32 Of The Best Part-Time Jobs For 2021
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Looking for a new part-time job? Perhaps you’ve already got a job you love but are looking to supplement your income with some extra earnings. Maybe you’ve got a limited number of hours you’re able to work each week.
Whatever the case, the best part-time jobs are out there. Many of them have a low barrier for entry and reasonable starting pay rates. Here are 32 of the top options!
1. Delivery Driver
Don’t mind spending time in the car? Consider becoming a delivery driver. Today, you can deliver just about anything — food orders, groceries, and office supplies, to name only a few.
By signing up with a company like Postmates, you can deliver all sorts of items –not just food — leading to a potentially steadier flow of incoming delivery jobs.
As a driver, there are no fees or time commitments. In fact, you choose when you want to work, and take home 100% of your earnings — plus tips! You can cash out instantly or take advantage of free weekly deposits.
Requirements: Be at least 18 years old, have your own smartphone, and pass a Postmates background check.
Earning potential*: Delivery drivers earn $10 – $25 per hour, depending on your hours and location.
2. Shopper
Would you shop all day, every day, if your budget allowed it? Well, get this — you can actually shop for other people as a part-time job!
One platform that makes it easy to become a part-time shopper is Instacart.
What makes Instacart great is that you can choose what time of delivery services you want to provide. As a full-service shopper, you get to work as an independent contractor, using your own vehicle to shop and deliver orders during the hours that work for you.
As an in-store shopper, on the other hand, you’ll work as an actual part-time employee for Instacart. That means you won’t need to use your own vehicle and you’ll only be required for shopping — no deliveries.
Requirements: To work as a shopper, you will most likely need your own vehicle or means of getting to and from different locations. For Instacart, specifically, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old, have your own smartphone, and be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
Earning potential: Shoppers earn roughly $13 – $15 per hour, although Instacart claims that their shoppers can earn up to $25 per hour.
3. Pet Sitter
Love cats or dogs? Pet sitter is one of the best part-time jobs available, as it allows you to earn reasonable income while enjoying the company of adorable pets!
There are plenty of pet owners who take vacations, business trips, or short getaways, and are in need of people whom they can trust to watch their pets.
Rover is a site that connects pet owners to pet sitters. As a pet sitter, you can choose the types of services you want to provide — whether it’s boarding, house sitting, drop-in visits, daycare, or walking services.
What’s more is that Rover allows you to set your own preferences and rates, so you decide which jobs you take and how much you want to make.
Requirements: Potentially pass a background check.
Earning potential: As a part-time pet sitter, you could average $1,000 or more each month, dependent on your schedule and rates.
4. Online English Teacher
There are students all over the world who are looking to learn the English language, and you can be their teacher — without ever leaving your home!
With a platform like VIPKid, all you need to do is fill out a short application and you could be accepted as an online English teacher in no time.
VIPKid provides you with all of the lessons to eliminate planning — you just have to teach it!
Requirements: Your application is more likely to be accepted if you have any degrees or certifications.
Earning potential: Online English teachers can expect to make between $13 and $20 per hour. VIPKid claims that their teachers average $22 an hour.
5. Bookkeeper
Businesses of all sizes have at least one thing in common — the need for bookkeepers!
With some very simple training, you could get your own bookkeeping career off the ground. Right now, you can actually claim a free spot at three exclusive bookkeeping classes with Bookkeepers.com.
Master the basics, be willing to use different software, and you could have a fruitful career as a part-time bookkeeper!
Requirements: Freelance bookkeepers don’t always need a degree or certificate. Employed bookkeepers may need a high school diploma and possibly a certificate.
Earning potential: Bookkeepers earn roughly $17 – $22 an hour.
6. Blogger
Love the idea of sharing your thoughts with people online? If you start your own blog and stick with it, blogging can turn into one of the best part-time jobs!
Plus, it’s easy to get your blog up and running! With a web host like Bluehost, you’ll get a free domain name for a year, a free SSL certificate, and a one-click WordPress installation, allowing you to get your blog off the ground as soon as possible!
When your blog is set up and you’re ready to monetize, you can use methods such as content marketing, advertising, and selling merchandise to generate income.
If you don’t want the headache of finding a web host, choosing a domain name, and setting up a website, you can easily blog on a free platform — like VOICED. Sign up with VOICED and you’ll always have a place to share your thoughts, connect with others, and build an audience!
Requirements: None.
Earning potential: Stick with blogging and you could earn respectable part-time income. Top bloggers are even able to fully replace their income through blogging.
7. Proofreader
If you pay attention to detail and can spot errors easily, you could become a part-time proofreader. Proofreaders often work at firms and agencies, or they go the freelance route!
First, you may need a little training. At Proofread Anywhere, you’ll learn the art of proofreading and how to launch your own proofreading business with this exclusive, 76-minute workshop!
Requirements: Proofreading knowledge and training preferred.
Earning potential: Depending on whether you work at an agency or if you’re a freelance proofreader, you could average anywhere between $18 and $30 per hour.
8. Transcriptionist
If you’ve got a knack for typing, you might consider a job as a transcriptionist. While it might not be the most thrilling line of work, it’s an easy way to make part-time income.
And you can get the training you need for the job through a 7-lesson mini-course from Transcribe Anywhere. The program will help you master transcription practices and also show you how to earn money as a professional transcriptionist.
Requirements: Transcription knowledge and training preferred.
Earning potential: The average transcriptionist makes roughly $15 an hour but advanced transcriptionists can earn upwards of $25 per hour.
9. Online Store Owner
If you’re a salesperson at heart, think about launching your own online store as a part-time job. You can sell just about anything online — find a niche, determine whether there’s a reasonable market for it, and then build your online store!
A service like BigCommerce makes this easy. The platform allows you to manage and track all of your products, orders, and inventory, and it supports most major payment methods.
Not to mention, you can use a 30-day free trial from BigCommerce to launch your online store as soon as today!
Requirements: None.
Earning potential: Depending on your product, your store, and how you market your products, the potential for earnings is limitless!
10. Server
Server is one of the best part-time jobs for a few reasons — they’re relatively easy to get, employers are often able to work with your schedule, and you can make pretty good money after tips!
If you don’t mind the hustle and bustle of a restaurant or pub, and the stress of the occasional demanding customer, consider filling out an application. You can get a job as a server with little more than a good personality. Most of the time, no degree or diploma is required!
Requirements: None.
Earning potential: Servers are able to average at least $10 – $12 per hour with tips.
11. Landscaper
If you enjoy spending time outside, don’t mind manual labor, and have an eye for maintaining lawns, gardens, and other outdoor landscapes, you might be well suited for a part-time landscaping job.
As a landscaper, you can work as a municipal employee, for a landscaping company, or for yourself! While you’ll be responsible for simple tasks, such as mowing lawns and trimming bushes, you should also be prepared for duties like planting and mulching.
Requirements: None, but you will need the right equipment for the job.
Earning potential: Landscaping isn’t a particularly high-paying job, as you should expect to make roughly $10 – $15 an hour, but you’ll find that there is always work available.
12. Barista
If a fun, upbeat work environment is important to you, barista might be one of the best part-time jobs for you!
Coffee shops often provide all of the training needed for the job. Just be willing to learn the different terminology, machines, and techniques; and maintain a positive attitude with customers.
Apply to a major chain, such as Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts, or to a smaller roaster, like your hometown coffee shop!
Requirements: High school diploma or GED preferred but not required.
Earning potential: The average barista earns $10 – $13 per hour.
13. Bartender
Looking for a part-time job during the evenings, perhaps after your regular nine-to-five? Don’t mind serving drinks, cleaning glasses, or working in a lively and sometimes rowdy environment?
Try your hand at bartending. As a part-time bartender, you’ll be responsible for a wide range of tasks — mixing beverages, checking identification, collecting money, and conversing with customers.
Like servers, bartenders start at a low base pay rate but are able to add significant earnings to their income through tips.
Requirements: Be at least 18 or 21 years old, depending on where you live.
Earning potential: The average bartender earns about $10 – $12 an hour, but depending on the establishment (restaurant, bar, nightclub), can make quite a bit more.
14. Freelance Writer
If you have a way with words, you can build up a solid part-time career as a freelance writer.
You’ll need to choose the type of writing services you want to provide — whether it’s content writing, copywriting, technical writing, academic writing, or other services.
Once you’re ready to kick off your freelance writing career, you can start building up your clientele through freelance platforms, social media networks, referrals, and even word of mouth!
Requirements: Most clients will want to see that you have some experience, whether it’s a four-year degree or relevant certifications.
Earning potential: Your earnings entirely depend on the type of writing services you provide and the rates you set. The average content writer can make anywhere between $15 and $30 per hour, but top copywriters are able to charge upwards of $50 an hour for their services.
15. Freelance Graphic Designer
If you possess artistic talent and want to finally show it off while earning part-time income, consider working as a freelance graphic designer.
Design anything from logos and web pages to album and book covers. Whatever your specialty, you’ll want to make sure that you have the tools of the trade. The majority of today’s graphic designers use software like Adobe Creative Cloud, Photoshop, and After Effects for their graphic design work.
Requirements: As a freelance graphic designer, you’re not required to have any degree or certificate, and the reality is that many are self-taught. However, a four-year degree or certification can go a long way in attracting clients.
Earning potential: Your earning potential is dependent on the rates you set and the types of services you provide. Many freelance graphic designers are able to charge between $25 and $30 per hour.
16. Photographer
Have a passion for capturing beautiful landscapes or precious moments? Photography is one of the best part-time jobs, not only because the work is highly rewarding but also because it has significant earning potential.
In addition to artistic ability, you’ll need to develop technical skills and learn how to use editing software. You’ll also need to invest in your own equipment — cameras, lenses, and computer programs.
Requirements: No four-year degree or certification is required, but technical skills are needed.
Earning potential: Working for an agency, you might average $15 – $20 per hour; but as a wedding photographer, you could earn upwards of $50 an hour.
17. Lifeguard
Prefer to spend your time by the pool or ocean? Want a job that allows you to get some sun, stay in shape, and also make a difference?
Maybe lifeguard is the perfect part-time job for you. As this is a skilled position, it does require some training; but the skills you develop for the job could be lifesaving.
Requirements: Requirements vary by state, but you should be at least 15 years of age (in most states), be a confident swimmer, and have current lifeguard, CPR, and first aid certifications.
Earning potential: The average lifeguard earns $12 – $15 per hour but you can make $20 or more, depending on the organization and location.
18. Administrative Assistant
If you’d prefer a desk job with set duties each day and have strong organizational skills, consider working part-time as an administrative assistant.
What’s great about the administrative assistant position is that it comes with a shallow learning curve. Particularly if you already have experience in an administrative role, you should be able to step right into a part-time administrative assistant role with little training.
Requirements: A high school diploma or GED at a minimum.
Earning potential: While the position doesn’t have much upside in terms of income, you can expect to earn roughly $12 – $18 as an administrative assistant.
19. Brand Influencer/Ambassador
As little as 15 years ago, it would’ve been difficult to imagine someone making a living by promoting brands on their personal social media accounts.
But today, those with large followings are able to use their influence for one of the best part-time jobs — brand influencer! Keep in mind, though, that income is usually inconsistent. You’re not paid by the hour, but rather, by post.
Requirements: There are no education or experience requirements to become a brand influencer, but you’ll need a large social media following to get work.
Earning potential: Your earnings are relative to your follower count and influence. A sponsored post might pay as little as $25 or as much as tens of thousands of dollars.
20. Caterer
If you love to prepare food and want to channel that passion for cooking into a viable part-time career, become a caterer!
As catered events are often held in the evenings or during weekends, you can find work that doesn’t disrupt your schedule. If you plan on offering full-service catering, keep in mind that you may need to hire a little help!
Requirements: As a caterer, you’ll need your food safety certification. Formal training or experience in the culinary arts, although not required, is recommended.
Earning potential: Income is dependent on your profit margins and the number of events you choose to take on, but catered events often cost between $500 and a few thousand dollars.
21. Makeup Artist
Are you skilled with the makeup palette? As a part-time makeup artist, you could meet all sorts of people — including local and national TV personalities and celebrities.
In addition to the ability to apply makeup of different complexities, you’ll need to have a good understanding of lighting and photography. You’ll also need to adhere to personal hygiene and health requirements.
Requirements: Diploma from a school of cosmetology is preferred.
Earning potential: The average makeup artist earns $20 – $25 per hour.
22. Customer Service Representative
If you’re a problem-solver at heart, a part-time job as a customer service representative could be a great fit for you.
Of course, you’ll need thick skin for this kind of position. You’ll likely be dealing with issues and complaints around the clock, so the ability to manage stress and work with different personalities is critical.
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
Earning potential: As customer service representatives are used in almost all industries, income varies from job to job. On average, you should expect to make between $12 and $16 an hour.
23. Hair Stylist
Maybe makeup’s not your thing, but what about hair? As a part-time hair stylist, you could enjoy a highly creative job and a flexible work schedule.
For the job, you’ll need to understand a range of different hairstyles and hair textures, as well as the different products that are used to achieve various looks — from shampoos to dyes to razors and everything in between.
Requirements: Diploma from a school of cosmetology is preferred, and many salons require licensing.
Earning potential: While most hair stylists earn between $10 and $15 an hour, they also earn tips.
24. Retail Worker
While many aren’t cut out for work in retail, there are others who thrive in the retail environment. If you’re the latter, retail worker is one of the best part-time jobs, as it has a fairly low barrier to entry.
Retail workers are required to know the store’s products and systems, but they also need to be flexible and available for customer questions.
Requirements: High school diploma or GED is preferred.
Earning potential: While retail workers earn $10 – $14 on average, there is some reasonable potential for growth. Retail workers are often able to advance to senior sales workers, supervisors, and department managers.
25. Bank Teller
If you prefer routine tasks and a quiet environment, you might be cut out for a part-time job as a bank teller.
As a bank teller, you’ll need to not only to communicate with customers but also deal with numbers — whether it’s using financial programs, looking at account balances, or counting cash drawers.
Requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent is required and a four-year degree is often preferred.
Earning potential: The average bank teller earns $11 – $16 an hour.
26. Nanny
If you have a natural gift for nurturing children, cooking meals, and keeping a home clean, you might be best suited for a job as a part-time nanny.
While the job of a nanny is often a full-time, there are some families who may only need you to watch their children for a few hours during the evenings or for a couple of days each week.
Requirements: None, although many families will want you to complete a background check.
Earning potential: As a nanny, your rate is dependent on the number of children you’re responsible for and the different tasks you’re required to handle. On average, a nanny earns $14 – $20 per hour.
27. Virtual Assistant
Want a part-time job that allows you to work from the comfort of your own home? Today, companies large and small are in need of virtual assistants.
As a virtual assistant, you’ll be busy with a wide range of tasks — from answering phone calls to managing calendars to booking travel and accommodations and much more!
Requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred. You’ll also need a stable internet connection and experience with various computer programs and software.
Earning potential: Virtual assistants earn between $15 and $20 on average.
28. Social Media Manager
Although the position of social media manager is often a full-time job, many smaller companies or those without much of a social media presence only need part-time help.
As a social media manager, you’ll need to be comfortable navigating all major social media platforms, and should be able to implement strategies that increase brand awareness and generate leads.
Requirements: A four-year degree in business, marketing, or another related field is preferred. Proficiency in various social media programs, as well as Google Analytics, is often needed.
Earning potential: While income depends on your experience and impact, the average social media manager makes between $15 and $25 per hour.
29. Fitness Instructor
Passionate about helping people live healthier lifestyles and seeing them achieve their fitness goals? Fitness instructor is one of the best part-time jobs, as it allows you to play a key role in others’ personal improvement and long-term health!
Of course, for this type of position, you’ll want to be in great shape and maintain a healthy diet. You’ll also need to be knowledgeable about how the human body works and how different exercises generates results.
Requirements: Be at least 18 years old, and have current NCCA and CPR certifications.
Earning potential: The average hourly rate for a group fitness instructor falls between $20 and $25.
30. Real Estate Agent
With a knack for sales and an interest in the property market, you could launch a career as a part-time real estate agent.
As real estate agents earn a commission of roughly 5% or more with each sale, even a sale or two can generate part-time income. You’ll be required to form close relationships with clients, learn their preferences, and work with their budgets.
Requirements: You’ll need a real estate agent’s license, as well as knowledge about the industry and market.
Earning potential: While real estate agents aren’t paid by the hour, earnings from sales are significant. 5% commission on a $300,000 sale generates $15,000 in income, for example.
31. Massage Therapist
As a massage therapist, you’ll be responsible for manipulating muscles and tissue, providing customers with a therapeutic, relaxing, and safe experience. Of course, this means that you’ll need to communicate well with your customers and keep access to their treatment records.
With the average session lasting roughly 30 – 60 minutes, you can sprinkle sessions throughout your week to generate reasonable part-time income!
Requirements: You’ll need a current massage therapy certification.
Earning potential: On average, massage therapists earn between $15 and $22 per hour.
32. Mail Carrier
If you like to drive and want a job that will keep you active, mail carrier is one of the best part-time jobs available.
Of course, you’ll need to map routes, deliver mail all over your town, and pick up outgoing mail; but you’ll also need to lift heavy packages and even drop them off at doorsteps.
Requirements: To be a mail carrier, you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license, and a good driving record. You’re also required to be a U.S. citizen and must pass a background check.
Earning potential: Mail carriers earn roughly $13 – $17 per hour.
Reasons to Get a Part-Time Job
There are plenty of reasons to consider getting a part-time job:
- Earn money while in school or college.
- Earn money in retirement.
- Earn money while managing a home or raising children.
- Add money to your full-time income.
- Earn benefits not provided by your full-time employer.
- Try out a different career.
- Transition from one career to another.
- Fill some of your downtime.
- Add more work history to your resume.
What Is the Difference Between a Full-Time Job and a Part-Time Job?
In terms of weekly workload, a full-time job typically involves 30 – 40 hours each week, while a part-time job involves 30 hours or fewer.
As for benefits, full-time employees typically receive paid time off, health insurance benefits, and retirement plan opportunities, while employers aren’t obligated to offer these kinds of benefits to part-time employees.
What are the Highest Paying Part-Time Jobs?
How much you earn at your part-time job is highly dependent on your employer, location, and your experience.
However, some industries typically pay more than others. You’re likely to earn more money as a real estate agent or massage therapist than as a retail worker or barista.
What Is the Best Part-Time Job at Home?
The internet has turned hundreds of part-time jobs into jobs that can be performed at home.
Today, freelance jobs are wildly popular and offer some of the best work-from-home opportunities — whether it’s writing, graphic design, transcription, or proofreading! Some other best part-time jobs include virtual assistant, customer service representative, and online teacher.
Your Next Part-Time Job Is Waiting
Whether you’re looking to boost your income or gain more work experience, there are plenty of part-time job opportunities to be seized.
And now with 32 of the best part-time jobs, you have plenty of ideas to get you started!
* As data on average earnings varies greatly from source to source, we used figures from Indeed, GlassDoor, ZipRecruiter, and PayScale into account to calculate a broader overall range that represents the earning potential of each job.