The conventional wisdom about part-time work has always been that it doesn't pay as well as full-time gigs. However, that's not always the case. Many part-time opportunities can be rather lucrative and help you move beyond living paycheck to paycheck, provided you have the skills and experience to land these particular roles.
We've compiled a list of nine part-time jobs that pay at least $37 an hour, proving that you can have both a flexible schedule and a rewarding career. If you're ready to level up your earnings while working fewer hours, here are the jobs to look for.
Editor's note: All salary information is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Benefits specialist
Median hourly wage: $37.03
Even businesses with lower headcounts need an HR professional to develop and oversee employee benefits, even if it's a part-time specialist. Meanwhile, medium- and large-sized organizations may require a consultant to help administer benefits programs. Either way, if you have experience in the human resources field, flexible opportunities are available.
Occupational safety specialist
Median hourly wage: $37.93
Companies of all types, but particularly those in manufacturing or construction, have stringent workplace safety requirements. They would rather pay a specialist to review their facilities and make recommendations than incur the costs associated with workplace injuries. That's why occupational safety experts can often find part-time or consulting work auditing workplaces and conducting training sessions.
Fashion designer
Median hourly wage: $38.79
If you know how to design original clothing, footwear, and accessories, you can likely find work in the fashion industry. Many fashion designers work as freelancers, taking on specific projects for different brands. This project-based work is perfect for creating a part-time schedule that suits you and may lead to more opportunities.
- 18-29
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 60-69
- 70-79
- 80+
Multimedia artist
Median hourly wage: $47.98
As a multimedia artist, you create visual elements for everything from advertising to videos and websites. Depending on the project, you might create still images, photos, or animated videos.
The work is almost entirely computer-based and deadline-driven, so many companies hire freelancers for specific projects. If you have an artistic streak, you can set your own schedule by taking on part-time contracts.
Construction manager
Median hourly wage: $51.43
Construction managers are responsible for coordinating on-site work, managing the budget, and paying the bills associated with their crew's projects. While large jobs require a full-time commitment, smaller projects can be managed on a part-time basis. In fact, some construction firms only need a manager to handle administrative tasks, which creates a lucrative part-time role.
Art director
Median hourly wage: $53.38
The visual style a company projects in its advertising, product labels, and even its offices is a huge part of its branding. Think of any iconic brand, and you'll soon visualize the imagery associated with it.
Talented art directors are responsible for developing this style. You can find freelance and part-time opportunities for this role at startups and smaller companies, which can lead to additional opportunities over time.
Training manager
Median hourly wage: $61.10
Most companies today require their employees to complete various training programs, either for personal development or to ensure compliance. Many hire expert trainers on a contract basis to develop and lead specific courses. If you have deep subject-matter expertise and enjoy teaching, this could be the part-time role for you.
Public relations manager
Median hourly wage: $63.88
Public relations (PR) managers are responsible for shaping the world's perception of their organization. In this role, you work on advertising campaigns, issue press releases, and interact with the media, among other responsibilities. While this is often a full-time role, small businesses and non-profits routinely hire PR managers on a part-time basis.
Optometrist
Median hourly wage: $64.82
While many optometrists run their own full-time practices, many large retail vision centers or group practices often need part-time help to cover open shifts. If you're a qualified professional, you can earn a high hourly wage while meeting these needs and enjoying a flexible schedule.
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Bottom line
Working part-time doesn't have to mean settling for a small paycheck. Opportunities for lucrative part-time work are out there for you to get ahead financially. You only need to find a role that matches your talent and interests, and then you can work less and earn more.
It seems more and more Americans are choosing the part-time option. Data from August 2025, released by the United States Department of Labor, showed that 17.8% of all employed workers were in part-time roles. This is the highest level of part-time workers in seven years.
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