Part-time positions with competitive pay and meaningful benefits are uncommon — most employers reserve their best compensation packages for full-time workers. However, several major companies offer part-time roles paying $16–22/hr with access to health insurance, tuition programs, or both. For students, parents, and workers managing multiple commitments, these positions provide the flexibility of reduced hours without sacrificing financial security.
This guide identifies the best part-time employers by pay, benefits, and scheduling flexibility.
Best Part-Time Employers With Benefits
| Company | Part-Time Pay | Health Insurance? | Tuition Program? | Min Hours for Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starbucks | $17–22/hr | Yes | Yes (100% ASU) | 20 hrs/week |
| UPS | $16–21/hr | Yes (after 9 months) | Yes ($5,250/yr) | ~15–25 hrs/week |
| Costco | $19+/hr | Yes (hours threshold) | No | Varies |
| Trader Joe’s | $16–18/hr | Yes | No | Low threshold |
| Target | $18/hr+ | Limited (25+ hrs) | Yes (select programs) | 25 hrs/week |
| REI | $17–20/hr | Yes | No | 20 hrs/week |
Starbucks is the strongest overall option for part-time workers who need benefits. At just 20 hours/week, employees qualify for health insurance, stock grants, and 100% tuition coverage at Arizona State University. No other employer offers comparable benefits at such a low hours threshold.
Best Part-Time Jobs for Students
Starbucks: The 100% ASU tuition program eliminates student debt entirely. Shifts are available early morning through evening, with schedule flexibility that accommodates class times. The 20-hour minimum is manageable alongside a full course load.
Target: Schedules are posted two weeks in advance, and the scheduling app allows shift swaps. The $18/hr minimum applies to all part-time positions. Tuition assistance is available for select programs.
UPS Package Handler: Short shifts (3–5 hours, early morning or evening) leave the full day open for classes. The Earn and Learn tuition program covers up to $5,250/year. After 9 months, premium-free Teamsters health insurance kicks in.
Best Part-Time Jobs for Parents
Costco: Part-time positions start at $19/hr — the highest part-time starting wage among major retailers. Health insurance eligibility after meeting an hours threshold. Costco closes on major holidays, guaranteeing those days off.
Trader Joe’s: Low threshold for health benefits eligibility, even for part-time crew members. The store environment is lower-stress than big-box retail, and the company is known for scheduling flexibility.
Retail (Target, Walmart, Home Depot): All three offer part-time positions with flexible scheduling. Target and Home Depot provide tuition assistance for part-time workers. Walmart’s Live Better U program covers 100% tuition for part-time employees from day one.
Part-Time Gig Work: Maximum Flexibility
For workers who need complete schedule control, gig platforms offer the most flexibility — at the cost of benefits and income stability.
DoorDash / Instacart / Uber: Work any hours, accept or decline orders freely. No schedule commitment. Realistic net pay after expenses: $10–20/hr. No health insurance, PTO, or retirement benefits. Best used as supplemental income, not primary employment.
TaskRabbit: Task-based work (furniture assembly, moving help, handyman services) at $20–50/hr depending on the task and market. Requires specific skills but offers the highest per-hour pay among gig platforms.
How to Find Part-Time Positions
Company career pages: Search directly on starbucks.com/careers, target.com/careers, and similar sites. Filter by “part-time” in the position type or schedule fields.
Indeed: Search “part-time” plus your city. Use salary filters to focus on positions paying $16+/hr. Filtering by specific company names (Starbucks, Target, Costco) reduces noise from low-quality listings.
In-store applications: Many retail locations accept walk-in inquiries about part-time openings, especially during seasonal hiring periods (September–November, January–February).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get health insurance with a part-time job?
At most employers, no. The exceptions are Starbucks (20+ hrs/week), UPS (after 9 months), Costco (hours threshold), Trader Joe’s (low threshold), and REI (20+ hrs/week). These employers are worth prioritizing if health coverage is a primary need.
What is the highest-paying part-time job?
Costco part-time positions start at $19/hr with automatic raises to $30+/hr at top scale. UPS package handlers earn $16–21/hr with premium-free health insurance. TaskRabbit skilled tasks can pay $20–50/hr but are inconsistent.
How many hours is part-time?
Part-time typically means under 30–35 hours per week, though definitions vary by employer. Most part-time retail positions schedule 15–25 hours per week. UPS package handler shifts run 3–5 hours per day. Benefits thresholds vary: Starbucks requires 20 hrs/week; Target requires 25 hrs/week for limited health benefits.
Can I work two part-time jobs?
Yes, and many workers do. UPS morning shifts (3–8 AM) pair well with afternoon retail jobs. Evening shifts at one employer can complement daytime hours at another. When combining jobs, verify that neither employer has exclusivity clauses that prohibit secondary employment.
