Best Jobs for College Students

College is a time for growth, learning, and gaining independence. For many students, it’s also a time to earn some extra cash. 

If you're like most college students, your parents likely monitor your bank account and have told you to either get a job or cut back on your spending. And we all know how difficult the latter is when you’re in college. 

The food and beverage industry offers a variety of job opportunities that are perfect for college students. 

These roles not only provide financial support but also valuable work experience, flexibility, and social interaction. Here are some of the best jobs for college students in the food and beverage industry.

Let’s explore some of the best jobs for college students!

The Best Jobs for College Students in the Food and Beverage Industry

Barista

Being a barista is one of the best jobs for college students for a few reasons. Coffee shops often have flexible hours, allowing students to work around their class schedules. Baristas learn valuable skills like customer service, multitasking, and basic food and beverage preparation. Plus, working in a coffee shop can provide a relaxed and social environment, making it a great place to meet new people.

What is the average hourly rate for a barista?

‍The national average hourly rate for a barista is $15.23 per hour with an estimated tip total of $20.00 per day, according to Indeed.

Server

Working as a server in a restaurant is another excellent option if you’re a college student seeking a part-time job. Serving requires good communication skills, the ability to work under pressure, and a strong work ethic. Servers often earn tips in addition to their hourly wage, which can make this a high-paying job for college students. The fast-paced nature of the job also helps in developing time management and organizational skills.

What is the average hourly rate for a server?

The national average hourly rate for a server is $17.23 per hour with an estimated tip total of $100.00 per day according to Indeed.

Barback

If you like the bar environment but the hustle and bustle of being a bartender sounds intimidating, consider barback shifts. It’s a great way to learn the bartending ropes before you dive into the deep end.

A barback serves as support staff for a bartender and works mostly behind the scenes. Barbacks help keep the bar stocked with whatever the bartender may need throughout their shift. That can range from restocking garnishes to replacing kegs to stocking glassware, and more. 

What is the average hourly rate for a barback?

‍The national average hourly rate for a barback is $17.36 per hour with an estimated tip total of $150.00 per day according to Indeed.

While barbacks don’t receive tips directly, many bartenders will split a share of their tip earnings. On average, a bartender shares between 5% to 20% of tips at the end of a shift. 

Bartender

Although age requirements vary by state, bartending can be a lucrative job for college students seeking something fast-paced and vibrant. While bartending can require work on nights and weekends, it offers the opportunity to earn substantial tips. Bartending requires knowledge of various beverages, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to handle busy periods efficiently.

What is the average hourly rate for a bartender?

‍The national average hourly rate for a bartender is $17.36 per hour with an estimated tip total of $150.00 per day according to Indeed. 

Busser

Are you more of a keep-to-yourself personality? Check out open busser roles if that’s the case!

A busser supports the wait staff by keeping all dining areas clean as guests filter in and out of the restaurant. Bussers are instrumental during a restaurant’s peak hours as they clear, clean, and reset the table for the next round of diners.

What is the average hourly rate for a busser?

The national average hourly rate for a busser is $14.66 per hour according to Indeed.

Host/Hostess

A host or hostess is responsible for greeting and seating customers, managing reservations, and ensuring a smooth flow of service in a restaurant. This job is ideal for students who prefer a front-of-house role without the physical demands of serving or bartending

Working as a host/hostess is a good job for college students who are extroverted and love interacting with others. Although a host/hostess might not provide much service to guests after seating, they might be expected to jump in as needed if the wait staff is overwhelmed.

What is the average hourly rate for a host/hostess?

The national average hourly rate for a host/hostess is $15.40 per hour with a tip total of $35.00 per day according to Indeed.

Line Cook

For students interested in the culinary arts, working as a line cook provides hands-on experience in a professional kitchen. Line cooks prepare food according to the chef’s specifications, maintain cleanliness and order in the kitchen, and ensure high food quality. This role can be demanding but offers valuable culinary skills and insight into kitchen operations, making it one of the best part-time jobs for college students who aspire to be chefs.

What is the average hourly rate for a line cook?

The national average hourly rate for a line cook is $17.79 per hour according to Indeed.

Delivery Driver

Food delivery services have become increasingly popular, offering flexible job opportunities for college students. As a delivery driver, students can work part-time and set their schedules around their classes. The job involves picking up orders from restaurants and delivering them to customers, often earning tips in addition to an hourly wage. This can be one of the high paying jobs for college students who need a flexible work schedule.

What is the average hourly rate for a delivery driver?

The national average hourly rate for a deliver driver is $19.30 per hour according to Indeed.

Dishwasher

While it might not be the most glamorous job, working as a dishwasher can be a good entry-level position in the food and beverage industry. Dishwashers are essential to maintaining cleanliness and order in the kitchen. This job requires minimal experience and can be a stepping stone to other roles within the restaurant, making it one of the best jobs for college students starting out.

What is the average hourly rate for a dishwasher?

The national average hourly rate for a dishwasher is $15.21 per hour with a tip total of $20.00 per day according to Indeed. 

Catering Server

Catering companies often hire part-time staff to help with events such as weddings, corporate functions, and parties. This job involves serving food and beverages and clearing plates after each course. Catering work is typically flexible and can be scheduled around a student’s availability, providing opportunities to earn money without a long-term commitment. This makes it one of the best part-time jobs for college students who enjoy event work.

What is the average hourly rate for catering server?

The national average hourly rate for catering server is $18.68 per hour according to Indeed.

Side Hustles Made Simple

The food and beverage industry offers multiple job opportunities that can fit the busy schedules of college students. 

These roles not only provide a source of income but also valuable skills and experiences that can be beneficial in future careers. 

Whether working behind the scenes in a kitchen or interacting directly with customers, students can find rewarding and flexible jobs that complement their academic pursuits.

If you're not sure how to get started, check out the gig economy! Gig economy apps, like shiftNOW, can help connect you to flexible hourly shifts that are available at competitive rates. Gig economy work enables you to craft your own schedule, decide where you work, and get paid out quicker than a traditional part-time job.

Picking up some part-time work in between classes doesn't seem so bad now, does it?

Find a Part-Time College Job Fast!

Explore open food and beverage shifts in your area that offer flexible schedules and same day pay. Shifts are available across the front-of-house, back-of-house, events, and general labor.

Download shiftNOW to get started!