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Best Paid Part-Time Jobs That Can Help You Get Ahead

These part-time jobs can offer flexibility and help you earn extra money.

October 22, 2021

If you need an additional source of income to achieve a specific financial goal — such as building up an emergency fund, paying off debt or saving for retirement — then a part-time job may be just what you’re looking for. 

Whether you already have a full-time job and want to pick up a gig on the side or you’re a stay-at-home parent or college student, there are many part-time job opportunities available.

We’ll cover the pros of working part-time, provide a list of the best paid part-time jobs, and explain how you can use a part-time gig to help you get ahead financially.

The pros of part-time work

Here are some of the perks to being a part-time worker:

  • Enjoy a flexible schedule. Do you need to work nights or weekends? Looking for a side hustle that will let you pick up shifts when you can or work whenever you’re free? A part-time job can provide you with the flexibility you need to earn some extra cash while still meeting your other obligations.

  • Use your current skills and education. Most part-time positions won’t require a specialized college degree, making them accessible to almost anyone. But if you do have a degree, certification or other skill, you can leverage your existing knowledge and experience as a contract or freelance worker.

  • Pursue a passion. Sometimes a part-time gig can teach you practical skills or allow you to pursue a passion that’s different from your day job. It can also let you try different kinds of work if you’re considering a career change.

  • Gain work experience. Even if full-time work isn’t an option for you right now, a part-time position can help you build up work experience and keep your resume current.

11 of the best paid part-time jobs

When it comes to finding part-time work, you can do a job search for a company that’s hiring, or you can become a self-employed contractor or freelancer. Here are some high-paying part-time jobs that pay more than the federal minimum wage

Bank teller

The median hourly pay for bank tellers is $15.68. While bank teller positions pay well, the role may not provide enough flexibility for some. Shifts are usually only available during the day on weekdays (or perhaps on Saturday mornings).

Bookkeeper

If you’re good at math or have a background in accounting, you could apply your skills by offering virtual bookkeeping services. Your hourly rate will likely depend on your location, experience and services you offer, but the median hourly wage for bookkeepers is $20.39.

Income tax preparer

This could be an ideal gig for those who want to work part-time for a limited amount of time, as temporary opportunities may be available during tax season. You also might be able to work evening and weekend hours. The hourly pay generally falls between $19 and $24.

Customer service representative

Customer service jobs are available in various industries, and with some companies offering 24-hour customer support, you may have the option to work nights or weekends. In some cases, you may even be able to work remotely. The median hourly pay is $17.23

Real estate agent

This is a part-time gig where you can make good money if you can consistently move houses. Most real estate agents are self-employed and set their own schedules. With a median hourly wage of $24.63, this is one of the best-paying part-time jobs. However, keep in mind that your income may not be steady.

Personal driver

Driving people from one place to another has grown in popularity because of services like Uber and Lyft. How much you earn will depend on location, the length of the ride and whether you’re driving during peak hours. You can also deduct the miles you put on your car on your income tax return. 

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Delivery driver

There are a plethora of delivery driver jobs available today, thanks to the gig economy. These jobs offer a lot of flexibility and control over your hours. You could work for services such as DoorDash, GrubHub, Uber Eats, Instacart or Postmates. The hourly rate will vary across services, but as an example, a DoorDash driver makes $15 to $25 on average.

Lawn care service provider

Most workers in this field charge by the lawn and not by the hour. You may be able to charge $25 to $50 per lawn or more, depending upon the size of the lawn and whether you will also trim the edges. This can be done on evenings and weekends in most cases. 

Freelance work

Working as a freelancer is a great way to make money from your existing professional skills, especially if you want a work-from-home job. For example, you can be a freelance writer/blogger, graphic designer, web developer, social media manager or virtual assistant. As a freelancer, you can work as much or as little as you, and you can often set your rates.

Tutor

This is another job where you can use existing skills or knowledge to make some extra money. You can help students of all ages tackle difficult subjects, or you can prepare high school students for college entrance exams, like the SAT or ACT. The average hourly pay for tutors is $17.70

Nanny

If you like working with kids, this might be one of the best part-time jobs. This can also be a good option if you’re a stay-at-home parent because you can earn money watching other people’s kids while taking care of your own. The median pay for nannies is $12.24 per hour. Pay will depend in part on the number and age of the kids. 

Use your part-time job to get ahead

A part-time job can be a great way to get ahead and set yourself up for financial success. If your part-time job is supplementing your or a family member’s full-time income, then you can plan your monthly budget according to the full-time salary. The extra part-time income can then be earmarked to help you reach financial goals, like paying off debt, saving for a down payment, building up your emergency fund or investing for your retirement.

Start earning with a part-time job

If you’re looking for a flexible gig to help you earn extra income, consider one of the best paid part-time jobs in the above list. You can then use the money you make to help you get ahead financially. Consider paying off debt, saving for retirement, or working toward another goal.

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