College life isn’t just about hitting the books and attending parties. It’s also an excellent time to gain valuable work experience, make new connections, and earn some extra cash. One of the best ways to achieve all these goals is by snagging an on-campus job.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 20 on-campus job opportunities for students, along with the average salaries associated with each.
1. Tour Guide (Average Salary: $12 – $15 per hour): Share your love for your school by becoming a campus tour guide. You’ll need excellent interpersonal skills and in-depth knowledge of your institution.
2. Resident Assistant (RA) (Average Salary: Free or Discounted Housing): Live on campus and take on the role of an RA, responsible for overseeing students in a dorm. Often, RAs receive free or discounted housing.
3. Tutor (Average Salary: $10 – $20 per hour): If you excel in a particular subject, consider becoming a tutor and help your peers understand the material better.
4. Campus Newspaper Editor (Average Salary: $10 – $15 per hour): For those who love writing and editing, a role as a campus newspaper editor could be a perfect fit.
5. Barista (Average Salary: $8 – $12 per hour plus tips): Some schools have on-campus cafes where you can gain customer service skills while perfecting your coffee-making abilities.
6. Library Assistant (Average Salary: $9 – $14 per hour): Help maintain order in your school’s library by shelving books and assisting other students in finding resources.
7. Admissions Assistant (Average Salary: $10 – $15 per hour): Besides being a tour guide, you can work in the admissions office, assisting with administrative tasks and communication with prospective students and families.
8. Mailroom Attendant (Average Salary: $9 – $13 per hour): Take on the responsibility of sorting incoming mail and helping fellow students retrieve their packages.
9. Dining Hall Server (Average Salary: $9 – $12 per hour plus meals): Work in the campus dining hall, serving meals and potentially taking home some free food at the end of your shift.
10. Bookstore Associate (Average Salary: $8 – $12 per hour): Assist in managing the bustling campus bookstore, which can be particularly hectic at the start and end of each semester.
11. Lifeguard (Average Salary: $9 – $15 per hour): If your school has a pool, put your summer lifeguard skills to good use by keeping students safe during their swim sessions.
12. Research Assistant (Average Salary: $10 – $18 per hour): Assist faculty members with research tasks, which can vary from data collection to managing department websites.
13. Fitness Center Attendant (Average Salary: $9 – $14 per hour): Work in the campus gym, scanning student IDs, cleaning equipment, and potentially serving healthy snacks at the gym cafe.
14. Administrative Assistant (Average Salary: $10 – $16 per hour): Various offices on campus may require administrative support, from sorting mail to handling phone calls and emails.
15. IT Assistant (Average Salary: $10 – $18 per hour): If you’re tech-savvy, consider working in the IT department, helping students with computer issues and campus technology.
16. Museum or Gallery Assistant (Average Salary: $9 – $15 per hour): If your school has an art museum or gallery, you can assist with tasks like giving tours and working in the gift shop.
17. Marketing Assistant (Average Salary: $10 – $17 per hour): Join the college marketing department and gain experience in email marketing, social media marketing, and copywriting.
18. Lab Assistant (Average Salary: $10 – $16 per hour): Science majors can find on-campus jobs in laboratories, helping with experiments and lab maintenance.
19. Radio DJ (Average Salary: $8 – $12 per hour): If your school has a radio station, you might have the opportunity to become a radio DJ, playing music and hosting programs.
20. Endowment Office Assistant (Average Salary: $10 – $15 per hour): Some schools offer on-campus internships or future job opportunities in their endowment offices.
FAQs About On-campus Job Opportunities
How do I find on-campus job opportunities?
You can start by checking your college or university’s career services center, job boards, and bulletin boards around campus. Some schools also have online portals where you can search for available positions. Networking with professors and staff members can also be helpful.
Can I have both a work-study job and a regular part-time job?
Yes, in many cases, you can hold both types of jobs simultaneously, as long as you can manage your workload effectively. Be mindful of your time commitments and prioritize your academic responsibilities.
What is the average salary for on-campus jobs?
Salaries for on-campus jobs can vary widely based on the role and location. Generally, wages can range from minimum wage to $20 or more per hour, depending on the job’s complexity and your level of experience.
Are on-campus jobs only for students with financial need?
No, on-campus jobs are available to all students, regardless of their financial need. While work-study programs target students with financial need, many other on-campus positions are open to all students.
How can I balance my on-campus job with my studies?
Time management is key. Create a schedule that allows you to allocate enough time for both work and academics. Communicate with your employer about your class schedule and any potential conflicts.
Can on-campus jobs lead to career opportunities after graduation?
Absolutely. On-campus jobs provide you with valuable skills and networking opportunities that can benefit your future career. Employers often value the work experience gained during college.
When should I start looking for on-campus jobs?
It’s a good idea to start your search early, ideally before the semester begins. Some positions may have limited openings, and competition can be fierce, so early preparation can be an advantage.
