Part-Time Jobs in USA for International Students: On Campus, Off Campus and Regulations

Highlights:

• The best cities for part-time jobs are New York, California, Washington, Massachusetts, and Arizona. These cities offer a minimum wage of between USD 12.15 (INR 1012.08)- USD 15 (INR 1249.48) per hour.
• As per F1 visa regulations, students can pursue on-campus jobs from their first year of admission. These job roles are of Teaching Assistant, Research and Study Assistant, and Book Store Assistant, paying them an average of USD 15 (INR 1249.48) per hour.
• After completion of year one at any university, students can opt for off-campus part-time jobs, where they are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. Students can earn up to USD 20.25 (INR 1686.80) per hour in off-campus job roles. 
• As an applicant looking for part-time jobs in USA you can search your university's job board, or search for job postings on online platforms, or just attend career fairs. 

Part-time jobs in USA help international students not just with their tuition fees, and living expenses but also help them build their CV. This is their first exposure to industry experience. As per F1 visa rules, international students can pursue either on-campus or off-campus part time jobs while studying in universities in USA. Students are permitted to work 20 hours a week during semesters and full time during vacation or after their course completion. At present, the hourly wage for students working part-time in the United States ranges between USD 9 and USD 17 (INR 749.69- INR 1416.08). In the United States, the federal government's minimum wage is USD 7.25  (INR 603.92) per hour. Some of the most famous on-campus and off-campus jobs offered to students in the USA are as follows:

• Call Center Representative
• Receptionist
• Barista
• Tutor or Peer Mentor
• Research and Study Assistant
• Library Assistant

Explore: highest paying part-time jobs in USA for international students

Part Time Jobs in USA: Minimum Wages

Currently, the Federal minimum wage in the USA is USD 7.25 (INR 603.92) per hour. Several states in the USA have distinct minimum wage laws. The minimum wage in the United States has gradually increased in most states in response to the government's push to reach the goal of USD 15 (INR 1249.48) per hour. The consolidated minimum hourly wages of the top 15 student cities in the USA are as follows:

Best Part Time Jobs for Students in USA: On-Campus

On-campus part time jobs in USA for students are the most convenient and easy to find employment options. On-campus job options are available majorly across teaching and research, counter sales, library and laboratory assistance. Some of the popular on campus roles in USA and their details are listed in the following table:

Best Part-Time Jobs in USA: Off-Campus

Off-campus jobs are comparatively less preferred by students as they might require travel and negotiation with classes. However, some off-campus jobs might pay better than on-campus jobs. Off-campus jobs also include paid internship opportunities, which help in building resumes. Students are most likely to find a suitable off-campus job near the university campus. Brief details of popular off-campus part-time jobs in USA is tabulated below:

How to Find Part-Time Jobs in USA?

Finding a part-time job in the USA as an international student can be challenging, but there are several resources and strategies you can use to increase your chances of securing part time jobs in USA. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Check out your university's job board: Many universities in USA have job boards or career centers that list part-time job opportunities on and off-campus. These resources are often available to international students as well.
• Look for job postings on online platforms: There are several online job search platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, Monster, and SimplyHired that list part-time job openings. You can also check local classifieds websites like Craigslist or local newspapers for job listings.
• Network: Build connections with your professors, classmates, and other professionals in your field. They may be able to refer you to part-time job opportunities or connect you with employers who are looking for part-time workers.
• Attending career fairs: Many universities host career fairs where students can meet and network with employers from different industries. Attending these fairs can help you learn about part-time job opportunities in your field of study.
• Consult with your university's international student office: The international student office at your university can help you navigate the job search process as an international student.

Part Time Jobs in USA: F1-Visa Regulations

International students with an F1 visa status can pursue on-campus jobs in USA from their first year of study. Students might not be able to pursue off-campus jobs in the USA for the first year due to certain restrictions and conditions from the government. F-1 students can start working across the following 3 types of off-campus employment:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
• Optional Practical Training (OPT)
• STEM Optional Practical Training Extension (STEM OPT)

F-1 students can also work off-campus on a case-by-case basis. This includes special situations like financial crises, natural catastrophes, etc.

Know More:

Curricular Practical Training

The Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a part of the academic curriculum of the international students. Students need a SEVIS authorization for CPT from the Designated School Official (DSO). This authorization is printed on your Form I-20. A student can have more than one CPT authorization at a time.
Explore: OPT vs CPT

Optional Practical Training

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a program that allows international students in the US to work temporarily in a job related to their field of study. OPT can be subcategorized as pre-completion OPT and post-completion OPT.

• Pre-Completion OPT: This allows students to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) or full-time during the summer or when school is not in session. Students can apply for pre-completion OPT after completing one academic year of their program.
• Post-Completion OPT: This allows students to work full-time for up to 12 months after they complete their program of study. Students can apply for post-completion OPT up to 90 days before their program end date and up to 60 days after their program end date.

STEM OPT Extension

Students with a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics can request for a 24-month extension of their post completion OPT. The condition to avail STEM OPT extension are as follows:

• You must be an F-1 student with an STEM degree listed on the STEM Designated Degree Program List by US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
• You should be employed by an E-verify enrolled employer
• You must have received an initial grant for post completion OPT employment authorization based on your STEM degree in USA.

Part-Time Jobs in USA: Taxes

International students in USA are subject to specific rules for taxation of their income. Students with income partially or totally exempt from tax under the terms of a tax treaty need to file a tax return. Students earning from a taxable scholarship or fellowship grant also need to file a tax return. There is no minimum amount of income required for filing requirements.

Universities in the USA offer many part time job options paying above the average wage based on your earning potential. Part-time jobs in USA can earn you around 800 USD (66,639.08 INR) a month at entry level. This amount can be well utilized in your everyday expenses.Although there are scholarship opportunities at most universities, students with only exceptional merit might just benefit from it. For others, part-time jobs or paid internships are the only way to get some extra income to help with the high end cost of living and tuition fee in USA. 

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