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Is it possible to manage cost of living through part-time jobs like student assistant or lab assistant in USA?

18 Aug 2026 · Answered by Soundarya M · 1 min read
Soundarya M
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Yes, you can manage some of your living expenses in the USA through part-time jobs like student assistant or lab assistant roles. As an international student on an F-1 visa, you are allowed to work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during official breaks.

Typical on-campus jobs include teaching assistant, research assistant, and library assistant, with hourly wages usually between $12 - $22. These earnings can help cover daily expenses, but they may not be enough to pay for tuition or major costs like rent, especially in expensive cities.

Balancing work with your studies is important to maintain academic performance and comply with visa rules.

How much can you actually earn part-time in the USA?

See how part-time work fits into your total budget and visa funds.

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