5 Great Part-Time Jobs for International Students Studying in the US

An illustration of two female students at a desk with the US flag, grad hat, and books graphic behind them.

When studying abroad, many international students rely on part-time jobs to offset the cost of their studies. If you plan to study in the United States (US) and need a little on-campus part-time job inspiration, look no further. This blog post explores five part-time jobs international students studying in the US should keep on their radar. Studying elsewhere? We’ve also created blogs about part-time jobs for international students studying in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom (UK). 

*The information in this blog post is sourced from Indeed, is provided for informational purposes only, and salaries are quoted in US dollars.

Planning to study abroad in the US or elsewhere? Find a program that fits your needs on the free-to-use ApplyBoard platform today!

An illustration of a pile of books.

1. Library Page (US$14.44/hour)

If the idea of spending time among books in a peaceful setting excites you, a job as a library page at your school’s library might be the perfect fit. In this role, you’ll:

  • Support library technicians, assistants, and librarians with various tasks
  • Organize and running events at the library
  • Offer book recommendations to fellow students
  • Help students find the resources they need

A part-time job as a library page is the perfect opportunity for all of you book lovers to earn a living while on campus.

An illustration of a teacher's assistant.

2. Teacher’s Assistant (US$16.78/hour)

There are many advantages to becoming a teacher’s assistant. Some of the top advantages include enhancing your resume with valuable skills, gaining a deeper understanding of the subject, and having a direct impact on your peers’ learning experience. As a teacher’s assistant, you’ll be responsible for:

  • Overseeing laboratory sessions that complement lectures
  • Leading discussion groups
  • Conducting seminars
  • Organizing visual aids, reference materials, and other documents as requested by your instructor

Students who take on this role have the unique opportunity to work closely with a faculty member. By fulfilling your duties professionally and effectively, you may earn a strong letter of recommendation from your instructor to support your future career.

An illustration of a yellow paper bag.

3. Retail Sales Associate (US$15.35/hour)

Are you a people person who can deliver exceptional customer service? As an on-campus retail sales associate, you’ll guide customers in making informed purchases. Plus, some stores offer commission—so the more you sell, the more you earn. In this role, you’ll be responsible for:

  • Assisting customers with their needs
  • Handling transactions like returns, exchanges, and sales
  • Keeping the store tidy and well-stocked

One great benefit of this job is the employee or student discount many retail stores offer. It’s a fantastic way to save money while you shop, especially when you’re a student on a budget.

An illustration of a clapperboard.

 4. Production Assistant (US$18.01/hour)

Are you eager to meet new people and get involved in your school’s events and community? If so, a job as a production assistant might be just what you’re looking for. This part-time role lets you network with various members of your school while making a direct, positive impact on campus life. In this position, you’ll:

  • Manage technical services
  • Organize and run campus events
  • Collaborate with other production assistants

As a production assistant, you’ll be the driving force behind making exciting events happen!

An illustration of an open book with a pencil writing a checklist on it.

5. Peer Tutor (US$23.78/hour)

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a peer tutor is the gratitude you receive from fellow students striving to succeed in their studies. Knowing that you’ve contributed to their academic success is incredibly fulfilling. As a peer tutor, you’ll be responsible for:

  • Providing individualized content
  • Ensuring confidentiality with the tutee
  • Creating and maintaining a tutoring schedule
  • Supplying study material
  • Making appropriate referrals to college or university offices when needed

If you’re knowledgeable in a specific subject and are friendly, organized, and reliable, a part-time job as a peer tutor could be a great fit for you.

These five part-time jobs in the US are a great place to begin as you start your study abroad adventure. Whether you’re seeking to build experience or earn some extra cash, there’s something here for everyone. Good luck on your job hunt!

Ready to start your study abroad journey in the United States? Explore your options on ApplyBoard!

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