Top 20 Part-Time Jobs in USA for International Students

When studying abroad, many international students rely on part-time jobs to offset the cost of their studies. As an international student, you may wonder whether or not you can work while studying in the USA, and the answer is YES (upon government permit or approval).

Part-time work in the USA only requires you to work some evenings and weekends, while others offer more flexibility or allow you to build your schedule entirely. Keep reading to explore your part-time work options and consider ten excellent jobs for students in the United States!

1. Campus Ambassador ($12.4 per hour)

Campus ambassadors are in charge of promoting the university and showing prospective students why they should apply. This is a great job for someone who likes interacting with new people and working in a team.

You may also be asked to give guided tours of the university campus on open days, sharing your own knowledge and other interesting facts about the university.

2. Barista ($12.97 per hour)

If your university has an on-campus cafe, this can be a great place to work. Not only will you benefit from discounted (or even free!) coffee, but it is also a great place to meet new people.

You can expect your days to be fast-paced, and involve making hot and cold drinks, serving customers and working as a cashier.

3. Teaching Assistant ($13.94 per hour)

An on-campus teaching assistant is expected to supervise classroom activities and work closely with any students who are struggling.

If you already have some experience in the field, you may be able to work as a higher-level teaching assistant, leading classes on your own and marking students’ work.

4. Library Assistant ($14.06 per hour)

Working as a library assistant is a varied job, perfect for those hoping to study and work in the USA simultaneously. You will be responsible for shelving books, helping customers find books and other materials and making recommendations of useful books.

You will also be expected to provide administrative support to the librarians, and help to organise any events at the library during term time.

5. Receptionist ($15.48 per hour)

The duties of a university receptionist might include general office support and administration, customer service and communicating with students and staff via phone and emails.

It is a good idea to check with your careers service where to look on-campus for part-time reception work, as larger departments, student unions and other key buildings may all have openings for receptionists.

6. Research Study Assistant ($16.14 per hour)

A research study assistant is one of the most well paid part-time jobs for international students on-campus. What the job entails will depend on which department you work for, but expect to work on various projects, carry out research, maintain lab equipment and collate results.

You will need to demonstrate excellent organisational skills to find work as a research study assistant. On top of this, great interpersonal skills and a genuine enthusiasm for the research is also beneficial.

7. Department Assistant ($16.44 per hour)

A department assistant is one of the best on-campus jobs in the USA for international students, and you will gain lots of transferable skills for your CV.

You will be responsible for providing administrative and secretarial support for a department, handling departmental matters as well providing support to specific teams or projects.

To successfully apply for a department assistant job you will need to be computer literate, and you should also be able to demonstrate good teamwork, problem-solving and communication skills.

8. Food Runner or Catering Assistant ($16.74 per hour)

Alternatively, suppose your university has cafes, restaurants or other dining facilities on-site that offer food to eat-in. In that case, you may be able to find work as a front-of-house assistant or runner.

A job in hospitality is one of the most flexible positions you can have in terms of the hours you work, which makes it ideal for international students studying and working in the USA.

9. Sales Assistant ($17.35 per hour)

If your university has a mini supermarket or corner shop on-campus, this is another great way to make some money alongside your studies.

In addition, many universities also have shops selling branded clothing and merchandise, another good source of part-time work as an international student.

10. Tutor or Peer Mentor ($23.94 per hour)

If you don’t fancy becoming a teaching assistant, but would like to do something along the same lines, tutoring or peer mentoring is a great job for international students working in the USA.

The role involves helping fellow students with their course content, reading or assignments as needed. This job is particularly well-matched to international students, who can often provide mentees with a different perspective or way of learning.