Many international students in the U.S. look for part-time jobs to support themselves financially, build skills, and gain valuable experience. However, working as an international student often means balancing job opportunities with specific visa regulations, like the F1 or J1 visa, which limit the types of jobs students can take.
Understanding these limits and choosing suitable roles can help international students get the most out of their U.S. study experience. Additionally, for those looking to transition from a J1 visa or F1 visa to permanent residence, gaining experience in certain roles may even support their long-term career and residency goals. Here are some of the best part-time job options for international students, each offering flexibility to manage both work and studies.
1. Usher
As an usher, your main task will be guiding people to their seats during events like sports games, lectures, or theater productions. Many universities host events where students can work as ushers, making it a convenient job that allows you to work directly on campus. Duties include greeting guests, helping with tickets, and giving information about the event.
Average Salary: $24,205 per year
Why It’s Great for Students: Simple tasks, flexible hours, often located on campus.
2. Food Runner
In this role, you deliver food and drinks to customers in a restaurant or café setting. Food runners often work in places where international students can get campus-based or nearby work. This job includes carrying food orders from the kitchen, answering customer questions, and maintaining good communication with the kitchen staff.
Average Salary: $27,592 per year
Why It’s Great for Students: Easy to find near campus, especially if your school has dining facilities.
3. Barista
If you love coffee and want to learn how to make specialty drinks, consider becoming a barista. A barista’s duties involve preparing beverages, serving customers, and keeping the café area clean and organized. This job is common on college campuses, where cafés often look for part-time staff.
Average Salary: $28,253 per year
Why It’s Great for Students: Frequent shifts are available on campus with flexible schedules.
4. Teaching Assistant (TA)
Teaching assistants work with professors to help with class activities, grading, and even assisting students. Some TAs have the chance to teach part of a class, which can be a rewarding experience. This job may be limited to students with certain academic backgrounds, but if available, it’s a great option to develop leadership skills.
Average Salary: $27,896 per year
Why It’s Great for Students: Often fits around class schedules, and it’s excellent for academic and professional growth.
5. Dining Room Server
As a dining room server, you’ll be helping in student dining halls by taking orders, delivering food, and keeping the dining area clean. This role involves working directly with students, making it a social and interactive job.
Average Salary: $30,593 per year
Why It’s Great for Students: On-campus option, often allows for evening or weekend shifts.
6. Student Ambassador
A student ambassador represents their university, giving tours to prospective students and answering questions from new students and families. Ambassadors are often responsible for sharing insights about their experience and providing valuable information about the school.
Average Salary: $42,457 per year
Why It’s Great for Students: It’s a meaningful role with flexible hours and is available on many campuses.
7. Receptionist
Receptionists work at front desks, answering calls, greeting visitors, and performing administrative duties. This job can be available in various departments within the university, and the tasks are generally manageable, even for someone with limited work experience.
Average Salary: $36,347 per year
Why It’s Great for Students: Good for improving organizational skills, and it’s often available on campus.
8. Library Assistant
Working as a library assistant involves tasks such as organizing books, assisting students with research, and handling administrative work. Library assistants also support events like readings or study groups, making it an ideal role if you enjoy a quiet environment.
Average Salary: $36,614 per year
Why It’s Great for Students: A peaceful environment with ample time for self-study between tasks.
9. Call Center Representative
Call center representatives answer customer inquiries, help solve problems, and provide information about products or services over the phone. This job builds communication skills, which can be helpful in almost any career path.
Average Salary: $33,948 per year
Why It’s Great for Students: Flexible shifts and the possibility of remote work in some cases.
10. Peer Mentor
As a peer mentor, you help guide new students, especially international students, and support them in adjusting to university life. This role involves giving advice on campus resources, academics, and setting personal goals. It’s rewarding for those who enjoy helping others succeed.
Average Salary: $39,184 per year
Why It’s Great for Students: Provides leadership experience, good for networking, and often campus-based.
11. Sales Associate
A sales associate helps customers in stores, providing product information and assisting with purchases. Many stores near campuses hire students for part-time roles. This job builds customer service and sales skills, which are highly useful in various fields.
Average Salary: $62,315 per year
Why It’s Great for Students: Flexible hours, transferable customer service skills, often off-campus for variety.
12. Department Assistant
A department assistant supports specific academic departments by answering phones, scheduling meetings, and organizing events. You may also assist with filing and other administrative tasks. This role is excellent for students interested in gaining office experience.
Average Salary: $48,547 per year
Why It’s Great for Students: Relevant for students interested in administration, often located within your own department.
13. Research Assistant
Research assistants work with professors on academic projects, gathering data, helping with experiments, and even writing summaries of research findings. This position is ideal if you’re considering a career in academia or research and offers a unique opportunity to learn from experienced mentors.
Average Salary: $45,249 per year
Why It’s Great for Students: Academic experience, often within your field of study, flexible scheduling.
14. Tutor
Tutors help other students understand course material by explaining topics and providing study support. Tutoring can sometimes be done virtually, offering flexibility in scheduling. Tutoring is an excellent way to review and reinforce your own knowledge while helping others.
Average Salary: $39,217 per year
Why It’s Great for Students: Good pay, flexible hours, valuable teaching experience.
Final Note: Transitioning from F1 or J1 Visa to Permanent Residence
Finding a part-time job not only helps you gain work experience but can also be a step toward achieving long-term residency in the U.S. Working in specific fields, like teaching or research, might even make you eligible for sponsorship or internships that align with pathways to permanent residence. Keep in mind that transitioning from an F1 or J1 visa to a permanent residence visa requires planning and might involve options like employer sponsorship or further education.