There are several advantages and disadvantages to having a part time job. The benefits include having more spare time to take care of other responsibilities or to simply take care of yourself. You often have a flexible schedule so that you don’t have to take time off for doctor appointments or your child’s school events.
There are plenty of options to choose from if you are seeking part time hours from working in a retail store to taking on the role of a private fitness instructor. There are some companies that will offer benefits to part time workers and you get all the benefits of a stable income without having to work a full 40 hours each week.
Unfortunately, some of the positive things about part time jobs are also considered negative for some individuals. Many people may be searching for a full time job with guaranteed benefits and 40 hours per week, but the only jobs available in their area is part time jobs.
It can be difficult to switch from a full time income to a part time income, because you are obviously bringing home much less. Most part time jobs do not offer benefits such as health insurance or life insurance. And the schedule can be very random, as it will rarely have you working Monday through Friday.
The 15 Best Part Time Jobs that Pay Well
While you won’t make as much as someone who works twice as many hours as you do, there are some part time jobs out there that pay exceedingly well.
1. Nail Technician
Nail techs will have to complete a cosmetology program if they want to work at any spa or nail salon. Their tasks include filing, shaping trimming and polishing fingernails and toenails, and instructing customers on how to properly care for their hands and feet. This is another flexible part time job that could help you earn a little extra in tips.
2. Waiter or Waitress
Food industry workers may have a lot on their plates, but those who work during the peak hours for their establishment can make up for the stress and hard work that comes along with this part-time job. Part of being a waiter or waitress is interacting with patrons, taking orders correctly, making recommendations to customers and serving food all while making sure your customers have a pleasant experience. The perks of this job include flexible hours and the chance to make more money in tips.
3. Retail Sales
The salespeople who work in retail stores and shops are sometimes able to increase their income with commission sales at some locations. While the job requires a lot of customer interaction and plenty of patients, the perks can include employee discounts, flexible schedules, and the opportunity to move up to a better paying position.
4. Bartender
A bartender’s experience level can range from making simple mixed drinks to an adult beverage artist. These professionals pour, mix, and shake up a variety of alcoholic creations in bars, pubs, and lounges. Earning a bartending license can help you learn more about the craft and possibly increase your hourly rate. Bartenders that are well-liked in an establishment are also known to take home some generous tips.
5. Recreational Workers and Fitness Trainers
These outdoor enthusiasts and workout gurus help keep their clients in shape and customers happy. Job roles can include fitness instructors, park directors, camp counselors, park rangers, trail guides, and many others. Along with the benefits of a flexible schedule and great pay, you also get to enjoy the fresh air and appreciate the fact that you are helping others stay healthy.
6. Real Estate Agent
Real Estate Agents are some of the most financially successful part-time workers out there. You get the opportunity to help potential buyers find their dream home and work on a schedule that is flexible enough so that you can take care of all other personal responsibilities all while making a reliable income. Training requirements to become a licensed real estate agent vary from one state to the next, so be sure to find out what your home state requires if you are interested in this part time position.
7. Customer Service Representative
A customer service representative provides a connection between the customer and the company they are inquiring about. These professionals interact with customers online through email or Live Chat, by phone, or in person. They often have to deal with the difficult task of managing angry or annoyed customers and helping them to become satisfied with the brand once again.
8. Accountant
For this part time job, you will need to hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting or another related field. Some companies may also require you to be a Certified Public Accountant, or CPA. The good news is that the role of an accountant is in high demand, especially during tax season. During that time, many organizations and individuals will hire a part-time accountant for ongoing support. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132011.htm">The Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that they expect a 10% increase in accounting jobs in the U.S. throughout 2026.
9. Taxi Driver
Driving a taxi in a busy city where tourists frequent, and professionals are always in need for a ride to their next business meeting can have it’s rewards. While you may find yourself sitting in traffic jams for a large portion of the day, driving around in a taxi is another part time job that can be very rewarding thanks to tips from passengers. You can earn a good amount of money just in the additional tips that you receive from grateful customers in need of a lift.
10. Sales Representative
As one of the highest paying part time jobs on the list, a sales representative can bring home an impressive amount of money each payday. These sales professionals sell goods and services to various types of organizations, government agencies and other businesses. They often earn a commission along with their regular hourly wage which can add up well for a talented sales rep over time.
11. Professional Translator
While this part time position will require you to be fluent in two or more languages, there are also plenty of benefits associated with it. Someone who already speaks a different language and is looking for a career change may consider being a translator or interpreter for individual clients or a company. These professionals work to bridge the communication gap for people who speak different languages. By working as an interpreter or translator, you have the option to specialize in other areas such as sign language or specific industry terminology.
12. Editor or Proofreader
Working as an editor or a proofreader can be one of the best part time jobs out there. You can either work for a publisher or work as a freelancer and edit all types of publications for individual clients. The tasks of an editor include planning, coordinating, reviewing and revising content that may be published in books, magazines, online blogs, or emails. Editors have the opportunity to review story ideas and choose which topics will appeal to their readers the most. Proofreaders conduct similar tasks such as examining final drafts and checking documents for errors before they are published.
13. Delivery Truck Driver
Delivery truck drivers have a big responsibility to deliver needed items to a business or place of residence on time. They transport goods between local households, distribution centers, businesses and warehouses. Most companies only require you to have a high school diploma or equivalent, along with a valid driver’s license to be hired. You get to work with a flexible schedule and interact with customers all throughout the day.
14. Massage Therapist
Massage Therapists help their clients eliminate pain and relieve stress in a calm and peaceful setting. You can receive training to learn all types of different techniques that can relax tense muscles and allow your clients to feel at ease. This part time job pays very well, and you have the chance to provide relief to someone who may be living with severe pain or dealing with a lot of stress. The rewarding benefit of helping others is just one of perks of this top-paying part time job.
15. Web Developer
These technical geniuses can work on their own terms with a flexible schedule. Many web developers even choose to work from home for individual clients or a business. The high pay rate is just one of the perks that come along with being your own boss. Web developers spend their time creating websites for clients, giving their input on web designs, writing code and checking software programs for issues.
Why You Should Consider Switching to Part Time
Employees who work at least 40 hours a week or more are often the same individuals who visit their doctor complaining of fatigue, pain, and mental exhaustion. Individuals who are https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3813007/">overworked often end up with various health conditions such as high levels of stress, high blood pressure, muscle and joint pain, back pain, migraines and depression just to name a few.
Our health should always be our primary concern, but, unfortunately, it isn’t for so many people. We have bills to pay and our everyday expenses are too high for us to leave a job that is damaging to our wellbeing.
One solution to the problem of being overworked is to https://wire.ama-assn.org/life-career/wellness-and-work-10-things-consider-about-going-part-time">switch to a part time job. Although it may seem like a drastic move for some, many people who have made the switch are now much healthier individuals who enjoy having more free time to relax while still bringing home a reasonable paycheck.
The biggest issue with switching from working full time to part time is the change in your income. For those dealing with a lot of stress, it may seem pointless to decrease your income to improve your stress. But many who have decided to switch to a part time job say that they are happier and more relaxed than they have been in years. The benefits of having more free time to do the things that they love compensates for the extra money that they made while working full time. And now they actually have time to go out and spend some of their money on things they enjoy such as a short vacation or visiting a local tourist attraction.
You won’t be able to afford many of the material things that you love, but you should still be able to afford all the things you need with some left over for a good meal out or a special gift for yourself every now and then. Consider affordable alternatives to the things you are paying on now such as switching from Cable TV to streaming channels or downgrading to a value plan with your cell phone company. Knowing how much money you truly need each month will help you find the best part time job that suits your needs.
Finding the Best Part Time Job for You
Whether you are hoping to supplement your current income or want to decrease your work hours due to other responsibilities that require your time, it is possible to find a part time job that pays well. These job options are just a sample of the best part time job listings available for you to check out in your local area. While you may have a decrease in pay, with a part time job you get to enjoy the benefits of a flexible schedule and more spare time to take care of the things that matter most in your life.