Part-time Work Opportunities for International Students in the USA

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Retail Sales Associate
• Restaurant Server
• Barista
• Tutor
• Research Assistant
• Library Assistant
• Conclusion
• FAQ’s

Navigating the world of academia in a foreign country like the USA is an adventure in itself, but what about earning some extra cash on the side?

The challenge, however, lies in balancing your studies with a part-time job, especially when you’re far from home and unfamiliar with local employment laws.

To ease the confusion, we have curated a guide for part-time work opportunities for international students in the USA, so scroll down and discover what job opportunities you can take up next.

Retail Sales Associate

As an international student, working as a Retail Sales Associate is a flexible and social job option. It’s a role that allows you to interact with people, improve your language skills, and get a taste of American consumer culture.

Average Pay in the USA:

• Minimum Wage: Varies by state, but expect around $7.25 to $15 per hour.
• Average Wage: Approximately $11 to $13 per hour.
• Tips & Commissions: Some positions may offer additional earnings through tips or sales commissions.

Average Work Hours:

• Part-time: Usually 15-25 hours per week, ideal for students.
• Weekends: Often required, but this can fit well with academic schedules.
• Evenings: A standard shift time, allowing you to attend classes during the day.

Document Requirements:

• Social Security Number (SSN): Essential for tax purposes and employment in the U.S.
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD): Proves you’re allowed to work in the U.S. while on a student visa.
• Valid Passport and Student Visa: Keep these up-to-date to maintain employment eligibility.

Job Requirements:

• Customer Service Skills:You’ll be interacting with customers regularly.
• Basic Math Skills: For handling cash and making change.
• Communication Skills: Important for both customer interactions and working with a team.
• Physical Stamina: You’ll likely be on your feet for most of your shift.

Restaurant Server

Becoming a Restaurant Server could be a great fit if you’re an international student looking to immerse yourself in American culture while earning some extra income for your daily expenses in your student housing.

Average Pay in the USA:

• Minimum Wage: Usually around $2.13 per hour for tipped employees, but this can vary by state.
• Average Wage: With tips included, you could make anywhere from $10 to $20 per hour.
• Tips: A significant portion of your income, often making up for the lower base wage.

Average Work Hours:

• Part-time: Typically 20-30 hours a week, suitable for student schedules.
• Weekends and Evenings: These are peak times in restaurants, aligning well with when you’re not in class.
• Shift Length: Usually 4-8 hours, depending on the establishment.

Document Requirements:

• Social Security Number (SSN): Required for tax reporting and legal employment.
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD): Validates your work eligibility in the U.S. as a student.
• Valid Passport & Student Visa: You must be current to maintain your legal status and work eligibility.

Job Requirements:

• People Skills: You’ll be the face of the restaurant to customers.
• Multi-tasking Ability: Balancing multiple tables and orders is a must.
• Good Memory: Remembering orders and customer preferences can set you apart.
• Physical Endurance: Expect to be on your feet, often carrying trays of food and drinks.

Barista

For international students who are coffee enthusiasts or enjoy a fast-paced, social work environment just like your amber student accommodation, becoming a Barista can be an enriching experience. This role offers you the chance to master the art of coffee-making while interacting with locals and fellow students.

Average Pay in the USA:

• Minimum Wage: Generally starts at around $7.25 to $15 per hour, depending on the state.
• Average Wage: Usually between $10 and $13 per hour.
• Tips: Often collected and can boost your overall earnings.

Average Work Hours:

• Part-time: Ranges from 15-25 hours per week, making it manageable alongside your studies.
• Morning Shifts: Ideal if you have afternoon or evening classes.
• Weekends: Likely to be required, but this often aligns well with a student’s free time.

Document Requirements:

• Social Security Number (SSN): A must-have for employment and tax reasons.
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD): This confirms your eligibility to work in the U.S. while studying.
• Valid Passport and Student Visa: Essential for maintaining your legal status and eligibility to work.

Job Requirements:

• Customer Service Skills: A friendly demeanor is key, as you’ll interact with customers.
• Attention to Detail: Accurate measurements and customization are crucial in coffee-making.
• Quick Learning: You’ll need to memorize various coffee recipes and operating machinery.
• Physical Stamina: Expect to stand for long periods and perform repetitive tasks.

Tutor

If you excel in a particular subject and enjoy helping others, becoming a Tutor could be a rewarding part-time job for you as an international student.

Average Pay in the USA:

• Starting Rate: Around $10 to $15 per hour for beginner tutors.
• Average Wage: This can go up to $20 to $50 per hour, depending on your expertise and the subject matter.
• Freelance Opportunities: You can set your rates if you tutor independently.

Average Work Hours:

• Flexible Schedule: Often 10-20 hours per week, allowing you to tailor your work around your classes.
• Weekday Evenings: A popular time for tutoring sessions, post-school hours.
• Weekends: Also a common time for tutoring, offering more flexibility.

Document Requirements:

• Social Security Number (SSN): Required for legal employment and tax obligations.
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD): Validates your right to work in the U.S. on a student visa.
• Valid Passport and Student Visa: Keep these updated to maintain your legal work status.

Job Requirements:

• Subject Matter Expertise: You should be proficient in the subject you plan to tutor.
• Communication Skills: The ability to explain complex topics in an easy-to-understand manner is crucial.
• Patience: Students may struggle with concepts; your patience can make a difference.

Research Assistant

For international students who are academically inclined and interested in diving deeper into their field of study, becoming a Research Assistant can be an intellectually rewarding experience.

Average Pay in the USA:

• Starting Rate: Typically around $13 to $20 per hour, depending on the institution and field.
• Average Wage: Can range from $15 to $25 per hour, with potential for grants or stipends.
• Additional Benefits: Access to academic resources, networking opportunities, and potential authorship in publications.

Average Work Hours:

• Part-time: Generally 10-20 hours per week, often flexible to accommodate your academic schedule.
• Project-based: Hours may vary depending on the research project’s needs.
• Semester Commitment: Often requires a commitment for an entire academic semester or year.

Document Requirements:

• Social Security Number (SSN): Necessary for employment and tax reporting.
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD): This confirms your eligibility to work in the U.S. as an international student.
• Valid Passport and Student Visa: Essential for maintaining your legal work status in the U.S.

Job Requirements:

• Subject Knowledge: A strong understanding of the research topic is essential.
• Technical Skills: Depending on the field, you may need skills in data analysis, lab techniques, or specialized software.
• Attention to Detail: Research often involves meticulous data collection and analysis.
• Collaborative Skills: Ability to work well with a team, including researchers, faculty, and other students.

Library Assistant

If you’re an international student who enjoys a quieter work environment and has a love for books and academic resources, becoming a Library Assistant could be a perfect fit for you.

Average Pay in the USA:

• Starting Rate: Generally around $9 to $12 per hour.
• Average Wage: Typically ranges from $10 to $15 per hour.
• Additional Benefits: Access to a wealth of academic resources and a conducive study environment during downtime.

Average Work Hours:

• Part-time: Usually 10-20 hours per week, making it easy to balance with your academic commitments.
• Weekday Shifts: Often during regular university library hours, which can be convenient for your schedule.
• Weekends: Some weekend hours may be required, but these are usually during the day.

Document Requirements:

• Social Security Number (SSN): Required for tax and employment purposes.
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD): Validates your eligibility to work in the U.S. as an international student.
• Valid Passport and Student Visa: Essential for maintaining your legal work status.

Job Requirements:

• Organizational Skills: You’ll be responsible for shelving books and managing resources.
• Computer Literacy: Basic skills are needed for cataloging and assisting with research queries.
• Customer Service: You’ll assist patrons in finding resources and answering questions.

Conclusion

We hope this article helps you to identify part-time work opportunities for international students. Balancing academics and work is a skill that takes time to master, but with the right approach, you can enrich both your educational and professional experience abroad.

FAQ’s