The convenience and flexibility of remote work makes online jobs ideal for college students. Working an online job while you're in college is a great way to make money and gain experience that will serve you well throughout your career.
1. Aira Agent
Aira provides a unique visual take on technical support. Their clients are blind and visually impaired individuals who use the Aira app or the company's Horizon Smart glasses to request visual information about their surroundings. Once a client submits a request to Aira, the company's home-based agents are able to see that person's surroundings via their phone's camera and provide detailed information to them. Working as a home-based Aira Agent pays $15 per hour. The position requires tech savvy and a good eye for details.
2. Amazon Seller
If you like the idea of sourcing wholesale products to resell at a profit, you may want to consider becoming an Amazon seller. Using the Fulfillment By Amazon (FBA) program makes this option feasible for entrepreneurial students, because Amazon will warehouse, package and ship your items. You just need to source and list them.
3. App Tester
Do you have mad mobile skills? Turn those in to cash by picking up app testing projects via Ubertesters. There is a formal application process, and applicants must successfully complete certification with the company in order to be accepted to work the firm. There is no fee for the certification; it is a screening test to determine proficiency in required quality assurance skills. Pay is hourly and varies based on factors like experience, skill level, and project demands.
4. Blogger
Blogging is an earning option for college students. If this appeals to you, you could start your own blog or seek paid opportunities to write for existing blogs. There are a number of ways to make money blogging, from incorporating affiliate links into blog posts to selling ads or sponsored posts once you've built an audience. If you'd rather write for an existing blog, look for opportunities on sites like ProBlogger and BloggingPro.
5. Crafter
If you enjoy crafting, consider creating items to sell online via an online marketplace. Etsy is a popular option for entrepreneurial crafters, but there are a number of places you can sell crafts online. You could even set up your own ecommerce website and pursue other ways to make money crafting. There is demand for many DIY crafts, such as beaded jewelry, knitted items, or homemade soap. You could create an inventory to sell or take orders for custom pieces.
6. Direct Sales Representative
Consider signing up as an independent consultant with a direct sales business that you can build through online parties, social media posts, and other strategies. Taking this route means you'll be your own boss, though you will need to invest in a starter kit before you can get started. There are many direct sales business opportunities appropriate for college students to consider, including Young Living Essential Oils, Avon, Mary Kay, and other skincare lines. Compensation varies based on sales and recruiting success.
7. eBay Seller
Selling via eBay is another entrepreneurial option for college students seeking a flexible way to make money online. Whether you purchase items to sell, list and sell items for others for a fee, or create your own items to sell (such as books), it is possible to earn money through online auctions. You'll need to create a sound business model and be prepared to work hard. Earnings will vary widely based on profit margins.
8. Ecommerce Drop Shipper
If you want to become your own boss as an online retailer, consider setting up an ecommerce website designed to sell products available via a drop shipping company. It'll be up to you to to design and manage your online store, as well as promote it via search marketing, social media, and online advertising. Pay varies based on profit margin and sales.
9. Editor/Proofreader
If you have strong proofreading or editing skills, you may be able to leverage your know-how to generate income. Consider offering to proofread or edit other student's papers for a fee, or seek employment or contract work with companies that use editors or proofreaders. For example, NetTranscripts uses people with these skills to find and correct errors in transcriptions of recorded content, as do other transcription services. There are a number of options for online proofreading and editing jobs. Pay may be by the word, project, or hour.
10. English Language Instructor
Working as an English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor or tutor is a great option for college students looking to work online. Companies like Chegg and Magic Ears contract with college students and others who are proficient in English to provide ESL instruction to clients. Clients may be schoolchildren or adults seeking to improve their English language skills. These roles generally pay $15 - $20 per hour with very flexible scheduling. Tutors generally log in and accept teaching or tutoring assignments that fit into their schedules.
11. Freelance Writer
If you have strong writing skills, freelance writing is a good option to consider. Many companies utilize freelance writers for special projects or ongoing assignments. To get started, research online writing jobs for beginners and explore how to become a freelance writer. Paid freelance projects generally start around 3 cents per word, with experienced writers earning significantly more. You can identify freelance writing opportunities via variety of freelance writer websites.
12. Call Center Worker
Call center companies have been utilizing virtual workers for many years. Apply with a company like LiveOps or Alorica for an opportunity to work from home as a telephone representative. These companies typically staff projects for clients, so roles may vary. Projects commonly include things like customer service, roadside assistance, order taking, inbound sales, outbound sales, appointment setting, and more. These positions pay at least minimum wage, though most have a higher starting rate and many offer commission.
13. Chat Agents
If you don't like to talk on the phone but are opening to providing customer service, working as a chat operator is a good option to consider. The Chat Shop hires live chat agents to provide customer support for the compnay's clients via website chat messaging. According to reviews on Indeed, these jobs pay around $10 per hour.
14. Digital Marketing
It's not at all unusual for digital marketing jobs to be remote positions with flexible hours. Many digital marketing firms hire digital gurus to work remotely. Inboxlab is one example, though you'll likely find several options available any time you search a job search website for remote social media or digital marketing position. This type of work is ideal for college students studying marketing, PR, or communication.
15. Graphic Designer
If you're artistically inclined, finding a home-based graphic design job can be a great way to earn money while you're in college. It's not at all unusual for companies, nonprofits, and marketing firms to hire home-based graphic designers for regular jobs or projects. Remote.co is a great place to look for these kinds of job opportunities. If you decide to go the freelance route, OnSite and Toptal are good options for connecting with prospective clients.
16. Internet Researcher
If you're looking for a flexible side gig, consider becoming an internet researcher with AskWonder. Once you apply online, you'll need to successfully complete an online quiz and trial research project before you'll be cleared to accept research projects posted by the company's clients. Pay varies by assignment, based on question difficulty. A review indicates that compensation generally ranges from $8 - $35 per question.
17. "Odd" Jobs on Demand
If you like to stay busy with a wide variety of different tasks, consider working online via a site that lets you log in and claim random tasks to complete as you have time. Examples of options for this kind of work include Appen, Amazon Mechanical Turk, and Fiverr. Some projects may only take a few seconds while others may require more time. Task fees can be a few cents or several dollars, depending on how long they take or what's involved.
18. Online Tutor
Online tutoring has grown in popularity, so a number of online tutoring companies hire people to provide academic assistance to their clients. Requirements vary; StudentTutor is an example of a company that uses college students as subject matter and ACT/SAT tutors. Academic subject matter tutors must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and ACT/SAT tutors must have scored at or above the 95th percentile on the exam. Pay starts around $16 per hour.
19. Recruiter/Headhunter
Companies with a high demand for new employees sometimes hire part-time recruiters to work remotely. Duties might include finding and communicating qualified candidates via LinkedIn or other sources, as well as screening applicants or conducting interviews. Jobs like this are sometimes posted on Upwork, though you may have better luck finding opportunities via job search engines. Pay varies widely, with some positions paying hourly and others paying a commission based on candidates interviewed and/or placed.
20, Social Media Moderator
Put your social media savvy to work by working online as a community manager. Companies like Social Media Element and ModSquad offer flexible remote opportunities that involve helping clients connect with their customers via social media. Pay can vary, though it usually starts around $15 per hour.
21. Software Developer
If you are highly skilled in software development or a related area and would like to put your expertise to work, register as a freelancer with Gun.io. The site vets freelancers before accepting them. Freelancers set their own fees, and clients know to expect to pay U.S. market rates. According to FlexJobs, Gun.io "has a 91% placement rate, making it the highest in the freelance industry." This is a great option for people who plan to pursue careers i software engineering after graduation.
22. Tax Preparer
Accounting firms and tax companies like H & R Block and Jackson Hewitt typically hire some remote tax preparers and other support staff to help with the heavy workload during tax season. Local accounting firms may also add-on remote staff during tax season. You'll likely need to attend a tax preparer training class in order to be hired. This is a great option for accounting and finance students to get some hands-on experience.
23. Technical Support Representative
Use your computer savvy to work from home as a tech support representative. Apple hires college students to provide tech support online from home through the company's Apple Support College Advisor program. Other tech companies may have similar opportunities, as well as virtual call center companies. Indeed is a good place to look for specific openings. These jobs generally pay around $14 per hour.
24. Telephone Surveyor
If you like to talk on the phone, you might enjoy working as a telephone surveyor.
25. Transcriptionist
A number of companies employ or contract with individuals to transcribe audio or video recordings from home. Pay is typically per minute or hour of recorded audio, so the faster you transcribe the more you can earn. Typical compensation runs between $15 - $20 per hour of recorded audio. If this interests you, consider applying with Rev, TranscribeMe!, or SpeakWrite. Some companies require applicants to complete a typing test (speed and accuracy) as part of the application process.
26. Translator/Interpreter
Are you multilingual? If so, the fact that you are fluent in multiple languages may be the key to finding a great online job you can work while you're in college. Companies like Day Translations, LanguageLine, and VerbalizeIt hire people to provide language -related services from home, including translating, interpreting, localization and more. According to ZipRecruiter, pay for translators typically ranges between $15 and $33 per hour.
27. Virtual Assistant
If you have strong administrative skills, working as a virtual assistant(VA) may be a good option for you. Companies like Boldly, DelegateSolutions, Zirtual, and others utilize skilled workers to handle various administrative tasks for clients. When you apply, you'll need to provide details about your skills and experience, as well as complete skill proficiency assessments. According to Payscale, average VA earnings are just over $15 per hour.
28. Virtual Personal Trainer
If you're passionate about fitness, consider earning your personal trainer certification and start offering personal training/fitness coaching services online. If you go this route, you'll need to set up a website to promote your services and utilize tech solutions to hold one-on-one and group training sessions with clients. Your earnings will be based on what is included in the packages you offer. Basic online personal training packages generally cost between $50 and $100 per month.
29. Web Assessor
Want to help improve the internet? If you like the idea of doing project-based independent contractor work that involves evaluating online ads, checking web content for safety, rating web content, or other similar quality assurance functions, you may want to join the Lionbridge team. Review job opportunities and apply for the ones that interest you. Pay is per task. Glassdoor indicates typical earnings ranging from $10 - $15 per hour.
30. Web Designer/Developer
If you're good at setting up websites, consider putting those skills to work as a way of earning money while you're in school. You could sell your services to businesses in your local area and beyond if you're interested in self-employment. Alternately, you could bid on projects via sites like Upwork or Freelancer.com, or use job search websites to identify corporate jobs. Pay for web developers generally starts around $40 to $60 per hour (according to Arc).
Working an Online Job During College
If you're a college student in search of income, finding a telecommuting job that you can work remotely can be a great way to earn the cash you need. Whether you live on or off campus, there are a number of great options for college students seeking opportunities to work online.
