Balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and personal life as a student can be challenging, but adding an online job to the mix doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Online jobs provide flexibility, a source of income, and an opportunity to build valuable skills for your future career. Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree or a Ph.D., there’s an online job out there that suits your schedule and skill set.
Here’s a curated list of the 18 best online jobs for students, along with tips to kickstart your journey.
1. Social Media Manager
Average Pay: $14–$35/hour
Skills Needed: Content creation, analytics, graphic design
Businesses need savvy individuals to manage their online presence. If you’re studying marketing, graphic design, or communications, this is a great choice.
2. Online Tutor
Average Pay: $20–$40/hour
Skills Needed: Subject expertise, patience, communication
Platforms like Preply and Cambly make it easy to teach others, including English as a Second Language (ESL). It’s an excellent way to reinforce your own learning.
3. Virtual Assistant
Average Pay: $18–$35/hour
Skills Needed: Organization, scheduling, email management
Help professionals manage their calendars, emails, and more. Virtual assisting provides flexibility and networking opportunities in various industries.
4. Freelance Writer
Average Pay: $15–$40/hour
Skills Needed: SEO, research, creativity
If you enjoy writing, you can contribute to blogs, create ad copy, or even draft LinkedIn posts for businesses. Writing jobs are perfect for English or journalism majors.
5. Transcriptionist
Average Pay: $17–$22/hour
Skills Needed: Typing speed, grammar, attention to detail
Transcription jobs involve converting audio to text, offering flexibility and a steady income stream.
6. Graphic Designer
Average Pay: $15–$35/hour
Skills Needed: Design software, creativity, typography
Use tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite to create logos, social media graphics, or marketing materials.
7. Web Designer
Average Pay: $15–$30/hour
Skills Needed: UI/UX design, HTML/CSS, JavaScript
Building responsive websites or WordPress pages can help you earn while gaining portfolio-worthy experience.
8. Video Editor
Average Pay: $15–$30/hour
Skills Needed: Video/audio editing, motion graphics
Turn raw footage into polished videos for social media, commercials, or online courses.
9. Proofreader
Average Pay: $18–$35/hour
Skills Needed: Grammar, syntax, attention to detail
Proofreading jobs are in high demand, especially with the rise of AI-generated content.
10. Photo Editor
Average Pay: $18–$35/hour
Skills Needed: Photoshop, color correction, retouching
If you have a knack for photography and editing, this job can be a creative and lucrative side hustle.
11. Translator
Average Pay: $15–$25/hour
Skills Needed: Fluency in multiple languages, cultural understanding
Help clients bridge language barriers with your translation skills.
12. Data Entry Operator
Average Pay: $10–$20/hour
Skills Needed: Typing, spreadsheet proficiency, accuracy
This beginner-friendly job requires attention to detail and basic software knowledge.
13. Affiliate Marketer
Average Pay: $25–$50/hour
Skills Needed: SEO, marketing automation, negotiation
Promote products online and earn commissions through affiliate links.
14. Voiceover Artist
Average Pay: $40–$85/hour
Skills Needed: Voice control, articulation, script reading
Lend your voice to commercials, animations, or audiobooks from the comfort of your home.
15. Customer Service Representative
Average Pay: $10–$19/hour
Skills Needed: Communication, empathy, multitasking
Provide support to customers via phone, email, or chat while gaining valuable interpersonal skills.
16. Personal Assistant
Average Pay: $10–$20/hour
Skills Needed: Scheduling, time management, discretion
Assist busy professionals with tasks like managing emails and travel arrangements.
17. Logo Designer
Average Pay: $15–$30/hour
Skills Needed: Graphic design, typography, creativity
Design brand logos that leave lasting impressions for startups and businesses.
18. English Proficiency Test Evaluator
Average Pay: Varies
Skills Needed: Language expertise, analytical thinking
Help students and professionals achieve their goals by evaluating their English skills. Platforms like the International English Test (IET) offer flexible remote work opportunities for evaluators.
Start Earning Today!
With the rise of remote work, students now have countless options to earn money online without compromising their studies. Online jobs are not just about the paycheck—they’re about building a professional network, enhancing your resume, and learning skills that will benefit you in the long term.
If you’re looking to improve your English skills to access better opportunities, consider taking the International English Test (IET). It’s a flexible, affordable, and globally recognized certification that can open doors to many of these online jobs.
I am Nilay, an experienced English Language Assessment Director at the International English Test, where I have been working full-time since February 2020. I specialize in helping people worldwide validate their English proficiency through comprehensive assessments and certifications.
Before joining the International English Test, I worked as a self-employed English Language Assessment Consultant from January 2015 to December 2019. During this time, I assisted companies and individuals in improving their language skills, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals.
I hold a degree in Engineering and have also studied at Shafston International College in Australia. My educational background has equipped me with the tools to make a meaningful impact in the field of English language learning. Additionally, I enjoy sharing my expertise through articles that explore effective teaching methods and language assessment strategies, contributing to the International English Test and the broader assessment community.
