Being a working mother can be exhausting—between putting in 40 hours a week at your job, parenting, handling household chores, and taking care of yourself, you have little time left to do anything else. That’s why for some women, getting a part-time job can be a game-changer in terms of work-life balance.
To help you find the best position for your experience, abilities, and free time, we made a list of 15 part-time jobs for working mothers. We’ve included both on-site and work-from-home roles, all of which are viable options for moms who need schedule flexibility.
15 part-time jobs for working mothers
To make this list, we selected jobs that typically have flexible working hours or hire hourly—so you can work shifts. We also included opportunities where you'd be your own boss providing a service for clients.
Part-time jobs for moms with no experience
1. Customer service
Companies across all industries need customer service representatives and often offer entry-level, part-time positions. Some will provide paid training for new and inexperienced employees, while others may request some experience (even as a volunteer or intern) in a customer-facing role.
For this type of job, you'll need good oral and written communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a positive attitude.
2. Transcriptionist
Transcriptionists are responsible for transcribing audio recordings—whether from meetings, YouTube videos, or interviews. Typically, transcriptionists work for companies, institutions (like museums, hospitals, and universities), or individual contractors.
You may not need extensive experience in the field to become a transcriptionist, but you'll need quick typing skills, great grammar, and decent tech knowledge. Another benefit of this career is that you can often find remote opportunities, allowing you to work from home.
3. Data entry clerk
Much like transcriptionists, data entry clerks spend most of their working time typing. The difference is that this job involves transferring information from one database to another. For example, taking the information on a printed form and filling it out in a spreadsheet.
For this reason, data entry clerks must be able to type quickly and accurately. Familiarity with technology and attention to detail are also indispensable. Since data entry can also be done remotely, it's great part-time work for mothers who may only have free time at odd hours and need a more flexible schedule.
4. Call center representative
Call centers and telemarketing are great industries for mothers looking for part-time work with no experience. Though you may see companies that ask for previous experience in this role, some companies are willing to hire and train less experienced workers.
Being a call center representative will require good communication and argumentation skills, positive attitude, and strong conflict resolution skills. Depending on who you're working for, you might also need to be comfortable working in fast-paced environments with a high volume of daily calls.
Part-time jobs for moms during school hours
5. House cleaner
If you have energy to do chores in a house other than your own, house cleaning is a job you can do during school hours. Depending on where you live, you may find clients near your home or your children's schools.
Some house cleaners find clients through word of mouth, but you can also use websites and apps like Care and Molly Maid. Another possibility is working for a cleaning company, thougha flexible working schedule is not guaranteed as an employee—it depends on the employer.
6. Dog walker
Yes, this job involves taking dogs for daily walks. People who have pets but don't have time to walk them due to work, travel, or other responsibilities often hire dog walkers to do this task for them. Apps like Rover and Wag! are good places to find clients and arrange a schedule that works for you.
7. Pet sitting
Like dog walking, pet sitting is all about caring for dogs while their owners are busy. However, being a sitter typically includes more responsibilities, like feeding, playing, and cleaning the pet's space. You can find clients on apps like Rover and PetBacker.
Read this next: 20 Online Jobs You Can Land With Little to No Experience
Part-time jobs for stay-at-home moms
8. Freelance video editor
Moms that are familiar with image and video editing softwares can work from home as a freelance video editor. Small companies and even individuals—such as influencers or professionals with a strong online presence—often need video editing services. There are multiple platforms for freelance workers to find clients, but you can also find open positions in traditional channels, like LinkedIn and job boards.
9. Freelance writer
Do you have a way with words and flawless grammar? You may be a great candidate for a freelance writing gig. Freelance writers write blog posts, social media posts, newsletters, and more. You can do more specialized work, such as cover letter and resume writing, or work with students on college application essays.
10. Consultant
If you have a solid career and experience in a specific field, you can offer your knowledge to companies as a consultant. Perhaps, you have a background in programming or cybersecurity and could consult for a tech company, for example. It's relatively easy to find remote consulting jobs, since there are multiple online platforms that connect companies with associates anywhere in the world.
Best part-time jobs for moms with degrees
11. Tutor
Students often need tutors, and you can leverage your degree to find a part-time job as a tutor. For instance, with a degree in engineering, you could teach math or psychics. Mothers with a degree in literature could teach english. Tutoring can be done remotely, however, some clients or employers may request in-person service.
12. Tax preparer
If you have a degree in finance or accounting, you can work part-time as a tax preparer. It's possible to have your own office or work for a private accounting firm. There are also platforms to register as a freelancer, such as Upwork and Fiverr, and take in jobs according to your availability.
9-3 jobs for moms
13. Waiter
Bars, restaurants, and coffee shops generally hire waiters to work shifts, which is convenient for mothers looking for 9-3 work. Due to the nature of the job, you'll need strong communication and customer service skills, as well as the ability to perform well under pressure.
14. Rideshare driver
If you’ve got a car, you might try a 9-3 schedule as a rideshare driver. The biggest benefit of this type of work is the flexibility, since you'd be pretty much working for yourself but in partnership with a rideshare company, such as Uber or Lyft. On the downside, apps usually take a portion of your profit and you may need to do a lot of drives to make a livable amount.
15. Delivery driver
Similarly to rideshare drivers, delivery drivers also can make their own schedules. The downside of these jobs are also similar, since companies often take a percentage of each delivery and your earning might vary depending on the volume of work you do weekly.
Read this next: 20 Highest Paying Blue-Collar Jobs (And How to Get One)
FAQs
What is the best part-time job for a mother?
There isn't one specific job that’s best for all mothers—it depends. If child care is an issue, remote part-time jobs such as tutoring, freelance writing, and transcribing, could be the best options. Jobs that hire hourly, such as bartending or waiting tables, are also good alternatives.
What is the best part-time job for moms returning to work?
The ideal job is always going to depend on your specific situation, level of experience, and professional background. Since you used to work before becoming a mom, reaching out to your network and trying a part time position in your field could be a good place to start looking. If you feel lost, consider working with a career coach to help you get clarity and decide next steps.
How to go back to work after being a stay at home mom for 10 years?
To return to work after a long break, start with the basics: update your resume, reach out to your network (or start building a new one), get up to date with your industry, and develop new skills with online certifications. Last but not least, work on your expectations as you may not be offered the same position or salary you once had and prepare for job interviews.
“I always suggest that moms returning to work really think through their career story: How can each step they have taken sound like a clear, strategic decision they made for themself—motherhood included—in their full career picture?” Eloïse Eonnet, Muse career coach and founder of Eloquence, has said on our sibling site, Fairygodboss.
What is the best shift to work as a mom?
Working during school hours could be easier for moms for moms that can't afford a nanny and/or don't have someone else to share childcare with. However, if you have people you can depend on, there are other options, such as 9-3 jobs or working shifts.
How can a full-time mom make extra money?
To make extra money as a full-time mom, consider starting an online business or side hustle, leveraging any talent, ability, or knowledge you have. If you need inspiration, here are 18 ideas to make money online as a beginner.