Jobs that require 40 hours per week don't work for everyone. Often people opt for part-time work for a variety of reasons. Some feel burned out with a traditional work schedule. Others are caring for children or other loved ones, or finishing up a degree or certification. Some simply can’t find the right full-time job to meet their needs.
As of November 2024, 22.3 million U.S. workers were employed part-time for noneconomic reasons, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor of Labor Statistics (BLS). Noneconomic reasons include people who can’t or don’t want to work 35 or more hours a week, possibly due to health problems, child care, or other factors. Another 4.2 million were unemployed for economic factors, such as having their hours cut or not finding a full-time job.
If you’re looking for part-time work—whatever your reasons—we've compiled a list of 31 high-paying part-time jobs that cover a mix of functions, industries, and levels of experience. We also included the median hourly rates and links to help you find job openings.
Why work part time?
Almost every industry has part-time jobs. These opportunities, typically requiring less than 35 hours of work per week, can give you some consistency without the demands of a full-time job. You might be able to work remotely, have a flexible schedule, and you may get paid time off or holidays off too, in some cases.
You might pursue part-time work because you can’t find a full-time job, need or want to make extra income on top of your existing position, or enjoy the flexibility or variety these roles offer. “More and more people are pursuing their passions, and this means multiple roles,” says The Muse career coach Jennifer Sukola.
Working part time in a competitive field also lets workers “get their foot in the door, gain experience, and find out if they will eventually want to do the role full time,” Sukola says. This is especially great for freshers, students, people reentering the workforce, and those looking to change careers.
31 part-time jobs that pay well
Below, get to know 31 of the best-paying part-time jobs that are available now. Keep in mind that this list was created based on the median hourly rate of each job, according to the BLS. We selected roles where the median pay was over $22 per hour. Depending on where you live, you might earn more or less—especially in client-based work.
1. Software developer
The median hourly rate for a software developer was $62.58 as of May 2023. A software developer designs applications and programs. Unlike programmers, who typically execute a plan or optimize a program, developers are more involved in creative ideation and problem-solving when an app is in its early stages.
They might analyze user needs, brainstorm ways to address those needs via an application or program feature. Then, design the various elements of that software, lay out different pieces of the project for programmers to execute, and handle documentation.
Some companies require an undergraduate degree, although it isn’t essential. A developer can potentially work remotely and part time—it just depends on the context and workload. Developers can sometimes work more flexible hours, too.
2. Physician assistant
As of May 2023, the median hourly rate for physician assistants was $62.51. A physician assistant (PA) works in a variety of medical settings, including hospitals and outpatient clinics, and can diagnose and treat patients as well as assist doctors and other medical professionals. They can work with a physician during surgery, help a patient manage a treatment plan, order tests, and handle a long list of other responsibilities.
PAs could work in emergency medicine, trauma surgery, transplants, family medicine, pediatrics, and other specialties—meaning you can choose the area of healthcare that interests you.
You’ll need a master’s degree to become a physician assistant. Though most PAs work full time, smaller practices can use part-time PAs, and sometimes larger clinics and hospitals only require part-time shift work (but bear in mind, those shifts could be overnight or on weekends).
3. Tutor
The BLS groups tutors with other teachers and instructors and does not provide specific hourly wage information. However, tutoring rates typically vary widely depending on the subject, your experience, and location. On tutoring platforms like Preply, Skooli, and Varsity, tutors can make $60 an hour or more, for example.
If you work on your own, you can charge more. However, working with a tutoring agency means they find students and take care of some of the employment paperwork. As for the ins and outs of the job, tutors help students—children or adults—learn a subject or skill. The material could range from fundamental subjects like basic math to high-level content like the SAT or college-level physics.
Tutoring doesn’t always take place during normal business hours, with many clients preferring to meet after work/school hours or on the weekends. Unlike teachers, tutors don’t need formal accreditation, but they do need a deep knowledge of the subject they’re teaching—which usually translates to at least an undergraduate degree in the subject.
4. Physical therapist
As for May 2024, the median hourly rate for a physical therapist was $47.94. A physical therapist (PT) often helps people with pain management and mobility. They’re an integral part of someone’s recovery after a stroke, injury, or surgery, for example.
A PT might work with a variety of patients—from senior citizens to professional athletes—wherever those patients are, from nursing homes to hospitals to outpatient settings like sports teams or physical therapy clinics.
PTs need to be licensed in the state where they work and complete a doctor of physical therapy degree, and some go on to do residencies or fellowships to specialize further. They can work part time during regular business hours, on evenings and weekends, or a combination.
5. Computer programmer
The median hourly rate was $47.94 for a computer programmer as of May 2023. A computer programmer makes sure that an application or software runs correctly by writing code for new software and creating features in existing software. They also regularly test and fix code as bugs are discovered.
A bachelor’s degree is helpful, but some programmers can obtain positions with an associate’s degree or no degree at all. Some companies hire part-time programmers—or you can pursue freelance and contract opportunities.
6. Management analyst
As of May 2023, the median hourly pay for a management analyst was $47.80. Management analysts are responsible for recommending ways to improve a company’s efficiency, including finding ways to reduce costs and increase revenue to make the business more profitable.
According to the BLS, management analysts can work full-time for a company or independently as consultants or contractors, which offers more control over their schedule. To get this job, a bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement, though a master's degree in business administration (MBA) is preferred.
You may also need a certification, which is provided by the Institute of Management Consultants USA (IMC USA).
7. Occupational therapist
The median hourly rate for an occupational therapist was $46.33 as of May 2023. When someone is struggling to complete everyday tasks due to injury, illness, pain, and/or disability, an occupational therapist (OT) helps them adapt their movement and behavior to manage those tasks more effectively.
They might focus on helping people do professional work or to simply get out of bed and dress themselves. OTs might work in a person’s home or in a professional setting like a hospital or school.
This role requires a master’s degree as well as licensing, but part-time opportunities are available. For instance, if a school only needs assistance for a few children, an OT may only need to work part-time hours. Like some other medical professionals on this list, they can also manage their own business and set their own hours.
8. Web developer
The median hourly pay for a web developer was $44.59, as of May 2023. The role of a web developer involves creating, developing, testing, and maintaining websites, including their layout, navigation, and usability.
While it’s possible to become a web developer with just a high school diploma and certifications that demonstrate proficiency in programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, some employers may require a bachelor's degree.
9. Dental hygienist
As of May 2023, the median hourly rate for a dental hygienist was $42.08. A dental hygienist assists a dentist in cleaning teeth, assessing patients for tooth problems and gum disease, and communicating best practices for oral health. They often interact with patients more frequently than the dentist, which means they need strong customer service and interpersonal skills as well.
This role requires completion of an associate’s degree (instead of a bachelor’s degree) as well as a licensing program. Dental hygienists often work part time, coming in a few days a week, according to BLS, and some may work for more than one dentist or office.
10. Registered nurses
The median hourly wage for registered nurses was $41.38 as of May 2023. Nurses help coordinate patient care, which can include:
- Taking patients’ medical histories
- Educating patients about their care
- Dispensing medication
- Keeping medical records
- Communicating with doctors and other medical professionals
They work closely with doctors to carry out treatment plans, conduct exams, and monitor patient recovery. Jobs are available in hospitals, doctors’ offices, outpatient clinics, home healthcare settings, schools, and nursing homes.
A variety of schedules are typically available since nurses are often needed around the clock. According to the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey, 11% of nurses work part time. As for education, a registered nurse usually needs a bachelor’s degree, an associate’s degree, or a diploma from a nursing program, and they must be licensed.
Part-time jobs are also available for licensed practical nurses, as well, but the pay is a little lower at around $23 an hour.
11. Diagnostic medical sonographers
As of May 2023, the median hourly wage for diagnostic medical sonographers was $38.87. Diagnostic medical sonographers, also known simply as sonographers, operate imaging equipment and soundwaves to create ultrasounds, or images of parts of the body. Sonographers’ work plays a central role in helping doctors diagnose various medical conditions so patients can get the treatments they need.
Sonographers typically work in healthcare settings, like hospitals and clinics. Many work full time, but there can be opportunities for part-time roles. To be a sonographer, you typically need an associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate. Some employers might require that you get a certification.
12. Speech-language pathologist
The median hourly rate for a speech-language pathologist was $38.01 as of May 2024. A speech-language pathologist (sometimes called a speech pathologist) helps both children and adults with communication issues.
They work with patients who have speech, language, swallowing, or other communication disorders, which might result from a stroke, hearing loss, developmental delay, Parkinson’s disease, autism, or other causes.
Some speech-language pathologists work in schools, before or after school as well as during free periods. Others work in hospitals, assisted living centers, private practices, corporations, and the military.
It varies by state, but a master’s degree is essential, and licensing may be required, too. On the bright side, the number of speech-language pathologist roles is projected to grow 21% until 2031, so those who’ve completed their training and licensing are in high demand.
13. Accountant
The median hourly rate for an accountant was $37.14 as of May 2023. An accountant prepares, reviews, and files financial documents, and maintains and organizes detailed taxes and other records. In some cases, they might also weigh in on business decisions or suggest strategies to reduce costs or increase revenue.
They can work for individuals who have complex financial needs or larger organizations, either in-house or at an accounting firm that works with multiple external clients. An accountant needs an undergraduate degree, and becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or getting another relevant certification can make an accountant look more attractive to employers—and likely pay more.
Many accountants work full time, but smaller businesses might only require assistance during tax season or at the end of every quarter. You could also pursue multiple clients as a part-time, independent accountant.
14. Marketing specialist
As of May 2023, the median hourly rate for a marketing specialist was $35.90. A marketing specialist is responsible for promoting or selling products or services to new or existing customers—which might be individuals or organizations.
Specialties include email marketing, market research, social media, e-commerce, and search engine marketing (SEM). But the work fundamentally centers around understanding a target audience and knowing how to reach and persuade them to take action. You may need an undergraduate degree in marketing, communications, or even journalism.
Companies sometimes hire part-time marketing specialists to help with particular campaigns or to provide expertise in a particular type of marketing. Smaller organizations might only need—or have the budget for—10 or 20 hours of marketing and communications work per week.
15. Writer
As of May 2023, the median hourly rate for writers was $35.4. Writers create communication materials: in print, online, or both. Short-form content might include social media or blog posts, pamphlets, and email copy. Long-form content could mean articles, web content, newsletters, reports, white papers, and even books. You might be assigned to a topic, or you might pitch your own ideas.
Under the “writer” umbrella, there are specific roles, such as:
- Copywriter
- Freelance writer
- SEO writer
- Technical writer
- Journalist
- Grant writer
Regardless, writer roles may include conducting interviews and research and working with an editor or someone who oversees the quality of your work. Entry-level writing gigs usually require at least one year of experience, which could be in the form of an internship.
Many media companies list part-time writing jobs that can be done remotely—though they might request that work be done during traditional business hours. Don’t limit yourself to the media, though; lots of organizations—from nonprofits to financial institutions and everything in between—need writers.
16. Executive assistant
As of May 2023, the median hourly rate was $33.80 for an executive assistant. An assistant might be expected to handle administrative tasks in and outside of the office, like managing calendars, scheduling meetings, getting expenses paid, greeting visitors, answering the phone, and taking care of other clerical tasks.
But an executive assistant, who usually supports one or more leaders in an organization, might also do higher-level work. This includes pulling together research, sales materials, and other important information for one or more executives. Usually the more senior the executive you work for, the higher the salary.
Employers usually look for an undergraduate degree in a business-related field like marketing or accounting, especially if the candidate has no prior experience. There are also many opportunities for virtual assistant roles.
17. Food service managers
As of May 2023, the median hourly wage for food service managers was $30.32. In a nutshell, food service managers handle the day-to-day operations of restaurants or other organizations that prepare and serve food and beverages. But, their responsibilities can vary widely—from scheduling workers to complying with food safety regulations to dealing with customer complaints to maintaining an operations budget to ordering supplies.
Roles for food service managers exist in restaurants, bars, hotels, school cafeterias, hospitals, and other kinds of companies. Hours can be full or part time, and are flexible, but that might include nights, weekends, and holidays. A high school diploma and work experience are typically all you need, but some employers might require culinary or technical school training.
18. Property managers
The median hourly wage was $30.22 for property managers as of May 2023. As a property manager, you’ll oversee different aspects of commercial, residential, or industrial properties. This might include showing apartments, inspecting grounds, meeting with owners, finding and screening tenants, completing paperwork, and other tasks.
Property managers may work for real estate companies, apartment complexes, property developers, or property management firms. Many property management roles are full time, but employers often seek part-timers, too. Either way, your working hours will likely be flexible.
Employers typically require a high school diploma, along with a few years of experience in the field. However, some might prefer candidates with a college degree. In some states, you may need a license.
19. Electricians
The median hourly wage for electricians was $29.61 as of May 2023. An electrician installs, maintains, and repairs different lighting, electrical power, solar, and communications systems. They might install wiring, outlets, and light fixtures in a new home build, or work on staff at a commercial building making repairs.
Electricians can work in a variety of different industries, such as manufacturing, construction, or renewable energy. To become an electrician, you usually need to attend a technical school and complete an apprenticeship. In some states, you have to be licensed, too.
Even when they work full time, electricians often have flexible schedules and work nontraditional hours, such as nights and weekends.
20. Plumber
As of May 2023, the median hourly rate for plumbers was $29.59. Plumbers install, maintain, clean, and repair water, gas, septic, and other systems. They also install fixtures like toilets and appliances like dishwashers.
Pumblers may work in a person’s home or in a commercial or municipal building, depending on the context and their specialty. As companies work to be more sustainable, plumbers may also help with water conservation.
To become a plumber, you need a high school degree, but there’s often vocational training, apprenticeship, and licensing required. Plumbers are very much dependent on client work, so depending on your boss (and especially if you’re self-employed) you can set a limit on how many clients you take on or the hours you’re available to work.
21. Insurance sales agent
The median hourly rate for insurance sales agents was $28.40 as of May 2023. An insurance sales agent sells policies to prospective customers. The policies mitigate certain types of risk. Life insurance provides financial compensation to an insured person’s beneficiaries in the event of the policyholder's death, for example.
Like most sales jobs, this type of role requires you to talk to people every day, identify their needs, and work with them as they complete a detailed application. The actual position could range from working at a call center to taking calls at home to meeting clients in person.
You just need a high school degree to become an insurance sales agent, according to BLS, though employers often look for a bachelor’s degree. You’ll also be required to obtain a license. There might be flexibility around working from home, especially if you’re selling over the phone and working non-traditional hours.
22. Graphic designer
The average hourly rate for a graphic designer was $28.32 as of May 2023. A graphic designer supports a business by creating illustrations, graphics, and other visual concepts and content. Projects can vary from a short-term deliverable like a flier that needs to be visually appealing to a large-scale project like a book or magazine.
According to BLS, a college degree or equivalent coursework is usually essential for developing the necessary skill set, which may include web management. Graphic designers can be hired with a year or less of experience, which students can bridge with an internship, summer job, or pro bono work with a club or faculty member.
Part-time graphic designers can work consistently with one organization or with many clients by the project as part of an agency or as freelancers, but they usually need to have more significant experience and a well-rounded portfolio before striking out on their own.
23. Translator or Interpreter
As of May 2023, median hourly rate: $27.45 for a translator or interpreter. Translators and interpreters convert one language into another—translators via the written word and interpreters via spoken languages.
They might assist non-English speaking patients in a hospital or work at a conference center or meeting place where individuals speaking different languages are gathering. These professionals could also translate written work such as a manual or book from one language to another.
It’s essential to have deep knowledge and complete fluency of languages—whether you grew up bi- or multilingual, majored in a foreign language in college, or otherwise gained competency.
An undergraduate degree can sometimes be enough, according to BLS. However, sometimes organizations look for continuing education or certifications in the case of court or medical interpreters or translators. Many translators can work remotely. Those who are self-employed tend to have variable hours.
24. Real estate agent
As of May 2023, the median hourly rate for real estate agents was $27.22. A real estate agent helps clients sell, buy, or rent a property. This could include a house, an apartment, a residential building, or a commercial property (and maybe industrial or agricultural properties).
Agents keep track of what’s on the market, show properties, facilitate interactions and negotiations between parties, and help clients complete relevant paperwork and obtain records to close deals. They also stay on top of trends in the market so they can advise on how much a property might be worth.
You do need a real estate license and a high school degree to become an agent, which requires some pre-licensing courses. Real estate professionals often have bachelor’s degrees, but employers usually look for your ability to close on a sale first and foremost.
Real estate agents often work nontraditional hours (since many people can only go to open houses or viewings at night and on the weekends), but they also have a lot of flexibility to set their own schedules.
25. Massage therapist or masseur
As of May 2023, the median hourly rate for a massage therapist was $26.59. A massage therapist (also known as a masseuse or masseur) works with clients to decrease pain and tightness, relieve pressure, improve health, or provide a relaxing experience. They can work with a variety of client types in a variety of settings, from spas to doctors’ offices to hospitals.
Usually, massage therapists complete a program with 500 or more hours of study and hands-on training, and most states require a certification or license. The exact requirements vary by location.
There are also opportunities to focus on a specialty like sports massage or deep tissue massage. Depending on the workplace, a massage therapist may work in shifts or as scheduled with clients, but there’s often flexibility based on the workload and clientele.
26. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver
The median hourly rate for a heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver was $26.12, as of May 2023. This job consists of transporting goods in trucks that could weigh up to 26,000 pounds, according to the BLS. The routes can sometimes cross states.
A high school diploma and a commercial driver’s license (CDL) are typically the requirements to become a truck driver. Though truck driver jobs are usually full-time, it's possible to find part-time employment in this field.
27. Mental health counselors
As of May 2023, the median hourly wage for mental health counselors was $25.82. Mental health counselors help treat people with substance abuse, behavioral disorders, or mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. They can work in many different settings, including mental health centers, clinics, hospitals, schools, or private practice.
There are many instances where counselors can work part time, or on an as-needed basis. Training and educational requirements might vary depending on the specific counselor role. Often, you need a bachelor’s degree, but some need a master’s and an internship. Some states require counselors to be licensed.
28. Bus driver
As of May 2023, the median hourly rate for a bus driver was $23.19. As a bus driver, your responsibility is transporting passengers from one location to another. Though full-time positions may be more common, part-time employment is also available. For example, school bus drivers often work part-time, only on school days.
To become a bus driver, you need a high school diploma, a commercial driver's license (CDL), as well as a passenger (P) endorsement. School bus drivers will also need a school bus (S) endorsement in addition to that.
29. Bookkeeper
The median hourly pay for bookkeepers was $22.81, as of May 2023. As a bus driver, your responsibility is transporting passengers from one location to another. Though full-time positions may be more common, part-time employment is also available. For example, school bus drivers often work part-time, only on school days.
To become a bus driver, you need a high school diploma, a commercial driver's license (CDL), as well as a passenger (P) endorsement. School bus drivers will also need a school bus (S) endorsement in addition to that.
30. Fitness instructor and trainer
The median hourly rate for a fitness instructor and trainer was $22.35 as of May 2023. A fitness instructor, also known as a personal trainer or exercise trainer, works with individuals or groups to develop their strength, fitness, flexibility, and related skills.
They can work with a variety of ages and experience levels and teach various types of classes, such as kickboxing, yoga, HIIT, pilates, or spin, depending on their experience and training. A personal trainer certification can take several months to complete, but you only need to be 18 and have completed high school to be eligible.
You don’t always need credentials to teach group classes. However, some fitness companies require or encourage certifications in the specific fitness method. For example, a yoga studio might only hire instructors who’ve completed a yoga teacher training program.
Instructors usually teach classes or train clients part-time at gyms, studios, camps, community centers, and other locations. You might also work as an independent trainer directly with clients, scheduling by the session.
Find exercise trainer and fitness instructor on The Muse
31. Administrative assistant
As of May 2023, the median hourly rate for an administrative assistant was $22.12. Similar to executive assistants, administrative assistants are responsible for clerical and organizational tasks. This includes scheduling meetings, managing calendars, answering phone calls and emails, preparing documents, greeting visitors, and more.
A high school or technical school diploma is often sufficient to find employment as an administrative assistant. However, some employers may require an undergraduate degree in a business-related field.
Other popular part-time jobs to consider
If you're wondering where popular part-time gigs like bartending or babysitting are, these occupations didn't make the $22 per hour cut. But if you're still curious whether they could provide sufficient income, here’s their median hourly wage as of May 2023:
Note that it’s possible to earn more in some of these jobs depending on your location and employer. Client-dependent gigs like babysitting and dog walking also offer opportunities for higher earnings depending on the type of clients or the number you’re able to secure.
Read this next: 20 Highest Paying Blue-Collar Jobs (And How to Get One)
How to find part-time jobs
Even though they’re quite popular, part-time jobs can sometimes be hard to find. So you should be meticulous about your job search. “First identify the industries or type of work you want, then make a list of companies within those industries,” Sukola says.
Then, network actively and often, both with employees at the companies you’re interested in to see if part-time work is available. You should also network with other part-time workers who hold the kinds of roles they’d like to get into.
The key, Sukola says, is having an entrepreneurial spirit. Sometimes positions only materialize because you asked if part-time work was available and a role was adapted or created for you.
Erica Sweeney and Amanda Cardoso contributed additional reporting and writing to this article.