Let’s talk about my early job experiences. They weren’t exactly the high-paying kind. I started off as a part-time usher at a small cinema, earning just a bit more than minimum wage. Then, I moved on to a cashier role at a supermarket across the street, where I made $2 more than minimum wage. Despite the low pay, I look back at my time at the supermarket with fondness. It taught me that part-time jobs can be rewarding and not just tedious tasks with poor pay. This belief was further reinforced by my later work experiences. I’ve learned that sometimes, you might even take a job you love even if it pays less.
I’ve also found out that there are plenty of part-time jobs out there that don’t require specialized education or much experience, and they pay much better than my supermarket job. Here are some of the best part-time jobs that offer decent hourly pay. Note that this list doesn’t include gig economy jobs like DoorDash, Postmates, or Instacart, which may offer competitive pay but usually without the legal protections of employment.
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Real Estate Agent: With a high school diploma, a big personality, and a strong work ethic, you can make it as a real estate agent. You don’t need a real estate broker license, which can take one to three years to get. State-issued agent licenses are easier and quicker to obtain. However, only real estate brokers can own and operate real estate brokerages and hire real estate agents.
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Fitness Instructor: Fitness instructors can work out of private or public recreation centers, private gyms, and health clubs. Some focus on one-on-one or small-group training, while others lead larger groups.
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Dental Hygienist: Dental hygienists work in predictable office environments during regular business hours. Many hygienists choose to work part-time, balancing family obligations or other income streams with their work at the dentist’s office.
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Tutor: Tutoring is a flexible job that’s ideal for subject matter experts seeking part-time or seasonal work. You don’t have to be a licensed teacher to find success as a tutor. All you need is some sort of credential in your chosen subject.
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School Bus Driver: School bus drivers generally work early mornings and mid- to late afternoons. There’s a great deal of part-time potential here, though scheduling may be strict and drivers may be subject to minimum hours-worked requirements.
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Phlebotomist: Phlebotomists collect and manage blood samples. Most work in clinical settings, such as hospitals and outpatient medical facilities.
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Child Care Worker: Child care workers work in a variety of settings: at pre-K schools, multilocation childcare franchises, independently operated day care facilities, and private homes.
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Massage Therapist: Massage therapists typically work in half-hour or hour-long blocks, which makes for flexible scheduling.
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Income Tax Preparer: Income tax preparation is highly seasonal work, so it’s not ideal for people seeking year-round part-time work.
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Web Developer: Nearly 20% of web developers are self-employed. They find their own clients, set their own hours, and otherwise march to the beat of their own drum.
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Graphic Design: Graphic design is another field popular with freelancers and solopreneurs.
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Caterer: Most food service jobs are ideal for part-time workers, and catering is especially so.
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Local Delivery Driver: Local delivery drivers typically drive commercial trucks or vans within local delivery areas.
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Restaurant Server: Restaurant service is the granddaddy of all part-time jobs and arguably the original "customer service representative" gig.
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Mail Carrier (Postal Service Worker): If you like being outside, love walking, and have a high tolerance for heat and cold, you’d be a great part-time mail carrier.
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Administrative Assistant: Office-based administrative assistants aren’t as plentiful as they used to be now that lots of professional services work gets done remotely. But they’re still needed, and overall demand for professional assistants hasn’t declined much — it has merely shifted remote, giving rise to an army of virtual assistants who can work from anywhere and make their own hours.
If none of these jobs appeal to you, don’t worry. There are many other occupations that are suitable for part-time work. And many employers are happy to accommodate full-time employees looking to switch to part-time work for family or health reasons. This flexibility isn’t limited to low-skill or modestly compensated occupations, either. For example, most of the doctors at my wife’s clinic work less than full time. So, keep that in mind as you consider going back to school or changing careers. If your employer is willing to be flexible, you might not have to quit your job entirely before you’re ready to make the leap.
