part-time jobs for international students

Best Part-Time Jobs for International Students in the US in 2025

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Studying in the United States as an international student is a journey filled with incredible academic and cultural opportunities. However, it also comes with the practical challenge of managing finances. A part-time job can be an invaluable resource, providing not only a much-needed income stream but also a chance to gain valuable work experience, enhance your English skills, and build a professional network. But for international students, finding work isn’t as simple as just submitting an application. The entire process is governed by strict visa regulations that you must understand and adhere to. This guide is here to help you navigate the world of part-time jobs for international students, ensuring you find great opportunities while fully complying with US law.

The key to working in the US as an international student lies in understanding the rules tied to your visa, most commonly the F-1 visa. These regulations are designed to ensure that your primary purpose in the country remains your education. Generally, during your first academic year, you are limited to on-campus employment. After that, opportunities for off-campus work related to your field of study open up through programs like CPT and OPT. The landscape of US student jobs 2025 is rich with possibilities, from roles within your university that place you at the heart of campus life to internships that provide a stepping stone to your future career.

This guide will break down the best jobs available, explain the eligibility criteria for each, and provide actionable tips on how to secure these positions. We will explore both on-campus roles that offer convenience and flexibility, as well as career-oriented off-campus opportunities. Let’s dive into how you can successfully balance work and study, making the most of your time in the United States.

10 Best Part-Time Jobs for International Students

Finding the right job requires balancing your interests, skills, and, most importantly, your visa regulations. Here are ten of the best part-time jobs that are well-suited for international students in the US.

1. Library Assistant

Average Pay: $12 – $18 per hour Eligibility: Primarily on-campus, making it perfect for first-year F-1 students.

Working in your university’s library is one of the most sought-after on-campus jobs. It offers a quiet, academic environment that is conducive to studying during downtime.

  • What you’ll do: Your tasks could include checking books in and out, shelving and organizing materials, assisting students and faculty with research inquiries, and managing library equipment.
  • Why it’s great: This role enhances your understanding of academic resources, improves your organizational skills, and provides a peaceful workspace.

2. Research Assistant

Average Pay: $15 – $25 per hour Eligibility: On-campus employment. Often requires you to be in your second year or a graduate student with a good academic record in a specific field.

Working as a Research Assistant for a professor is one of the most prestigious and valuable international student work options.

  • What you’ll do: You will support a faculty member with their academic research. This can involve conducting literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data, preparing presentation materials, and co-authoring papers.
  • Why it’s great: It provides direct experience in your field of study, builds a strong relationship with a professor who can become a mentor and provide future recommendations, and significantly boosts your resume for graduate school or future employment.

3. Teaching Assistant (TA)

Average Pay: Often paid via a stipend, but can equate to $15 – $30 per hour. Eligibility: On-campus employment, typically reserved for graduate students, but some departments hire exceptional undergraduates.

A TA position is a fantastic way to deepen your own knowledge while helping others learn.

  • What you’ll do: Responsibilities vary but can include leading discussion sections for a large lecture course, grading assignments and exams, holding office hours to help students, and assisting the lead professor with course administration.
  • Why it’s great: It develops leadership, communication, and public speaking skills. It also forces you to master your subject material at a much deeper level.

4. Peer Tutor

Average Pay: $15 – $30 per hour Eligibility: On-campus employment, often coordinated through the university’s academic success center.

If you excel in a particular subject, you can get paid to help your fellow students succeed.

  • What you’ll do: You will provide one-on-one or small group tutoring sessions for specific courses you have already passed with a high grade.
  • Why it’s great: This is one of the best student jobs in the US for flexibility, as you can often set your own hours around your class schedule. It reinforces your own knowledge and is incredibly rewarding.

5. Campus Tech Support (IT Help Desk)

Average Pay: $14 – $20 per hour Eligibility: On-campus employment. A good fit for students with a knack for technology.

Every university has an IT department that needs student workers to provide front-line support.

  • What you’ll do: You’ll help students and staff troubleshoot common tech issues, such as connecting to the Wi-Fi, installing software, resetting passwords, and dealing with malware.
  • Why it’s great: You gain practical, hands-on IT experience. It’s an excellent resume-builder for anyone interested in a tech career.

6. Food Service Worker / Barista

Average Pay: $11 – $17 per hour (plus potential tips) Eligibility: On-campus employment, available in university dining halls, cafes, and coffee shops.

These are some of the most widely available on-campus jobs, offering high flexibility and a social environment.

  • What you’ll do: Prepare and serve food and beverages, operate a cash register, and maintain a clean dining area.
  • Why it’s great: It’s a fantastic way to meet new people and improve your conversational English skills in a fast-paced setting. The hours are often very flexible, with shifts available early in the morning or late at night.

7. Campus Tour Guide / Ambassador

Average Pay: $12 – $18 per hour Eligibility: On-campus employment, typically run by the university’s admissions office.

If you are outgoing and love your university, this job allows you to share your enthusiasm with prospective students and their families.

  • What you’ll do: Lead walking tours of campus, answer questions about student life, and represent the university at admissions events.
  • Why it’s great: It significantly enhances your public speaking and interpersonal skills. It’s also a fun, active job that keeps you engaged with the campus community.

8. Departmental Assistant

Average Pay: $12 – $19 per hour Eligibility: On-campus employment within a specific academic or administrative department.

Almost every department on campus needs student workers to help with day-to-day administrative tasks.

  • What you’ll do: Answer phones, respond to emails, make copies, organize files, and provide general support to the department staff.
  • Why it’s great: This role provides valuable office experience and allows you to build relationships with faculty and staff within a specific academic area of interest.

9. CPT-Based Internship

Average Pay: Varies widely, from unpaid to $30+ per hour. Eligibility: Off-campus employment. Requires CPT authorization and must be directly related to your major. You must have completed one full academic year.

An internship is a crucial step in translating your academic knowledge into real-world experience.

  • What you’ll do: Work for a company in a role that is an integral part of your academic curriculum. This could be a software engineering intern at a tech company or a marketing intern at an advertising agency.
  • Why it’s great: This is the most effective way to gain professional experience, build a US-based professional network, and potentially secure a full-time job offer after graduation.

10. On-Campus Retail Associate

Average Pay: $11 – $16 per hour Eligibility: On-campus employment, typically at the university bookstore or other campus shops.

Working in retail on campus offers a convenient way to earn money and develop customer service skills.

  • What you’ll do: Assist customers, manage inventory, operate the cash register, and create merchandise displays.
  • Why it’s great: You often receive an employee discount on textbooks and university merchandise. The location is convenient, and the hours are designed to accommodate student schedules.

Tips for Your Job Search: CPT, OPT, and Finding Work

Finding and securing a job in the US requires a proactive approach and a clear understanding of the rules. Here are essential tips on how to find jobs for US students.

Master the On-Campus Job Hunt

  • Start Early: On-campus jobs are competitive. Start looking a month or two before the semester begins.
  • Use University Resources: Your university’s career services office is your best friend. They will have an online job portal specifically for student employment. Attend their workshops on resume writing and interview skills.
  • Network with Professors and Staff: Make connections in your classes and within campus departments. Let them know you are looking for work. A personal referral can make a huge difference.
  • Prepare a Solid Resume: Even for a simple on-campus job, a professional, one-page resume is essential. Highlight any relevant skills, even if they come from volunteer work or academic projects.

Understanding CPT and OPT: Your Gateway to Off-Campus Work

After your first academic year, you may be eligible for off-campus employment through two key programs authorized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT):
    • What it is: CPT allows you to work off-campus in a job that is an integral part of your academic curriculum. This is typically an internship or co-op program for which you receive academic credit.
    • How to get it: You must have a specific job offer before you can apply. Your Designated School Official (DSO) at your university’s international student office is the one who authorizes CPT. You do not need to apply to USCIS.
    • Important Note: Using 12 months or more of full-time CPT will make you ineligible for OPT.
  • Optional Practical Training (OPT):
    • What it is: OPT is a 12-month period of work authorization that allows you to gain practical experience in your field of study after you graduate (though pre-completion OPT is also possible). Students with a qualifying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree may be eligible for a 24-month extension.
    • How to get it: This is a more formal process. You must apply directly to USCIS for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This process can take several months, so it’s crucial to apply early.
    • Your Key to Post-Graduation Work: OPT is the primary way international students work in the US after completing their degree and is a common pathway to longer-term work visas like the H-1B.

Building a Professional Network

  • Use LinkedIn: Create a professional LinkedIn profile. Connect with classmates, alumni, and professionals in your field of interest.
  • Attend Career Fairs: Your university will host career fairs where you can meet recruiters from dozens of companies. Go prepared with your resume and a short “elevator pitch” about yourself.
  • Conduct Informational Interviews: Find people working in jobs you find interesting and ask for a 15-minute chat to learn about their experience. This is a low-pressure way to gather information and make valuable connections.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can international students work in the US?

Yes, but under strict rules. Generally, F-1 visa students can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time (40 hours) during official breaks. Off-campus work is only permitted after the first academic year and requires special authorization through programs like CPT or OPT, and the work must be directly related to your field of study. Working without authorization is a serious violation of your visa status.

What are the best-paying part-time student jobs?

The highest-paying jobs are typically those that require a specialized skill. Research Assistant, Teaching Assistant, and Peer Tutor roles often pay significantly more than the minimum wage, ranging from $15 to $30 per hour, because they require academic expertise. Off-campus internships in technical fields like software engineering or finance can also be very lucrative.

How do I manage my earnings and pay taxes?

It’s crucial to manage your money wisely. Open a US bank account to handle your earnings. Our guide to the Best Bank Accounts for Students can help you choose one with no fees. As an international student, you are also required to file a US tax return, even if you don’t owe any taxes. Your university’s international student office will likely provide resources or software (like Sprintax) to help you navigate the tax filing process correctly.

Can I work more than 20 hours per week?

During the academic semester, you are strictly limited to a combined total of 20 hours per week for all on-campus employment. Exceeding this limit is a violation of your F-1 visa status. However, you are permitted to work full-time (up to 40 hours per week) on-campus during official school holidays, such as summer and winter breaks.

Where is the best place to find job listings?

For on-campus jobs, the absolute best place to look is your university’s official student employment portal, which is usually managed by the career services or financial aid office. For off-campus internships and post-graduation opportunities, your university’s career center portal, LinkedIn, and specialized job boards like Handshake are excellent resources.

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