14 Ways Nigerian Students in the U.S. Can Earn Up to $71K Part-Time

Living and studying in the United States as a Nigerian student can be exciting, but it often comes with financial pressure. From tuition to housing, daily expenses can add up fast.

Fortunately, there are several part-time jobs that can help cover your bills and even leave you with savings. In fact, some of these roles pay as much as $71,000 a year, depending on the hours you work.

According to a recent list by job search platform Indeed, many of these jobs are ideal for international students because they offer flexible hours, are located on or near campuses, and help build valuable skills. 

Below are 14 part-time job opportunities that Nigerian students in the U.S. can consider starting from the highest paying.

Student Ambassador – Average Salary: $71,701/year

Student ambassadors serve as the face of their university, especially during events, campus tours, or outreach campaigns. They interact with prospective students and their families, help with orientation, and sometimes support social media or email campaigns for the school.

It’s a great role for confident, outgoing students who enjoy engaging with others and representing their school positively. 

Aside from being one of the highest-paying student jobs, it also enhances your leadership and communication skills.

• Average Pay: $15.65/hour
  
• Best For: Outgoing students who enjoy public speaking and networking
  

Sales Associate – Average Salary: $59,437/year

Sales associates work in retail environments, including campus bookstores, nearby clothing shops, or tech outlets. Their responsibilities include helping customers find items, restocking shelves, handling payments, and answering questions about products.

If you have strong people skills and enjoy staying active during shifts, this could be a good match. It also offers weekend and evening shifts that can easily fit around a student schedule.

• Average Pay: $14.94/hour
  
• Best For: Students with good customer service and communication skills
  

Tutor – Average Salary: $56,281/year

Tutors provide academic support to fellow students. Whether it’s helping with homework, preparing for exams, or explaining tough concepts, tutors are always in demand, especially in subjects like math, science, English, or programming.

Most colleges have tutoring programs or learning centers where you can get hired. You can also tutor privately for even more flexible hours.

• Average Pay: $25.99/hour
  
• Best For: Students who excel academically and enjoy teaching others
  

Receptionist – Average Salary: $53,048/year

Receptionists are the front-facing staff in departments like admissions, student affairs, or academic offices. They greet visitors, answer phone calls, schedule appointments, and handle basic admin tasks.

It’s a role that suits students who are organized and have good communication skills. Most receptionist jobs also happen on campus, which means no long commute.

• Average Pay: $17.47/hour
  
• Best For: Students with strong organization and interpersonal skills
  

Department Assistant – Average Salary: $47,574/year

Department assistants provide support to specific academic units or faculty members. This includes managing office files, scheduling meetings, updating websites, or assisting with events like public lectures.

Because it’s tied to academic departments, it’s a great way to stay connected to your field of study and potentially build relationships with professors.

• Average Pay: $20.27/hour
  
• Best For: Students looking for relevant admin work tied to their major
  

Research Assistant – Average Salary: $46,895/year

As a research assistant, you’ll work directly with professors on projects related to your major or interests. Tasks might include collecting data, reviewing academic literature, maintaining lab equipment, or editing research papers.

This role is especially valuable for postgraduate students or those interested in a future academic or research career.

• Average Pay: $19.93/hour
  
• Best For: Detail-oriented students with academic research interest
  

Peer Mentor – Average Salary: $45,250/year

Peer mentors help fellow students navigate both academic and personal challenges. You might guide new students through registration, give advice on studying, or simply offer emotional support during tough times.

It’s a job that requires empathy and leadership, and it often comes with training provided by the school.

• Average Pay: $19.40/hour
  
• Best For: Students passionate about helping others succeed
  

Food Runner – Average Salary: $43,190/year

Food runners work in restaurants, cafes, or campus dining spaces. They deliver food from the kitchen to customers, communicate between servers and kitchen staff, and assist with clearing tables.

This is a physically active role that suits fast-moving environments and tips can boost earnings significantly.

• Average Tips: $60/day
  
• Best For: Energetic students who enjoy fast-paced service roles
  

Call Center Representative – Average Salary: $39,394/year

Call center reps handle inbound or outbound calls, often for campus fundraising, surveys, or general information lines. You’ll need strong phone etiquette and listening skills.

Some of these roles offer remote options, making it easy to manage alongside classes.

• Average Pay: $18.36/hour
  
• Best For: Students with clear communication skills and patience
  

Teaching Assistant – Average Salary: $38,764/year

Teaching assistants (TAs) help professors with grading, lesson planning, and sometimes leading classes. This role is more common for postgraduate students or senior undergraduates with high academic standing.

It’s a rewarding job that offers real teaching experience and looks impressive on a resume.

• Average Pay: $208/day
  
• Best For: High-performing students with teaching ambitions
  

Dining Room Server – Average Salary: $37,716/year

Servers in dining halls or restaurants take orders, serve meals, clear tables, and assist guests. If you have strong interpersonal skills and don’t mind working evenings or weekends, this can be a good fit.

• Average Pay: $16.18/hour
  
• Best For: Students with a service mindset and multitasking ability
  

Barista – Average Salary: $36,440/year

Baristas craft coffee drinks, serve snacks, and maintain clean café environments. Many students enjoy the social aspect of this role, especially when working in campus coffee shops.

Tips also add to your earnings daily.

• Average Pay: $36,440/year + tips
  
• Best For: Friendly students who love coffee culture
  

Usher – Average Salary: $34,594/year

Ushers work at campus events like sports games, plays, or concerts. Duties include helping guests find seats, distributing programs, and assisting with crowd control.

This job is low-stress, social, and usually takes place during evenings or weekends.

• Average Pay: $14.86/hour
  
• Best For: Students looking for flexible, event-based work
  

Library Assistant – Average Salary: $34,057/year

Library assistants help organize books, assist with student inquiries, and maintain quiet, productive spaces. It’s one of the calmest and most structured part-time jobs on campus.

• Average Pay: $18.51/hour
  
• Best For: Students who prefer quiet environments and routine tasks