how much is part time job

[LaOscar]

You can expect to earn between $15 and $25 per hour for most standard part-time roles in 2026, though this varies significantly by industry, location, and skill level. The federal minimum wage in the U.S. remains at $7.25, but many states and cities have adjusted their own floors to $15 or more. For example, if you work in a major metropolitan area like New York or San Francisco, entry-level retail or food service positions often start at $16 to $18 per hour. However, specialized part-time work—such as bookkeeping, IT support, or tutoring—can command $25 to $40 per hour.

To give you a clearer picture, here is a breakdown of typical hourly ranges for common part-time job categories in 2026, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry surveys:

Industry / Role	Typical Hourly Rate (2026)	Notes
Retail / Customer Service	$15 – $18	Often includes shift differentials for evenings or weekends
Food Service / Hospitality	$14 – $20	Base pay plus tips; tipped minimum wage is lower
Administrative / Clerical	$18 – $25	Skilled roles like data entry or executive assistant
Tutoring / Education	$20 – $35	Varies by subject matter expertise and student level
IT / Tech Support	$25 – $40	Requires certification or proven experience
Gig Economy (delivery, rideshare)	$12 – $22 net	After expenses like gas, insurance, and vehicle wear

Keep in mind that total compensation also includes non-wage factors like schedule flexibility, paid time off (less common in part-time roles), and potential for tips. When evaluating a part-time offer, always ask about the specific pay basis, overtime rules, and whether you are classified as a W-2 employee or a 1099 contractor—this affects your taxes and benefits. The most reliable way to determine your market worth is to check local job boards and salary tools from reputable sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics or industry-specific salary surveys.

[LydiaLynn]

I’ve been working part-time at a coffee shop for about a year, and I make $16.50 an hour plus tips. That usually adds up to around $20 an hour on busy weekends. It’s not a ton, but the flexibility is amazing for my schedule. I’d say $15 to $18 is pretty standard for entry-level gigs in my area. If you want more, you’ll need some skills or experience.

[AliyahAnn]

For a part-time administrative role I’m looking at, the pay is $22 per hour. That’s decent for a 25-hour week, but I’m not getting any health benefits or paid leave. The trade-off is totally worth it for me because I need to be home by 3 PM. I’d suggest checking if your employer offers any pro-rated benefits or a 401(k) match—some do, and it makes a big difference.

[VanAsher]

I do part-time IT consulting on the side, and I charge $35 an hour for basic troubleshooting and system setup. The key is to specialize—if you can fix a specific software issue or have a certification, you can charge way more than someone doing general retail. For me, the best part is setting my own hours and not dealing with a manager. Just be clear on your rate upfront.

[Lopez]

Part-time gigs in the gig economy, like delivery driving, look easy but the pay is tricky. I average $18 an hour before expenses, but after gas and car maintenance, it drops to about $14. Some people don’t factor that in. If you’re considering this, track your actual costs for a month. Apps like Uber or DoorDash will show you a gross estimate, but your net income is what matters for your budget.