by More than ever, people are looking for part-time jobs that pay well without the need to give up their full-time life.
Whether you're a student, a stay-at-home parent or simply looking to earn some extra cash, this type of employment is the answer for you! The good news is that there are lots of high-paying part-time jobs that will fit in with your other responsibilities.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the best part-time jobs that make good money but still allow you to work around your schedule.
Key factors to consider
When you start looking for high-paying part-time jobs, there are several aspects that can impact whether you find a position that fits into your lifestyle and financial goals. The obvious goal is to make more money, but it’s important to look beyond the paycheck.
Here are a few key factors to think about as you’re weighing the best places to work part-time.
1. Flexibility
If you can select when, where, and for how long you’ll work, that can be a game-changer. Before applying for a job, therefore, consider your calendar.
- Do you need something you can do in the evenings or on the weekends?
- Is it important that you can work from home, or are you fine with commuting?
For example, tutoring or freelance graphic design offers a lot of control over your hours, whereas bartending or delivery driving might have fixed shifts.
Get clear on that, and you’ll be on your way to the best part-time job for you.
2. Earning potential
Some part-time jobs pay by the hour. Others pay for output or sales ("per piece", "per head"). If you’re thinking of becoming a freelancer or working on commission, you’ll likely see some variation in your earnings based on the number of clients or projects you have.
Be sure to balance the potential income with the number of hours that you’re likely to work. Even if an opportunity pays a good wage per hour, if it’s only a few hours a week, it may not be worthwhile.
Look up the average salaries for the types of roles you’re interested in. Try to find something that pays you well without exceeding how much time you have to give.
3. Skills and qualifications
There are some high-paying part-time jobs that do require a certain skill and degrees, or at least, prior experience. Not every position requires a qualification, but some of the best part-time jobs do.
But most of these could be learned for free, or at least inexpensively, through online courses. If you want to pursue work that pays more than you are currently earning, it might well be worth your time to upskill.
4. Job stability
Freelancers and gig workers might be hired on and off when there is high demand, or depending on season or competition.
Other roles, such as accountant or administrative assistant, can be more stable and predictable when it comes to income.
If you can know how long you will be able to continue working at a part-time job, it makes the choice much easier.
What are the best part-time jobs that pay well?
With that knowledge, let’s dig into some of the best-paying part-time jobs in a range of fields. Whether you want an online, onsite or skills-based gig, you’ll find something you like here.
1. Freelance writer/editor
Freelance writing or editing can be a great side-hustle. While it probably pays less than traditional jobs, it can still be very lucrative, especially if you have niche areas of expertise in technical writing, copywriting, or SEO content creation.
Rates vary, but I know people who can charge around $20-$100 an hour for their services and are very flexible.
If you are a good communicator and like to work when you want to, this is a great part-time option to build up a client portfolio.
2. Tutor
Tutoring is another good option if you know a particular subject such as math, science or languages very well.
You can usually charge between $25 and $75 an hour as an in-person tutor. There are some websites that can pay $15 to $50 an hour depending on your subject matter and the platform you’re using.
More advanced subjects or test-prep (such as SAT/ACT) can pay quite well. This job is well-suited for those with a passion for educational excellence and a high level of aptitude in a particular area.
3. Web developer
If you know how to code – or are prepared to learn – this could be the most lucrative side gig.
Demand for websites and web applications shows no sign of slowing and part-time web developers can earn $30 to $80 an hour or more.
While jobs building small business websites are relatively easy to pick up, you can also offer more advanced services. There are plenty of free resources online to learn to code too, including languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python.
4. Virtual assistant
A virtual assistant is someone who handles administrative tasks such as setting up meetings, responding to emails and customer enquiries on behalf of another business or entrepreneur.
Rates vary, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $50 an hour.
Certain VAs with special skills (social media manager, bookkeeper) might charge more than this.
5. Real estate agent
While this is commission-based work, it’s possible to earn an excellent part-time income as a real estate agent. You can set your hours and work on your own schedule, earning money for every home you sell.
Many agents earn in the range of $25,000 to $50,000 a year. However, this can easily climb far higher with the right amount of experience and clientele.
6. Fitness instructor/Personal trainer
Fitness fanatics can supplement their income as part-time personal trainer or fitness instructor. Many also offer virtual training sessions, allowing for more flexibility and potentially higher earnings.
They can charge $20-$70 an hour or more depending on experience and location.
How to find high-paying part-time jobs?
Finding easy part-time jobs that pay well doesn’t have to be difficult if you know where to look. Here are some strategies and platforms to help you land your ideal role.
Online job boards
Websites such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn are great search engines. Here you can filter by salary range, position type, and location to help you find the best jobs in your field.
If you seek freelance work, you may want to check out Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer. These platforms let you bid on projects in your niche (writing, design, code, etc).
Gig economy apps
For those looking to augment their income with more flexible jobs, there are apps for that too. Through Uber, Lyft, Instacart, and TaskRabbit, you can be connected to opportunities to make money on your own terms.
Although the income from these gigs may not seem like a promising path to a lifetime of financial independence, tips, bonuses and peak hours can help maximize returns.
Networking
Many of the best positions won’t even be listed on job boards. Put the word out to family and friends that you’re on the hunt for part-time jobs that pay well.
Social networks such as LinkedIn can also be really useful for putting you in touch with recruiters or industry practitioners.
Attending local meetups, conferences, or even virtual networking events can help you discover lucrative part-time roles.
Local listings
Search neighborhood boards, local newspapers, or online community forums such as Craigslist. Some small businesses, especially those that hire for personal assistant, tutor or fitness instructor positions, advertise locally instead of online.
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Conclusion
For those looking to increase their income but still prefer to remain flexible in their schedule, high-paying part-time jobs are an ideal option.
From freelancing jobs to niche, specialized positions, there is something for everyone, irrespective of skill or experience.
Regardless of the option chosen, if you settle for one of these highest-paid part-time jobs, then you get to work at your terms and don't have to compromise on your financial goals.
