7 great jobs for college students

 

College students can earn extra money and gain valuable experience with a part-time job.

Getting a college education costs a lot of money, and we don't just mean tuition. As a college freshman, you're probably taking your first steps out of the nest, and with that newfound independence comes newfound responsibility. For many of you, this is the first time in your life when you're making financial decisions on your own. And if you want to afford meals other than the cafeteria's offerings or your roommate's coffee-pot ramen, you'll need to earn an income. A college degree might qualify you for a great job in four years, but many college students need money now.

The perks of getting a part-time job

Getting a part-time job is one of the best ways for college students to earn some extra money. Whether you pick up a campus job as a tour guide or look beyond your college or university to find work, a part-time job will help you gain work experience while you get an education. A resume with both work history and education is more impressive to most hiring managers than a resume with only schooling, giving you a head start on your fellow students.

In class, you'll learn lessons you'll carry with you throughout your career; at a part-time job, you'll learn resume skills, which have become the most important factor in hiring, and get an understanding of workplace dynamics that only comes from direct experience. In the future, when a job interviewer asks you how you've accomplished professional tasks, you can share a real-world example from your work history.

7 of the best part-time jobs for college students

The flexibility of part-time work makes it a great option for college students, particularly if they offer remote work. You can squeeze shifts into the gaps in your schedule and still have enough time for class and your social life. And depending on your major, you could be in especially high demand in specialized industries like information technology, marketing or health care.

Finding the right part-time job will take dedication, patience and a little help from your friends at CareerBuilder. Below, we'll examine 10 great part-time jobs for college students that you should consider in your job search, all of which have higher average national salaries than the federal minimum wage. Plus, the flexible schedules they offer are great for students.

We'll go through the resume skills these jobs can teach you, the average pay for each position and the effects they could have on your eventual career path. The part-time job you accept now could help you find the full-time job you want after school.

If you're willing to put in some hard work to earn your degree and a paycheck at the same time, one of these part-time jobs could be right for you.

Customer service representative

Average pay for customer service representatives: $17 per hour

Customer service is a great field for starting your career during your college years. Assisting customers with transactions and addressing their needs and concerns — whether over phone calls, online or in person — teaches you things that will serve you wherever your career takes you. You'll also gain experience in basic marketing. After all, working in customer service is a bit like being a brand ambassador. You're the face of the company that customers and clients see.

Here are a few of the customer service skills that will help you land a job, regardless of where your future career leads:

• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Time management
• Problem solving
• Collaboration
• Multitasking
• Professionalism

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Retail sales associate

Average pay for retail sales associates: $17 per hour

If you see a future for yourself in the world of shopping, an entry-level retail jobs could be a perfect fit for you. These professionals hone strong communication skills from interacting with customers and coworkers, and build exceptional organizational skills as they develop a deep understanding of the products their company offers. Retail is a versatile industry that could lead to a wide range of opportunities, but it's particularly ideal for business-minded, outgoing students seeking careers that connect them with people.

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Food service worker

Average pay for food service workers: $17 per hour

This field isn't just for aspiring chefs. Workers in every sector have forged their first professional skills in restaurants, bars, cafes and cafeterias. Whether you're working at the counter or in the kitchen, a fast-paced food service role will teach you everything you could possibly need to know about time management and organization.

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Tutor

Average pay for tutors: $18 per hour

What better way to make use of your college education than to lend a hand to young people? Whether you're getting high school students ready to ace the ACT or SAT, working in general college prep, tutoring other college students in the specific subjects you enjoy or even working with elementary or middle school students, a tutoring job will allow you to share your knowledge — and maybe even learn a little something, yourself. Tutoring is ideal for anyone with specialized expertise to impart, but it's especially great for aspiring educators. And if you're the bookish type, you could also apply for jobs as a library assistant.

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Information technology specialist

Average pay for IT specialists: $26 per hour

Here's a great job for all you computer science majors out there. As an IT specialist, you'll learn how to apply all your technical expertise in a workplace setting. This could be a great start for aspiring software developers, web developers or information security professionals.

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Nursing assistant

Average pay for nursing assistants: $19 per hour

This is the perfect opportunity for aspiring registered nurses or other healthcare professionals. As a nursing assistant, you'll report to an RN at a hospital, nursing facility or other healthcare institution, assisting patients with moving, cleaning, eating and other basic tasks.

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Virtual assistant

Average pay for virtual assistants: $20 per hour

Working as a virtual assistant will give you an up-close view of how executives do their jobs. You'll work closely with a high-level professional, assisting them with scheduling, clerical work and general office tasks. That proximity to someone in a job you might want in the future will give you invaluable insight and help you take the next step toward your ultimate career goals.

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5 more jobs that are great for college students

Delivery driver

Average pay for delivery drivers: $21

This popular job is a great way to pick up some extra cash in your free time, provided you have a ship-shape car and impeccable skills behind the wheel. Some delivery drivers work for particular businesses, but you can also find contract work through Uber or Lyft, which allow you to set your own work schedule.

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Sales associate

Average pay for sales associates: $18 per hour

Calling all business majors! Start your career in sales and you'll be climbing the corporate ladder in no time. You might even earn yourself a commission. Sales is the second most in-demand skill that business owners want to see on your resume, so a background in an entry-level sales position can set you up for major success. You'll learn communication skills, leadership skills, professionalism, business tactics and much more.

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Data entry specialist

Average pay for data entry specialists: $18 per hour

If you see stories where others see spreadsheets, you'll enjoy a part-time data entry job. Working with numbers will prepare you for positions that require deeper statistical analysis. You might become a marketing analyst, for example, or a bookkeeper or accountant. The possibilities to excel are endless.

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Receptionist

Average pay for receptionists: $16 per hour

Receptionists work in offices across a variety of industries, helping complete clerical work and connect visitors and customers with the right people. As a receptionist, you'll learn time management and organization by maintaining schedules, and you'll brush up on your communication skills be interacting with customers.

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Babysitter

Average pay for babysitters: $13 per hour

A classic for responsible college students, this is the perfect position for people who like to work with kids. It teaches you responsibility, professionalism, time management and organization, and is particularly great for students pursuing careers in education. Many babysitters find clients locally through friends and family, but you can also find work through online platforms like Care.com, UrbanSitter and Bambino. If you'd prefer to care for clients of the four-legged variety, check out Rover.com.

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18 high-paying non-desk jobs

 

Success doesn’t have to mean sitting in a chair all day. Some of us prefer non-desk jobs that get us up on our feet.

Who decided that successful careers only happen in front of computer screens? The working world doesn’t end at the walls of a cubicle. Some of us prefer to be on our feet. We want wind in our hair. We want to meet new people every day. We want a working environment that you can’t tack a cheesy motivational poster onto — no offense to the talented workspace decorators in our lives.

There are plenty of high-paying jobs that don’t involve office-based work. We’ve compiled a list of 18 non-desk gigs that are projected to grow at above average rates over the next decade, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many of them are jobs that don’t require a degree, and all of them offer competitive pay. Below, we’ve included nationwide average salaries for each job, but be sure to check salaries near your location for more specific information.

If the idea of sitting all day makes you feel itchy, one of these occupations could be the perfect fit for you.

18 growing jobs that won't trap you behind a desk

Wind Turbine Service Technician

What is it?
You’ll reach new heights as a wind turbine service technician — literally. These workers keep clean-energy producing wind turbines in shape. With an eye-popping projected job growth rate of 68%, this field is expected to expand much faster than average over the next 10 years.

What’s it pay?
The average pay for wind turbine service technicians in the US is $66,500 per year.

What are the qualifications?
These workers get a lot of on-the-job training, but most wind turbine service technicians learn the ropes at a technical school.

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Respiratory Therapist

What is it?
Respiratory therapists are medical professionals who keep patients breathing. When someone with a disease like asthma or emphysema has trouble filling their lungs, respiratory therapists come to the rescue. This field is expected to add jobs much faster than average over the next decade, with a project growth rate of 23%.

What’s it pay?
On average, a respiratory therapist’s salary is about $73,500 per year.

What are the qualifications?
You’ll need to earn an Associate’s degree, often called a two-year degree, to become a respiratory therapist — though many respiratory therapists earn a bachelor’s degree to help grow their career. They also have to get licensed in every state except Alaska; states set their own individual guidelines and requirements for this position.

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Occupational Therapy Assistant

What is it?
Occupational therapy assistants are healthcare workers who help patients regain and maintain basic life and work skills — anything from bathing and dressing to practicing hobbies. Patient care in general is in high demand, and this field is likely to expand much faster than average, with a growth rate of 34%.

What’s it pay?
The average annual salary for an occupational therapy assistant is $65,500.

What are the qualifications?
Occupational therapy assistants need to earn associate’s degrees and meet their state’s individual requirements, but workers can dive into this field right after high school as occupational therapy aides.

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Bus Driver

What is it?
Exactly what it sounds like. These workers are expert drivers who transport passengers to their destinations safely and efficiently. This job is expected to grow much faster than average, at a rate of 25%.

What’s it pay?
The average pay for a bus driver is around $18 per hour.

What are the qualifications?
You’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent, plus a driver’s license. Depending on the type of vehicle you drive, you may have to get yourself a specialized license, too. You’ll get more job training after you’re hired.

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Dental Hygienist

What is it?
Dental hygienists are often confused with dentists, but they’re not quite the same. Dentists are doctors; they can perform complex oral health care procedures. Dental hygienists, on the other hand, aren’t going to drill into your jaw. They work with dentists to check patients for oral diseases and educate them on preventative care. And the field is booming, with a faster-than-average projected growth rate of 11%.

What’s it pay?
The average salary for a dental hygienist is about $68,500 per year.

What are the qualifications?
Dental hygienists usually earn associate’s degree at specialized three-year programs, then get licensed according to their state’s requirements.

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Tutor

What is it?
Not every teacher works in a school. Some of them work privately or through tutoring agencies to provide students with extra help in specialized subjects and get them ready for big tests.

What’s it pay?
The average salary for tutors varies, but it’s typically about $54,500.

What are the requirements?
Most certified tutoring programs expect their workers to have a bachelor’s degree, but some are open to people with equivalent experience in a certain field of study.

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Photographer

What is it?
Whether working in an editorial, commercial or marketing context, photographers use their creative eye to create stunning images. Some photographers work on staff at media, production or marketing companies, but many work primarily as freelancers, capturing indelible moments for businesses and personal clients. The field is projected to expand at a much faster than average rate of 17%.

What’s it pay?
The average pay for photographers varies widely based on their professional experience and what types of projects they work on, but it’s usually about $59,500 per year.

What are the requirements?
There are no formal requirements for photographers. If you have the right equipment and the creativity to use it well, you’re qualified. That said, many photographers learn about composition, technology and other important skills at art schools, vocational programs or workshops. Others learn the trade by working with an established photographer as an assistant. As you gain work experience and build a portfolio, you’ll earn access to projects that pay more.

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Solar Installer

What is it?
These workers install and service solar panels on rooftops to harness clean energy. As more and more households move toward solar power, this field will add more and more jobs — it’s projected to grow at an astounding, much faster-than-average rate of 52%.

What’s it pay?
The average salary for a solar panel installer is around $52,000 per year.

What are the qualifications?
You’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent, though some solar panel installers build more skills at vocational school. Expect extensive on-the-job training.

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Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer

What is it?
These workers equip homes and businesses with security systems and fire alarms that could save lives. This job is predicted to grow at the much faster than average rate of 16%.

What’s it pay?
The average pay for security and fire alarm systems installers is highly variable depending on location, but it’s typically about $35 per hour.

What are the qualifications?
This is one of the best paying jobs for workers with high school diplomas or equivalent qualifications. You’ll learn more in-demand skills on the job.

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Chef or Head Cook

What is it?
Wherever the food is, you’re in charge. You use your expert culinary skills to build appropriate menus and cook up mouthwatering dishes for restaurants or private clients. This field is likely to grow at a much faster than average rate of 25%.

What’s it pay?
The average pay for chefs with the talent to make great food is approximately $73,000 per year.

What are the qualifications?
Most chefs learn the trade by working in restaurants and studying culinary arts on their own, but some get a career jumpstart by attending culinary school.

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Meeting, Convention and Event Planner

What is it?
If organizing unforgettable events — and juggling all the agendas, venue demands and competing schedules that involves — this is the job for you. Meeting, convention and event planners jump from office work to on-the-scene event management, providing a good mix of desk work and field work. This job is projected to grow much faster than average, at a rate of 18%.

What’s it pay?
The average pay for meeting, convention and event planners is $72,000.

What are the qualifications?
Many workers in this field have a bacherlor’s degree, but it’s not strictly necessary if you have proven experience in throwing events, coordinating schedules and organizing people from different businesses, organizations or deparments.

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Firefighter

What is it?
Firefighters are trained to extinguish fires, of course, but also to respond to a variety of life-threatening emergencies. This job isn’t just a job — it’s a calling requiring bravery and dedication, with workers sometimes working 24-hour shifts, working, eating and sleeping at fire stations so that they are ready to go on a moment’s notice. This job is expected to grow at an average rate of 8%.

What’s it pay?
Volunteers work in some fire departments, but the average pay for firefighters working full-time is about $72,500.

What are the qualifications?
You don’t need a college degree to be a firefighter, but you will have to go through a mentally and physically rigorous training program at a fire academy. Some firefighters also maintain certifications as emergency medical technicians.

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Sound Engineer

What is it?
Sound engineering technicians operate electrical equipment anywhere involving audio — concerts, media programs, radio stations and more. This job is expected to grow at a much faster than average rate of 21%.

What’s it pay?
The pay for this role varies quite a lot based on experience, location and other factors, but nationally, the average salary for sound engineering technicians is $88,500.

What are the qualifications?
Requirements for this job range from a high school diploma to a post-secondary degree — it all depends on the individual position. Going to college won’t hurt your chances, but the most important factor in getting a job as a sound engineering technician is ability. If you can prove that you can run sound like a pro, your educational background won’t be as relevant.

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Physician Assistant

What is it?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physician assistants “practice medicine on teams with physicians, surgeons, and other health care workers.” As health care demands continue to rise, this job is projected to grow at a much faster than average rate of 31%.

What’s it pay?
The average annual salary for physician assistants is $65,500.

What are the qualifications?
In addition to a master’s degree from an accredited program, physician assistants must acquire a license to practice medicine in any state in the US.

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Forensic Science Technician

What is it?
Criminal investigations are a little more subtle than they are in TV shows, but if you’re wondering what forensic science technicians do, think about the character in the lab coat in your favorite crime procedural. These workers use their scientific expertise to analyze evidence and help solve crimes. The field is projected to grow much faster than average, at a rate of 16%.

What’s it pay?
The average annual salary for a forensic science technician is $75,000.

What are the qualifications?
Whether they’re out in the field or working in a lab, forensic science technicians will need a bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences, forensic science or a related field.

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Audio and Video Technician

What is it?
Much like sound engineers, these workers handle all the electrical equipment related to audio and video production. They could work for media companies, event venues or as private contractors. This job is expected to grow much faster than average, at a rate of 21%.

What’s it pay?
Nation-wide, the average salary for audio and video technicians is $68,000.

What are the qualifications?
There aren’t strict requirements for entering this field; proven expertise is the main qualification. Some audio and video technicians pursue a college education to beef up their credentials, but this isn’t always necessary.

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Athletic Trainer

What is it?
Put simply, athletic trainers help people move. They are trained to prevent and recognize muscle and bone injuries and diseases that are common to athletes, often working for school sports programs, fitness centers, hospitals or even for professional sports teams. This job is expected to grow much faster than average, at a rate of 23%.

What’s it pay?
In the US, the average salary for athletic trainers is around $59,500 per year.

What are the qualifications?
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree — majors in sports medicine or similar fields will give you a huge head start. You’ll also need to get certified in most states.

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Aircraft Mechanic and Service Technician

What is it?
These workers use their technical know-how to keep the miracle of flight safe and efficient, checking passenger and cargo planes and jets for mechanical issues and performing regular maintenance. Airfields are ramping up hiring efforts for this position, and it’s projected to grow faster than average, at 11%.

What’s it pay?
The average salary for aircraft mechanics and service technicians is $68,000.

What are the qualifications?
There are a few ways to get into this line of work. The first is to learn the ropes at a Federal Aviation Administration-approved technical school. Others learn about aircraft maintenance on the job or through military service.

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