The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics considers employees who work less than 35 hours each week to be part-time. (The IRS has a different definition for tax purposes, though, so check this guide on part-time hours if you need more info).
People often associate part-time jobs with minimum wage or low pay, but that’s not always the case. In fact, there are plenty of options that bring in solid money.
12 High-Paying Part-time Jobs
1. Tutor
Got some skills to share? You can find in-person and remote tutoring opportunities in any subject from music to math, but writing and English are some of the most common. According to Indeed, the average part-time pay for a tutor is $21.40.
Read more:The Future Is in the House: Legit Work from Home Jobs
2. Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists’ responsibilities primarily include taking blood to perform medical tests and correctly labeling the samples. You’ll also have to get a phlebotomy certification, which requires a high school degree or GED plus a specialized course, but the pay is pretty good at an average of $14.90 an hour.
3. Nanny
Take it from Fran Drescher—nannying isn’t a bad gig. While you may not be lucky enough to work for a Maxwell Sheffield type, parents are still willing to shell out some major money to make sure their kids are in good hands. On average, you can expect to make around $15.98 an hour.
4. Massage therapist
To become a massage therapist, you’ll need to undergo formal training, get licensed based on your state’s requirements, and get board certified. All that work is well worth it though—the average massage therapist brings in an hourly wage of $28.35 (and most therapists can control their own hours).
Read more:77 Top Companies That Offer Jobs with Flexible Work Hours
5. Freelancer or consultant
From finance and operations to writing, law, marketing, design, and educational administration, if you have skills in a specific field, freelancing or consulting is an excellent option—plus, you can usually set your own schedule and work from home. Because pay is based on your field and experience, there’s no standard pay, but companies will pay top dollar for credentialed consultants and freelancers.
Read more:How to Land a Job Share and Make It Work
6. Fitness instructor
Becoming a fitness instructor is a lot like freelancing. You’ll need to build up your presence online, get solid reviews from clients, and prove why you’re better than the competition. Get paid an average of $21.52 an hour to stay fit and help others do the same.
Read more:Are You Right for Self-Employment
7. Computer programmer
Computer programmers are some of the most in demand part-timers out there. While some companies will look for programmers with a four-year degree, you don’t have to have a bachelor’s in computer science to get to work. Check out a coding bootcamp or online program to build your skills. The best part? Programmers can pull down as much as $42 and hour.
Read more:10 High-Income, In-Demand Skills to Get a New Job (and Better Pay)
8. Bartender
If you’re an expert at slinging drinks, a career in bartending might be right for you. Hourly rates will vary by location and type of establishment, but if you’re willing to work coveted night shifts, you can pull down some serious cash. Bartenders make an average of $11.68 per hour, but if you can work high-volume shifts on the regular, you can make much more.
9. School bus driver
The wheels on the bus go round and round...and round and round and round, to the tune of about $15.10 an hour. You’ll need a valid driver’s license, endorsements, and certification courses (some depending on your state’s standards), but the hours are perfect if you want to keep your nights open!
10. Mail carrier
If you’re okay with working in rain, snow, sleet, or hail, a job with the U.S. Postal Service will never fail! Most mail carrier positions require a high school degree, a valid driver’s license, and a passing score on an entrance exam. And the pay isn’t too bad at $19.10 an hour !
11. Accountant/bookkeeper
This one’s for any math whizzes out there. Whether for a company or individual clients, there’s relatively high demand for skilled bookkeepers. It’s recommended that you have a degree in an accounting-related field or prior relevant experience (depending on the role, you might also have to be licensed as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)), but you could be bringing in $17.66 an hour —and work remotely on top of that!
Read more:The Future Is in the House: Legit Work from Home Jobs
12. Real estate agent
It might not be the first job you think of when you hear part-time, but being a real estate agent gives you a ton of flexibility. You don’t have to work a traditional 40-hour week, you get to set your own schedule, and the pay is based off of commission, so it’s the perfect option if you’re looking for something independent and self-motivated.
While the more time you put in, the more you’ll end up making, agents who work less than 20 hours can still make around $30,000 a year. If you bump up your hours to 21–40 per week, you can expect that number to jump to around $56,000 a year (or more, depending on your market and client base).
Read more: What's a Good Salary?
