Jun 30, 2025
Studying abroad comes with a lot of possibilities to use your full potential and ace your career. One such area of excelling is working part-time. The USA is a destination that offers students flexibility of time and numerous opportunities for part-time gigs. International students in the USA are allowed to work 20 hours per week during academic terms and full-time during university breaks. Taking up part-time jobs not only elevates your skills but also reduces your cost to study in USA substantially, making your USA study journey quite affordable.
The openness to part-time work in the USA explains the remarkable number of over 1 million students choosing to work alongside their studies in the USA. While this might sound fascinating, starting from scratch to find and take up part-time work can be a bit daunting. To help you out, this blog covers everything you need to understand.
Table of Content
If you’re an F-1 visa student, you can work part-time while studying, but there are rules to follow. As mentioned earlier, working hours are restricted, and the type of job you take matters.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Before starting any job, consult your Designated School Official (DSO) to stay compliant with visa rules.
The journey to study in USA for international students becomes even more exciting and rewarding when students take up part-time work. Not only does it help manage expenses, but it also provides valuable work experience and networking opportunities. Many universities offer on-campus roles that are flexible, visa-friendly, and fit well into student schedules.
Working on campus is the easiest option for international students, as it doesn’t require special work authorization. The table below gives a perfect glance at the top part-time opportunities (on-campus roles available to students in the USA) alongside the average wage and an overview of what each job entails.
| Job Role | Average Salary (Per Hour) | Description |
| Library Assistant | $12 – $16 | Help students find resources, organize books, and manage check-outs. |
| Teaching Assistant | $15 – $20 | Assist professors with grading, tutoring, and classroom discussions. |
| Research Assistant | $15 – $25 | Support faculty in research projects, data analysis, and report writing. |
| Barista | $10 – $15 | Prepare coffee, serve customers, and manage cash registers in campus cafés. |
| Campus Tour Guide | $13 – $18 | Lead tours for prospective students and parents, sharing insights about university life. |
| Administrative Assistant | $12 – $17 | Manage office tasks, schedule meetings, and assist with student inquiries. |
| IT Support Assistant | $14 – $20 | Help students and faculty with tech-related issues, troubleshooting, and software updates |
| Fitness Center Attendant | $11 – $16 | Supervise the gym, assist students, and maintain equipment cleanliness. |
| Student Ambassador | $12 – $18 | Represent the university at events, assist in student engagement activities. |
| Bookstore Assistant | $10 – $14 | Organize textbooks, assist customers, and handle cash transactions. |
Note: The wages mentioned above are indicative and may vary based on location, university, and role specifics.
While off-campus jobs are usually restricted for international students on a USA Student Visa, there are certain authorised roles that align with a student’s academic program and visa regulations. These include internships and practical training opportunities typically approved through CPT (Curricular Practical Training), OPT (Optional Practical Training), or in rare cases, via economic hardship authorisation. These opportunities allow students to gain real-world experience while supporting their living expenses.
If you are looking for a part-time job while studying in the USA and feel a bit daunting, don’t worry. With the right approach and a little consistency, you’ll find a role that fits your schedule and supports your goals. Here are some practical ways to get started:
Many universities in USA support international students with part-time work opportunities. Let’s take a quick look at some of the top ones that stand out.
Taking on a part-time job while studying in the USA offers rewards that go far beyond just the paycheck:
If you’re planning to stay back and gain work experience after completing your studies, the good news is, you can! The USA offers structured post-study work options through OPT (Optional Practical Training) and the STEM OPT Extension.
| Suggested : Highest Paying Job Sectors in USA |
Working part-time while studying in the USA provides financial relief and valuable experience that enhances your international education journey. With proper planning and determination, you can successfully balance academics and work.
As one of the top overseas education consultants, KC Overseas guides you through every step of your US education journey. From university admissions and visa applications to accommodation support and understanding work regulations. Our expert counsellors offer personalised assistance to help you make the most of your study abroad experience while confidently managing both academic and part-time work responsibilities.
Ans: While part-time work can help international students in the U.S. cover some living expenses, it typically doesn't significantly reduce tuition fees. To offset tuition costs, students should explore scholarships and bursaries offered by universities and external organizations. Many U.S. institutions provide merit-based scholarships for international students, and numerous private organizations offer funding opportunities as well.
Ans: International students working part-time in the USA can expect to earn between $10 and $25 per hour. Earnings vary based on factors such as job role, location, and individual experience.
Ans: International students in the USA often find part-time employment in roles such as campus ambassador, barista, teaching assistant, library assistant, receptionist, research study assistant, department assistant, food runner or catering assistant, sales assistant, and tutor or peer mentor.
Ans: Yes, international students need a Social Security Number (SSN) to work part-time in the USA. The SSN is used to report wages to the government and determine eligibility for Social Security benefits. To apply, students must secure employment and obtain authorization from their Designated School Official (DSO). It's important to note that having an SSN does not grant work authorization; students must have proper authorization before starting any employment.
Ans: Yes, balancing part-time work and studies in the USA is possible, but it requires good time management and prioritizing tasks. Many students successfully manage both by staying organized and focused.