Juggling coursework, extracurricular activities, and friendships often leaves little room for earning extra cash, making a well-paid, flexible campus job a rare find. Many of the best opportunities remain tucked away in departments, laboratories, or offices that students rarely pass by. By exploring these lesser-known positions, you can discover seven on-campus jobs that provide not only strong pay and adaptable hours but also valuable, practical experience. Keep your schedule handy and get ready to explore options that can help with your expenses while adding impressive credentials to your resume during the semester.
Peer Tutoring and Academic Support
Helping your peers understand tough concepts can earn you more than just gratitude. Many schools post openings for peer tutors and academic coaches in subjects like math, foreign languages, or writing support. These roles often pay between $15 and $20 per hour, depending on your campus and subject specialty.
Here are some example positions, typical pay, and application tips:
- Math Peer Tutor – $16–$18/hr; highlight any prior tutoring or strong grades in math courses when you apply.
- Writing Center Consultant – $15–$17/hr; prepare a writing sample or grade report to showcase your strengths and connect with the writing center director.
- Language Conversation Partner – $14–$16/hr; note any study abroad experiences or native-level fluency on your resume.
Most departments require a brief interview or demonstration session. Bring clear examples of how you explain concepts, and ask for student feedback forms to attach to your application for a quick advantage.
Research Assistant and Lab Technician Roles
Working with faculty on research projects gives you a behind-the-scenes look at discoveries in fields from chemistry to sociology. Departments often post part-time research assistant roles that pay $12 to $20 per hour, depending on lab funding and your experience level.
Follow these steps to secure a position:
- Check department webpages or email professors whose work interests you. Mention specific projects you read about in their recent papers.
- List relevant coursework or lab techniques on your CV, such as PCR in a biology lab or survey design in social science studies.
- Draft a concise email highlighting your skills and availability. Offer to meet for a 10-minute chat in their office or lab.
Once you earn a spot, be proactive with lab notebooks or data entry tasks. Supervisors notice students who double-check measurements and suggest small improvements for protocols.
Library and Administrative Positions
Campus libraries and administrative offices need dependable students to manage desks, archives, and digital systems. These roles usually pay between $13 and $17 per hour, plus they often include quiet study time when traffic slows.
Library assistants shelve books, help with check-ins at the circulation desk, and sometimes update online catalogs. Administrative assistants handle basic data entry, front-desk inquiries, and file organization for departments like admissions or financial aid.
Strong candidates mention software they have used, such as Blackboard for online resources or Microsoft Excel for spreadsheets. Show up for interviews with a folder containing a transcript or grade report, as some offices tie eligibility to a minimum GPA.
Campus Media and Marketing Opportunities
If writing, photography, or social media come naturally to you, campus publications and marketing teams hire students to keep content fresh. Roles like social media coordinator or web content creator pay $14 to $19 per hour, plus you build a portfolio for future job searches.
Common duties, average pay, and advice:
- Blog Writer – $14–$16/hr; pitch two story ideas and attach links to previous posts you’ve published.
- Social Media Assistant – $15–$18/hr; prepare a week’s worth of draft posts and show engagement metrics from personal or club accounts.
- Campus Photographer – $16–$19/hr; bring a portfolio on a tablet or printed proofs of event shots.
During interviews, discuss how you grew followers or increased clicks in a previous role. Mention any experience with platforms like WordPress or graphic tools such as Canva.
Recreation, Fitness, and Facilities Jobs
Student rec centers and campus facilities provide roles that keep you active and connected with fellow students. Positions range from lifeguard and fitness instructor to equipment desk attendant, usually paying between $12 and $18 per hour.
For example, lifeguarding requires a current certification from the American Red Cross or an equivalent. You’ll monitor pool activity during two-to-three-hour shifts. Fitness instructors lead classes in yoga, spin, or strength training—ideal if you already teach or enjoy those workouts.
Equipment desk attendants check out basketballs, weights, and racquets. They help maintain a safe and tidy environment by cleaning machines after use. Demonstrate your reliability by arriving early for training sessions and showing a friendly attitude toward new members.
Many rec centers post these roles on their websites or send mass emails to students at the start of the semester. Keep an eye on bulletin boards and campus newsletters to meet application deadlines.
Peer Mentorship and Orientation Leaders
Helping first-year students settle in might sound like a service role, but universities often pay orientation leaders or peer mentors $14 to $17 per hour, along with leadership training and networking opportunities.
Orientation leaders conduct campus tours, lead small-group discussions about time management, and answer questions about dorm life. Peer mentors support groups in specific majors, hosting study sessions and offering advice on course selection.
To apply, gather short recommendations from professors or advisors who are familiar with your involvement in clubs or academic achievements. Highlight leadership roles you’ve held in sports teams or student organizations to stand out.
Tech Support and IT Helpdesk
If you have repaired a friend’s laptop issue or set up a network printer in the dorm, tech support may be your calling. Many campuses operate an IT helpdesk that employs students for $13 to $20 per hour, depending on your skills and certifications.
Typical tasks include troubleshooting network problems, installing software, and helping users reset passwords. You’ll log all calls and create knowledge-base articles for common fixes. Positions often require familiarity with campus-specific systems like Canvas or Zoom configurations.
Show any CompTIA certifications or courses you’ve taken in networking. During interviews, describe a recent troubleshooting example: what you observed, the steps you took, and the final solution. That story demonstrates problem-solving skills and clear communication.
Regularly check the IT department’s career page and subscribe to their announcements list. Positions fill quickly, so apply within the first week they post.
These seven roles show that campus jobs go beyond cafés and retail stores. Find one that matches your strengths, apply, and enjoy the pay and flexible schedule.
