Here are eight jobs you might have missed in your part-time job hunt.
1. Caterer: Perhaps you strive to be a chef or enjoy event planning. A catering role would enable you to gain experience with food preparation, customer service and event execution. Look for employment at restaurants that have catering divisions, full-service event planning organizations or private catering companies. Who knows, once you have some part-time experience under your belt, you may be ready to venture out on your own.
Pay: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2010 median pay for food preparation workers was $9.18 per hour. However, compensation will vary based on the specific job and type of company.
2. Chauffeur: Some people love to drive, while others avoid it as much as possible. If you're part of the former group, and you're looking for a part-time job that gets you cruising, consider becoming a driver or chauffeur. According to the BLS, workers in this role transport passengers via limousines, vans or private cars. As a chauffeur, you may work for a private business, a family, the government or yourself. Hours vary greatly, and you may need to make pickups early in the morning or late at night.
Pay: The 2010 median pay for chauffeurs was $10.79 per hour, as listed in the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
3. Dog walker: If you're an animal lover who knows the basics of caring for a pet, consider a part-time position as a dog walker. Dog walkers are often employed by owners who work full-time jobs and aren't able to come home during the day to give their pooches some exercise and allow them to relieve themselves. Dog walkers usually have more than one pet to take care of, so be sure you're strong -- and patient -- enough to wrangle a bunch of rowdy dogs.
Pay: Dogwalker.com, a website that connects owners with local walkers, says that factors determining pay vary, but the typical dog-walker rate is anywhere from $10 to $30 per 30-minute walk.
4. Fitness instructor: While many people consider exercising a necessary evil, if you're one of those people who enjoy working out, why not channel that energy into the role of fitness instructor? As an instructor, you'll be responsible for everything from creating the class format, to instructing participants on the moves, to ensuring the exercises are being done properly and safely. Depending on the gym, classes usually run throughout the day, so you can plan your schedule around other commitments. Plus, opportunities for trainers are only getting better; the BLS predicts that employment will grow by 24 percent from 2010 to 2020, a pace that's faster than average for all occupations.
Pay: Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors make an average of $17.38 an hour, according to the BLS.
5. Massage therapist: To become a massage therapist, you'll need to complete a training program that can require 500 hours or more of study and experience, notes the BLS. Most states require that massage therapists have a certificate in order to practice professionally. If you're interested in pursuing work as a part-time massage therapist, you'll need physical stamina, strength and dexterity, and empathy to ensure a positive client experience. Employees in this field typically work in private offices, spas, hospitals, fitness centers or shopping malls. The majority work part time; only 25 percent work full time.
Pay: According to the BLS, massage therapists make an average hourly wage of $19.19.
6. Mystery shopper: Mystery shoppers are hired to pose as regular shoppers and visit retail stores to evaluate the customer experience. While this role is good for someone who enjoys shopping, contrary to popular belief, you aren't being paid to shop. According to the Mystery Shopping Providers Association, it's a serious business, and you'll be expected to make specific observations about such things as the environment, product quality and level of customer service. Upon leaving the establishment, you'll be asked to complete a report that ultimately will help the business improve training programs, better articulate expectations to employees and improve client interaction.
Pay: While fees may vary, the MSPA reports that mystery shoppers can make between $8 and $20 for the "typical" shopping scenario.
7. Translator: If you're fluent in one or more languages, consider part-time work as a translator. The BLS predicts that this field will grow by 42 percent -- much faster than average – between 2010 and 2020, reflecting an increasingly diverse U.S. population and the rapid global expansion of businesses. Translators often work from home, which is convenient since hours fluctuate greatly -- alternating between periods of limited work and long, irregular hours. Education backgrounds for translators vary, but it's important to be fluent in English and at least one other language. Some may need to complete job-specific training programs.
Pay: Translator jobs can pay well, with median pay at $20.82 per hour, according to the BLS.
8. Umpire, referee or other sports official: Sports lovers, listen up. Whether you're a retired player or coach, or just someone who is passionate and knowledgeable about a particular sport, this might be your perfect part-time job. According to career exploration website O*Net, this role involves officiating sports events, games or competitions to maintain the standard of play and ensure that rules are observed. It may also require inspecting equipment, judging and awarding points and resolving claims of rule infractions, among other duties. While hours vary, and most work part time, you have to be willing to give up your nights, weekends and holidays.
Pay: As of 2011, the median annual salary for umpires, referees and other sports officials was $23,190, as reported by O*Net.
Source: careerbuilder