15 Part-Time Jobs That Pay More Than $40 per Hour (And How to Get Them)

15 Part-Time Jobs That Pay More Than $40 per Hour (And How to Get Them) When you think part-time, you might think of some of the classics: retail, food service, babysitting. In reality, there are tons of part-time opportunities out there- many of which can be pretty lucrative, if you have the right skill set (or are willing to pick it up). Let’s look at some of the best-paying part-time gigs out there. 1. TutorTutors provide extra academic help for students, whether it’s in a specific subject area at school or prepping for standardized tests. As college entrance gets more and more competitive, more students and their parents are looking to hire academic helpers. Depending on the student’s needs and the tutor’s level of expertise, tutors can command anywhere from $15 to $200 an hour (particularly for specialized test prep, like SAT and grad school entrance exams).What you’ll need: Knowledge and a track record of grades, high test scores, etc. If you’re still bursting with pride over your near-perfect SATs, you mig ht be able to put that savvy to work by the hour.2. Personal TrainerIf your ideal version of â€Å"the office† involves the clank of free weights and orderly rows of treadmills, becoming a personal trainer could be a good and flexible option for you. Personal trainers meet one on one with clients by the hour, developing and implementing fitness plans. Personal trainers can earn up to $50 an hour.What you’ll need: Physical fitness, for starters- clients tend to want someone who can lead by example. Depending on where you live, you may also need to become certified.3. Makeup ArtistIf you’re creative and know your way around an eyeshadow palette, being a freelance makeup artist offers a flexible hourly job that can pay anywhere from $13 – $40+ per hour. Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, makeup artists are the highest-paid workers in the cosmetology industry.What you’ll need: Some states require that makeup artists be licensed, so you’ll need to pay close attention to your state’s requirements. You can also train to become a makeup artist at a licensed cosmetology school. You might also want to consider relocating, if you don’t already live in a big metro area- large cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago have the highest-paid makeup artists.4. Translator/InterpreterParlez-vous francais? As we start to think more globally, people who can ease communication and cultural transitions will be in huge demand. Companies (especially those with international offices) may employ translators directly, or use a third-party agency that matches qualified translators with particular jobs. Translators can earn up to $50 an hour, depending on the complexity of the project.What you’ll need: fluency in at least one language other than English, with very strong grammar and syntax skills.5. Therapist/Life CoachBecause therapy is often appointment-based, that gives the therapist flexibility to practice full- or part-time. Whether it’s counseling, life coaching, or social work, client appointments can fetch $45-$150 an hour.What you’ll need: a degree in psychology, counseling, or social work (depending on your field), plus potential licensing, depending on your state’s requirements.6. Freelance WriterWebsites, publications, agencies, publishers- they all need content, and talented writers to produce it. Think outside the magazine, too. Many companies need part-time writers to create in-house materials, instruction manuals, etc. Technical writers are especially in demand, and can command the high end of the $33-$75 per hour spectrum. Freelance writers are available on a project basis to write and edit various materials.What you’ll need: Strong written communication skills, and a lot of self-starting initiative/self-marketing skills.7. Adjunct ProfessorLike tutoring, this is another great part-time avenue if you have very specific subject expertise or experienc e. Being an adjunct faculty member at a local college or an online school lets you teach classes on a part-time basis. Adjunct teaching jobs often let you work your â€Å"day† job and teach about it at night, or leaving your days flexible for other life priorities.What you’ll need: Either a degree in your field or extensive experience working in it. You should also have good communication and people skills, because working with students can require a lot of problem solving and translating complicated concepts for people who haven’t seen them before.8. Massage TherapistA massage therapist is another appointment-based service provider who can set up a very flexible part-time job with strong hourly rates. You can work for a spa or healthcare facility, or set up shop as a roving masseur (have folding massage table and essential oils, will travel). Demand for massage therapists is growing as it becomes an accepted part of many health and wellness plans. Experienced m assage therapists can make up to $60 per hour.What you’ll need: Completion of an accredited training program. A degree is not typically necessary, but classes in anatomy, physiology, and other sciences definitely helps. Many states require that massage therapists be licensed, so be sure you’re up on your state’s own requirements.9. App/Software DeveloperIf you think you’re sitting on the next Candy Crush, you should be all set for life. But realistically, most app and software developers work on a part-time, project basis while they have other tech jobs. Developing on the side can be a very lucrative moonlighting opportunity, with rates that range from $30-$60 per hour.What you’ll need: A degree in computer science or software engineering isn’t absolutely essential, but it’s an extremely helpful foundation. You’ll also need excellent coding skills, as well as knowledge about UI design, programming languages, basic computer back end knowledge, and general market knowledge.10. Fitness InstructorLike personal trainers, fitness class instructors (yoga, pilates, Zumba, etc.) can often set their own schedule, aligning classes and teaching appointments with other life obligations. While many teachers start at around $20 an hour, more experienced and established teachers can command $40 an hour for their services.What you’ll need: Certification definitely gives you an edge here, as does experience with whatever fitness specialty you want to teach. Expertise is what builds a student base and increases your hourly earning potential.11. BartenderThis might be the classic high-paying part-time job, one you can do on nights and weekends. While the hourly salary for bartenders is on par with other food service jobs (read: not astronomical), there’s a huge potential for tips that drives up the hourly income to anywhere from $10-$75, depending on the bar, the customer base, and how many times you’ve s een the movie Cocktail. (Kidding on the last one- I don’t recommend throwing around bottles of tequila unless you’re a) Tom Cruise; or b) really know what you’re doing.)What you’ll need: Right now, the trend is â€Å"mixology† over traditional sud-slinging, so taking a bartending/mixology course to learn how to make cocktails can help you develop a range of signature drinks- and a loyal customer base. You’ll also need to be over 21.12. Rideshare DriverThis is another one that prioritizes hustle over a set schedule. Drivers for ridesharing services (like Uber and Lyft) can earn up to $30 an hour, plus tips.What you’ll need: A driver’s license and a car that’s clean, presentable, and in good working order.13.  Web DesignerThis is a part-time job you can do from literally anywhere (assuming there’s wifi). Web designers create and maintain websites for clients. And those with advanced skills in graphic design and co mputer programming do best of all, along with a good dose of self-marketing ability and business savvy. Web designers can earn $15-$75 per hour, depending on the projects and experience.What you’ll need: Graphic design know-how, coding skills (particularly HTML), and a go-getting nature to develop a customer base are all essentials for a career in web design.14. Dog Walkerâ€Å"Neither rain nor snow nor gloom of night† stop the mail from being delivered, and they also don’t stop dogs from needing to get out and exercise while doing their business. Dog walkers often earn $15-$20 per dog per walk, and if you have multiple clients set up for half-hour or hour-long walks, hourly rates end up in the $15-$75 range.What you’ll need: Must love dogs (or at least tolerate them and be willing to clean up after them). A background in dog training or behavior is also helpful, since every dog has different needs and issues. Insurance and licensing are also a major plus for your dog walking resume, as clients are entrusting their furriest family members to your care.15. Business ConsultantIf you have a business background but need a flexible schedule, consulting may be the way to go. Consultants with specific expertise can apply their skills to projects or an ongoing relationship with different companies without being on the full-time hook. Top consultants can make $150-$300 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience. Sites like HourlyNerd can help hook you up with projects that match your expertise.What you’ll need: An advanced degree in business (typically an MBA or similar), and/or extensive expertise and experience in the field where you want to consult. You’re selling your knowledge and experience, so you’ll need to have a track record of both if you want to make big bucks as a consultant.Just because you’re looking for a flexible or part-time job doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice full-time money. If you have an extra dash of hustle and are willing to go out and develop the skills and training you need, these jobs can be a very lucrative way to create a customized work schedule for yourself.

The Treasure of the Aztecs

The Treasure of the Aztecs In 1519, Hernan Cortes and his greedy band of some 600 conquistadors began their audacious assault on the  Mexica (Aztec) Empire. By 1521 the Mexica capital city of  Ã¢â‚¬â€¹Tenochtitlan was in ashes, Emperor Montezuma was dead and the  Spanish were firmly in control of what they took to calling New Spain. Along the way, Cortes and his men collected thousands of pounds of gold, silver, jewels and priceless pieces of  Aztec art. Whatever became of this unimaginable treasure? The Concept of Wealth in the New World For the Spanish, the concept of wealth was simple: it meant gold and silver, preferably in easily negotiable bars or coins, and the more of it the better. For the Mexica and their allies, it was more complicated. They used gold and silver but primarily for ornaments, decorations, plates, and jewelry. The Aztecs prized other things far above gold: they loved brightly colored feathers, preferably from quetzals or hummingbirds. They would make elaborate cloaks and headdresses out of these feathers and it was a conspicuous display of wealth to wear one. They loved jewels, including jade and turquoise. They also prized cotton and garments like tunics made from it: as a display of power, Tlatoani Montezuma would wear as many as four cotton tunics a day and discard them after wearing them only once. The people of central Mexico were great merchants who engaged in trade, generally bartering goods with one another, but cacao beans were also used as a currency of sorts. Cortes Sends Treasure to the King In April of 1519, the Cortes expedition landed near present-day​  Veracruz: they had already visited the Maya area of Potonchan, where they picked up some gold and the invaluable interpreter Malinche. From the town they founded in Veracruz they made friendly relationships with the coastal tribes. The Spanish offered to ally themselves with these disgruntled vassals, who agreed and often gave them gifts of gold, feathers and cotton cloth. In addition, emissaries from Montezuma occasionally appeared, bringing great gifts with them. The first emissaries gave the Spanish some rich clothes, an obsidian mirror, a tray and jar of gold, some fans and a shield made from mother-of-pearl. Subsequent emissaries brought a gold-plated wheel six and a half feet across, weighing some thirty-five pounds, and a smaller silver one: these represented the sun and moon. Later emissaries brought back a Spanish helmet which had been sent to Montezuma; the generous ruler had filled the helm with gold dust as the Spanish had requested. He did this because he had been made to believe that the Spanish suffered from an illness which could only be cured by gold. In July of 1519, Cortes decided to send some of this treasure to the King of Spain, in part because the king was entitled to a fifth of any treasure found and in part because Cortes needed the kings support for his venture, which was on questionable legal ground. The Spanish put together all of the treasures they had accumulated, inventoried it and sent much of it to Spain on a ship. They estimated that the gold and silver was worth about 22,500 pesos: this estimate was based on its worth as a raw material, not as artistic treasures. A long list of the inventory survives: it details every item. One example: the other collar has four strings with 102 red stones and 172 apparently green, and around the two green stones are 26 golden bells and, in the said collar, ten large stones set in gold... (qtd. in Thomas). Detailed as this list is, it appears that Cortes and his lieutenants held much back: it is likely that the king received only one-tenth of the treasure taken thus far. The Treasures of Tenochtitlan Between July and November of 1519, Cortes and his men made their way to Tenochtitlan. Along their way, they picked up more treasure in the form of more gifts from Montezuma, loot from the Cholula Massacre and gifts from the leader of Tlaxcala, who in addition entered into an important alliance with Cortes. In early November, the conquistadors entered Tenochtitlan and Montezuma made them welcome. A week or so into their stay, the Spanish arrested Montezuma on a pretext and kept him in their heavily defended compound. Thus began the plunder of the great city. The Spaniards continually demanded gold, and their captive, Montezuma, told his people to bring it. Many great treasures of gold, silver jewels and featherwork were laid at the feet of the invaders. Furthermore, Cortes asked Montezuma where the gold came from. The captive emperor freely admitted that there were several places in the Empire where gold could be found: it was usually panned from streams and smelted for use. Cortes immediately sent his men to those places to investigate. Montezuma had allowed the Spaniards to stay at the lavish palace of Axayacatl, a former tlatoani of the empire and Montezumas father. One day, the Spanish discovered a vast treasure behind one of the walls: gold, jewels, idols, jade, feathers and more. It was added to the invaders ever-growing pile of loot. The Noche Triste In May of 1520, Cortes had to return to the coast  to defeat the conquistador army of Panfilo de Narvaez. In his absence from Tenochtitlan, his hotheaded lieutenant Pedro de Alvarado ordered the massacre of thousands of unarmed Aztec nobles attending the festival of Toxcatl. When Cortes returned in July, he found his men under siege. On June 30, they decided they could not hold the city and decided to depart. But what to do about the treasure? At that point, it is estimated that the Spanish had amassed some eight thousand pounds of gold and silver, not to mention plenty of feathers, cotton, jewels and more.   Cortes ordered the kings fifth and his own fifth loaded onto horses and Tlaxcalan porters and told the others to take what they wanted. Foolish conquistadors loaded themselves down with gold: smart ones only took a handful of jewels. That night, the Spanish were spotted as they tried to flee the city: the enraged Mexica warriors attacked, slaughtering hundreds of Spaniards on the Tacuba causeway out of the city. The Spanish later referred to this as the Noche Triste or Night of Sorrows.The kings and Cortes gold was lost, and those soldiers who carried very much loot either dropped it or were slaughtered because they were running too slowly. Most of the great treasures of Montezuma were irrevocably lost that night. Return to Tenochtitlan and Division of Spoils The Spanish regrouped and were able to re-take Tenochtitlan a few months later, this time for good. Although they found some of their lost loot (and were able to squeeze some more out of the defeated Mexica) they never found all of it, despite torturing the new emperor, Cuauhtà ©moc. After the city had been retaken and it came time to divide the spoils, Cortes proved as skilled at stealing from his own men as he had in stealing from the Mexica. After setting aside the kings fifth and his own fifth, he began making suspiciously large payments to his closest cronies for weapons, services, etc. When they finally got their share, Cortes soldiers were dismayed to learn that they had earned less than two hundred pesos each, far less than they would have gotten for honest work elsewhere. The soldiers were furious, but there was little they could do. Cortes bought them off by sending them on further expeditions which he promised would bring in more gold and expeditions were soon on their way to the lands of the Maya in the south. Other conquistadors were given encomiendas: these were grants of vast lands with native villages or town on them. The owner theoretically had to provide protection and religious instruction for the natives, and in return the natives would work for the landowner. In reality, it was officially sanctioned slavery and led to some unspeakable abuses. The conquistadors who served under Cortes always believed that he had held back thousands of pesos in gold from them, and the historical evidence seems to support them. Guests to Cortes home reported seeing many bars of gold in Cortes possession. Legacy of the Treasure of Montezuma In spite of the losses of the Night of Sorrows, Cortes and his men were able to take a staggering amount of gold out of Mexico: only Francisco Pizarros looting of the Inca Empire produced a greater amount of wealth. The audacious conquest inspired thousands of Europeans to flock to the New World, hoping to be on the next expedition to conquer a rich empire. After Pizarros conquest of the Inca, however, there were no more great empires to find, although legends of the city of El Dorado persisted for centuries. It is a great tragedy that the Spanish preferred their gold in coins and bars: countless priceless golden ornaments were melted down and the cultural and artistic loss is incalculable. According to the Spanish who saw these golden works, Aztec goldsmiths were more skilled than their European counterparts. Sources Diaz del Castillo, Bernal. . Trans., ed. J.M. Cohen. 1576. London, Penguin Books, 1963. Levy, Buddy. . New York: Bantam, 2008. Thomas, Hugh. . New York: Touchstone, 1993.