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12 Best Part-Time Jobs to Pay the Bills

By U.S. News & World Report

You don’t have to work full time to earn a fat paycheck.

For some workers, a part-time career is preferable to a full-time gig. But working a part-time job doesn’t mean settling for subpar pay. Take a look at these jobs, which have a high rate of part-time workers and variable hours, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and placed high among the U.S. News Best Jobs rankings.

Waiter and Waitress

Average hourly wages: $9.25

These food industry workers interact with restaurant patrons, taking orders, making recommendations and serving meals. Working a busy night — and taking home some generous tips — can make this job more lucrative.

Learn more about waiters and waitresses.

Bartender

Average hourly wages: $9.39

These pros stir, shake and pour drinks in bars, lounges and pubs. Well-liked bartenders at popular haunts can take home some serious cash in tips.

Learn more about bartenders.

Nail Technician

Average hourly wages: $10.01

These workers must complete a cosmetology program to file, shape, trim and polish fingernails and toenails.

Learn more about nail technicians.

Retail Salesperson

Average hourly wages: $10.47

These frontline salespeople work in stores and shops, sometimes rounding out their salaries with commissions after scoring a big sale.

Learn more about retail salespeople.

Taxi Driver

Average hourly wages: $11.30

Taxi drivers transport customers, taking them to airports, train stations and hotels. Tips from pleased passengers can boost a taxi driver’s wages.

Learn more about taxi drivers.

Customer Service Representative

Average hourly wages: $15.25

These professionals serve as the link between customers and companies. They interact online, over the phone or in person, sometimes managing angry or frustrated callers.

Learn more about customer service representatives.

Recreation and Fitness Worker

Average hourly wages: $17.39

These workers include fitness instructors, camp counselors and park directors, who oversee physical activities.

Learn more about recreation and fitness workers.

Massage Therapist

Average hourly wages: $18.29

Massage therapists reduce and relieve pain and unwind tense muscles using a variety of techniques.

Learn more about massage therapists.

Real Estate Agent

Average hourly wages: $20.85

When people are looking to buy, sell or rent a home, these professionals are available to help with the process. Training requirements vary by state, but all require licensure.

Learn more about real estate agents.

Interpreter and Translator

Average hourly wages: $21.24

Interpreters and translators bridge the communication gap between people who speak different languages. They may specialize in certain industry terminology or sign language.

Learn more about interpreters and translators.

Sales Representative

Average hourly wages: $26.79

These professionals sell goods and services to businesses, government agencies and other organizations. Sales representatives may earn commission in addition to their wages.

Learn more about sales representatives.

Web Developer

Average hourly wages: $31.23

These tech whizzes create websites, weighing in on design, writing code and checking for bugs.

Learn more about web developers.

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12 Best Part-Time Jobs to Pay the Bills originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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