Finding a job requires a lot of thought around your unique career goals, expectations and abilities. When applying for a part-time job, there are a lot of details to take into consideration. Does the job fit into my schedule? Is there a long commute involved? Do I meet the job requirements?
But before you can sort through these important priorities, one question comes to mind: How much will this job pay?
Considering your hourly wage is more than likely the first thing you will think about when choosing a part-time job. Understanding what you can expect to earn month by month will paint a bigger picture of what you will be able to afford, and what your finances will look like overall while you are employed. For many part-time positions, you can expect to start off by being paid the minimum wage for your state.
Though you may not associate part-time jobs with high paying wages, it is completely possible to find an enjoyable job that meets your financial needs.
Here’s a list of popular part-time jobs that pay above the minimum wage:
Waitstaff Jobs
Average salary: $10.47 per hour
Working in a restaurant as part of the waitstaff is a fast-paced job that allows for plenty of interaction with customers. While the hourly pay is typically below minimum wage, you can easily surpass your typical part-time job wage by earning tips. Working as a waiter gives you the opportunity to bring your personality to the forefront of your work, and take earnings into your own hands through quality service and meaningful interactions with customers. Working on weekends can lend to busy nights that result in high tips from satisfied guests!
Delivery Driver
Average salary: $15.68 per hour
As a delivery driver, it’s your responsibility to get food to your destination safely and in a timely manner. While this can bring a little pressure to the job, delivery drivers are compensated well – the average hourly wage is above $15 an hour. While making various deliveries, you have to manage your time efficiently to ensure the meals arrive warm and ready to enjoy. Often times, customers appreciate the effort to deliver their food in a timely manner, and will usually tip you for a job well done.
It’s important to note that a job as a delivery drive does come with a few requirements. To qualify for the job, you must have a valid driver’s license, and – more often than not – your own vehicle. When applying for delivery jobs, ensure your vehicle is in good shape to avoid breaking down, and that you meet any driving record qualifications that may come along with the application.
Dog Walker
Average Salary: $16 an hour
Dog walkers and pet sitters are responsible for taking care of their customer’s pets and ensuring they are safe and sound. This requires you to be comfortable working with different breeds of dogs and understand their individual needs when it comes to taking care of them. Because this is a big responsibility, it’s typical for customers to pay a premium price to ensure their pets are in the right hands.
Dog walkers are typically compensated at least $15 an hour for their services, and the job offers a level of flexibility when it comes to scheduling and taking on list of clients. To simplify the process of finding clients, there are a variety of companies that hire and manage dog walkers, taking care of the scheduling and booking process. Plus, you get to spend quality time with lovable pets!
Tutor
Average salary: $24.40 per hour
Is there a particular subject you excelled in during school? Chances are that your unique knowledge and skills can help a student who is struggling. Working as a tutor provides a rewarding experience dedicating one-on-one time to a student in need. As a tutor, you will determine where the student is struggling, and arrange a plan to help them improve. Part of the job is encouraging students to do their best and help them reach solutions to their issues through close collaboration.
There is a variety of companies that hire and train tutors to prepare them to work with students directly. If you decide to work with a tutoring company, you can expect a test as part of the application process to evaluate your knowledge on the subjects you’d like to tutor. Tutors can expect to make an average of over $24 an hour during sessions.
Camp Counselor
Average salary: $12.05 per hour
Are you great with kids? Working as a camp counselor is an exciting experience where you get to work with kids each day. You can expect to spend the day engaging in various activities and forming bonds with your campers. In addition to having a great time, you’ll be compensated well for your hard work.
Establishing a career as a camp counselor can ensure a job summer after summer. If you do well and enjoy your job, you can come back yearly and potentially move up to positions with more responsibility. It’s a great way to build your resume and develop lifelong skills you can take to any future career.
These are just a few options when it comes to finding a part-time job that’s right for you. Be sure to consistently look for available jobs in your area and compare salaries to make an informed decision. As you begin to investigate different opportunities, also consider what your current schedule looks like and how often you are willing to work.
Once you’ve chosen a few potential job opportunities available, it is helpful to determine what unique skills you have, and how those skills can be used in any potential job choices. Once you’ve established what you’re looking for in a part-time job, you can do more research about what the specific roles entail and narrow down your choices. From there, you will be able to apply for positions that meet all your needs and compensate you for your time well.
