Studying in America is expensive. A simple part-time job can ease the pressure, build your résumé, and help you meet people.
If you have an F-1 visa, you can usually work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the semester and full-time in official breaks.
Off-campus work needs permission (like CPT/OPT or special approval), so always confirm with your school’s international office before you accept any role.
Here are Jobs Nigerian Students in the U.S. Can Do:
Know the rules in two minutes
On campus during school: up to 20 hours weekly. During breaks: up to 40 hours. Off campus: only with authorisation. You’ll need a Social Security Number after you get a job offer, and you’ll fill out basic tax forms. Most F-1 students who are “non-resident” for tax purposes don’t pay U.S. social security/Medicare (FICA), but you’ll still pay federal/state income tax depending on your state.
What the pay really looks like
Many salary numbers you see online are “full-time equivalents.” As a student, your pay is hourly and scales with hours worked. A simple reality check: ₦, $ aside—if a campus job pays $14–$20 per hour and you work 15–20 hours weekly, you’ll earn roughly $210–$400 per week before tax, which is $840–$1,600 per month. Tips (in food service) can push that higher.
On-campus roles students often get
Library assistant: Quiet environment, shelving books, checking items in/out, front-desk help. Typical pay is around $13–$18/hour. Great if you want study-friendly shifts.
Teaching assistant (TA): Supports a professor or lab. Pay varies widely by department—often $15–$25/hour, sometimes a stipend. Best for students with strong grades in that course.
Research assistant (RA): Work on a faculty project, data collection, literature reviews, simple coding. Pay often $15–$25/hour. Good for STEM, social science, and public policy majors.
Department or student-services assistant: Front desk, event setup, data entry, phones. Around $14–$20/hour. Easy way to learn campus systems and meet staff.
Peer mentor or student ambassador: Guide new students, lead campus tours, and support orientation. Rates are often $14–$20/hour. Helpful for your communication skills.
Receptionist: In campus health, gym, or advising offices—phone calls, bookings, basic admin. Around $13–$18/hour.
Roles that may be on campus or just off campus
Barista: Coffee shops on campus or nearby. Base pay $13–$17/hour plus tips; friendly, fast-paced.
Dining room server or food runner: Campus dining or restaurants close to school. Some states pay a lower base plus tips; others pay $15–$22/hour plus tips. Weekend shifts can be lucrative.
Usher: Campus events, theatres, sports venues—ticket checks and seating:Often $14–$18/hour; flexible, mostly evenings.
Call-center representative: University fundraising, tech support, or local businesses. Typically $15–$20/hour with bonuses in some roles.
Tutor: Campus learning centre or private clients. Pay can reach $18–$30/hour depending on subject (math, stats, programming and writing do well).
Sales associate: Bookstore or nearby retail. Often $14–$18/hour with store discounts.