Top 10 Highest-Paying Part-Time Jobs for International Students in 2024

1. Sales Associate, Solid Job for Interacting with People

• Average Salary: $62,000/year

Let’s start by associating jobs. A sales associate simply helps customers shop for what they need, trying to create a positive shopping experience.

Sales associates welcome customers with a big smile and a friendly attitude and guide them through every corner of the store. They answer customers’ questions about products, their after-sale services, and anything else they may have in mind.

Sales associates don’t just sell items but also help people discover what they really need and find the exact item. They have some other duties in the store, too. For instance, they should keep the store organized and the shelves well-stocked.

Working as a sales associate is about building customer connections and making them feel valued. A great associate knows how to ask the right questions to understand what the customer is looking for and offer personalized solutions.

This role is ideal for people with strong communication skills and a passion for customer service. Previous retail experience or fluency in multiple languages can be a bonus.

Being a sales associate can be a great part-time job for international students. The role offers flexibility, with many stores providing evening or weekend shifts that fit well around class schedules.

It also helps students build essential skills like communication, problem-solving, and customer service, which can be valuable for future careers in any field they are studying.

Many retail stores don’t require prior experience, so they’re a good starting point for international students entering the workforce of a new country and trying to familiarize themselves with the environment.

2. Department Assistant, Scheduling, Events, and Administrative Tasks

• Average Salary: $49,000/year

Another kind of assistant is in the office! Administrative Assistant keeps an office running smoothly.

These professionals handle various tasks, from answering phone calls and scheduling appointments to organizing meetings, preparing reports, and sometimes getting a cup of coffee for the boss!

They regularly interact with managers and clients, so they need strong communication and organizational abilities to succeed. Think of them as the office’s backbone, ensuring everything is in order.

What’s great about this job is the opportunity to develop a range of skills. Administrative Assistants often work with tools like the Microsoft Office suite and other office software.

For those looking to advance in administration, starting as an Administrative Assistant can lead to opportunities for higher positions, like Office Manager or Executive Assistant.

For international students, becoming an Administrative Assistant can be a fantastic part-time job while studying.

This role provides an excellent opportunity to meet new people and build a professional network, which can be incredibly beneficial for future career prospects.

3. Research Assistant, Highest-Paying Part-Time Jobs for International Students

• Average Salary: $45,000/year

A Research Assistant works for primary researchers and helps them gather and analyze data for their projects.

This job is perfect for students eager to explore the world of research and gain practical experience in a lab or academic setting.

Research Assistants are responsible for conducting experiments, preparing interview questions, and collecting data, which not only helps the researchers but also gives them a better understanding of the research process.

In addition to hands-on work, they analyze data and summarize results, creating graphs and spreadsheets to present the findings.

Proofreading manuscripts and ensuring that all documents meet high standards is another aspect of this job.

This position allows students to develop organizational and time-management skills while working closely with experienced researchers.

It’s a fantastic opportunity for those international students looking to build a career in academia or any research-related field.

It provides valuable work experience and allows them to connect with professionals in their field and strengthen their resumes.

The skills students gain as a research assistant, such as technical writing and data analysis, are highly transferable and can be advantageous in future job searches.

This role is a great stepping stone for students who are passionate about research and want to contribute to meaningful projects while studying.

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4. Student Ambassador, Great Job for Sharing Experiences

• Average Salary: $42,000/year

A student ambassador familiars prospective students with life on campus, offering them an inside view of what it’s like to be at the university.

They act as the institution’s voice and face, helping future students feel welcome and supported from the start of their application journey.

Student ambassadors answer questions about academic life, share personal experiences, and give practical tips—like where to find the best local food or how to make the most of usual events. The ambassadors create a sense of belonging for applicants.

Universities increasingly rely on student ambassadors because of their influence—students trust their peers’ honest, lived experiences.

This flexibility allows them to work independently, often on their schedules, making the role ideal for students balancing other commitments. Many ambassadors work online, connecting with prospective students through social media or platforms.

Student ambassador is a great part-time job for international students. They can work around their class schedules and other commitments.

This job is also meaningful because it allows ambassadors to help other international students navigate the challenges of moving to a new country.

By offering advice and support, they can make a positive impact while gaining valuable experience in public speaking, teamwork, and online communication.

5. Peer Mentor, Guide, Support, and Encourage

• Average Salary: $40,000/year

A Peer Mentor offers university students guidance, support, and encouragement as they work through personal or academic challenges. Mentors build a positive, inclusive environment by goal-setting or just being a friendly, understanding ear!

They create safe spaces for students to develop life skills, grow their confidence, and make meaningful progress toward their personal goals.

Peer Mentors assist newer students by offering advice, helping them build resilience, and supporting them through various transitions. They also facilitate group activities and discussions.

A successful Peer Mentor is empathetic, a good listener, and knows how to connect students with helpful resources. This role is perfect for international students who are passionate about helping others and making a difference.

Peer Mentors often work within their academic or campus community, making it easier for international students to connect with others, build friendships, and feel more integrated into campus life.

Since the job focuses on providing emotional support and guidance, it also allows students to share their unique experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and personal growth.

6. Tutor, Highest-Paying Part-Time Jobs for International Students

• Average Salary: $39,000/year

Tutors support students by providing personalized academic guidance to help them excel. By presenting lessons according to everyone’s needs, their goal is to make learning more accessible and enjoyable.

They often assist students with homework, projects, and exam preparation while teaching essential study strategies to tackle challenging concepts, develop better study habits, and improve overall performance.

A Tutor creates lesson plans, tracks progress, and offers constructive feedback to motivate students. Flexibility is essential, as sessions may occur in person or online, depending on student needs.

This job is perfect for those who enjoy building meaningful connections and mentoring students from diverse backgrounds.

With opportunities to sharpen communication skills and stay engaged with academic content, it’s an ideal part-time job for international students or professionals looking to make a difference.

They can share their unique perspectives and knowledge, enhancing their students’ learning experience while learning from them.

Overall, tutoring is a rewarding way to contribute to others’ academic success while gaining valuable experience.

7. Library Assistant, Quiet Spaces and Books

• Average Salary: $37,000/year

A Library Assistant should help run the library smoothly. They should create a friendly and welcoming environment for library clients and guide them to find what they want.

They also manage the library’s books, sort and shelve new books, and track borrowed items. Being organized and detail-oriented is essential, as they need to ensure everything is in its right place.

Good communication skills are essential for library assistants because they frequently interact with patrons at the front desk, answering questions and providing information.

For those who love books and want to help others, being a Library Assistant is a great way to contribute to a place that encourages learning and discovery.

Working as a Library Assistant can be an excellent job choice for international students. The position often offers flexible hours that can accommodate a student’s busy schedule.

This job also offers a beautiful opportunity for international students to enhance their English skills. Interacting with clients and staff allows them to practice communication and build confidence in their language abilities.

Additionally, being part of the library community fosters connections with other students and faculty, enriching their overall college experience.

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8. Receptionist, Keep Things Run Smoothly

• Average Salary: $36,000/year

A Receptionist is often a company’s first point of contact, so they have a crucial role in shaping visitors’ first impressions. This position involves a mix of administrative and customer service tasks that are essential for smooth office operations.

Receptionists greet and welcome clients, guide them to the appropriate person or office and handle incoming phone calls.

They are also responsible for maintaining a tidy reception area, sorting daily mail, and ensuring that all necessary supplies are stocked, creating a welcoming environment for clients.

In addition to front desk duties, the Receptionist role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask effectively. They must manage calendars, arrange meetings, and assist with travel and accommodation plans when necessary.

It would be a great employment option for international students. It offers valuable experience in a professional setting while developing essential skills like customer service and multitasking.

It can also provide a glimpse into a business’s inner workings, which is helpful for those looking to build a career in administration or customer service.

9. Call Center Representative, Highest-Paying Part-Time Jobs for International Students

• Average Salary: $34,000/year

A Call Center Representative connects customers with a company’s products and services, ensuring a smooth and satisfying experience for callers.

This position involves both inbound and outbound calls. The representative is responsible for addressing customer inquiries, resolving issues, and providing information about various offerings.

The representatives should be comfortable following structured scripts to maintain consistency while also adapting to individual situations as necessary.

They must engage with callers proactively, going the extra mile to ensure their needs are met and maintaining a customer-first approach in every interaction.

Keeping detailed records of conversations and following up on customer requests is also part of the job, ensuring no inquiry goes unanswered.

Working as a Call Center Representative can be an excellent part-time job option for international students. It offers the opportunity to develop essential skills like communication, problem-solving, and time management.

This role helps improve language proficiency and provides insight into business operations, making it a beneficial choice for students looking to enhance their resumes and professional skill sets.

10. Dining Room Server, Perfect for International Students

• Average Salary: $31,000/year

The primary duties of a Restaurant Server, also known as a Food Server, include welcoming guests, taking orders, serving food and beverages, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

This position needs a friendly demeanor and excellent communication skills, as servers often interact with customers to provide recommendations and address concerns.

In addition to core duties, Restaurant Servers are responsible for maintaining cleanliness and organization within the dining area, handling payments, and assisting in various tasks as needed.

They must have a strong knowledge of the menu to answer questions and make informed suggestions to guests. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to providing exceptional service, contributing to the overall enjoyment of each dining experience.

The Restaurant Server position is an excellent opportunity for international students. This role enhances language skills and cultural understanding through social interactions with a diverse customer base and offers the potential for higher earnings through tips.

Additionally, serving helps students develop valuable skills like teamwork and time management, making it an accessible entry-level job for those entering the job market for the first time.

Now, It’s your turn!

Those mentioned above are the top highest-paying part-time jobs for international students that pay well and allow them to gain experience and meet new people while staying on top of their studies. Which one you consider the best for your needs and abilities as an international student? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.