Are you in college and thinking about getting a job to earn a little extra money?
Even though you’re likely a newbie to the workforce, there are plenty of job opportunities for college students. Also, you can have your pick, including full-time or part-time jobs and traditional in-office or remote employment. While in college, your primary job is to excel in your studies, but, if you can handle the extra workload, there are many great options available for you on campus, in town, and online.
According to a study from 2015 put out by The Center on Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy, between 70–80% of college students are also active in the labor market. Meaning, you’re far from alone.
In this guide, we give you the top industries suitable for university students, as well as dozens of great college jobs.
Want to showcase yourself in the best way possible to future employers or universities? Sign up to Goodwall!
- Develop skills & experience
- Highlight accomplishments
- Network globally
- Find top jobs & internships
Download the app now to get started!
Here’s our list of the best jobs for college students:
1. Physical Training Jobs
I decided to place more physical jobs first, because, as a college student, the majority (or entirety) of your physical activity might be simply running from one class to the next. Physical work like the examples below make perfect jobs for college students: you can get some exercise in while getting paid for it! And, they’re usually quite flexible with hours, as well.
- Physical Trainer
- Gym Attendant
- Swim Instructor
- Lifeguard
- Gym Receptionist
- Fitness Instructor
- Yoga Teacher
2. Hospitality Jobs
The hospitality industry is a perfect place to find university student job opportunities. The hospitality industry can include hotels around your university, being a tour guide in a local museum or other attraction, or working events at the city’s exhibition center.
- Hotel Receptionist
- Tour Guide
- Caterer
- Front Desk Receptionist
- Concierge
- Event Planner
- Event Assistant
Related Read: 40+ Best College Student Discounts From Tech to Fashion & More! (2020 Ed.)
3. University Jobs / Campus Jobs
If you’re looking through great jobs while in college, you don’t really have to look further than your own backyard! There are plenty of great jobs for students at most universities, and all you need to do is to check the school’s website or contact the college administration office.
- Campus Brand Ambassador
- Campus Library Clerk / University Librarian
- Campus Tour Guide
- Research Assistant
- Resident Advisor
- Dorm Monitor
- Dorm Receptionist
- University Cafeteria Attendant
- Teaching Assistant
4. Retail Jobs
About the most popular industry for college student jobs is retail. Retail stores are open into the evenings and weekends, meaning they offer flexibility, and they may offer many additional perks which would come in handy as a student at uni, such as health insurance and store discounts.
- Cashier
- Sales Floor Attendant
- Stock Clerk
- Customer Service Representative
- Retail Sales Associate
- Merchandiser
- Store Supervisor
- Inventory Control Specialist
Related Read: How to Prepare for College: 13 Tips for Freshman Success at University
5. Food Service Jobs
The food service industry offers some of the best jobs for college students due to its demand and flexible scheduling options. Whether you choose fast food, fine dining, or something in between, these are relatively easy jobs with security, and you might even earn some tips!
- Bartender
- Restaurant Server (Waiter or Waitress)
- Host / Hostess
- Prep Cook
- Line Cook
- Barista
- Fast Food Employee
- Food Service Cashier
- Ice Cream Shop Attendant
- Caterer
- Bus Person
6. Internships
If you’re looking to find the best jobs while in college, how about an internship? Internships are great for preparing you for your career to follow, meaning you’ll get a head start when you finish your studies and have a job that will pay you now while you’re in college (assuming a paid internship rather than an unpaid internship, of course).
- Sales Internships
- Marketing Internships
- Finance Internships
- IT Internships
- Business Internships
- Nonprofit Internships
- Engineering Internships
- Fashion Internships
Related Read: 25+ Types of Internships to Understand Before You Make Your Choice
7. Freelance Jobs
There are no more flexible jobs for college students than being a freelancer and working when you choose to do so. Freelance work allows you to focus more on your studies and work only when you have the time and energy. You can work as much or as little as you want, meaning it’s great for a variety of college situations, whether you’re only a part-time student or when you’re cramming for final exams.
- Dog Walker
- On-Demand Staff
- Wedding or Event Photographer
- Writing Jobs
- Graphic Designer
- Website Designer
- Coach
8. Driving & Delivery Jobs
Delivery and driving work make for some of the best jobs for students, with plenty of flexibility, demand, and an element of socialization and physical activity. You may need a car or a bicycle to get started, but rarely any previous work experience.
- Lyft or Uber Driver
- Food Delivery Jobs
- Package Delivery
- Parking Attendant
Related Read: Ultimate College Packing List: 200+ Things to Take to University
9. Information Technology (IT) Jobs
If you’re searching for high-paying jobs for college students, IT work can be quite lucrative. And, if you’re thinking about a career in information technology, why not start while you’re in college with part-time or entry-level jobs?
- Web Developer
- Software Developer
- Front-End Developer
- Back-End Developer
- Full-Stack Developer
- Software Engineer
- QC Specialist
10. Camp Jobs
Another popular field for college student jobs revolves around camp. Summer camp is the favorite, as students can get paid to go off for weeks at a time outside of the city they study in to work without any interference with their courses. However, if you’re looking for a steadier, year-round option, consider a local day camp.
- Summer Camp Counselor
- Day Camp Attendant
- Camp Leader
- Groundskeeper
- Camp Lifeguard
- Kitchen Staff
Related Read: 25+ Best Jobs for Introverts: Top Careers for the Reserved & Reflective
11. Caring or Sitting Jobs
Working for a single person or private family may sometimes be the kind of environment you’re looking for as a college student. Whether caring for past generations, future generations, or our furry friends, caring and sitting work are some of the best college jobs around.
- Pet sitter
- Babysitter
- Housesitter
- Nanny
- Au Pair
- Senior Caregiver
- Home Health Aide
- Home Cleaner
12. Office & Administrative Jobs
Working at an office may not be for everyone, as many will require a full-time commitment. However, if you can find one offering a flexible schedule or hours that work around your course schedule, office and administrative jobs are great for college students. You’ll get real-world working experience, the chance to network with people in the industry, and the opportunity to continue into a more senior role later after graduation.
Oh, and a solid salary and benefits package, of course!
- Administrative Assistant
- Office Manager
- Data Entry Clerk
- Secretary
- Human Resources Representative
- Human Resources Specialist
- Office Clerk
Related Read: 40+ Best Summer Job Ideas for Students
13. Remote Jobs
If you want college student jobs without having to leave the comfort of your dorm room, go remote. Especially after the coronavirus crisis, remote jobs are everywhere. And, the point of these online jobs is that you can work from anywhere, including your bed, the dorm’s common area, or at your local cafe.
- Virtual Assistant
- Remote Call Center Representative
- Telemarketer
- Social Media Assistant
- Social Media Manager
- Remote Internships
14. Teaching & Tutoring Jobs
College students make prime candidates for teaching positions and tutoring jobs. As a student, you’re old enough to help children and teenagers with the areas they’re struggling with, but not too old that you can’t make a connection.
- High School Student Mentor
- Middle School Tutor
- After-School Teacher
- Test Preparation Tutor
- Homework Helper
- English Teacher
Related Read: Best First Jobs: 75+ First-Time Job Ideas for Teens & College Students
15. Employment Which Offers Tuition Reimbursement
Looking for good places for college students to work? Why not at a company that will hire college students and pay their tuition?
Many companies out there, especially larger companies and those advertising jobs with higher salaries, offer employment with the benefit of tuition reimbursement for college courses and expenses. If you could work during your university studies and get both yourself and your tuition costs paid, that seems like a win-win, doesn’t it?!
Be careful, though, as many companies offering reimbursement for college tuition may only do so for certain degrees, specific courses, and/or after a certain amount of time employed. Nevertheless, if you can land a job while in college at an organization able to pay for some or all of your university expenses, go for it!
16. Creative Jobs
Creative jobs are all the rage with many college students and college graduates alike. If you have a way with words or a sense of style, these jobs will transition nicely into a career after you graduate.
- Graphic Designer
- Copywriter
- Copy Editor
- Content Writer
- Digital Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- Photographer
- Interior Designer
Related Read: Glossary of College Terms: 25+ Important University Words to Understand
17. Financial Jobs
If numbers are more your thing, jobs in finance may be right for you. While many commercial banks require “banker’s hours,” which likely isn’t ideal for a college student, there are several other options, from working as an accountant to handling taxes and more.
- Accountant
- Bank Teller
- Tax Preparer
- Bookkeeper
- Night Auditor
18. Other Great Jobs for College Students
Those lists above were some of the best jobs to work while in college, but there are many other options, as you might imagine. Here are a few more college job ideas to consider before you make your decision!
- Animal Caretaker
- Translator
- Warehouse Associate
- Painter
- Interpreter
- Massage Therapist
- Librarian
- Orderly
Related Read: How to Make Friends in College: 10+ Easy Ways to Meet People at Uni
Well, that’s all for now on our list of the best jobs for college students, and we hope it helps you find the perfect opportunity! Got any questions, feedback, or other college student jobs to add to our list? Let us know below in the comments, and thanks for reading!