Being a full-time student is akin to having a full-time job, which makes it that much harder to work a lot of hours to fund lifestyle needs. But by avoiding low-wage jobs and finding a job with higher-than-average pay, you can earn enough to live without sacrificing a social life or jeopardizing studies.
Avoid wasting time on low-wage jobs by looking at these six above minimum wage jobs. The hourly wage for each of these positions averages above $10, as noted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS. Plus, these jobs are ideal for students because a college degree isn't required for any of them.
If you need more reasons to consider these lines of work, they tend to offer flexible schedules that work around your classes. Some even offer the chance to work remotely, so you can earn money from home or while sitting anywhere that has internet access.
Browse this list of six above minimum wage jobs that don't require a college degree.
1. Model
- Median hourly wage: $11.01
- Typical education: No formal education required
- Projected growth (2016-2026): -1%
- Projected job new openings per year: -10
What they do
Models pose for artistic creations like paintings and sculptures. They are also used in the creation of marketing materials. In marketing, models pose in garments or walk on fashion runways. They also stand for designers who are in the creation phase of fitting garments.
Models may also present any type of product, like cosmetics, appliances, automobiles, and cookware, just to name a few things. A model at a trade show may be asked to speak about or interact with a product, so potential customers can learn about and see the product in action.
Getting the job
Modeling is a fiercely competitive field, and applicants are often selected based on having the right look for a specific product. For example, fashion designers may look for models who wear a specific clothing size or are a particular height or weight.
Because there are no formal education requirements and specifics for each assignment are selected by the client, begin the search for jobs by searching locally. Search for modeling jobs by state and by your local area. Some places to look for work in the modeling field include advertising agencies, photography studios, fashion design houses, art studios, and modeling agencies.
See our model resume sample.
2. Data Entry Keyer
- Median hourly wage: $14.87
- Typical education: High school diploma and on-the-job training
- Projected growth (2016-2026): -21%
- Projected job openings per year: -4330
What they do
Data entry keyers read source documents and use a keyboard or scanner to input the data into a usable format. This work may be performed in an office or in a remote work situation. Tasks performed in the course of a work day may include confirming data, checking for accuracy in the input phase, organizing information, and preparing documents or images for printing.
Getting the job
To get a job as a data entry keyer, attention to detail and the ability to read at a high comprehension level are important. The ability to organize the data and spot inconsistencies is also valuable. Data entry work in some fields, such as insurance or accounting, requires knowledge of industry-specific jargon.
While many businesses and agencies employ data entry keyers, the BLS industry profile for keyers notes the top industries that hire for this profession include employment services, data processing services, accounting firms, local government offices, and computer systems design services. While data entry may not seem glamorous, companies value detail-oriented staff, so these are not usually low-wage jobs.
View our data entry keyer resume example.
3. Office Clerk
- Median hourly wage: $15.14
- Typical education: High school diploma plus on-the-job training
- Projected growth (2016-2026): -1%
- Projected new job openings per year: -3180
What they do
Office clerks handle many of the basic administrative tasks involved in the daily operation of an office. Different types of offices require clerks to perform different tasks in these above minimum wage jobs. Job duties may change from day to day and include answering phones, managing the mail, preparing reports, and filing documents. Each business sets its own pay schedule, and requirements can be very different, so do some research to ensure you aren't committing yourself to low wage jobs in the office sector.
Getting the job
A high school diploma or equivalency certificate are the main forms of education required to get this job. The addition of computer training is also helpful in most offices. Most of the skills needed are learned on the job, such as how to use each piece of office equipment and details about the phone and filing systems used by the organization.
Have a look at our office clerk resume sample.
4. Residential Advisors
- Median hourly wage: $12.90
- Typical education: High school and on the job training
- Projected growth (2016-2026): 13%
- Projected new job openings per year: 1530
What they do
Residential advisors act as managers in dormitories and group homes. Tasks performed include ensuring rules are followed and overseeing maintenance tasks. Recordkeeping and room assignments are also often part of this job. Plus, problem solving skills are needed to assist residents with personal issues.
Getting the job
A residential advisor position requires having a responsible approach to life. Prepare to share examples of your personal leadership ability when interviewing. Places to check include any on or off-campus facility that houses residents and students.
Leverage our residential advisor resume example.
5. Bicycle Repairer
- Median hourly wage: $13.65
- Typical education: High school diploma
- Projected growth (2016-2026): 29%
- Projected new job openings per year: 360
What they do
Bicycle repairers fix bikes for people. They also sell bikes, accessories, and parts. This job involves fixing brakes and wheels, helping shoppers choose a bicycle, and even putting new bikes together for display. Some use of technology may be required for ordering parts, maintaining inventory levels, and for handling point of sale transactions.
Getting the job
Mechanical skill is one of the main considerations in acquiring this type of job. You need to be able to use the tools required and read the schematics to learn how the bicycles are designed. Knowledge of how bikes are made is also helpful. Customer service skills, troubleshooting ability, and manual dexterity are needed for success in this field.
Check our our bicycle repairer resume template.
6. Door-to-door Sales Worker
- Median hourly wage: $11.45
- Typical education: High school diploma, but no advanced formal education needed
- Projected growth (2016-2026): 0%
- Projected new job openings per year: 10
What they do
Door-to-door sales workers show products or services to potential customers. Then, when a sale is made, the worker delivers the purchase and collects the money. Some technology is used in this position, such as a GPS, route mapping software, and a computer. It's important to have a persuasive personality and be highly comfortable interacting with strangers to succeed in this type of position.
Getting the job
While no formal training is required to get a job in door-to-door sales, customer service experience is an asset. These above minimum wage jobs may require willingness to participate in an apprenticeship program. Salespeople who go door-to-door need to be highly enterprising, achievement driven, and comfortable taking the initiative to creatively engage clients.
Learn from our door-to-door sales resume example.
