Paying for college or university while keeping up with classes is no easy feat. However, as students, online jobs could be the solution you need—earning cash from your room while building skills for your future career, as I did a few years ago.
These days, part-time gigs aren’t limited to retailers and restaurants. The internet provides remote opportunities to make money and cultivate abilities you’ll use after graduating. From tutoring to freelance writing and virtual assisting to running an online store, online jobs let you practice real-world expertise.
But with so many options out there, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed with making a decision.
Having experienced this myself and with tons of research to back it up, I have come up with my list of the top online jobs perfectly suited for students like you. More than just income, they offer a chance to gain experience aligned with the profession you are working towards—or maybe not. With the right online job, you can earn cash while mastering your talents for your dream job.
Top Online Jobs for Students:
- Data Entry
- Online Tutor
- Virtual Assistant
- Transcriptionist
- Social media Manager
- Freelance writer
- Proofreader
- Translator
- Graphic Designer
- Web Designer
- Video Editor
- Photo Editor
- Photographer
- Affiliate Marketer
- Voiceover Artist
Note: As at the time of writing this article, the Nigerian naira was N1500 to a dollar
#1. Data Entry
Salary Range: Between $10 and $20 per hour on Upwork (N15,000–N20,000)
Data entry jobs require entering information into a computer or data management system. For example, you could retype a series of scanned JPG documents as editable Word files. Alternatively, a client could request that you collect specific survey responses from multiple forms and record them in an Excel spreadsheet. Many data entry jobs are not particularly difficult in terms of specialized skills, but they do necessitate high speed and accuracy.
If you’re interested in computers and have experience with basic online tools such as Google Docs and Microsoft Suite, check out Upwork’s several remote data entry job postings. Data entry can be a great way to earn extra money while keeping a flexible schedule.
And yes, in case you doubt, Nigerians earn a little over $900–$1000 monthly on the platform.
#2. Online tutor
Salary Range: Variable depending on the platform
Online tutoring can be a great part-time opportunity for instructors of all backgrounds and skill levels. If you are pursuing a degree in education, online tutoring can be a perfect way to gain experience working with students from elementary to high school.
However, keep in mind that not all tutoring positions require working with children. Adult learners frequently hire tutors to teach them about a variety of topics, including finance and website development.
You can also sign up to tutor English for ESL students on sites like Preply and Cambly if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree or any prior teaching experience. Whatever your area of expertise, online tutoring is a great way to supplement your income by sharing your knowledge.
Online tutoring has a variable pay scale, depending on the platform you use to find clients. Tutors can set their rates on websites such as Upwork and Preply.
#3. Virtual Assistants
Salary Range: $18 to $35 per hour (N27,000–52,500)
You can use your marketing, data entry, finance, or customer service skills as a virtual assistant. Virtual assistants, like in-office assistants, have diverse skills and experience levels.
A client could hire an entry-level virtual assistant to handle tasks ranging from research and data entry to customer interactions on Amazon or LinkedIn. Intermediate and expert virtual assistants may be hired to assist with marketing campaigns, lead generation, analysis, or content creation.
You can also find virtual assistant job postings from clients looking for candidates with industry knowledge, such as real estate or e-commerce. These opportunities can be a great way to start networking with professionals in your industry while also getting a head start on your chosen career path.
#4. Transcriptionist
Salary Range: $17 and $22 per hour on Upwork (N25,500–33,000)
If you’re good at typing, you should look into remote transcription jobs. Simply put, transcription entails converting an audio recording into a written document.
Beginners may find transcription work that entails typing meeting minutes for a company or closed captioning subtitles for a video producer. If you enjoy transcription work, you might consider becoming certified as a legal or medical transcriptionist.
While these specialized transcription jobs frequently require certification, they also tend to pay higher wages. They can also be a great way to gain more experience in a field you want to work in.
#5. Social media manager
Salary Range: $14 and $35 per hour (N21,000–N52,500)
If, like me, your parents ever chastised you for spending too much time on social media in high school, we have some good news for you! Even if you’re not an influencer, you can use your knowledge of platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to start a profitable side hustle.
In 2023, the global number of social media users reached 4.95 billion, with nearly 6 billion expected by 2027. It’s no surprise that these numbers have piqued the interest of businesses across almost every industry.
So, if you’re studying marketing, graphic design, or communications, social media management could be a part-time opportunity for you. Social media management can entail creating and posting content on a client’s social media accounts, analyzing engagement, communicating with readers, and much more.
While each client has different requirements, beginning with smaller businesses and working your way up can be an excellent way to build a strong resume.
#6. Freelance Writer
Salary Range: $15 and $40 per hour (N15,000–N60,000)
If you major in English, journalism, or marketing, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to work as a freelance writer. Content writers can work remotely on a variety of projects, including YouTube and TikTok scripts, articles, sales copy, and blog posts.
Freelance writing jobs typically provide a great deal of flexibility. As long as you meet your deadlines, you can complete projects on your own time.
You will also have the opportunity to network with clients from various industries and create a professional resume.
#7. Proofreader
Salary Range: $18 to $35 per hour (N27,000-52,500)
Typos are a nightmare for professionals in a wide range of industries, from journalism and print to product copy. That’s why many people are always looking for proofreaders who can prevent spelling and grammar errors from making it into the final copy.
Whether you are an English major or simply have a keen eye for detail, freelance proofreading can be a lucrative part-time side hustle. As the popularity of AI-generated content grows, so does the need for dependable proofreaders who can identify errors that affect readability.
#8. Translator
Salary Range: $15 to $30 per hour (N22,500–N45,000)
Whether you’re majoring in language studies or simply speak two or more languages, all you need is an internet connection to turn your talents into a part-time job. Today’s global economy has created a high demand for translators who can accurately translate English into a wide range of languages.
Whether you speak Spanish, Chinese, Russian, or dozens of other languages, Upwork has plenty of high-paying translation clients. Just make sure to only apply for jobs that require you to speak a language fluently, and you’ll be able to work remotely on your own schedule.
#9. Graphic Designer
Salary Range: $40 and $75 per hour (N60,000–N112500)
If you’re a graphic design major with extensive knowledge of Canva or Adobe Creative Suite tools such as Photoshop and Illustrator, why not get a head start on your career?
Clients in nearly every industry rely on graphic designers for a variety of needs, including logos and promotional materials, print work, and digital content creation.
Taking on remote jobs while still in college is a great way to earn money and supplement your education with real-world experience. Start with smaller projects that you are confident you can complete. This will allow you to compile a solid list of network connections alongside your portfolio.
#10. Web designer
Salary Range: $15 and $30 per hour (N22,500–N45,000)
Today, almost any business owner understands the importance of having a high-quality website. If you’re skilled in the art of web design, you should have no trouble finding freelance jobs that will allow you to showcase your abilities.
Web design is a broad and diverse industry, with professionals using tools ranging from Adobe Creative Suite to HTML5. Some web developers focus on UI/UX design or coding, while others create WordPress pages or responsive websites.
Seeking out various freelance jobs while still in school can help you focus on the specializations that interest you the most. Plus, class will become much more interesting when you can earn money from the skills you learn on a daily basis!
#11. Video Editor
Salary Range: $15 and $30 per hour (N22,500–N45,000)
According to a recent HubSpot report, short-form video is one of the most popular and rapidly expanding trends among marketers today. Whether you want to pursue video editing as a full-time career or simply know how to use popular editing tools like Adobe After Effects or Premiere Pro, there is plenty of remote work available.
Clients from various industries are looking for video editors who can produce everything from digital content to commercials and films. If you have the necessary knowledge and technical skills, check out Upwork’s video editing job postings.
#12. Photo Editor
Salary Range: $10 to $25 an hour (N15000-N37500)
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but for many professionals, a well-edited photograph is invaluable. Photo editors use their skills to do everything from touch-up photos to completely transforming them to meet a client’s specifications.
Many people use Photoshop to blend and edit photos for social media, marketing campaigns, and other advertisements. If you’re pursuing a degree in graphic design, fine arts, or photography, freelance photo editing could be an excellent part-time opportunity for you.
Nonetheless, Upwork attracts clients from a wide range of industries who are looking for photo editors at all levels. As long as you’re familiar with the tools required for the job, don’t be afraid to apply for freelance photo editing jobs, regardless of your field of study.
#13. Photographer
Salary Range: $25 to $45 per hour (N37500–N67500)
If you have access to high-quality camera equipment (or can rent it from your school’s photography department), remote photography could be an excellent part-time opportunity for you. Some photographers focus on live local events like weddings and graduations.
Others are paid to photograph food for restaurant menus or products for Amazon and Shopify listings. If you have any friends who are studying copywriting, marketing, or graphic design, you could consider collaborating to launch your own online business.
#14. Affiliate Marketer
Salary Range: $25-$115 per hour (N37,500-N172,500)
Affiliate marketing entails earning a commission for referring an online audience to various products or services. This tactic is frequently used by influencers who share links to products they recommend. Every time one of their followers clicks the link and buys the product, the influencer receives a portion of the proceeds.
If you have a large online following, you might want to try affiliate marketing for yourself. If not, you might look into remote work as an affiliate marketing consultant.
These types of online jobs involve assisting businesses or influencers in setting up affiliate links on their blogs or social media platforms. Clients may also hire you to create new content or perform search engine optimization to help get their links in front of a larger audience.
Affiliate marketers on Upwork charge a variety of rates based on their expertise and skill set. Beginners earn an average of $25 per hour, while intermediate-to-expert affiliate marketers typically charge between $60 and $115 per hour.
#15. Voiceover Artist
Salary Range: Varies based on skill and experience
If you’re a theatre or communications major, working part-time as a voiceover artist could be ideal. Clients hire voice actors to create audio tracks for social media videos, commercials, video games, and a variety of other projects.
While not all clients require you to have your own recording equipment, having it can allow you to charge higher rates. You should start by creating a demo reel with sample readings so that potential clients can get a sense of your distinct voice and talents.
Voiceover artists on Upwork set their own rates, which can vary greatly depending on the length and scope of the project, as well as the artist’s skills and experience.
What are the best ways for college students to earn money online?
There are numerous ways to make money online, many of which do not require a job like the ones listed above. Some options include online survey sites, product testing, and software testing through companies such as UserTesting.com.
Which online jobs are ideal for college students?
The best job is one that will help you excel in the long run while also paying you well in the short term. Freelance writing is one job that allows you to gain experience in any field while still paying well for your time.
Is it possible to get a full-time remote job while attending college?
Yes, but you must have a job that allows for a high degree of flexibility. Many companies provide remote work opportunities and are willing to hire college students for full-time positions. It may take some extra effort and time to look for these opportunities and convince the employer that you’re capable of handling a full-time remote job while still in college, but it is doable.
How Can You Work From Home as a Student?
You actually have a lot of options: you could pitch magazines and work as a freelance writer, you could charge a reasonable fee for your photographs and submit them to various publications, or you could even teach English as a Second Language to students all over the world if you get your ESL certificate.
What Is the Best Job for Students?
You’ll most likely want to do something part-time and scalable, like write for Medium or sell your photos online. These gigs are also very flexible, so you can still complete your homework.
What Job Can You Get With Zero Experience?
You can frequently find TESOL teaching jobs with little to no experience. The same is true for some freelance writing opportunities; for example, you don’t need any experience to start writing articles on Medium or posting videos on YouTube.
Final Thoughts
Remember, the best online jobs for college students are those that provide not only good pay and a flexible schedule but also the opportunity to learn skills that will make you more competitive after graduation.
The amount of money you’ll earn during this period pales in comparison to what you’ll earn over the course of your lifetime, and it’s important to remember that. Taking a job that pays a few dollars less per hour but allows you to develop skills in your field of study is usually a better option than taking a higher-paying gig that has nothing to do with your career goals.
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