20 Best High Paying Part-Time Jobs in 2024

Do you think you need to work over 40 hours a week to make a decent living? Think again. There are so many high-earning part-time jobs available in today’s economy. Freelancing, remote work, and flexible work opportunities are growing, and many of them pay very well. Whether you are a parent, a student, looking for a side gig, or just looking to make more money for your time, check out our list of high-paying part-time jobs.

We’ll also give you top tips on how to land one of these high-earning positions.

Why Get a Part-Time Job?

Getting a part-time job offers a great way to balance your commitments while earning an income. In June 2024, approximately 27.47 million people in the United States were employed on a part-time basis, highlighting its popularity as a flexible work option. Part-time work, defined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as employment typically involving less than 35 hours per week, allows you to fit work around your lifestyle. 

Part-time work allows you to gain valuable work experience without sacrificing important aspects of your life. You can attend classes, care for family, or enjoy hobbies while maintaining a source of income that supports your lifestyle. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for students who need to manage academics alongside work, enabling effective time management.

Part-time jobs also provide structure and purpose to your day. They offer opportunities to learn new skills, network with professionals, and explore different career paths.

The 20 Best High Paying Part-Time Jobs in 2024

Check out this list of 20 high-paying part-time jobs. Some of these jobs you can start today, while some require specific education or experience requirements.

Bartender

Photo by Ivan Cortez on Unsplash

Bartending is a social and lucrative part-time job that involves preparing and serving drinks to patrons in bars, restaurants, or events. It requires good communication skills, a knack for mixing beverages, and the ability to provide excellent customer service.

• Average Salary: $17.30/hr
• Time Commitment: Part-time
• Job Duties: Craft cocktails, serve drinks, interact with customers, and maintain a clean bar area.
• Education/Requirements: Previous experience in bartending is beneficial but not always required. Some establishments may require you to have a bartending license or complete a short training course.

Driver

Working as a driver offers flexible hours and the opportunity to earn through various means, including rideshare services, delivery apps, or courier services. This job is ideal for those who enjoy driving and meeting new people.

• Average Salary: $17.54/hr
• Time Commitment: Part-time, flexible hours
• Job Duties: Transport passengers or goods safely and efficiently, adhere to traffic laws, and provide excellent customer service.
• Education/Requirements: A valid driver’s license, a reliable vehicle, and passing a background check are typically required. You must be at least 21 years old.

Nanny or Babysitter

Caring for children as a nanny or babysitter is a rewarding job that offers flexible scheduling and the chance to make a positive impact on a family’s life. This role is perfect for those who enjoy working with kids and have a nurturing personality.

• Average Salary: $21.87/hr
• Time Commitment: Flexible
• Job Duties: Supervise and engage children in activities, prepare meals, and assist with homework or bedtime routines.
• Education/Requirements: Previous childcare experience is preferred. First aid and CPR certifications can be advantageous.

Bookkeeper

Bookkeeping involves managing financial records and transactions for businesses or individuals. This part-time role is suited for detail-oriented individuals with strong organizational skills and a good understanding of accounting principles.

• Average Salary: $21/hr
• Time Commitment: Part-time, freelance
• Job Duties: Conduct payroll, handle accounts, supervise payments, and generate financial reports.
• Education/Requirements: A high school diploma, relevant experience, and knowledge of accounting software are often required.

Personal Trainer or Group Fitness Instructor

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Working as a personal trainer or group fitness instructor allows you to share your passion for fitness while helping others achieve their health goals. This role offers flexible hours and the chance to work in various settings, from gyms to private sessions.

• Average Salary: $33/hr
• Time Commitment: Part-time, set your own hours
• Job Duties: Design fitness programs, lead exercise sessions, and motivate clients to reach their fitness goals.
• Education/Requirements: Certifications in areas such as personal training, yoga, or Pilates are required. Knowledge of anatomy and nutrition is also beneficial.

Server or Host

Working as a server or host in a restaurant provides an excellent opportunity to earn tips and gain experience in the hospitality industry. This job is well-suited for individuals who enjoy interacting with people and working in a fast-paced environment.

• Average Salary: $17.15/hr
• Time Commitment: Part-time
• Job Duties: Greet and seat customers, take orders, serve food and beverages, and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Education/Requirements: Previous experience in the food service industry is helpful, but not always necessary. Good communication and customer service skills are essential.

Tour Guide

Being a tour guide is a fun and interactive job that allows you to share your knowledge and passion for local attractions, history, and culture with visitors. This role is perfect for outgoing individuals who enjoy storytelling and meeting new people.

• Average Salary: $18.94/hr
• Time Commitment: Flexible, set your own hours
• Job Duties: Lead groups on tours, provide informative commentary, answer questions, and ensure the safety of participants.
• Education/Requirements: Some tour locations may require certification or a license. Strong communication skills and local knowledge are important.

Tutor

Tutoring is a flexible and rewarding job that involves helping students improve their academic performance. This role is ideal for individuals with strong subject knowledge and a passion for teaching.

• Average Salary: $23.70/hr
• Time Commitment: Flexible, set your own hours
• Job Duties: Assist students with homework, explain concepts, prepare for exams, and track progress.
• Education/Requirements: A bachelor’s degree or current enrollment in a degree program is often required. Subject expertise and teaching experience are beneficial.

Massage Therapist

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Working as a massage therapist allows you to help clients relax and relieve stress through therapeutic techniques. This role is suited for individuals who are physically strong and enjoy working in a wellness-focused environment.

• Average Salary: $39.33/hr
• Time Commitment: Part-time
• Job Duties: Perform various types of massages, assess client needs, and maintain treatment records.
• Education/Requirements: Certification and sometimes completion of a massage therapy course or program are required. A license may also be needed, depending on the state.

Web Developer

Web development is a high-demand job that offers flexibility and the ability to work from anywhere. This role involves designing, coding, and maintaining websites and is ideal for tech-savvy individuals with strong problem-solving skills.

• Average Salary: $44.57/hr
• Time Commitment: Flexible, remote, freelance
• Job Duties: Develop and maintain websites, troubleshoot technical issues, and implement design changes.
• Education/Requirements: Expertise in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and possibly a bachelor’s degree in a related field are typically required.

Music Teacher

Being a music teacher allows you to share your passion for music by teaching students how to play instruments or understand music theory. This role is ideal for musicians who enjoy working with people and have a talent for teaching.

• Average Salary: $28.59/hr
• Time Commitment: Part-time, freelance/flexible
• Job Duties: Teach music lessons to individuals or groups, develop lesson plans, and track student progress.
• Education/Requirements: Knowledge of instruments and music theory is required. For teaching in schools, a degree in music education may be necessary.

Social Media Content Manager/Strategist

A social media content manager or strategist is responsible for creating and managing engaging content for social media platforms. This job is perfect for creative individuals with strong marketing and communication skills.

• Average Salary: $56/hr
• Time Commitment: Part-time, remote
• Job Duties: Develop and implement social media strategies, create and schedule content, and analyze performance metrics.
• Education/Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in marketing or communications is often preferred. Experience in social media management and familiarity with digital marketing tools are beneficial.

Copywriter

Copywriting involves crafting compelling written content for various media, including websites, advertisements, and publications. This role is suitable for individuals with strong writing skills and a knack for storytelling.

• Average Salary: $33.65/hr
• Time Commitment: Remote, flexible, freelance
• Job Duties: Write copy for marketing materials, edit and proofread content, and collaborate with clients to understand project requirements.
• Education/Requirements: Previous writing experience and a portfolio of work are typically required. A degree in English, journalism, or communications is advantageous.

Graphic Designer

Graphic designers create visual concepts to communicate ideas and captivate audiences. This job is ideal for artistic individuals with a keen eye for design and proficiency in design software.

• Average Salary: $22.61/hr
• Time Commitment: Freelance, remote
• Job Duties: Design graphics for digital and print media, develop brand identities, and collaborate with clients or teams on projects.
• Education/Requirements: A portfolio showcasing design skills is essential. A degree in graphic design or a related field may be required for some positions.

Photographer

Photo by Andre Furtado on Unsplash

Photographers capture moments and create visual stories through their lens. This role is suitable for individuals with a passion for photography and expertise in photo editing software.

• Average Salary: $35/hr
• Time Commitment: Create your own hours
• Job Duties: Take photos for events, portraits, or commercial purposes, edit and retouch images, and manage photography equipment.
• Education/Requirements: A portfolio demonstrating photography skills is crucial. Knowledge of photo editing tools and techniques is important.

Interpreter/Translator

Interpreters and translators help bridge language barriers by converting spoken or written communication from one language to another. This job is ideal for bilingual individuals with excellent language skills and cultural knowledge.

• Average Salary: $24.90/hr
• Time Commitment: Freelance, remote
• Job Duties: Convert spoken or written material from one language to another, ensuring accuracy and cultural sensitivity. Work can include translating documents, interpreting conversations, or providing live translation services.
• Education/Requirements: Proficiency in more than one language, strong writing skills, and high grammatical knowledge.

Executive Assistant or Virtual Assistant

Executive and virtual assistants provide administrative support to executives or teams, often working remotely. They help manage schedules, handle correspondence, and assist with various tasks to ensure smooth operations.

• Average Salary: $26.18/hr
• Time Commitment: Part-time, remote
• Job Duties: Manage calendars, organize meetings, handle emails, and perform other administrative tasks. Virtual assistants may also handle tasks like social media management or online research.
• Education/Requirements: Previous work experience, organizational skills, and in some cases, a bachelor’s degree.

Virtual Accountant

Virtual accountants offer financial services remotely, including bookkeeping, tax preparation, and financial analysis. This role is suited for those with a background in finance or accounting who prefer flexible work arrangements.

• Average Salary: $30/hr
• Time Commitment: Remote, part-time
• Job Duties: Manage financial records, prepare taxes, conduct audits, and provide financial advice from a remote location.
• Education/Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, relevant certification, and computing knowledge.

Editor/Proofreader

Editors and proofreaders ensure the accuracy and quality of written content, working to correct grammatical errors and improve readability. This job is perfect for individuals with a keen eye for detail and a strong command of language.

• Average Salary: $28/hr
• Time Commitment: Remote, flexible, freelance
• Job Duties: Review and edit written content for grammar, spelling, and clarity. Work may involve books, articles, websites, or marketing materials.
• Education/Requirements: Previous writing or editing experience, strong language skills, and attention to detail.

Data Entry

Data entry clerks input and manage data within systems, ensuring information is accurate and up-to-date. This role is ideal for detail-oriented individuals who can work efficiently and independently.

• Average Salary: $15.99/hr
• Time Commitment: Remote, flexible, freelance
• Job Duties: Input data into computer systems, verify accuracy, and maintain databases. Tasks may include updating records and organizing files.
• Education/Requirements: Previous work experience, high attention to detail, and basic computer skills.

How to Land a High Paying Part-Time Job

Use the following tips to help you land a high-paying part-time job:

• Think About Your Degree: Do you have a degree or are currently majoring in something? Look up common jobs held by others with your major or degree.
• Consider Your Experience: Use your job or volunteer experience to your advantage! It doesn’t have to be paid work. Consider experience on various boards or in clubs.
• Identify Transferable Skills: Consider the skills you excel at, and research jobs that require those skills.
• Explore Your Interests: Find jobs in fields you enjoy and check if you qualify for any of them.
• Start Small: Don’t feel pressured to find the perfect job immediately. Begin with a part-time job that suits you, and you’ll discover what interests you and what you’re good at.

Best Places to Look for High Paying Part-Time Jobs

• Visit Job Websites: Utilize job listing websites where you can filter results by field, experience, location, and salary. Many sites also list part-time jobs, temporary jobs, and internships.
• Use Your College’s Career Resources: If you’re in college or have access to your alumni network, take advantage of the job resources available. Visit your college’s career help center or the alumni website for guidance and opportunities.
• Leverage Your Network: Reach out to people in companies or positions you’re interested in to learn how they started and inquire about job openings. Also, ask family and friends if they know of any potential opportunities.
• Contact Companies Directly: If you have a specific company in mind, contact them to inquire about part-time jobs, temporary jobs, or internships. Ask about the experience and skills they look for in applicants.

Conclusion

Now that you have a better idea of what high-paying part-time jobs are out there, you can explore opportunities that fit your lifestyle and career goals. Whether you’re looking for a job to supplement your income or seeking to balance work with other commitments, part-time jobs offer the flexibility and financial benefits you need. The key is to identify roles that align with your skills, interests, and availability.

If you feel like you need a bit more preparation, take a look at all the degree programs the University of the People (UoPeople) has to offer. UoPeople is a 100% online, US-accredited, high-quality, tuition-free university that offers degree programs that are highly demanded in the work market. While pursuing their degree, UoPeople also equips its students with the tools they need to be successful in the workplace.

FAQs

What defines a part-time job?

A part-time job is typically defined as a position where an individual works fewer than 35 hours per week. These jobs offer flexibility and can be ideal for students, parents, or anyone seeking a better work-life balance.

How can I find high-paying part-time jobs?

You can find high-paying part-time jobs by exploring online job websites, leveraging your college’s career resources, and reaching out to your network. Contacting companies directly to inquire about part-time opportunities is also an effective strategy.

Do I need specific qualifications to get a part-time job?

While some part-time jobs may require specific qualifications or experience, many are open to individuals with various backgrounds. Assess your skills and experiences to find roles that match your capabilities.

Can part-time jobs lead to full-time employment?

Yes, part-time jobs can lead to full-time positions. They provide valuable experience, help you build a professional network, and allow you to showcase your skills to potential employers, which can lead to full-time opportunities.

Why should I consider getting a part-time job while studying?

A part-time job can provide financial support, work experience, and valuable skills that complement your academic pursuits. It also helps you manage your time effectively and prepares you for future career opportunities.