List of Part-Time Jobs in the USA: Best Jobs & Salary

So, you want to pursue your American Dream by enrolling in one of the top universities in the USA, but at the same time, you are worried about how the entire expenditure of studying in the USA will create a massive dent in your pocket. 

Now, if that’s something bothering you, then don’t fret. Read through the entire article, and you will be well-versed in the ins and outs of – How to Sustain and Survive in the United States of America? and a list of part-time jobs in the USA that you can pursue as a student.

Overview of Part-Time Jobs in USA

To work in the USA, there are a few things that one needs to keep in mind. The requirements, the average salary, etc., are mentioned for you to get a gist of understanding:

Types of part-time jobs in the USA	OFF Campus / ON Campus
Requisites for working part-time jobs in the USA	Maintained F-1 status, OPT/CPT permission (from authorities) etc.
List of part-time jobs in the USA	Library monitor, Teaching assistant etc.
OPT/ CPT jobs	‘Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS is a mandate.
Advantage(s) of working under recognised international organisations in the USA:	You do not need such employment for your degree program. The amount and tenure of your work will not affect your 12-month post-completion OPT.
The average salary in the USA	The average salary that one can expect as an international student in the USA is a minimum wage of 7.25 USD per hour (600 INR).

Also Read: Guide to Find Jobs After Master’s in USA for Indians

Why Do You Need Part-Time Jobs in the USA?

As many of you may already know, America is not a budget-friendly country for international students. But, don’t let money come as a hurdle and put a halt to your American Dream! Because we at Leverage Edu are here to help you with just that!

Yes, America is undoubtedly not an inexpensive place for international students, but it is also true that the nation is full of lucrative work options and opportunities for students’ sustenance and survival. Thus, students can find both financial and personal growth. And, believe it or not, these odd jobs can be so monetarily rewarding that you’ll be amazed at how well they truly pay!

So much so that you will eventually be able to pay a portion of your expenses on your own. Apart from that, you also get your CV upgraded by adding invaluable experience to the table. This makes your candidature competitive when you apply for jobs after graduation or post-graduation.

Part-Time Jobs for International Students in the USA

The USA offers a multitude of options for international students to earn money. And these options primarily encompass an entire spectrum of Part-Time jobs. Have a look at the following table and decide for yourself. 

JOB	Pay  (average wage per hour)- USA
Library monitor	USD 13.24
Teaching Assistant	USD 11.95
Tour guide	USD 25.54
Peer tutor	USD 21.32
Academic department assistant	USD 22
Production assistant (universities)	USD 24
Campus tech support	USD 28
University bookstore assistant	USD 18.2
Cafe (Barista)	USD 11.59
Babysitter	USD 21.49
Sales job	USD 26.4
Research Assistant	USD 19.68

Now, one of the inherent differences between INDIA and the USA is that, back in our country, there are certain jobs that we may consider inferior and will not even think about doing them. Whereas, in America, it is not like that at all. There, every job is considered important and hence, treated with equal respect and not looked down upon. 

This mentality encourages students who are studying in the States to work even the oddest of jobs without any ‘shilly-shallying’ or hesitation. To help you decide on your desired job, we at Leverage Edu have curated and shortlisted some of the highest-paying Part-time jobs in the USA so that you don’t have to look further. 

Visa Requirements for Part-time Jobs in USA

Before you get elated looking at the multitude of job opportunities in the States, there is one thing that you need to be very clear about. That is, if you are an international student, you will need to have a non-immigrant student visa, also known as the F-1 visa to work in the United States. There are certain guidelines issued by the body known as USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Service) that one needs to adhere to work in the United States. 

I know it may seem like a bummer at first, but trust me, once you are eligible enough to work in the States, your patience and hard work will surely be rewarded accordingly. 

Types of Part-Time Jobs for International Students in the USA

Coming to part-time jobs in the USA, there are two types: on-campus and off-campus jobs. Let’s have a look at both types.

On-Campus Jobs

One significant advantage for international students working ‘on-campus’ jobs in the United States is that such jobs do not require approval from the USCIS and are even free from their regulations and guidelines.

Depending on how well their F-1 status is maintained, students can work on campus in the United States. However, this may not be true for every institution in the USA. Certain institutions in the states do not allow  even F-1 students to work part-time jobs on campus unless they are approved by the ‘International Student Office.’

Such job opportunities do have their limitations. For instance: 

1. Such jobs are typically underpaid. One cannot rely on them to relieve their financial burden. 
2. These are usually unrelated to academics.

Must Read: Part-Time Jobs While Studying Abroad

Do’s and Don’ts for Working On-Campus Jobs in the USA

Each and every thing has its own pros and cons. Having said that, working on campus also has its own do’s and don’ts. Let’s have a look at them below:

• It is a must to work within the institution’s boundaries. 
• Also, you must work for the concerned institution only.
• Moreover, you get to work for on-campus firms (that predominantly provide services to students), such as bookstores or cafes. 
• Note that you cannot work with firms that do not provide direct student services. 
• One must work with firms having prior academic affiliation with the concerned institution, and the job must be related to academics in one way or another other 
• You will have to seek permission from the International Student Office prior to applying for any part-time job in the USA. 

Criteria for Working On-Campus Jobs in the USA

So, what will you need to do on-campus part-time jobs in the USA, you may ask? There are certain criteria that must be met when it comes to on-campus jobs in the USA. 

• One must maintain a valid F-1 status (non-immigrant student visa). 
• One can only work up to 20 hours per week. 
• One can work full-time on campus during holidays and vacations. 
• One must not take a job away from a U.S. citizen. 

On-Campus Job Options

International students in the USA can work part-time on campus in roles like library assistant, research aide, teaching assistant, or administrative support, helping them gain experience and earn while studying. Here are some of the on-campus job options with their average salary: 

On campus- (list of jobs)	Average salary per hour (USD)
Teaching assistant	USD 11.95
Research assistant	USD 19.68
Library assistant	USD 13.24
Peer tutor	USD 21.32
Department Assistant	USD 17.72
Catering assistant and food runner	USD 16.17
Campus Ambassador	USD 15.6
Campus tech support	USD 28

Must Read: Part-Time Jobs for College Students

Off-Campus Jobs

Such jobs encompass all the activities that do not have a direct correlation with an institution/university. The term ‘Off-campus’ jobs in the USA is an umbrella term that encapsulates a broad array of jobs. These can be segregated into different categories, such as: 

1. Optional Practical Training (OPT)

• Students with F-1 status can work OPT jobs both during and after completing their degree. 
• In order to partake in OPT jobs, students are required to procure the ‘Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) from USCIS. 
• One can work in the OPT jobs once they’ve been enrolled in an institution for at least 9 months. 
• Such jobs include: Paid internships

2. Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Say that you are an international student in the USA looking for jobs that involve certain practical training. If that’s the case, then CPT jobs are ideal for you. That being said, in order to apply for such jobs, one must: 

• Work experience in the concerned field. 
• Be authorised by the concerned institution’s ‘International Student Office’ 
• Be notified by the USCIS ( U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service)

Criteria to Work Off-Campus Jobs in the USA

International students must hold a valid F-1 visa status and get authorisation from their Designated School Official (DSO) before working off-campus. They can apply for programs like CPT or OPT, which allow employment related to their field of study.

In order to partake in off-campus jobs in the USA, you’ll need to:-

1. Make sure that your F-1 status is valid and maintained.
2. Procure with the requisite work authorisation (OPT/CPT) 
3. Make sure that you apply for jobs that are either related to your field of study or are integrated into your curriculum.
4. Provide evidence regarding your severe economic hardships. 
5. Provide legitimate reasons for working off-campus jobs. 
6. Apply for an “employment authorisation document” (EAD). This can be done with the help of the  ‘International Student Office’.

Severe Economic Hardship

If you are someone facing economic hardship in the States, then you are allowed to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week (during sessions). One can even work full-time during their breaks. To be eligible under “severe economic hardship”, a student must:

• Maintain his/her F-1 status for at least one academic year. 
• Have credible academic scores. 
• Provide credible information about his/her monetary hardship. 
• Come up with information indicating the dearth of payment received from on-campus jobs. 

Now, if you are someone who is not able to sustain yourself in the USA due to some unforeseen circumstance, even in such a case, you can apply for these jobs. These circumstances may include: 

• Fluctuating value of currency/exchange rate. 
• Substantial increment in the tuition/living costs. 
• Students’ source of support is/are not able to procure the required amount of money for their sustenance.
• Medical emergency

List of Online Jobs Available in the USA

Students and professionals can explore various online jobs such as content writing, graphic design, virtual assistance, data entry, tutoring, and digital marketing, allowing flexible work hours and the ability to earn remotely. Here are some of the online jobs available in the USA:

• Graphic Designer
• Online Tutor
• Content Writer
• Coder
• Translator
• Blogger
• Data Entry Agent
• Web Developer
• Social Media Management

Now, consider this scenario: You are an international student with prior job offers and scholarships, and that too from some of the listed organisations (that are on the Official State Department list) in the United States. In such a case, what you can do is simply apply to work for such international organisations that are renowned throughout the globe. 

Organisations Offering Off-Campus Part-time Jobs in USA:

• Red Cross
• African and Asian Development Banks
• The World Health Organisation
• The World Trade Organisation

Criteria For Working Under International Organisations in the USA:

• Must have some prior work experience (internship) in the States with any of the ‘recognised international organisations’. 
• The work must be related to the student’s field of study. 
• The work must come under the organisation’s sponsorship. 
• Students must have credible academic scores. 
• The student must have a well-maintained and valid F-1 status. 
• The work must come under the sponsorship of the concerned organisation. 

Advantages of Working Under Recognised International Organisations in the USA

Compared to your CPT and OPT jobs in the States, working under some of the recognised international organisations can prove to be beneficial for some students. Such as:

• You do not need such employment for your degree program. 
• The amount and tenure of your work will not affect your 12-month post-completion OPT. 

The Average Salary of Part-time Jobs in the USA 

Okay, so international students with a maintained F-1 visa status may work up to 20 hours a week. The average salary that one can expect as an international student in the USA is a minimum wage of 7.25 USD per hour (600 INR). Obviously, the salary is not fixed and can even go up to 15 USD per hour. 

Job Titel	Average Wage Per Hour (USD)
Campus Ambassador	USD 15.6
Barista	USD 11.59
Teaching Assistant	USD 11.95
Library assistant	USD 13.24
Receptionist	USD 15.43
Research study assistant	USD 19.68
Department Assistant	USD 17.72
Food runner/catering assistant	USD 16.17
Sales assistant	USD 18.00
Tutor/Peer mentor	USD 21.32

Also Read: Jobs in USA for Indians

As an international student, it can be tough for you to find decent-paying part-time jobs. But, don’t let that dishearten you because we at ‘Leverage Edu’ have come up with our own curated list of resources from which you can find your dream part-time job. 

FAQs

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With that being said, the USA is a fantastic destination for pursuing education, be it UG or PG, which can open a plethora of different options and opportunities for you to explore further. As for sustainability, one can find a multitude of job opportunities in the United States. Such jobs are enough to pay one’s bills, be it academic or lifestyle. Don’t forget to contact Leverage Edu for further assistance.