Chicago Student Hustles: 20 Jobs That’ll Make Your Wallet Smile. Hidden Hustles: 10 Best Off-Campus Jobs + 10 Odd Jobs for Students in Chicago.
Studying in Chicago is an adventure – from navigating the CTA trains to paying sky-high rent. Between assignments and exam stress, most students think earning extra is impossible. But here’s a secret – smart hustlers know where the real money lies.
Here are 10 best paying off-campus jobs for students in Chicago, followed by 10 quirky odd jobs to earn those extra dollars you didn’t know you could make.
Top 10 Best Off-Campus Jobs for Students in Chicago
- Research Assistant (STEM/Business Labs)
- Pay: $15–$25 per hour
- Why: Gain experience, build professor connections, and strengthen your resume.
- Paid Internships (Tech, Finance, Marketing)
- Pay: $18–$35 per hour
- Why: Build career credibility and earn good money.
- Private Tutor (Math, Science, Coding)
- Pay: $20–$50 per hour
- Why: Parents are always looking for reliable tutors for high schoolers.
- Freelance Graphic or Web Designer
- Pay: $15–$100 per hour (project-based)
- Why: Flexible and remote; great if you have a design portfolio.
- Campus Ambassador for Brands
- Pay: $15–$30 per hour plus bonuses
- Why: Promote apps or brands among your peers and earn incentives.
- Barista at Upscale Cafes
- Pay: $12–$18 per hour plus tips
- Why: Good hourly pay, networking, and free caffeine shots for those 8 am lectures.
- Part-Time Lab Technician Assistant
- Pay: $15–$22 per hour
- Why: For STEM majors, it’s resume gold.
- Admin Assistant at Small Businesses
- Pay: $14–$20 per hour
- Why: Flexible timings, learning office operations.
- Library Assistant at Public Libraries
- Pay: $12–$17 per hour
- Why: Calm environment to study during breaks.
- Teaching Assistant under CPT
- Pay: $12–$20 per hour
- Why: Academic experience plus faculty references.
10 Odd Jobs in Chicago Students Can Try for Extra Cash
Because sometimes, earning money is all about creativity and guts:
- Pet Sitter
- Chicagoans adore their pets; pay ranges $15–$25 per walk.
- Event Usher or Ticket Checker
- Concerts, theaters, or sports games. Earn $12–$20 per hour plus watch shows for free.
- Mystery Shopper
- Get paid to shop and review stores. $10–$25 per assignment.
- Street Performer (if you’re artistic)
- Singing, guitar, mimicry near tourist spots like Millennium Park. (Requires city permit)
- Moving Helper
- Help people shift apartments. $20–$30 per hour, physically demanding but well-paid.
- House Cleaner for Airbnb Hosts
- Quick turnovers, $15–$25 per hour, flexible slots.
- Food Delivery (if under CPT/OPT, check legal restrictions)
- DoorDash or Uber Eats drivers can make $15–$25 per hour with tips.
- Laundry Service Pickup/Drop-off
- Many busy professionals pay $10–$20 per trip for this.
- Flier Distribution / Brand Promoter
- Local restaurants or shops pay $12–$20 per hour to distribute flyers in campuses.
- Selling Crafts or Art Prints at Local Markets
- Create prints, jewellery, or art and sell at weekend flea markets. Earnings vary based on creativity and marketing.
Final Thoughts
Money doesn’t grow on trees, but it does come to those who hustle smart. Whether it’s tutoring high school kids or walking fluffy poodles across Chicago’s chilly streets, these jobs not only pay but teach life skills no classroom ever will.
Save this list, share it with your friends, and let your wallet thank you later.
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