Balancing academics and finances is a reality for most students, and part-time jobs can be the key to making life in Tennessee more affordable. Whether you’re studying in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, or smaller towns, opportunities exist in retail, hospitality, healthcare support, tutoring, and even remote work. But which jobs are best for students, how much can you realistically earn, and what rules should you be aware of?
This guide takes a comprehensive look at part-time jobs in Tennessee, exploring popular industries, earnings, city-specific opportunities, and practical tips to help students manage both work and study.
Why Students Choose Part-Time Jobs in Tennessee
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Affordability factor: While Tennessee is more affordable than many U.S. states, rising rent and living expenses make part-time work essential for many students.
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Flexibility: Many employers in Tennessee understand student schedules and offer evening or weekend shifts.
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Skill-building: Beyond income, part-time work develops transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and time management.
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Networking: Jobs in industries like healthcare, education, or business can open doors to full-time career opportunities after graduation.
Top Part-Time Jobs for Students in Tennessee
1. Retail Jobs
Where: Clothing stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, and shopping malls (Opry Mills in Nashville, Wolfchase Galleria in Memphis).
Pay: $10–$15 per hour.
Pros: Flexible shifts, employee discounts, entry-level friendly.
Cons: Physically demanding during peak seasons.
2. Hospitality & Food Service
Where: Restaurants, coffee shops, fast-food chains, catering events.
Cities with most opportunities: Nashville (tourism-driven), Memphis (BBQ and music venues), Knoxville (college-town dining).
Pay: $9–$12 per hour + tips (servers/bartenders can earn $18–$25 per hour including tips).
Pros: Quick hiring process, social atmosphere.
Cons: High-pressure environments, evening/weekend shifts.
3. On-Campus Jobs
Types: Library assistant, research aide, admissions office staff, campus IT support, resident advisor (RA).
Pay: $9–$14 per hour.
Pros: Convenient location, supervisors understand student schedules.
Cons: Limited availability, sometimes capped at 20 hours per week.
4. Tutoring & Academic Support
Subjects in demand: Math, Science, English, Computer Science, Music.
Pay: $15–$25 per hour (higher for specialized subjects like coding or nursing).
Opportunities: Peer tutoring centers, online tutoring platforms (Chegg, Wyzant), or private tutoring.
Pros: Flexible scheduling, improves mastery of your subject.
Cons: Requires strong academic performance.
5. Healthcare Support Roles
Where: Hospitals in Memphis, Knoxville, and Nashville; clinics in smaller towns.
Jobs: Patient transporters, medical receptionists, dietary aides.
Pay: $12–$18 per hour.
Pros: Great experience for pre-med, nursing, or healthcare majors.
Cons: Background checks, physically demanding.
6. Remote & Freelance Work
Jobs: Content writing, graphic design, customer service, data entry.
Pay: Varies widely $12–$25 per hour on average.
Pros: Work from anywhere, highly flexible.
Cons: Requires self-discipline, some jobs may be unstable.
7. Delivery & Gig Economy
Options: Uber Eats, DoorDash, Instacart, Amazon Flex.
Pay: $15–$25 per hour (depending on tips and peak hours).
Pros: Maximum flexibility — work as much or as little as you want.
Cons: Car and insurance required, income can fluctuate.
Part-Time Job Opportunities by City
Nashville
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Best for hospitality, live music events, and delivery jobs.
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Vanderbilt University offers many on-campus opportunities.
Memphis
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Strong demand in healthcare support and retail.
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FedEx headquarters also provides flexible warehouse and office support roles.
Knoxville
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University of Tennessee drives demand for tutoring and campus jobs.
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Hospitality opportunities around Neyland Stadium during football season.
Chattanooga
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Tech startups and outdoor tourism create jobs in IT support, tour guiding, and retail.
Average Earnings & Living Costs for Students
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Average part-time income: $600–$1,200 per month (depending on hours and type of job).
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Student living costs: $1,200–$1,800 per month (rent, food, transport, and misc. expenses).
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Conclusion: Part-time jobs can cover 30–60% of monthly expenses, making them an essential supplement to savings or financial aid.
Legal Considerations for Student Workers
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Work hours: Most students work 10–20 hours per week during classes.
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International students (F-1 visa): Can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus; off-campus work requires OPT/CPT authorization.
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Taxes: Students must file taxes if they earn income in Tennessee, though part-time workers may owe little depending on earnings.
Tips for Balancing Work and Study
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Choose employers that offer flexible scheduling.
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Prioritize on-campus jobs to save commuting time.
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Limit work hours to avoid academic burnout (15–20 hours max recommended).
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Use earnings strategically cover rent and groceries first, save extra for emergencies.
Final Thoughts
Part-time jobs in Tennessee aren’t just a financial necessity they’re also a stepping stone to building skills, networks, and confidence. Whether you’re brewing coffee in Nashville, tutoring in Knoxville, or assisting in a Memphis hospital, each job contributes to your college experience in a unique way.
Students who balance work wisely often graduate with less debt, more independence, and a stronger resume making Tennessee a supportive place to both study and work.
FAQs About Part-Time Jobs for Students in Tennessee
Q1. How many hours can a student legally work in Tennessee?
Most students work 10–20 hours per week during semesters. International students (F-1 visas) can only work up to 20 hours on-campus unless given special authorization.
Q2. What is the average pay for student jobs in Tennessee?
Pay ranges from $9 per hour in retail to $25 per hour for tutoring or specialized freelance work. On average, students earn $600–$1,200 monthly.
Q3. What are the easiest part-time jobs for students to get?
Retail, fast food, coffee shops, and on-campus jobs are typically the easiest and fastest to secure.
Q4. Can students work off-campus in Tennessee?
Yes, but international students need CPT/OPT approval. Domestic students can freely apply for off-campus roles.
Q5. Do part-time jobs affect financial aid?
Some income may be considered in financial aid calculations, but most student part-time jobs don’t significantly reduce eligibility.
