How Much Can A Student Earn In The UK?

Let’s be real here and admit that when it comes to being a student, the last thing you want to be thinking about is a student job. Being a student should be about academic discovery, excitement, and new opportunities. Unfortunately, most people also end up worrying about their bank balance.

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Luckily, there are plenty of ways for students to earn money in the UK. But with so many options, this may leave you wondering - how much can students earn?

Of course, this isn’t a straightforward question to answer considering you’d need to review a number of factors. But it is possible to break down some of the most common sources of income for students to see how much they can earn.

If you are looking for student jobs near you, check out our guides around jobs in London, Birmingham, Nottingham, Manchester and Leeds.

How Can A Student Earn An Income?

The most conventional way for a student to earn an income whilst attending university is through an in-person part-time job. This is commonly at a local shop or even somewhere on campus, such as a cafe or pub. These can be great ways to earn money, and in most cases can be a lot of fun too.

However, in the modern day, there are also plenty of flexible online jobs that are becoming increasingly popular with students. These include tutoring, freelance writing, and surveys.

How Much Does A Student Job Pay In The UK?

In the UK, the typical hourly wage is somewhere between £7.49 - £10.42 depending on the age of the student.

The hourly wage will also change depending on the location of the role. Students at University in London for example, will likely be paid more due to the higher cost of living.

But a student's wage will also depend on the industry that they are in. For example, working as a shop assistant or bartender may mean students can expect to make minimum wage.

However, if they offer tutoring services, students can expect to see much higher pay rates. Tutors can earn anywhere from £15 to £30 per hour, depending on their level of expertise in the subject. What’s also great about these types of jobs is that you’re often in a position to charge what you believe is fair for your services. That can have its own negatives and positives.

Although students may not earn as much as more experienced workers, their earnings are limitless. If they invest their time in the right areas, they could bring in a very reasonable salary.

How Much Can You Earn Through An Online Student Job?

Though less consistent, online jobs can provide flexible ways to earn extra income. There are lots of benefits to online student jobs like their flexibility in allowing you to dedicate enough time to your studies while also having a personal life. But what does it mean when it comes to income?

Participating in online surveys or market research studies can help students earn extra cash. However, these jobs are not consistently priced, so it’s important to shop around to find the best ones to maximise income.

Freelance writing platforms offer a more steady income to students. These include opportunities in anything from journalism to social media management to graphic design.

Freelancing also allows workers to set their own rates and work on projects that fit their schedules and interests. Generally speaking, freelancers can expect to earn anywhere from £10 to £25 an hour based on their experience, but this can vary according to the nature of the work.

Finally, if students have an entrepreneurial mind they can turn their online presence into real-life income. They can do this by monetising, for example, online blogs or YouTube channels. This means they would earn money on anything they promote through affiliate links and partnerships.

The main thing to take away from this is that there are tons of opportunities, but the consistency in earnings is spotty. You’ve got to determine if it’s worth a shot, and in some cases you’ll find it can bring in far more than other student jobs.

How Much Should I Be Earning With My Student Job?

If you are looking for a student job, you may be wondering what kind of income you should be aiming for.

However, how much you need to earn to financially support yourself through university will be subjective. While there is no set amount you should earn, what you can do is take steps to work smartly and maximise your earning potential.

Going to your campus career advisor, searching through job portals or making use of online platforms can help you find the job with the right income for you. All of these make for good places to start in your journey to generate income as a student.

It’s also important you don’t overdo it when trying to earn money. You’re a student and your studies should come first. There’s no harm in earning money, just don’t let it be at the sacrifice of your studying.

Conclusion

While there is no finite number to how much a UK student can earn, factors such as age and location can affect this. It is important not to compare one person with another. Each individual is working towards their own goals, in a different industry, and from a different financial background.

So consider your financial needs, look for a job that suits you, and get to work. But don’t forget you’re in uni so have some fun too. It’s not meant to be all work and no play.

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