Part-Time Jobs for International Students: Rules, Options & Pay Rates

International students on F-1 visas can legally work in the United States under specific conditions—earning $800-$1,200 monthly through on-campus jobs during the academic year, $2,500-$4,000 monthly through summer internships via CPT, and $5,000-$7,500+ monthly through post-graduation OPT employment. Understanding work authorization rules helps you reduce education loan needs, gain valuable experience, and build professional networks while maintaining full visa compliance.

The 20-Hour Academic Year Limit

During Fall & Spring Semesters: F-1 students can work maximum 20 hours per week on campus. This limit is strictly enforced—working 21+ hours can jeopardize your visa status.

During Summer & Official Breaks: F-1 students can work full-time (40 hours/week) on campus during summer vacation, winter break, spring break, and other official university breaks.

Why This Matters: 20 hours × $12/hour × 4 weeks = $960/month during academic year. Full-time summer: 40 hours × $12/hour × 4 weeks = $1,920/month. Smart students max out hours every semester.

Tracking Hours: Your employer tracks hours through payroll systems. Stay under 20 hours weekly even if tempted—violations discovered during visa renewals or status changes can cause serious problems.

On-Campus vs Off-Campus: Critical Distinction

On-Campus Employment: Freely available to F-1 students without special authorization. Includes:

• University departments (libraries, admissions, IT, student services)
• Campus dining services and cafeterias
• University bookstores and retail
• Campus recreation centers and facilities
• Student unions and activity centers
• On-campus employers operating on university property

Off-Campus Employment: Generally PROHIBITED for F-1 students except through:

• CPT (Curricular Practical Training): Internships integral to your academic program
• OPT (Optional Practical Training): Post-graduation work authorization
• Severe Economic Hardship: Rare exception requiring USCIS approval for unexpected financial crisis

Warning: Working off-campus without proper authorization (even rideshare, food delivery, or “gig economy” jobs) is visa violation with serious consequences including deportation and future visa denials.

When Can You Start Working?

On-Campus Jobs: You can begin working on campus as soon as your program starts and you have Social Security Number. Some students secure jobs before arrival through early applications.

CPT Internships: Available after completing one full academic year (two semesters for Master’s students). Cannot begin CPT until you’ve been enrolled full-time for one year.

OPT Employment: Available after completing at least one full academic year, applied for 90 days before program completion. Most students apply during final semester for post-graduation OPT.

First-Year Strategy: Focus on on-campus employment first year. Maximize earnings through full-time summer work. Use CPT for internships second year onward.

Research Assistantships (Highest Paying)

Pay Range: $15-$25/hour depending on university and discipline

Typical Duties: Literature reviews, data collection and analysis, lab work, experiment assistance, manuscript preparation, survey administration

Advantages:

• Highest hourly rates among on-campus jobs
• Directly relevant to your field of study
• Builds research experience for CV/resume
• Networking with faculty for recommendation letters
• Potential publication opportunities

How to Find: Email professors in your department expressing interest, check department bulletin boards, ask department coordinator about available positions. Best secured early in semester—apply in first 2 weeks.

Eligibility: More common for graduate students, but motivated undergraduates with strong academics can secure these roles.

Teaching Assistantships

Pay Range: $14-$22/hour

Typical Duties: Grading assignments, holding office hours, leading discussion sections or labs, proctoring exams, answering student questions

Requirements: Typically requires excellent grades (A/A- in the subject), strong English communication skills, previous experience in the course

Advantages:

• High pay rates
• Teaching experience valuable for many careers
• Deepens understanding of subject matter
• Faculty relationships and recommendations

Note: More common for graduate students. Undergraduates can sometimes TA for intro courses after taking advanced versions.

Library Positions

Pay Range: $11-$15/hour

Typical Duties: Circulation desk operations, shelving books, helping students find resources, organizing materials, basic tech support

Advantages:

• Quiet environment conducive to studying during downtime
• Flexible scheduling around classes
• Less physically demanding than many jobs
• Professional office environment

Ideal For: Students wanting calm work environment where they can read/study during slow periods

IT & Computer Lab Support

Pay Range: $12-$18/hour

Typical Duties: Troubleshooting technical issues, assisting with software/hardware, maintaining computer labs, password resets, basic tech training

Requirements: Technical aptitude, problem-solving skills, patience with non-technical users

Best For: Computer Science, Information Technology, or tech-savvy students from any major

Dining Services & Food Court

Pay Range: $10-$13/hour (minimum wage to slightly above)

Typical Duties: Food preparation, serving, cashier operations, cleaning, stocking supplies

Advantages:

• Easiest positions to secure—always hiring
• Early morning or evening shifts available
• Sometimes includes free/discounted meals
• No special skills required

Disadvantages: Physically demanding, lower pay, less relevant to most careers

Strategy: Start here if needed for immediate income, but actively seek higher-paying positions for future semesters.

What is CPT?

Curricular Practical Training allows F-1 students to work off-campus in paid internships or co-ops that are integral part of their academic curriculum. CPT must be:

• Part of your program: Required internship course, practicum, or explicitly listed as curricular option
• Related to your major: Work must align with your field of study
• Approved by university: Must receive CPT authorization from your DSO (Designated School Official) before starting
• After one year: Available only after completing one full academic year (except for graduate programs where internship is required in first year)

CPT Pay Rates by Field

Tech internships at major companies (Google, Microsoft, Amazon) often pay $40-$55/hour plus housing assistance = $20,000-$30,000 total summer compensation

Full-Time vs Part-Time CPT

Part-Time CPT (20 hours/week or less): Can use unlimited part-time CPT during your program without affecting OPT eligibility. Allows working internship while taking classes.

Full-Time CPT (more than 20 hours/week): Using 12+ months of full-time CPT eliminates your OPT eligibility. This is critical—if you do full-time summer CPT for 3 summers (12 months total), you lose post-graduation OPT.

Strategy: Limit full-time CPT to less than 12 months total if you want OPT after graduation. For example, 2 summer internships (6 months total) preserves OPT eligibility.

OPT Basics: Your Primary Post-Graduation Work Authorization

Standard OPT: 12 months work authorization in your field of study after completing degree. Available to all F-1 graduates regardless of major.

STEM OPT Extension: Additional 24 months for STEM graduates (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics designated programs) = 36 months total work authorization.

Application Timeline: Apply 90 days before graduation, no later than 60 days after graduation. Most students apply during final semester.

Cost: $410 USCIS application fee + $85 biometrics = $495 total

OPT Salaries: Full-Time Professional Positions

OPT provides full-time employment at professional salaries:

• Computer Science: $88,907 average starting ($7,409/month)
• Engineering: $80,482 average starting ($6,707/month)
• Business/Finance: $63,608 average starting ($5,301/month)
• Data Science: $85,000-$95,000 typical ($7,083-$7,917/month)

OPT income enables aggressive student loan repayment while working in US. Many international students repay $60,000-$80,000 loans within 2-3 years using OPT earnings.

The Earnings Progression Strategy

Freshman Year: Start with accessible position ($10-$12/hour × 15 hours/week × 30 weeks = $4,500-$5,400 first year)

Sophomore Year: Secure better position through experience ($13-$15/hour × 18 hours/week × 30 weeks = $7,020-$8,100)

Junior/Senior Year: Premium positions as experienced worker ($15-$18/hour × 20 hours/week × 30 weeks = $9,000-$10,800)

Summer Internships (CPT): After first year, pursue paid internships ($25-$40/hour × 40 hours/week × 12 weeks = $12,000-$19,200 per summer)

4-Year Undergraduate Total: $35,000-$50,000+ earned through strategic employment progression

2-Year Master’s Total: $15,000-$25,000 on-campus + $15,000-$25,000 summer internship = $30,000-$50,000 total

Real Financial Impact: Master’s Student Example

Scenario: 2-year Master’s program, $100,000 total cost

Without Working:

• Total cost: $100,000
• Family contribution: $20,000
• Scholarships: $15,000
• Loan needed: $65,000

With Strategic Employment:

• On-campus work: $15,000 over 2 years
• Summer CPT internship: $18,000
• Total earned: $33,000
• Loan needed: $32,000 (reduced by 51%!)

Result: Working reduces loan from $65,000 to $32,000—saving $33,000 in borrowing plus thousands in avoided interest.

Start Before Arrival

Many universities post job openings online accessible to admitted students:

• Check university employment website for student positions
• Email department coordinators in your major expressing interest
• Contact professors about research assistant opportunities
• Apply for positions 2-3 months before semester starts
• Some students secure jobs before arriving in US

Apply Early and Often

Timing is Critical: Best positions fill within first 2 weeks of semester. Apply immediately upon arrival or before.

Cast Wide Net: Apply to 10-15 positions, not just 2-3. Many positions receive 50+ applications—volume increases odds.

Follow Up: Email hiring managers 3-4 days after applying expressing continued interest.

Getting Your Social Security Number

When: Apply for SSN after securing job offer. You cannot get SSN without job offer letter.

Process: Take job offer letter + I-20 + passport to Social Security Administration office. Processing takes 2-3 weeks.

Cost: Free—Social Security Number application has no fee.

Important: Employer cannot pay you until you have SSN. Apply immediately upon receiving job offer.

Tax Obligations

Federal Income Tax: Most F-1 students are exempt from federal income tax on first $5,000-$10,000 depending on tax treaty with home country. Check your country’s specific treaty.

State Income Tax: Varies by state—some states (Texas, Florida, Washington) have no income tax. Others tax 3-7%.

Social Security & Medicare: F-1 students generally exempt from Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) taxes for first 5 years. If employer deducts these, you can claim refund.

Filing Requirements: Must file tax return by April 15 annually even if no tax owed. Use Form 8843 and Form 1040-NR.