In today's evolving job market, professionals are taking ownership of their careers and reshaping workplace norms. Part-time employment is no exception to this trend. According to Time Magazine's 2023 report on U.S. employment analysis, the ratio of people working part-time voluntarily compared to those seeking more work is at its highest in two decades, indicating a strong labor market enabling workers to set more flexible hours. Additionally, the number of individuals choosing part-time work has increased by 5% since 2022, with full-time employment accounting for its lowest percentage of all employment since October 2020.
For individuals seeking high-paying part-time positions, there are various strategies to consider:
1. Research In-Demand Part-Time Industries: Certain industries, including retail, hospitality, technology, and healthcare, offer well-paid part-time roles or flexible full-time positions. Utilizing job search engines to identify the highest-paying opportunities within these fields can be beneficial.
2. Utilize Freelance Platforms: Platforms such as TaskRabbit, Fiverr, and Upwork provide opportunities to work on a freelance basis, allowing individuals to choose the number of client projects they take on. In-demand skills for part-time freelance gigs include marketing, social media management, web development, and virtual assistance. It's important to note that freelancing entails self-employment responsibilities, such as advertising, record-keeping, and taxes.
3. Network: Building professional connections within your desired industry can help you discover new part-time opportunities. Networking may lead to early awareness of job openings or job-share initiatives, as well as referrals from others within your network.
Overall, the evolving job market presents numerous possibilities for finding high-paying part-time positions that align with individual circumstances and preferences.
Who Would A Part-Time Role Be Good For?
Part-time work arrangements can be highly useful for a variety of people at various stages in their professional journey. You might want to consider such an arrangement, even if just temporarily, if you fall into any of the below categories:
- Stay-at-home parent, new parent, or carer
- Completing your education
- Pursuing post-graduate or advanced education to return to the workforce full-time upon graduation
- Taking time to explore other interests, travel, or start a small business
- Managing health concerns
- Retirees who wish to supplement retirement income and not completely step back from work
- Making a career pivot and want a part-time role to test the waters
Now let's have a look at three high-paying part-time jobs. Please do note, that part-time is subjective to multiple variables, including the policy and job requirements of the employer who offers the role or contract, your location, and how many hours/what specific hours you wish to work. Finally, remember that pay is often pro rata, so it would be unreasonable to expect to be making the exact same amount that you would get in a full-time equivalent job.
(Average salary ranges are taken from the most recent Glassdoor and Salary.com estimates at the time of writing.)
1. Tutor
Working as a tutor can be very rewarding; you get to manage your own schedule and decide how many students you would like to teach, whether on a one-to-one basis or at a group level. Thanks to video conferencing technologies such as Zoom or Google Meet, you can expand your client base to teach virtually anything relevant to your expertise, online, making your services accessible to an unlimited global client base.
Qualifications And Requirements
- Subject-specific certifications and experience
- Background or certifications in training or teaching is a bonus
Average Time Commitment
A couple hours a week for website maintenance and ensuring visibility to clients, in addition to teaching and reviewing your student's work.
Average Salary Range
$21 to $24 per hour
2. Social Media Manager
As a social media manager, you can find freelance work or decide to work for a company or non-profit that hires you part-time. Social media managers' typical responsibilities revolve around staying updated on industry trends and social media algorithms; creating the strategy for a client's social media content performance and engagement; and curating content in various media forms to align with company or personal brands.
Qualifications And Requirements
- Background in public relations, communications, marketing, design, and/or business is helpful
- Social media proficiency, tech savviness, and analytical skills
Average Time Commitment
Again, this varies greatly depending on the specific project and agreement you have negotiated with your client or employer.
Average Salary Range
$31 to $33 per hour
3. College Instructor
College instructors may find themselves being called for on a part-time basis to deliver classroom sessions during the evenings, summertime, and even during the weekends. In this role, you would be responsible for developing and delivering a highly engaging course to adult learners usually at a university or community college. You would be using various methods to relay the course content, including workshops, presentations and lectures, interactive sessions, marking and grading work, and demos.
Qualifications And Requirements
- Master's degree in your field
- Teaching experience preferred
- Exact requirements vary depending on institution, subject, and job level
Average Time Commitment
The time expenditure varies according to the workload. It might be the case that you work "full time" for a couple of months or weeks during one season, for instance in the summer, and then no longer work afterward.
Average Salary Range
$20 to $28 per hour
Some other high-paying part-time roles you might want to consider, including freelance, are:
- Personal trainer
- Photographer
- Self-employed contractor for DIY work, repairs, etc.
- Librarian
- Physiotherapist
- Makeup artist
- Phlebotomist
However, regardless of which job you ultimately choose, it's essential to remember that securing a part-time role is not a quick-fix answer for everything. It's up to you to assess if part-time work is a viable solution for you or if another flexible option is better; Ask yourself, What am I willing to accept and what hours or days are non-negotiable? Is it feasible for my personal circumstances? Most importantly, portray your skills and experience in the best light so that employers will see how exceptional you are and be willing to make compromises to hire you.