Studying abroad in the USA is an exciting journey, but as an international student, managing finances can sometimes be a challenge. One of the best ways to balance study and living expenses is by taking up a part-time job. Fortunately, the US has plenty of part-time job opportunities that allow students to work, gain experience, and still have time to focus on their studies. If you’re an Indian student studying in the US, here are 10 in-demand part-time jobs you can consider in 2025.
In this article, we’ll explore the types of part-time jobs available to international students in the USA, focusing on the in-demand roles that can fit your needs in 2025.
Types of Part-Time Jobs for International Students
Before we dive into the list of in-demand jobs, it’s important to understand the three main types of jobs international students can take up in the US under the F-1 visa:
- On-Campus Jobs: These are the easiest and most convenient options for students. Since these jobs are on the university campus, they don’t require special work authorization, and you can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. During breaks, you can work full-time.
- Off-Campus Jobs: Off-campus jobs are a bit more complicated. To work off-campus, you’ll need authorization through programs like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). These roles typically relate to your field of study and are a great way to gain practical experience.
- Online & Freelance Jobs: Online jobs provide more flexibility and allow you to work from anywhere. But remember, freelancing or self-employment may not be allowed unless done through an authorized employer or OPT.
10 In-Demand Part-Time Jobs for Indian Students in the USA
1. Campus Ambassador
A campus ambassador job is a great way to earn money while promoting brands on your campus. You’ll be responsible for spreading awareness about a product, event, or company through social media and engaging with your peers. It’s a job that doesn’t take much time, and you can often work around your class schedule.
Why It’s Great: Flexible, great for networking, and looks fantastic on your resume if you want to go into marketing or public relations.
2. Library Assistant
If you like quiet environments, a library assistant job might be perfect. You’ll help organize books, manage student requests, and keep the library running smoothly. It’s a relatively low-stress job and allows you to study when there are no tasks to handle.
Why It’s Great: You’ll work in a calm space, it’s close to your classes, and you might even have access to some cool study resources.
3. Food Delivery Driver
With the rise of food delivery apps like UberEats, DoorDash, and GrubHub, delivering food is one of the most flexible jobs available. You can choose your own hours, and tips can add up to a significant amount of money.
Why It’s Great: You can work around your schedule, and the pay can be good, especially during peak hours.
4. Private Tutor
If you’re good at a particular subject, tutoring is an excellent way to earn money while helping others. Whether it’s math, English, or even coding, you can offer tutoring services to fellow students. Plus, tutoring allows you to reinforce your own knowledge.
Why It’s Great: High pay, flexible hours, and it’s a fantastic way to develop teaching skills.
5. Retail Assistant
Retail jobs are common and easy to find. As a retail assistant, you’ll help customers, organize merchandise, and assist with cash registers. These jobs offer set hours, which can help you plan your schedule.
Why It’s Great: You’ll develop customer service skills, and some retail jobs come with employee discounts.
6. Social Media Manager
If you’re great at social media, why not turn that into a job? Many small businesses and startups need help managing their social media presence, and this job allows you to work remotely from anywhere.
Why It’s Great: You can work from home, set your own schedule, and build your personal brand while helping others.
7. Research Assistant
This job is great if you’re in a field where research is essential. As a research assistant, you’ll assist professors with data collection, experiments, and academic writing. It’s a fantastic way to gain experience in your field of study.
Why It’s Great: It’s directly related to your academic work and looks impressive on your resume, especially for graduate school applications.
8. Barista or Cafe Worker
If you enjoy coffee and a fast-paced environment, working as a barista or in a cafe could be a great fit. You’ll prepare coffee, serve snacks, and help customers, all while earning tips.
Why It’s Great: You’ll interact with people, develop customer service skills, and usually get some free coffee or food as a perk!
9. Fitness Instructor
If you’re passionate about fitness, consider becoming a part-time fitness instructor. You can teach classes like yoga, pilates, or even help people with one-on-one training. Fitness jobs are not only fun but also keep you healthy!
Why It’s Great: You get paid to do something you love, and it’s great for maintaining a healthy lifestyle while you work.
10. Freelance Graphic Designer
For students who have graphic design skills, freelancing is a fantastic option. You can create logos, websites, and social media graphics for various clients. It’s a flexible job that allows you to set your own rates and work from home.
Why It’s Great: You’ll have the freedom to choose your projects, work at your own pace, and build a professional portfolio.