Top 18 jobs for students
Many college students know the struggle of balancing classes, homework, and extracurriculars all too well. While adding a part-time job to the mix may feel overwhelming, it’s a solid way to bring in extra cash and build work experience to boost your resume before you graduate.
The good news is that part-time student jobs are no longer limited to working at local shops and restaurants. Plenty of online jobs and freelancing opportunities allow you to work from home while setting your own schedule and building skills that will transfer to your chosen career path.
Throughout this article, we’ll explore the 18 best online jobs for earning extra money while you pursue anything from a bachelor’s degree to a Ph.D.
The video below takes a look at some of the best online jobs and side hustles for college students.
Top online jobs for students:
2. Online tutor
If you’re passionate about a subject or have advanced skills in a specific program like Photoshop, you can earn extra money by being an online tutor. Keep in mind that not all tutoring jobs involve working with children. Adult learners also often hire tutors to teach them anything from finance to website development. You can also sign up to be an English tutor to ESL learners on sites like Preply and Cambly, even if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree or any previous teaching experience.
As a student, online tutoring is a great way to reinforce what you’re learning. If you happen to be majoring in education, then online tutoring can be a beneficial introduction to working with students from grade school to high school. Online tutors work remotely, often over video calls, and can have flexible hours and schedules.
Skills needed:
Average pay: $20 to $40 per hour
Explore: Online tutoring jobs
3. Virtual assistant
Whether you have skills in marketing, data entry, finance, or customer service, you can put them to work as a virtual assistant. A client might hire an entry-level virtual assistant to handle anything from research and data entry to interacting with customers on Amazon or LinkedIn. Intermediate and expert-level virtual assistants might be needed to help with marketing campaigns, lead generation, analysis, or content writing.
Virtual assisting can be an excellent way to begin networking with professionals in your chosen industry before you graduate, while also getting in on the ground floor of your chosen career path. You can use your marketing, data entry, finance, or customer service skills to help clients while working from home. Virtual assisting roles can be part time and flexible or have a set schedule.
Skills needed:
Average pay: $18 to $35 per hour
Explore: Virtual assistant jobs
4. Freelance writer
Content writers enjoy a wide range of remote work opportunities, from YouTube and TikTok scripts to articles, sales copy, and blog posts. As a freelance writer you can choose to focus on a type of writing like copywriting or technical writing. Businesses in all different industries need writers to create short- and long-form content ranging from search engine optimization (SEO) articles to ads.
If you’re pursuing a major like English, journalism, or marketing, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to use your skills as a freelance writer. Freelance writing jobs also tend to offer a great deal of flexibility. As long as you meet your deadlines, you’re often free to complete projects on your own schedule.
Skills needed:
Average pay: $15 to $40 per hour
Explore: Freelance writing jobs
5. Transcriptionist
Transcriptionists turn audio recordings into written documents. Beginners might find transcription work that involves typing meeting minutes for a business or closed captioning subtitles for a media producer. If you’re a fast typer, you may be able to earn extra money by transcribing.
You could take an online course and earn a certificate to become a legal or medical transcriptionist to land higher-paying jobs. This can also be an excellent way to gain extra familiarity with a field you hope to enter after graduation. Transcription work is typically output-oriented, meaning you can typically work the hours that fit your schedule best as long as you meet deadlines. AI transcription tools can help increase your productivity.
Skills needed:
Average pay: $17 to $22 per hour
Explore: Transcription jobs
6. Graphic designer
Clients in nearly every industry depend on graphic designers for a wide range of needs from logos and promotional materials to print work and digital content creation. If you have a strong knowledge of Canva or Adobe Creative Suite tools like Photoshop and Illustrator, you can start a graphic design side hustle. As a graphic designer, you can work project to project or find long-term clients to create graphics for each week or month.
As a design major, taking on freelance projects while you’re still in school can help you work on your skills and build your portfolio. Graphic design can also be a creative outlet that earns you money outside your studies. You can gain real-world experience and build a solid list of professional network connections.
Skills needed:
Average pay: $15 to $35 per hour
Explore: Graphic design jobs
7. Web designer
Web design is a wide and varied industry packed with professionals who use tools ranging from Adobe Creative Suite to HTML5. Some are web developers specializing in UI/UX design or coding, while others use their skills to build WordPress pages or responsive websites. Nearly every business needs a website these days, putting web designers in high demand.
Taking on web design while still in school can be a helpful way to practice your skills and build your portfolio. Not to mention that class will get a lot more interesting when you can earn money from the skills you learn on a daily basis! If you’re skilled in web design, you should have no problem finding freelance jobs that will help you flex your skill set.
Skills needed:
Average pay: $15 to $30 per hour
Explore: Web designer jobs
8. Video editor
Clients in multiple industries are searching for video editors who can create anything from digital content to commercials or films. Video editors take raw footage and turn it into the final product. Depending on the project, you may need to work with a director and follow a script or storyboard. As a video editor, you may add graphics to a video, correct the lighting, splice videos together, or add voice-overs.
Video editing can be a great job for students because of the flexibility it offers. Many video editors work on a freelance or contract basis. You can take on jobs when your schedule is lighter and build your portfolio while making money.
Skills needed:
Average pay: $15 to $30 per hour
Explore: Video editor jobs
9. Proofreader
From journalism and print to product copy, typos are the stuff of nightmares for professionals in countless industries. That’s why many clients are always on the hunt for proofreaders who can keep spelling and grammar mistakes from making their way into a final copy or product. Proofreaders review a writer’s draft and correct any mistakes they come across.
Whether you’re an English major or just have a keen eye for detail, freelance proofreading can be a great part-time side hustle. AI-generated content continues to rise in popularity, increasing the demand for reliable proofreaders who can point out errors affecting readability and accuracy.
Skills needed:
Average pay: $18 to $35 per hour
Explore: Proofreader jobs
10. Photo editor
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but for many professionals, a well-edited photo is priceless. Photo editors use their skills to do everything from touching up photos to completely transforming them to suit a client’s needs. Many also use tools like Photoshop to blend and edit photos for social media, marketing campaigns, or other advertisements.
If you’re pursuing a degree in a major like graphic design, fine arts, or photography, freelance photo editing could be a great part-time job for you. Photo editors can typically work part time and remotely. The hours are generally flexible, so you can work in your free time outside of classes.
Skills needed:
Average pay: $18 to $35 per hour
Explore: Photo editor jobs
11. Translator
Translators take content (written or audio) from one language and convert it into another while keeping the original meaning. Today’s global economy has created a high demand for translators who can reliably translate English and other languages. If you have advanced knowledge of a specific industry like marketing, legal, or medical, you may be able to charge more for your services.
Whether you’re majoring in language studies or simply happen to speak two or more languages, all you need is an internet connection to turn your skills into a part-time job that you can do from home. This side hustle is perfect for students who are bilingual or multilingual.
Skills needed:
Average pay: $15 to $25 per hour
Explore: Translator jobs
12. Data entry operator
Data entry jobs involve entering data into a computer or data management system. These types of jobs often aren’t difficult in terms of specialized skills, but attention to detail is critical. For example, a client might ask you to collect certain survey responses from multiple forms and record them in an Excel spreadsheet. Data entry specialists often work with spreadsheets or specific customer software.
Clients in many different industries need data entry specialists. As a student, you can get your foot in the door of the industry you’re interested in and begin networking. Working as a data entry specialist can help you see what type of company you want to apply to after graduation and gain marketable experience.
Skills needed:
Average pay: $10 to $20 per hour
Explore: Data entry jobs
13. Photographer
If you have access to high-quality camera equipment (or can rent it from your school’s photography department), then photography may be a great part-time job for you. Some photographers specialize in live local events such as weddings or graduations. You can also work from home as a photographer and have clients send products for staging.
Local or remote photography can be a profitable side hustle for students. You can build your portfolio for free, taking pictures of friends, pets, and products. Once you have a portfolio, you can start offering your services to local businesses or join a platform like Upwork. Event photographers often work weekends and nights, offering the flexible schedule that students need.
Skills needed:
Average pay: $25 to $45 per hour
Explore: Photography jobs
14. Affiliate marketer
Affiliate marketing involves earning a commission by referring an online audience to various products or services. You’ll often see influencers use this tactic by posting links to products they recommend. Every time one of their followers clicks the link and purchases the product, the influencer gets a flat fee or set percentage of the profits.
Students with a large social media following can start promoting products on their channels. You can also work on the back end by setting up affiliate links and partnerships for clients. Clients may also hire you to find and negotiate contracts with influencers.
Always be wary of scams. Affiliate marketers do not have to pay to “buy in” to the company or purchase the product upfront and have stock. Affiliate marketers do not make money from recruiting new members either.
Skills needed:
Average pay: $25 to $50 per hour
Explore: Affiliate marketing jobs
15. Voice-over artist
Clients hire voice-over actors to produce audio tracks for social media videos, commercials, video games, and a wide range of other projects. While not all clients require you to have your own recording equipment, you may be able to charge higher rates if you do. You’ll want to start by creating a demo reel with sample readings so potential clients can get a feel for your unique voice and talents.
If you’re a theater or communications major, then a part-time job as a voice-over artist may be right up your alley. Voice-over work can be a creative way to earn money on the side as a student while building your portfolio. Typically, you can do voice-overs at home, but you’ll need a quiet space. Your school or campus may have sound booths or pods that you can book and use for free.
Skills needed:
Average pay: $40 to $85 per hour
Explore: Voice-over artist jobs
16. Customer service representatives
Customer service representatives provide remote assistance to a company’s customers by phone, email, or online chat. As a customer support agent, you may need to answer questions about a product or service, resolve complaints, handle returns and exchanges, and process orders. Companies rely on customer service representatives to follow the company’s processes and procedures while doing their best to create positive customer interactions.
Working as a customer service representative can be a steady part-time job with set hours for students. This type of job allows you to work around your classes and schedule. Customer service representatives are often in high demand during the holidays, making it a seasonal opportunity that you can take on during breaks.
Skills needed:
Average pay: $10 to $19 per hour
Explore: Customer service jobs
17. Personal assistant
If you have strong communication and organizational skills, you can work as a personal assistant for an executive, business professional, or public figure. As a personal assistant, you may manage your client’s calendar, respond to emails and social media direct messages, arrange travel, and handle other business or personal tasks. Personal assistants can often work remotely for their clients and have flexible schedules.
Being a personal assistant as a student can help you get firsthand experience in the industry that you’re interested in working in after graduation. You can experience different career paths and work with clients who can act as role models and mentors. Working as a personal assistant can also help you network and gain exposure in your industry.
Skills needed:
Average pay: $10 to $20 per hour
Explore: Personal assistant jobs
18. Logo designer
Nearly every business needs a logo. This logo is part of their branding and is how customers identify the company and their products or services. Logo designers help companies brainstorm their logo ideas, create mockups, and then finalize the designs using software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.
If you have experience with graphic design, specializing in logos can help you build your portfolio and earn money while working from home. Clients typically want to pay logo designers by the milestone or deliverable rather than hourly. When working by project (fixed-price), you can create a side hustle schedule that doesn’t interfere with your classes.
Skills needed:
Average pay: $15 to $30 per hour
Explore: Logo designer jobs
Most popular jobs for college students
College students often work part-time jobs to help pay for tuition and living expenses. Online jobs and freelancing can offer more flexibility and even better pay than working in hospitality or retail at local places by campus. As a freelancer, you can set your own hours and create your schedule. Only submit proposals and accept projects that you have the time for and won’t interfere with classes.
Below are some of the most popular jobs for college students that you can do from home and freelance.
1. Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers manage a business’s financial records and transactions. They keep track of the money coming in (income) and going out (expenses). Bookkeepers work in finance, but compared to accountants, they are more entry-level and focus on the administrative side like payroll and recordkeeping.
Finance, accounting, and economics majors who enjoy working with numbers can work as freelance bookkeepers outside of classes. While you don’t need any qualifications to work as a bookkeeper, you can take an online bookkeeping course and get certified by Quickbooks, the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers, or the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers. Earning certifications along with studying a related field can help you win clients.
Skills needed:
Average pay: $11 to $25 per hour
Explore: Bookkeeping jobs
2. Recruitment specialist
Recruiting specialists support recruiters and their teams during the hiring process. This role often focuses on administrative and coordination tasks like scheduling interviews, writing job posts, extending offer letters, and assisting with onboarding new hires. The recruiting specialist is often the first point of contact for candidates and may even conduct the initial phone screening.
Working as a recruitment specialist can be a valuable experience for college students. You can learn what companies look for in resumes and interviews when hiring. Once you decide to apply for full-time positions, even if you aren’t interested in staying in recruiting or human resources, you’ll be prepared.
Skills needed:
Average pay: $17 to $44 per hour
Explore: Recruiting jobs
3. Content creator
Brands and individuals need engaging content to post on their websites, emails, and social media channels. Freelance content creators produce written, graphic, audio, and video content for their clients. If you enjoy creative work and have experience making your own social media content (or other types of content), you can get paid to do this for clients.
Working as a freelance content creator while in college can help you build a portfolio so you can take on more clients or apply for full-time roles after graduation. Content creators can typically work from home and have flexible schedules. Brands in all industries need content; working as a creator can allow you to experience and learn about different industries and companies.
Skills needed:
Average pay: $25 to $55 per hour
Explore: Content creator jobs
4. Technical support
Companies need tech savvy professionals to provide support to their customers. If you enjoy problem-solving and learning new products or software, you can offer your services as a technical support agent. Companies hire tech support agents to troubleshoot and problem solve a customer’s issue with the company’s product or service either over the phone, video, or a chat service.
Working as a technical support agent while in college can be a dependable part-time side hustle. Decide how many hours per week you’re available to your clients and provide tech support after or between classes. You can get real-world experience working in tech, which can help build your resume.
Skills needed:
Average pay: $15 to $30 per hour
Explore: Tech support jobs
Start an online job for a successful career path
Online jobs are often a great fit for college students, as many come with the opportunity to gain real-world skills without having to work around the schedule of a traditional nine-to-five employer. If you’re new to freelancing, check out Upwork’s resources to learn more about a typical day in the life of a freelancer.
We also have plenty of tips available on how to stay productive while working from home. No matter your skills, interests, or abilities, as long as you have a reliable internet connection, you can find an online job that works for you. Join Upwork and learn more about different freelance jobs available to college students and remote professionals. Thousands of opportunities are available every day.
If you’re looking to hire a college student, consider working with a freelance student to get the talent you need without a lengthy recruiting or onboarding process. Independent professionals have in-demand specialized skills and are ready to start on your projects right now.
Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this article. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.
Author Spotlight
Cassie is a storyteller and content creator with over eight years of experience helping brands communicate to their customers through different channels. She enjoys finding new coffee shops to work from and spending time in nature with her dog, Sweeney.
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