The Best Part-Time Jobs With Full-Time Paychecks

by Patricia Cecil-Reed

When most of us hear the term "part-time job," we think of teenagers working at fast-food chains for minimum wage. However, perceptions like this are quickly changing as more Americans seek out part-time work and find real benefits, financially and otherwise.

Part-time is defined as anywhere between one and thirty-four hours per week. The average is twenty-one hours per week, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While many people work at the following careers full-time, it is not uncommon for part-time employees to enter these fields, too.

Your part-time job can offer full-time rewards. Continuing education can be helpful for employment in some sectors, especially if you don't have previous experience. Online education can make it even easier to earn an associate's or bachelor's degree, certificate, or extra training needed to jump into one of these careers.

Dental hygienist
This is one of the fastest-growing occupations today, according to the BLS, with thirty percent growth expected between now and 2016. Part-time work is very common for dental hygienists, and flexible hours are another attractive feature of the job.

Career Training: An associate's degree in dental hygiene plus state licensure is often enough to seek employment in a private dental practice.

Mean Hourly Wage: $31.12

Paralegal
Paralegal employment is on the rise as companies and law firms try to curb spending by delegating legal tasks to paralegals. While they aren't permitted to set legal fees, give legal advice, or present cases in court, paralegals are able to perform most other legal tasks.

Career Training: An associate's degree in paralegal studies is the most common route to becoming a paralegal. If you already have a college degree, you may be able to join an intensive program to get your degree and certification more quickly. Some programs take just a few months to complete.

Mean Hourly Wage: $22.88

Computer Support Specialist
Use your tech savvy to earn some extra income. Computer support specialists, including help-desk technicians and technical support, help people troubleshoot their technology foibles by phone, e-mail, or in person.

Career Training: While there are many different ways to train for a job as a computer support specialist, most employers prefer some computer-related training or a bachelor's or associate's degree in a computer-related field such as information technology.

Mean Hourly Wage: $21.78

Pharmacy Technician
This can be an ideal part-time job for those who have an interest in medicine and enjoy working with people. Many pharmacy technicians work nights and weekends, which is a good arrangement for those who need hours outside of the nine to five work day.

Career Training: Pharmacy technician certification offers an added advantage, especially for those without prior experience.

Mean Hourly Wage: $13.25

Bank Teller
One out of four tellers work part-time, reports the BLS. Because many tellers use the job as temporary employment, there are frequent job openings. This is a great choice for detail-oriented job seekers looking for more traditional daytime hours.

Career Training: Although there are no formal requirements for becoming a bank teller, it may be helpful to have an associate's or bachelor's degree or coursework in accounting, business, or finance.

Mean Hourly Wage: $11.36

Massage Therapist
The BLS cites massage therapist as a particularly good job for those seeking part-time work. As more people learn about the advantages of massage therapy, employment opportunities are on the rise, with 20 percent growth anticipated between now and 2016.

Career Training: Most states require massage therapy certification in addition to a formal training program. You can earn certification in massage therapy in anywhere from several weeks to two years, and can even do part of your studies through online education.

Mean Hourly Wage: $19.39

Tax Preparer
Tax preparers must have a detailed and up-to-date knowledge of tax codes and regulations, but they don't have the same educational requirements as a certified public accountant or an auditor. This is a great part-time career, especially around tax season.

Career Training: Tax preparers can often pursue an associate's in accounting in order to train for this career.

Mean Hourly Wage: $16.78

There are many reasons why people today seek a part-time career. For some, childcare or continuing education requirements may make a forty-hour-per-week job unfeasible. Others may want extra income to supplement their full-time job, or may be returning to the work force after retirement. You don't have to deliver pizza or make lattes to have a part-time job that fits in with your life--get the training you need to land a rewarding part-time job that pays the bills.