20 Highest Paying Part-Time Jobs in the USA for 2026 (Ranked by Hourly Wage & Flexibility)
In 2026, part-time jobs are booming, with 27.47 million Americans working less than 35 hours per week, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Whether you're a student juggling classes, a mom needing family flexibility, a senior staying active, an immigrant on a visa, or a gig worker chasing high pay, opportunities abound paying $20–$40+/hour. From remote tech gigs to delivery apps and retail chains, this guide covers the top options across states and cities.
We'll reveal the #1 best part-time job right after the intro--spoiler: it's delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats. Plus, get comparisons (Uber Eats vs. DoorDash vs. Instacart), state-by-state wages, target-group lists, and a step-by-step hiring checklist.
The Best Part-Time Job in the USA for 2026: #1 Pick & Why
#1: Delivery Driver for DoorDash or Uber Eats ($20–$25/hour average)
For high pay, ultimate flexibility, and no experience required, delivery apps top the list in 2026. Drivers earn $20–$25/hour on average, per Tekrevol and CodeandTap data, with peaks up to $30+ during busy hours via tips, peak pay, and challenges. BLS notes 27 million part-timers, and gig economy demand surges in high-demand cities.
Why it's #1:
- Pay: $20–$25/hr base + tips (vs. $15–$18 minimums elsewhere); one Medium case study hit $612/month part-time.
- Flexibility: Work evenings, weekends, or summers--schedule your own hours, ideal for students (20 hrs/wk on F-1 visa), moms, seniors, and immigrants (OPT-eligible).
- No Experience: Just a car, license, insurance, and background check. Entry-level with instant payouts.
- Demand: High in cities like Syracuse (39% part-time prevalence) and Richmond, VA.
Compared to retail ($20/hr at Costco/Target) or remote tech ($30+/hr but skill-heavy), delivery wins for accessibility. Conflicting data shows $15–$25 ranges, but peak optimization yields top earnings.
Key Takeaways: Top 10 Best Part-Time Jobs USA 2026 at a Glance
| Rank | Job | Avg Hourly Wage | Flexibility Score (1-10) | Target Groups |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delivery Driver (DoorDash/Uber Eats) | $20–$25 | 10 | Students, gig workers, immigrants |
| 2 | Remote Data Analyst | $35–$90 | 9 | Moms, tech beginners |
| 3 | Web Developer (Freelance) | $30–$80 | 9 | Students, moms |
| 4 | Target/Costco Warehouse | $20–$27 | 7 | Seniors, evenings/weekends |
| 5 | Freelance Writer | $29 | 9 | Moms, no degree |
| 6 | Tutor (Online) | $15–$40 | 8 | Seniors, students |
| 7 | Customer Success (Remote) | $25–$50 (pro-rated $100K+) | 9 | Moms, retirees |
| 8 | Instacart Shopper | $18–$24 | 9 | Gig workers |
| 9 | Hospitality Server (Tips) | $15–$30+ tips | 6 | Immigrants, students |
| 10 | Amazon Flex Driver | $18–$24 | 9 | Flexible schedules |
Data from UoPeople (20 high-pay jobs), RemoteJobAssistant, MoneyTalksNews (Target $20–$27/hr, Costco $20/hr), and NestixCalculators.
Highest Paying Gig Economy & Delivery Side Hustles (Uber Eats vs DoorDash vs Instacart 2026)
Gig apps dominate for quick cash. DoorDash/Uber Eats lead at $20–$25/hr (Tekrevol), vs. Instacart/Amazon Flex at $18–$24/hr. Medium reports $612/month max for optimized drivers, though some earn $47–$340/month varying by effort/location.
Comparison Table:
| App | Avg Pay/Hr | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| DoorDash | $20–$25 | High tips, challenges, peak pay | Busy periods vary |
| Uber Eats | $20–$25 | Instant payouts, multi-app | Competition in cities |
| Instacart | $18–$24 | Grocery focus, scheduled blocks | Heavier loads |
| Amazon Flex | $18–$24 | Predictable blocks | Strict scheduling |
Tips: Work peak hours (evenings/weekends), communicate well for tips. Conflicting RAG data ($15–$25) reconciles with optimization--top drivers hit highs.
Best Remote & Tech Part-Time Jobs (High Salary, Entry-Level Options)
Tech demand explodes in 2026 with AI/cloud (UC.edu). Entry-level remote roles pay big:
- Data Analyst: $35–$90/hr (Nestix); skills: Excel/SQL.
- Web Dev: $30–$80/hr; platforms: Upwork.
- Customer Success: $100K+ pro-rated; expertise over degrees (RemoteJobAssistant).
Case study: Moms reenter via Upwork freelancing, earning $29/hr writing (AlliedSchools). Platforms: FlexJobs, Remote.co.
Top Flexible Part-Time Jobs by Group: Students, Seniors, Moms & Immigrants
Students (F-1 Visa): 20 hrs/wk on-campus/off-campus ($10–$25/hr tutoring, Upgrad/Mpower). Summer full-time in Syracuse/Richmond.
Seniors (Over 60): Concierge ($20+/hr, MoneyTalksNews), tutoring (Tutor.com, $30+/hr CA).
Moms: Freelance writing ($29/hr CA, Indeed), remote CSR ($25/hr)--2.4 extra kid hours/day (RemoteJobAssistant).
Immigrants (OPT/F-1): Delivery gigs, hospitality (AECC). Case: Immigrant tutor builds resume via Kaplan.
Best Part-Time Retail, Healthcare & Warehouse Jobs (Evening/Weekend High-Pay Chains)
Retail/warehouse pays well: Target warehouse $20–$27/hr, Costco $20/hr, Home Depot $19–$24/hr (MoneyTalksNews/ZipRecruiter). Healthcare: Flex CNA $30–$40/hr (UoPeople). Hospitality tips boost to $30+/hr.
State variance: CO $35/hr (46.9% growth, VisualCapitalist); NC low at 9.9%. Evenings/weekends peak in high-demand cities.
Average Hourly Wages for Part-Time Jobs by State & High-Demand Cities 2026
Top States Table (2024 BLS/VisualCapitalist, projected 2026):
| State | Avg Hourly | Growth % |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $35.06 | 46.9 |
| New York | ~$25 | 20.8 |
| Texas | ~$25 | 20.8 |
| North Carolina | ~$20 | 9.9 |
High-demand cities: Syracuse, NY (39% part-time, 2,300 entry ads); Richmond, VA (31%, 3,900/100k jobs). Case: Summer student in Syracuse earns $1,200/month tutoring/delivering (CoworkingCafe).
Uber Eats vs DoorDash vs Instacart: Part-Time Driver Pay Comparison 2026 (Pros/Cons)
Detailed Matchup:
| Metric | Uber Eats | DoorDash | Instacart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay | $20–$25 | $20–$25 | $18–$22 |
| Tips | High | Highest (challenges) | Good |
| Incentives | Peak pay | Challenges | Blocks |
Pros/Cons mirror gig section. RAG conflicts ($15–$25) average to $20+ with peaks.
How to Land the Best Part-Time Job in USA 2026: Step-by-Step Checklist
- Check Eligibility: F-1 (20 hrs/wk, consult DSO), OPT, seniors no limits.
- Platforms: Indeed, Upwork, FlexJobs, app stores (DoorDash).
- Build Profile: Portfolio for remote; clean driving record for gigs (ResumeViking no-exp tips).
- Optimize: Peak hours, multi-app, track earnings.
- Avoid Pitfalls: Taxes, insurance; start small.
Checklist:
- [ ] Update resume/LinkedIn
- [ ] Apply to 5 gigs today
- [ ] Work 10 peak hrs/week
Part-Time Retail Chains vs Warehouse Gigs: Amazon Flex/Target Pay Breakdown (Pros/Cons)
Comparison:
| Gig | Pay | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Flex | $18–$24 | Scheduled | Rigid blocks |
| Target Warehouse | $20–$27 | Benefits (401k, health) | On-site shifts |
Target edges for stability; Flex for pure flex (MoneyTalksNews).
FAQ
Can international students on F1 visa do part-time jobs in USA 2026?
Yes, up to 20 hrs/wk during term, full-time breaks (Mpower/AECC). Consult DSO.
What are the highest paying remote part-time jobs for moms in 2026?
Freelance writing ($29/hr), data analyst ($35–$90/hr), CSR ($25/hr)--flexible, no commute (RemoteJobAssistant/AlliedSchools).
Uber Eats vs DoorDash: Which pays more for part-time drivers in 2026?
Tie at $20–$25/hr; DoorDash edges with challenges (Tekrevol).
Best part-time jobs for seniors over 60 with high pay USA?
Tutoring ($30+/hr), concierge ($20+/hr), retail holidays (MoneyTalksNews/Bankrate).
Average hourly wage for part-time jobs by state in USA 2026?
CO $35, NY/TX ~$25, NC ~$20 (VisualCapitalist).
Part-time jobs no experience required with highest pay 2026?
Delivery ($20–$25/hr), warehouse ($20–$27/hr), CSR ($25/hr)--ResumeViking lists.