If you intend to study in the US, and your sponsors are not able to cover all of your living expenses then you need to get a source of income while in school. It can be very expensive to study in a university, especially one away from home, so most international students in the US do part-time jobs to handle their needs.

Apart from doing part-time jobs to meet your expenses, it is also an avenue for you to gain useful work experience that you can include in your CV. But for your work to not interfere with your studies, the University has put conditions in place for students who need to work. 

Basic Requirements To Have a Part-Time Job As An International Student In The US.

If you must work as an international student in the USA, you must meet the following requirements;

• You must have an F1 visa.
• You must have an excellent academic history. 
• You must get permission from your designated school official (DSO) and follow his/her employment advice.
• When school is in session, you are only allowed to work for 20 hours per week and 40 hours per week during holidays.
• You are allowed to take only on-campus jobs in your first year. After which you can take off-campus jobs on the condition that there is no similar on-campus vacancy available.

10 Recommended Part-Time Jobs You Can Apply For As An International Student In The US.

Barista.

Average salary per hour: $14.96

Most universities have an on-campus cafe where you can prepare and sell beverages like juice, coffee or espresso. Since you're only allowed to work for 20 hours a week, you can use your time at the cafe to socialize and interact with other students. Your job here is not limited to preparing beverages and taking customers' orders. You can also work as a cashier, make light snacks or keep the Kitchen utensils and preparation area clean.

Library Assistant.

Average salary per hour: $16.69

As a library assistant, your job is to help the Librarian maintain serenity, coordinate and keep the library in order. This job allows you to study while you work. When library users return books, you are to rearrange them in the correct positions. You also get to recommend books and academic resources to students. After recommending the resources, you can also direct them to the exact position in the library where they can find the right materials. Finally, a library assistant can also help the librarian complete administrative tasks and organize library events like live readings.

Peer Mentor.

Average salary per hour: $18.06

As a peer mentor, you will work at the University resource centre as a mentor or tutor to new students. Interestingly, this is an avenue to earn while giving back to the international student community. When new students come into college, especially international students, your job is to help them adapt to life on campus, find resources and locate classes. You can also introduce new students to more efficient ways of studying, setting goals and completing their semester plans.

Teaching Assistant.

Average salary per hour: $15.74

If you are interested in teaching, you can take up an on-campus job as a teaching assistant. Your roles as a teaching assistant include;

• Helping lecturers conduct classes.
• Supervising class activities.
• Assisting students who are struggling with classwork.
• Directing students in the absence of the professor.
• Leading classes and scoring students' work (as a senior teaching assistant).

Sales Associate.

Average salary per hour: $12.93

As an international student, you can also work as a sales associate in the University mini-mart or other shops on campus. As a sales associate, your job is to help customers with their purchases, direct them to the exact products they're looking for, or recommend a better brand. You'll also get to answer customers' questions and help in processing purchase transactions.

Food Runner.

Average salary per hour: $16.49

If you are interested in a more flexible job, then working as a food runner is highly recommended. As a food runner, all you have to do is serve food to customers who placed an order in the restaurant or cafe. You may also answer questions customers have about their food and you will also communicate with the kitchen staff occasionally.

Research Assistant.

Average salary per hour: $18.93

If you want to be more knowledgeable in your field of interest while you earn, then you should work as a research assistant. As a research assistant, you will take part in various academic studies and research projects for your supervising professor. Your job will be more beneficial if you work with professors in your discipline or a field you are interested in. It is one of the highest-paid part-time jobs for international students in the US because it requires utmost dedication, organizational skills, interpersonal skills and genuine interest in the research work.

Receptionist.

Average salary per hour: $16.17

Most university offices and buildings are usually in need of a receptionist, so this is another highly sought-after job. The role of a receptionist is to welcome visitors into the block, direct them to the office, and answer phone calls & questions at the front desk. In some cases, they perform administrative duties like, retrieving records, distributing memos and organizing documents.

Student Ambassador.

Average salary per hour: $14.01

If you love to interact with new people or enjoy guiding groups on a tour, then you should consider being a student ambassador. Your job as a student ambassador includes;

• Providing information about your school to prospective students and their families.
• Helping students begin the application process and showing them around.
• Visiting high schools to speak to students and share important information about your university.
• Guiding prospective campus during tours on open days.

Usher.

Average salary per hour: $14.60

Another way to earn as an international student in the US is to work as an usher. This is one of the easiest part-time Jobs you can do on campus. Your duty as an usher is to guide or escort guests to their seats at an event. Ushers also show guests the restroom, exit or way around the building. The service of an usher is usually required during games, stage plays, concerts, inaugural addresses, guest lectures and other special events.

How To Find Part-time Jobs As An International Student In The US.

As an international student in the United States, finding a part-time job can be a great way to gain valuable work experience, supplement your allowance, and immerse yourself in American culture. However, navigating the job market as a foreign student can be challenging, with strict regulations and visa requirements to consider. Here are a few ways to find part-time jobs as an international student in the US.

• Check the employment portal on the school website.
• Ask old students or visit the alumni office to make inquiries.
• Visit the University career office.
• Check social platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Upwork, and Craigslist.

Wrapping Up.

The hourly rate here is not exact or final, it is subject to change based on the wage law set by the federal or state government. Just ensure that you carry out enough research to get the most suitable job that fits your academic schedule and pays for your basic necessities.

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