $14.11/hr
- Host/hostess: $13.90/hr
- Restaurant server: $13.16/hr
3. Florida
- Tutoring: $23.31/hr
- Housekeeping: $19.96/hr
- Senior care: $19.22/hr
- Babysitting: $16.73/hr
- Pet care: $15.93/hr
- Retail worker: $13.46/hr
- Food delivery driver: $11.33/hr
- Cashier: $11.04/hr
- Host/hostess: $11.01/hr
- Restaurant server: $10.72/hr
4. Georgia
- Tutoring: $22.63/hr
- Housekeeping: $19.41/hr
- Senior care: $18.70/hr
- Babysitting: $16.27/hr
- Pet care: $15.79/hr
- Retail worker: $11.53/hr
- Cashier: $10.72/hr
- Host/hostess: $9.35/hr
- Food delivery driver: $9.15/hr
- Restaurant server: $8.90/hr
5. Illinois
- Tutoring: $24.56/hr
- Housekeeping: $21.12/hr
- Senior care: $21.02/hr
- Pet care: $18.35/hr
- Babysitting: $17.78/hr
- Retail worker: $13.79/hr
- Cashier: $13.00/hr
- Host/hostess: $12.47/hr
- Food delivery driver: $11.67/hr
- Restaurant server: $11.00/hr
6. Massachusetts
- Tutoring: $28.69/hr
- Senior care: $23.18/hr
- Housekeeping: $22.84/hr
- Babysitting: $20.68/hr
- Pet care: $20.32/hr
- Restaurant server: $16.27/hr
- Food delivery driver: $15.33/hr
- Retail worker: $14.72/hr
- Cashier: $14.33/hr
- Host/hostess: $13.90/hr
7. Minnesota
- Tutoring: $23.96/hr
- Senior care: $23.04/hr
- Babysitting: $17.44/hr
- Housekeeping: $17.44/hr
- Pet care: $16.81/hr
- Retail worker: $14.10/hr
- Food delivery driver: $13.73/hr
- Cashier: $13.60/hr
- Host/hostess: $12.44/hr
- Restaurant server: $12.46/hr
8. Missouri
- Tutoring: $21.54/hr
- Housekeeping: $19.75/hr
- Senior care: $19.48/hr
- Babysitting: $16.01/hr
- Pet care: $15.27/hr
- Food delivery driver: $13.73/hr
- Retail worker: $13.14/hr
- Cashier: $11.21/hr
- Host/hostess: $11.17/hr
- Restaurant server: $10.86/hr
9. New York
- Tutoring: $27.66/hr
- Senior care: $21.53/hr
- Housekeeping: $21.41/hr
- Babysitting: $19.24/hr
- Pet care: $19.02/hr
- Retail worker: $14.72/hr
- Restaurant server: $14.54/hr
- Food delivery driver: $14.54/hr
- Host/hostess: $14.25/hr
- Cashier: $14.08/hr
10. North Carolina
- Tutoring: $22.16/hr
- Housekeeping: $19.45/hr
- Senior care: $17.91/hr
- Babysitting: $16.30/hr
- Pet care: $15.62/hr
- Retail worker: $12.82/hr
- Food delivery driver: $11.17/hr
- Cashier: $10.90/hr
- Host/hostess: $9.54/hr
- Restaurant server: $8.88/hr
11. Ohio
- Tutoring: $21.66/hr
- Housekeeping: $19.76/hr
- Senior care: $19.23/hr
- Babysitting: $15.60/hr
- Pet care: $15.38/hr
- Retail worker: $12.99/hr
- Food delivery driver: $11.62/hr
- Cashier: $10.96/hr
- Host/hostess: $10.59/hr
- Restaurant server: $9.87/hr
12. Pennsylvania
- Tutoring: $22.55/hr
- Housekeeping: $20.20/hr
- Senior care: $19.79/hr
- Babysitting: $16.76/hr
- Pet care: $15.52/hr
- Retail worker: $13.17/hr
- Restaurant server: $11.39/hr
- Food delivery driver: $11.14/hr
- Cashier: $11.02/hr
- Host/hostess: $10.94/hr
13. Tennessee
- Tutoring: $21.64/hr
- Housekeeping: $19.56/hr
- Senior care: $17.96/hr
- Babysitting: $16.38/hr
- Pet care: $15.70/hr
- Retail worker: $12.45/hr
- Food delivery driver: $11.33/hr
- Cashier: $10.93/hr
- Host/hostess: $10.69/hr
- Restaurant server: $8.77/hr
14. Texas
- Tutoring: $22.62/hr
- Housekeeping: $19.33/hr
- Senior care: $18.00/hr
- Babysitting: $16.47/hr
- Pet care: $15.46/hr
- Food delivery driver: $14.08/hr
- Retail worker: $13.04/hr
- Cashier: $11.04/hr
- Host/hostess: $10.65/hr
- Restaurant server: $10.04/hr
15. Virginia
- Tutoring: $23.76/hr
- Housekeeping: $20.09/hr
- Senior care: $19.15/hr
- Babysitting: $17.36/hr
- Pet care: $16.41/hr
- Retail worker: $13.61/hr
- Food delivery driver: $11.89/hr
- Restaurant server: $11.51/hr
- Host/hostess: $11.18/hr
- Cashier: $11.16/hr
16. Washington
- Tutoring: $26.15/hr
- Senior care: $24.93/hr
- Housekeeping: $23.12/hr
- Babysitting: $20.44/hr
- Pet care: $20.22/hr
- Restaurant server: $17.61/hr
- Retail worker: $16.42/hr
- Host/hostess: $14.71/hr
- Cashier: $14.66/hr
- Food delivery driver: $14.59/hr
Methodology:
The average posted hourly rates for babysitting, housekeeping, tutoring and pet care were compiled from Care.com member data. All of the average hourly rates for food delivery driver, hostess, waitress/server, retail worker and cashier were compiled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
