Part-time jobs offer fantastic flexibility. You can work mornings, mid-day, or into the evening, and you can make the most out of both your free time and your in-office hours. Best of all, there’s a lot of part-time jobs that actually pay very well.
Here are five high-paying part-time jobs to start your search.
1. Server or Bartender
Average hourly wage: $12 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Servers and bartenders can actually make a sizable salary off their part-time shifts. Typically, restaurants and bars pay their servers minimum wage. However, that’s simply their starting salary. On top of that hourly rate, bartenders and waitstaff earn tips. These tips can raise your hourly earnings to as much as $20 to $25 per hour, making this part-time job perfect for those who need to earn a lot during short shifts.
2. Lyft or Uber Driver
Average hourly wage: $8 (Money Magazine)
Need the most flexible of part-time jobs? Try becoming a driver for a rideshare company like Lyft or Uber. It’s a position with decent pay and the perk of setting your own schedule.
Every Lyft or Uber driver gets to pick his or her own schedule; just turn on the app when you’re ready to drive. You’ll meet countless new faces during your “shifts” and be able to fill up your free time by making a bit of extra cash. As a bonus, you also get to be your own boss–there’s no one who will limit how much you can earn in a given day.
3. Massage Therapist
Average hourly wage: $21 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Massage therapy is a great part-time job that gives you flexibility and fantastic pay. You can spend your mornings or afternoons soothing clients’ tired muscles and helping them find relaxation. A low-stress job for massage therapists, this position is one that allows you to schedule massages when they fit into your schedule.
Working as a massage therapist is a versatile position. You can work in spa facilities, medical offices, physical therapy clinics, or even start your own business. The possibilities are entirely up to you.
4. Mail Carrier
Average hourly wage: $16 (PayScale)
Want to keep your work-life balance? Become a mail carrier for the US Post Office and you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for–and you won’t be hurting for cash, either. Mail carriers work no more than 20 hours each week, leaving a lot of free time in your schedule. Couple that with an average starting salary of almost $20 per hour, and you have a pretty great outlook.
5. Tutor
Average hourly wage: $17 (PayScale)
Shape young minds and avoid the 9-to-5 lifestyle by working part-time as a tutor. Pick a subject (or a few) in which your knowledge is strong, and work with students of any age. You have a lot of flexibility; you can work long-distance with online students, or meet in-person at local libraries.
Where to Find More High-Paying Part Time Positions
Before selecting a new part-time job, be sure to do your own research. Delve into reviews, ratings, and other information, and make sure that you’re going to get what you want.
Like anything, it’s always a good idea to be aware of the latest research. We recommend comparing at least 3 or 4 options before making a final decision. Doing a search online is typically the quickest, most thorough way to discover all the pros and cons you need to keep in mind.