Wednesday Feb 12th, 2025
College students have to pay for a lot, from smaller costs like books and software to major expenses such as transportation and tuition. Heck, everyone needs a little fun money, too.
However, finding the best part-time job for a college student can be tough, especially one that is flexible and pays decently. If you’re looking for an opportunity that’ll allow you to focus on your studies while also putting a few bucks in your pocket, this article will help.
ATTENTION:
Gem City Cleaning Solutions is currently hiring cleaners in Erie, PA!
Finding a Work-Life Balance in College
According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, 40 percent of full-time college students and 74 percent of part-time students have jobs. Being employed can help students pay for classes and living expenses, develop skills, and provide networking opportunities. In fact, a job is even associated with better academic performance when the hours are appropriate.
A study from Westminster found that the academic performance (greater hours studied and higher grades) of students who worked 10 to 19 hours per week was superior to all other students, working and non-working. Therefore, it’s critical that you find an employer that is willing to let you work a maximum of 20 hours a week. Any more hours than that, and your grades will likely suffer. To decide the right number of hours for you, you’ll want to consider your current academic workload, time management skills, and personal priorities.
1. Cleaner
Job flexibility is critical for college students. It’s one reason why becoming a part-time home or office cleaner can be the perfect option. Flexible hours allow college students to juggle full course loads, engage in extracurricular activities, and still participate in social activities.
Home cleaning companies frequently allow workers to select shifts that fit around class schedules and study sessions, making it much easier to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Depending on experience, home cleaners make between $9.64 and $23.37 an hour. However, clients often leave tips when the job is well done! Depending on the cleaning company you work for, you may also get reimbursed for mileage and oil changes!
2. Brand Ambassador/Influencer
A staggering 57 percent of Gen Zs want to be social media influencers. The allure of this job is understandable: You’re probably on social media already, there is a certain cachet to the job, and a couple of posts could earn you a few hundred dollars!
However, the income is highly unstable as you often get paid by the post. Moreover, the payment per post fluctuates greatly based on follower count, engagement rates, content type, and brand relationship. Plus, it can take months, if not years, to get your follower count to where brands want it to be—and that build-up is all unpaid work.
3. Freelance Blogger
Businesses need content. Depending on the topic, length, and writer’s skill level, freelance bloggers can make between $50 to $600 per blog post. It should be noted that modern blog posts are lengthy, around 800 to 1000 words. Further, most writers will start at around $50 per post. You can increase the price significantly if you have search engine optimization (SEO) and web development experience.
4. Social Media Assistant
Many businesses know they need a social presence but don’t have the time, skill, or desire to post. In fact, 93 percent of businesses in the U.S. face at least one social media challenge. This provides a major opportunity for social media-savvy people to have a job with a relatively flexible schedule. Depending on experience, this role has a wide range of hourly pay, anywhere from $8.92 to $36.39.
5. Dog Walker/Pet Sitter
One in five pet parents has hired a dog walker. Considering there are a whopping 65.1 million households that own at least one dog in the United States, there’s a good chance you know someone who is in need of a dog walker. In Pennsylvania, a dog walker typically makes about $11.60 an hour.
6. Nanny/Babysitter
If you have experience taking care of little ones, babysitting could be an ideal job for you. Most times, babysitters are needed in the evenings, which frees up your daily class schedule. If you have more hours to spare, consider being a nanny with a regular weekly schedule. Your schedule will be more structured, possibly with many more hours, but you can work with the parent(s) or guardians to establish a mutually agreeable schedule.
7. Restaurant Server
Serving is one of the most classic college jobs a student can have. Oftentimes, the hours are flexible, and shifts often start after classes are done. Just make sure the late-night hours don’t affect your studies!
The most significant benefit of being a server is the potential tips you can make. However, that benefit is also a gamble when you’re only making $2.13 an hour. Ensure you have a good pulse on the restaurant you’re working at to increase the likelihood of coming home with cash in hand.
Join Our Team
Gem City Cleaning Solutions is currently hiring part-time cleaners. We offer flexible scheduling, competitive pay, and mileage reimbursement. Reach out today or visit our application page to learn more!