The 15 best part-time jobs for every experience and skillset

A part-time job offers flexibility and freedom that full-time schedules can’t. 

Maybe you want to dedicate more time to your family, need financial security to turn a side hustle into a full gig or have a health issue that keeps you from finding employment in a traditional full-time setting. 

Part-time jobs vary based on skill set, experience level, and industry just as much as full-time jobs do, which can make it harder to decide which works best for you. 

Here are 15 of the best part-time jobs with salary and education information and tips for finding a job you’ll thrive in. 

How to find the ideal part-time job: 5 tips

The pool of part-time work might not be as wide as full-time job opportunities, depending on where you live and what kind of position you’re looking for. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for something that doesn’t suit your needs.

Carefully strategizing your job search is key to applying for — and landing — the right position. Here are five tips for finding the right part-time job opportunity:

1. Leverage your network: Contact colleagues, previous managers, and friends to inform them of your search or request a recommendation on your LinkedIn profile. Pay attention to networking events and mixers in your area to meet new people and find opportunities. 

2. Send a letter of interest: The company you’re interested in working for might not actively advertise a part-time position. Send a letter of interest to demonstrate your commitment. Even if it doesn’t result in an immediate job opportunity, it shows resourcefulness, decision-making, and goal-setting skills that recruiters value. 

3. Identify your needs: Take some time to evaluate why you’re looking for a part-time position over a full-time job. Be transparent with hiring managers. Clarify whether you need to set your own schedule, work from home, or accommodate other responsibilities.

4. Widen your search: Cast your net as wide as possible. Set up job alerts on the job posting sites that suit your requirements, look for listings on company websites, and keep tabs on industry-specific job boards. 

5. Pinpoint your transferable skills: Transferable skills are a combination of soft skills and technical capabilities, like negotiation, organization, and creativity, that apply to different jobs. Since these skills are difficult to learn, hiring managers will want to learn about the ones you already have. 

The best part-time jobs for every criterion

A part-time role isn’t just for students or people looking for extra money. You can find part-time jobs in almost any industry, and many of them require hard skills, knowledge, and experience. 

Here are 15 jobs to think about, organized by category to help you find options that work for you. 

Online part-time jobs

Plenty of remote jobs are freelance or part-time, and they only require access to a computer and a reliable internet connection. Here are a few to consider:

1. Copywriter

A copywriter transforms advertising and sales concepts into written content that entices consumers and communicates a brand’s image. Copywriting is ideal for work-from-home setups, with plenty of opportunities to build a flexible schedule as an independent contractor or freelancer. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median hourly wage for writers is $33.42, although pay can vary significantly depending on work experience, specialization, and individual clients. 

2. Social media manager

A social media manager is the social voice of a brand. They help construct a digital identity, grow audiences, and work side-by-side with marketing experts, sales reps, and graphic designers. Successful social media managers come up with inventive content strategies and weigh out success and failure based on algorithms, target audience data, and market trends. 

The BLS groups social media management with marketing management, so average salaries are difficult to pin down. Glassdoor reports more specifically that social media managers earn an average of $51,619 (with $3,757 in bonuses) per year. Rates will vary widely depending on experience, industry, and location. 

3. Virtual assistant

As the workforce shifts further to digitalization, virtual assistants are growing in demand. These assistants are technical, creative, and administrative people who operate remotely either as gig workers or on retainer for clients. It’s an excellent option for full-time workers who want to downsize. 

The salary range varies depending on location, client, and skill set, but according to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly wage for work-from-home assistants is $28.44. 

4. Sales associate or customer service representative

Sales associates and customer service representatives interact with customers and clients to assist with products and services. They’re skillful negotiators, quick critical thinkers, and problem-solvers. 

While skills are similar between these two positions, salary and job potential vary widely. According to the BLS, customer service representatives earn up to $19.76 per hour, and wholesale sales associates earn $30.24 per hour. Sales associates usually have more potential for bonuses, commissions, and profit sharing. 

Part-time jobs with an associate degree

An associate degree is an excellent way to earn more academic or technical training without committing to a four-year bachelor’s degree. If you’re a student working towards a bachelor's or if you aren’t interested in earning more than an associate degree, here are a few jobs you can get with your experience:

5. Medical sonographer or cardiovascular technician

Sonographers and cardiovascular technicians operate specialized medical machinery to help physicians diagnose medical conditions. Good sonographers and technicians are detail-oriented and clear communicators

 They should also have strong active listening and empathy skills that allow them to work with patients who may be experiencing physical or emotional distress. 

An associate degree is enough for entry-level positions in this field, but you might need a state-specific license to practice. Hourly wages vary widely depending on specialty and work setting, with a median hourly wage of $36.24, according to the BLS. 

6. Dental hygienist 

Dental hygienists study specialized machinery, preventative care for oral diseases, and proper hygiene. They act as intermediaries between patients and dentists, communicating their findings with dentists and giving patients recommendations.

Successful dental hygienists use critical thinking and communication skills combined with specialized technical knowledge to create a better patient experience. 

An associate degree and a state license are the minimum requirements to enter the field. Many dental hygienists work part time and rotate between various offices, offering a more flexible schedule. The BLS reports that the median hourly wage is $37.41, with top-earning full-time workers making above $100,200 per year. 

7. Real estate agent  

Real estate agents can pursue licensing with a high school diploma, but an associate degree opens up more opportunities for learning and networking. Although real estate agents typically have irregular hours, many operate part time and have the flexibility to take time off, choose clients, and develop a stronger work-life balance. 

Real estate agents are usually paid on commission based on a percentage of the final selling price, meaning the number of clients and local demand will determine how much you get paid. For a more accurate salary range estimate, network with your local real estate association. The BLS reports an average hourly rate of $23.45.

High-paying part-time jobs

Many careers let you regulate your own hours or transition to high-paying contract work, giving you more control over your hourly rate. Whether you’re beginning your career path as a freelancer or looking for a career change with a more advanced degree, here are five flexible jobs that pay well. 

8. Nurse anesthetist

Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia and provide care before, during, and after medical procedures. They often have a specialized math and science background and a variety of soft skills like attention to detail, verbal communication, and the ability to work under pressure. 

Advanced practice nurses require extensive education, but demand is high. According to the BLS, there will be 40% more jobs in this field between 2021 and 2031, which is nearly 10 times the average growth rate. 

After becoming a registered nurse, you can choose between an accredited master’s or doctorate program, followed by a state licensure exam. While a full-time schedule is typical, there are plenty of flexible job opportunities with fewer hours.

Annual salaries vary depending on schedule and location, but the BLS reports that full-time nurse anesthetists make a median salary of $195,610.

9. Technical writer

Technical writers draft assembly instructions, case studies, and other documentation that explains complex procedural information. This is an ideal job for introverts who enjoy working alone and have technical soft skills like logic-based reasoning, order, and organization. 

Technical writers commonly work as independent contractors in information technology, scientific, or technical research fields, producing documents for staff, customers, and other users. According to the BLS, the best rates for technical writers are in science and IT, with a median full-time income of $80,150 per year. 

10. Speech pathologist

Speech pathologists work one-on-one with patients to treat various communication and speech issues. They usually need to have a master’s degree and a license in their state of practice. They can also earn specialty certifications in child language, fluency, and other specific fields. 

There are plenty of different settings for these professionals, including schools, healthcare facilities, and private practice. Part-time work is common, and pathologists who work in schools have summer and winter vacations.

The BLS reports that salaries vary depending on the work setting, but the median annual wage for full-time pathologists is $79,060. 

11. Physical therapist

Physical therapists are medical professionals who help patients experiencing mobility issues. They’re highly trained healthcare providers with wide-ranging backgrounds, so this role does require extensive education and experience. Successful physical therapists also have deep interpersonal skills that aid their hands-on treatment. 

To practice, you’ll need an accredited doctorate in physical therapy along with state licensing and certifications. There are plenty of opportunities to work with medical providers at private hospitals, in-home healthcare, or your own small business. According to BLS, the average hourly wage is $45.97, although it varies by specialty and type of practice. 

12. Executive recruiter

Organizations hire executive recruiters, sometimes known as headhunters, to find potential candidates for high-level job postings. Successful headhunters are strategic people managers.

They have wide professional circles, are fluent in the art of persuasion and negotiation, and skillfully leverage their corporate clients' wants with job candidates' needs. 

Executive recruiters can operate independently. They might work on a project-by-project basis and set their own terms for payment, including fixed fees, hourly wages, and commissions, with the potential to negotiate cash bonuses and profit shares.

While it’s difficult to define a precise salary range, Glassdoor estimates that full-time executive recruiters make $94,489, with top earners making above $155,000.

Low-stress part-time jobs

Tapping into your natural skills and hobbies is a great way to find a low-stress part-time gig. Keep in mind that everyone finds different things stressful, and it’s up to you to decide what defines a more relaxed work environment for you. Here are three part-time job ideas that might connect with your strengths and interests:

13. Fitness instructor

If you’re interested in health, fitness, and wellness, becoming a certified fitness trainer or instructor can be a perfect regular gig or weekend job that pays well.

Trainers usually only need a high school diploma to pursue necessary certifications and safety training, making it an ideal job for college students studying science or health who want to earn extra money and gain practical work experience.

According to the BLS, fitness instructors earn a median hourly wage of $19.57, but demand is increasing, with 19% projected growth through 2031. It can become a higher-paying job if you go through more affordable online training and work one-on-one with clients. 

14. Teaching assistant

Becoming a teaching assistant is a good career path for people who enjoy working with children or youth. They help prep classrooms, organize students, and create and implement lesson plans. Great teaching assistants are good communicators who are observant and patient with students. 

Teaching assistants sometimes work full-time, but there are also part-time options, depending on the position and school season. According to BLS, they make a median annual wage of $29,360, although salary is highly dependent on individual states and school districts. This job is also a natural pathway to teaching for people considering full-time employment in the future. 

15. Animal services worker

If you love animals, try finding a job in animal grooming, training, and sitting. With a high school diploma and extra training, you can get a more formal position with an agency or set up your own client base.

According to the BLS, animal care workers earn a median annual salary of $28,730, or $13.81 per hour. This is lower than the national average, but demand for animal workers is growing, and as a self-employed person, you have the potential to set your prices based on local supply and demand. 

Important considerations for part-time workers

Part-time and full-time work vary by more than just schedule. Part-time employee benefits, taxes, and other dynamics also differ and can affect your decision. 

Here are four considerations to make when searching for a part-time job:

1. Hours: It’s common for hourly jobs to have varying schedules, especially with shift work. If you don’t have flexible hours, be clear with the hiring manager about your needs to avoid potential conflicts. 

2. Cost-benefit analysis: If you’re looking for a part-time job while you study or take care of other responsibilities, ensure your new job doesn’t get in the way. A part-time job should complement your life, not disrupt it. 

3. Taxes: Part-time and seasonal employees need to follow the same tax rules that apply to other employees. Carefully analyze your tax bracket against your hourly wages and monthly budget, and ask about potential deductions and other perks. 

4. Benefits: As of March 2022, healthcare benefits were available to 23% and retirement to 43% of part-time employees. Although it’s possible to get benefits as a part-time employee, it’s less likely than if you worked full-time. Ask about the part-time perks in the company’s employee value proposition and consider how your wages will compensate for uncovered benefits. 

Help wanted

You can find the best part-time jobs almost anywhere: from highly specialized healthcare fields to walking dogs on the weekends. It’s up to you to choose a position that suits both your schedule and your interests. 

Carefully weigh your job requirements, work-life balance needs, and transferable skills, and begin your job search. You’ll be one step closer to entering the professional path that works best for you.