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Make money online - 18 Best Online Jobs for Students
The 18 Best Online Jobs for Students
Many college students know all too well the struggle of balancing classes, homework, and extracurriculars. While adding a part-time job to the mix may seem overwhelming, it's a solid way to bring in extra cash and build work experience to enhance your resume before you graduate.
The good news is that part-time student jobs are no longer limited to working at local shops and restaurants. Many online jobs and freelancing opportunities allow you to work from home while setting your own schedule and build skills that will transfer to your chosen career path.
Throughout this article, we'll explore the 18 best online jobs to earn extra money while you do anything from a bachelor's degree to a PhD.
The video below takes a look at some of the best online jobs and side hustles for college students.
Top Online Jobs for Students:
- Social media manager
- Online teacher
- Virtual assistant
- Freelance writer
- transcriber
- Graphic designer
- Web Designer
- video editor
- Proofreader
- Photo editor
- translator
- Data entry
- the photographer
- Affiliate marketer
- Voiceover artist
- Customer service representative
- personal assistant
- Logo Designer
1. Social Media Manager
Make money online, Social media is a top priority for businesses looking to reach their consumers and increase their brand awareness. As a social media manager for these businesses, posting regular content, running ads and interacting with followers, your role is to help the company achieve its social media goals, whether it's a following or a marketing campaign.
If you're majoring in a field like marketing, graphic design, or communications, social media management may be the part-time job for you. Social media management can include creating and posting content to a client's social media accounts, analyzing engagement, communicating with readers, and more. Social media managers often work from home and have flexible schedules.
Required Skills:
- Graphic design
- Copywriting
- Video editing
- Content creation
- Manage pay-per-click campaigns
- Analysis and reporting
- Community management
- A/B testing
- Proficiency in social media platforms
- Average salary: $14 to $35 an hour
2. Online tutoring
Make money online, If you are passionate about a subject or have advanced skills in a particular program like Photoshop, you can earn extra money by becoming an online tutor. Remember that not all tutoring jobs work with children. Adult students also often hire tutors to teach them anything from finance to website development. You can sign up to be an English teacher to ESL students on sites like Preply and Cambly, even if you don't have a bachelor's degree or any prior teaching experience.
As a student, online tutoring is a great way to reinforce what you are learning. If you major in education, online tutoring can be a beneficial role working with students from grade school to high school. Online tutors work remotely, often via video call, and may have flexible hours and schedules.
Required Skills:
- Subject mastery
- Proficiency with online platforms
- communication
- Patience
- Time management
- Average salary: $20 to $40 an hour
3. Virtual Assistant
Whether your skills are in marketing, data entry, finance or customer service, you can work as their virtual assistant. A client can hire an entry-level virtual assistant for everything from research and data entry to interacting with customers on Amazon or LinkedIn. Intermediate and expert-level virtual assistants may be needed to help with marketing campaigns, lead generation, analytics or content writing.
A virtual assistantship can be a great way to start networking with professionals in your chosen industry before you graduate, as well as get in on the ground floor of your chosen career path. You can use your marketing, data entry, finance or customer service skills to help clients while working from home. Virtual assistant roles can be part-time and flexible or have a fixed schedule.
Required Skills:
- Time management
- Data entry
- ledger
- Social media management
- Copywriting
- organization
- Email management
- schedule
- Average salary: $18 to $35 an hour
4. Freelance writer
Content writers enjoy a wide range of remote work opportunities, from YouTube and TikTok scripts to articles, sales copy, and blog posts. As a freelance writer you can focus on writing like copywriting or technical writing. Businesses in all different industries need writers to create short- and long-form content, from search engine optimization (SEO) articles to advertisements.
If you're pursuing a major like English, journalism, or marketing, you'll have plenty of opportunities to use your skills as a freelance writer. Freelance writing jobs also offer a lot of flexibility. As long as you meet your deadlines, you're often free to complete projects on your own schedule.
Required Skills:
- creativity
- Research
- editing
- Proofreading
- seo
- Copywriting
- Average salary: $15 to $40 an hour
5. Transcriptionist
Transcriptionists turn audio recordings into written documents. Beginners can find transcription work that involves typing meeting minutes for a business or closed captioning for a media producer. If you are a fast typist, you may be able to earn extra money by transcribing.
You can take an online course and earn a certificate to become a legal or medical transcriptionist for high-paying jobs. It can also be a great way to gain additional exposure to the field you want to enter after graduation. Transcription work is usually output-based, meaning you can usually work the hours that best suit your schedule until the deadline is met. AI transcription tools can help increase your productivity.
Required Skills:
- Fast and accurate typing
- Grammar and spelling
- Language skills
- listening
- Proofreading
- Research
- Attention to detail
- Average salary: $17 to $22 an hour
6. Graphic designer
Make money online, Clients in almost every industry rely on graphic designers for a wide range of needs, from logos and promotional materials to print work and digital content creation. If you have a strong knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite tools like Canva or Photoshop and Illustrator, you can start a graphic design side hustle. As a graphic designer, you can work on projects to create graphics for each week or month or find long-term clients.
As a design major, taking on freelance projects while you're in school can help you work on your skills and build your portfolio. Graphic design can also be a creative outlet that earns you money outside of your studies. You can gain real-world experience and build a solid list of professional network connections.
Required Skills:
- Knowledge of design software
- Typography
- color theory
- Image editing
- creativity
- Time management
- communication
- Average Pay: $15 to $35 an hour
7. Web Designer
Web design is a broad and diverse industry filled with professionals who use tools ranging from Adobe Creative Suite to HTML5. Some are web developers specializing in UI/UX design or coding, while others use their skills to create WordPress pages or responsive websites. Almost every business these days needs a website, which puts web designers in high demand.
Doing web design while in school can be a helpful way to practice your skills and build your portfolio. Not to mention that the class will become even more interesting when you can earn money from the skills you learn every day! If you're good at web design, you'll have no problem finding freelance jobs that will help you hone your skills.
Required Skills:
- Graphic design
- User Interface (UI) Design
- User Experience (UX) Design
- HTML/CSS
- Responsive design
- JavaScript
- Knowledge of design software
- Prototyping tools
- Average Pay: $15 to $30 an hour
8. Video editor
Clients from multiple industries are looking for video editors who can create anything from digital content to commercials or films. Video editors take raw footage and turn it into the final product. Depending on the project, you may need to work with a director and follow a script or storyboard. As a video editor, you can add graphics to a video, correct lighting, splice videos together, or add voice-overs.
Video editing can be a great job for students because it offers flexibility. Many video editors work on a freelance or contract basis. If your schedule is light you can take jobs and build your portfolio while earning money.
Required Skills:
- Video editing
- Audio editing
- Color correction and grading
- Motion graphics
- Video effects
- Graphic design
- Average Pay: $15 to $30 an hour
9. Proofreader
From journalism and printing to product copy, typos are the stuff of nightmares for professionals in countless industries. This is why many clients are always on the lookout for proofreaders who can prevent spelling and grammar mistakes from creeping into the final copy or product. Proofreaders review a writer's draft and correct any mistakes they make.
Whether you're an English major or have a keen eye for detail, freelance proofreading can be a great part-time side hustle. As AI-generated content grows in popularity, there is a growing demand for reliable proofreaders that can spot errors that affect readability and accuracy.
Required Skills:
- Spelling, grammar and punctuation
- Syntax and sentence structure
- Use the style guide
- Knowledge of editing tools
- layout
- Attention to detail
- Average salary: $18 to $35 an hour
10. Photo editor
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but for many professionals a well-edited picture is priceless. Photo editors can use their skills to do everything from touching up photos to completely transforming them as per the client's needs. Many also use tools like Photoshop to blend and edit photos for social media, marketing campaigns, or other advertising.
If you have a degree in graphic design, fine arts or photography, freelance photo editing can be a great part-time job for you. Photo editors are usually part-time and can work remotely. The hours are usually flexible, so you can work at your leisure outside of class.
Required Skills:
Photo editing software
Retouching
Color correction
Resizing
File management
Image Manipulation
Average salary: $18 to $35 an hour
11. Translator
Make money online, Translators take content (written or audio) from one language and convert it into another language while retaining the original meaning. Today's global economy has created a high demand for translators who can reliably translate into English and other languages. If you have advanced knowledge of a particular industry, such as marketing, legal or medical, you may be able to charge more for your services.
Whether you major in language studies or simply speak two or more languages, all you need to turn your skills into a part-time job is an internet connection you can do from home. This side hustle is perfect for students who are bilingual or multilingual.
Required Skills:
- Fluency in two or more languages
- Grammar, sentence structure and vocabulary skills
- localization
- Attention to detail
- Cultural understanding
- Fast typing
- Average salary: $15 to $25 an hour
12. Data Entry Operator
Data entry tasks involve entering data into a computer or data management system. Such tasks are often not difficult in terms of specialized skills, but attention to detail is important. For example, a client may ask you to collect certain survey responses from multiple forms and record them in an Excel spreadsheet. Data entry specialists often work with spreadsheets or specific customer software.
Clients in various industries require data entry specialists. As a student, you can get your foot in the door and start networking in the industry that interests you Working as a data entry specialist can help you gain marketable experience and see what types of companies you want to apply to after graduation.
Required Skills:
- High typing speed
- Attention to detail
- Spreadsheet skills
- Ability to learn new software
- Format conversion
- Subject Expertise (Optional)
- Average Pay: $10 to $20 an hour
13. Photographer
If you have access to high-quality camera equipment (or can rent it from your school's photography department), photography can be a great part-time job for you. Some photographers specialize in live local events such as weddings or graduations. You can work from home as a photographer and send products to clients for staging.
Local or remote photography can be a lucrative side for students. You can create your portfolio for free by taking pictures of friends, pets and products. Once you have a portfolio, you can start offering your services to local businesses or join a platform like Upwork. Event photographers often work weekends and nights, giving students the flexible schedule they need.
Required Skills:
- Staging
- composition
- Framing
- Lighting
- Photo editing
- Retouching
- Color correction
- Time management
- Average salary: $25 to $45 an hour
14. Affiliate Marketer
Affiliate marketing involves earning a commission by referring an online audience to various products or services. You'll often see influencers use this tactic by posting links to products they recommend. Every time one of their followers clicks on the link and purchases the product, the influencer receives a flat fee or a certain percentage of the profit.
Students with a large social media following can start promoting products on their channels. You can work on the back end by setting up affiliate links and partnerships for clients. Clients can hire you and deal with influencers.
Always beware of scams. Affiliate marketers don't have to "buy in" to the company or buy products in advance and keep stock. Affiliate marketers also don't make money by recruiting new members.
Required Skills:
- SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
- Website knowledge
- Marketing automation tools
- Data analysis
- communication
- discussion
- Project management
- Average salary: $25 to $50 an hour
15. Voice-over artist
Clients hire voice-over actors to create audio tracks for a wide range of social media videos, commercials, video games and other projects. While not all clients require you to have your own recording equipment, you may be able to charge a higher rate if you do. You'll want to start by creating a demo reel with sample readings so potential clients can get a feel for your unique voice and talent.
If you're a theater or communications major, a part-time job as a voice-over artist might be right up your alley. Voice-over work can be a creative way to earn money as a student while building your portfolio. Generally, you can do voice-over at home, but you need a quiet place. Your school or campus may have sound booths or pods that you can book and use for free.
Required Skills:
- Voice clarity and control
- acting
- correct pronunciation
- pronunciation
- Timing and pacing
- Recording software
- Reading the script
- Average salary: $40 to $85 an hour
16. Customer Service Representative
Customer service representatives provide remote assistance to a company's customers via phone, email, or online chat. As a customer support agent, you will answer questions about a product or service, resolve complaints, handle returns and exchanges, and process orders. Companies rely on customer service representatives to follow company processes and procedures while doing their best to create positive customer interactions.
Working as a customer service representative can be a permanent part-time job with scheduled hours for students. This type of work allows you to work around your classes and schedule. Customer service representatives are often in high demand during the holidays, creating a seasonal opportunity that you can pick up during breaks.
Required Skills:
- Clear communication
- sympathy
- active listening
- Product or service knowledge
- Patience
- positivity
- conflict resolution
- Reliability
- Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
- Proficiency (or ability to learn) with customer support software
- Average salary: $10 to $19 an hour
17. Personal Assistant
If you have strong communication and organizational skills, you can work as an executive, business professional or personal assistant for the public. As a personal assistant, you can manage your client's calendar, respond to email and social media direct messages, arrange travel, and handle other business or personal tasks. Personal assistants can often work remotely for their clients and have flexible schedules.
Being a personal assistant as a student can help you gain experience in the industry you are interested in working in after graduation. You can experience different career paths and work with clients who can act as role models and mentors. Working as a personal assistant can help you network and gain exposure in your industry.
Required Skills:
- Calendar management
- schedule
- organization
- Email management
- Discretion and confidentiality
- Time management
- Travel arrangements
- Cost tracking
- Average Pay: $10 to $20 an hour
18. Logo Designer
Almost every business needs a logo. This logo is part of their branding and how customers identify the company and their products or services. Logo designers help companies create mock-ups of their logo ideas and then finalize the design using software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.
If you have graphic design experience, specializing in logos can help you build your portfolio and earn money while working from home. Clients typically want to pay logo designers by the hour rather than by milestones or deliverables. While working through projects (fixed-price), you can create a side hustle schedule that doesn't interfere with your classes.
Required Skills:
- Knowledge of design principles
- artistic ability
- color theory
- Typography
- Drawing and illustration
- Proficiency in graphic design software
- Average Pay: $15 to $30 an hour
Most popular jobs for college students
College students often work part-time jobs to cover tuition and living expenses. Online jobs and on-campus freelancing can offer more flexibility and even better pay than working in local hospitality or retail. As a freelancer, you can set your own hours and create your schedule. Only submit proposals and accept projects that you have time for and will not interfere with class.
Below are some of the most popular jobs for college students that you can do from home and freelance.
1. Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers manage the financial records and transactions of a business. They keep track of money coming in (income) and going out (expenditure). Bookkeepers work in finance, but compared to accountants, they are more entry-level and focus on administrative aspects such as payroll and recordkeeping.
Finance, accounting and economics majors who like to work with numbers can work as freelance bookkeepers outside of class. Although you don't need a qualification to work as a bookkeeper, you can take an online bookkeeping course and become certified by Quickbooks, the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers or the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers. Earning certification in a related field of study can help you win clients.
Required Skills:
- Data entry
- Attention to detail
- Accounts Payable and Receivable
- Financial reporting
- Proficiency in accounting software
- Knowledge of Microsoft Excel
- Account Management
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Average salary: $11 to $25 an hour
2. Recruitment of experts
Recruitment specialists support recruiters and their teams during the recruitment process. This role often focuses on administrative and coordination tasks such as scheduling interviews, writing job postings, extending offer letters, and assisting with new hires. Recruiting specialists are often the first point of contact for candidates and can even conduct initial phone screening.
Working as a recruiting specialist can be a valuable experience for college students. You can learn what companies look for in resumes and interviews when hiring. Once you've decided to apply for a full-time position, even if you're not interested in recruiting or human resources, you'll be prepared.
Required Skills:
- communication
- organization
- Scheduling and coordination
- Applicant Tracking System (ATS) knowledge
- Copywriting
- active listening
- note taking
- Average salary: $17 to $44 an hour
3. Content creators
Brands and individuals need engaging content to post on their websites, emails and social media channels. Freelance content creators create written, graphic, audio and video content for their clients. If you enjoy creative work and have experience creating your own social media content (or other types of content), you can get paid to do it for clients.
Working as a freelance content creator while in college can help you build a portfolio so you can take on more clients or apply for full-time roles after graduation. Content creators can usually work from home and have flexible schedules. All industries need branded content; Working as a creator allows you to experience and learn about different industries and companies.
Required Skills:
- Writing and editing
- Graphic design
- videography
- Video editing
- Audio editing
- Photography
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Social media skills
- Average salary: $25 to $55 per hour
4. Technical Assistance
Companies need tech-savvy professionals to provide support to their customers. If you enjoy solving problems and learning new products or software, you can offer your services as a technical support agent. Companies hire tech support agents to troubleshoot and resolve customer issues with the company's products or services via phone, video, or chat services.
Working as a technical support agent can be a reliable part-time side hustle while in college. Determine how many hours per week you are available to your clients and provide tech support after or between classes. You can get real-world experience working in technology, which can help build your resume.
Required Skills:
- Ability to learn new software quickly
- Hardware knowledge
- Computer Networking
- Technical problem solving
- problem solving
- communication
- Patience
- Customer service
- Average Pay: $15 to $30 an hour
Start an online job for a successful career path
Online jobs are often a good fit for college students, as many come with the opportunity to gain real-world skills without working around the schedule of a traditional nine-to-five employer. If you're new to freelancing, check out Upwork's resources to learn more about a typical day in the life of a freelancer.
We have tons of tips on how to stay productive while working from home. No matter your skills, interests or abilities, as long as you have a reliable internet connection, you can find an online job that works for you. Join Upwork and learn more about the various freelance jobs available for college students and remote professionals. Thousands of opportunities are available every day.
If you're looking to hire a college student, consider working with a freelance student to get the talent you need without a lengthy recruiting or onboarding process. Independent professionals have in-demand expertise and are ready to start your projects right away
