Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
To help pay for their education and day-to-day living expenses, many college students work while completing their studies. But it can be tough to find a job that fits around a busy study schedule.
Online jobs often provide more flexibility regarding location and schedule, making online work a great solution for many college students. In this article, we overview eight of the best online jobs for college students, including required skills and recommended resources for each.
Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education
Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics, education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.
- 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
- 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
- All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
- Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
- Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded
Why Get an Online Job in College?
Unlike in-person jobs, a flexible online role can work around your college courses and study schedule. Below we highlight some benefits of working remotely while in college.
Pay for Day-to-Day Expenses
Loans, scholarships and grants typically pay tuition or campus housing costs and are not intended to subsidize day-to-day expenses. An online job that works with your schedule can help pay for daily expenses such as rent, groceries, meals, transportation and fun activities.
Schedule Flexibility
Between coursework, extracurriculars and social activities, college students are busy. An online job can provide excellent flexibility to work around an already jam-packed schedule. This flexibility can be especially valuable during exams, when learners need additional study time.
Location Flexibility
An online job means you can work from anywhere with an internet connection, whether you’re traveling during a school break or working from your favorite coffee shop. Having the flexibility to work from almost anywhere means you don’t have to endure traffic to get to work. This can also save you on transportation expenses.
The Best Online Jobs for College Students
Below we explore several online jobs for college students, including tips on how to find these remote jobs. The roles described below do not require college degrees or extensive professional experience. All are available virtually, with many offering flexible hours. College students in these jobs can earn up to $25 per hour.
Audio Transcriber
Skills Required: Listening comprehension, English fluency, typing speed and accuracy
Recommended Resources: Rev, Ditto, TranscribeMe, Scribie
Job Overview: Transcriptionists convert audio files into text with precision. Of the many online jobs on this list, audio transcribing is one of the most flexible options available, allowing you to work as much or as little as desired. Audio transcribers are paid by the audio minute or by line. The compensation varies based on the transcription agency, but you can expect to earn between $5 and $22 per audio hour.
Customer Service Representative
Skills Required: Problem-solving, verbal and written communication, empathy
Recommended Resources: TTEC, Working Solutions, ZipRecruiter
Job Overview: Customer service representatives work with customers to answer questions and resolve problems via phone, email, text or live chat. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that customer service representatives earn a median hourly rate of about $18. Duties may vary depending on the company. Positions may require full-time hours.
Data Entry Assistant
Skills Required: Typing speed and accuracy, attention to detail, database software proficiency
Recommended Resources: Flex Jobs, ZipRecruiter, Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk), Upwork
Job Overview: Data entry assistants input new or updated information into spreadsheets and databases. They also identify and correct errors. Full-time, part-time and freelance options are available for data entry assistants, with websites like MTurk and Fiverr offering task-based options. According to Payscale, you expect to earn around roughly $16 an hour working as a data entry assistant.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher
Skills Required: Effective communication, patience, listening comprehension
Recommended Resources: Preply, Engoo, Cambly
Job Overview: ESL teachers support non-native English speakers in their English language development. Virtual teaching platforms allow you to tutor English learners remotely. Some employers provide curricula to teachers; others rely on teachers’ expertise to facilitate language learning through one-on-one discussions. Many platforms allow teachers to make their own hours. Most virtual ESL tutors and teachers earn between $10 and $25 per hour.
Note-Taker
Skills Required: Legible handwriting, fast and accurate typing, effective communication
Recommended Resources: ZipRecruiter, Upwork, SimplyHired
Job Overview: A note-taker attends class with a student who requires accommodation, accurately recording and organizing essential details from the lecture. This role may take place in person or online, depending on the course. Check local job boards, online platforms and your school’s disability resources office for virtual note-taker openings, which often pay between $10 and $30 per hour.
Tutor
Skills Required: Empathy, content knowledge, problem-solving, active listening
Recommended Resources: Tutor.com, VarsityTutors, Superprof, TutorOcean, TutorMe
Job Overview: Tutors work with individuals of all ages to facilitate learning. They tailor instruction to each student’s needs, including helping with homework, supporting test preparation and teaching effective study skills. According to Payscale, tutors earn an average of about $20 an hour.
Video Captioner
Skills Required: Grammar and spelling, attention to detail, listening comprehension
Recommended Resources: Happyscribe, Vitac, Rev, Vanan Captioning
Job Overview: Video captioners transcribe speech and sound effects in real time or asynchronously. They also ensure that captions sync properly with a program’s audio and visuals. As with audio transcription, captioners enjoy lots of scheduling flexibility and can often set their own hours. According to Glassdoor, captioners can earn around $20 per hour.
Virtual Assistant
Skills Required: Time management, communication skills, organization
Recommended Resources: Belay, Upwork, 24/7 Virtual Assistants, Flex Jobs
Job Overview: The role of a virtual assistant often includes managing an executive’s calendar, organizing and responding to emails, and other administrative tasks. Virtual assistants often work part-time, though full-time jobs may be available. According to Payscale, virtual assistants earn around $18 an hour on average.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Jobs for College Students
Which online job is best for college students?
The best online job for a college student is the job that best fits their interests, skills and schedule. For flexible hours and reliable pay, you might look into listings for online audio transcribers, video captioners, tutors and note-takers.
How can I work from home as a college student?
For many jobs, working from home as a college student requires only a computer and an internet connection. You may also need a high-quality webcam and microphone to tutor or teach English as a second language.
How can a student make money online as a beginner?
Online jobs that don’t require any specialized skills or equipment include virtual assistants, note-takers and customer service representatives. Additionally, you may already have the subject matter knowledge necessary to work as an online tutor, especially as a graduate student or upper-level undergraduate.
How can I make $20 an hour online?
Fortunately, many online jobs pay at or near the $20 per hour mark. For example, captioners, tutors and ESL teachers all earn about $20 an hour on average. Many other online jobs pay by the task, so your hourly rate depends on how quickly you work.
