10 Part-Time Jobs to Beat Inflation

With the sudden rise in prices in recent months, you may be thinking about getting a part-time job to earn some additional income. One thing to keep in mind during your job search is that some jobs can also help you save money.

Many retailers and other businesses offer employee discounts that can be very valuable, especially if it’s a store your family shops at frequently. A typical discount is 10 percent off items purchased in the store or online, although some companies give employees discounts of 25 percent or more. So in addition to earning a paycheck, you could save money on groceries, clothing, pet care and even hotels.

The following 10 jobs offer a glimpse of the types of positions that could earn you an employee discount. Clicking on the employer’s name will take you to a list of current job openings for that role, either on the AARP Job Board or the employer’s career site. Average wages are provided by Glassdoor and Indeed.

Human resources expert

Employer: Target

Average wage: $16 per hour

Employee discount: 10 percent discount at Target and on Target.com, plus an additional 20 percent off on fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables

With so many people switching jobs during the so-called Great Resignation, the demand is high for human resources experts who can help with hiring. While openings will vary based on the needs of the stores in your region, Target is currently looking for HR professionals for both part-time and full-time roles.

The Target employee discount can be particularly valuable if the stores near you sell groceries. As a wellness benefit, employees get 30 percent off fruits and vegetables.

Online order-filling and delivery associate

Employer: Walmart

Average starting wage: $12 per hour

Employee discount: 10 percent on regularly priced products, with other discounts on gasoline, cellphones, travel and other services

Like many people, you probably have ordered items online for pickup or delivery from a nearby retailer over the past two years. As an order-filling associate, you can see the other side of that process while earning money and a discount. Depending on how large a region your Walmart store serves, these jobs can be demanding. But for short-term additional income, order-filling and delivery can be worthwhile. 

In March, Walmart announced that as a new benefit, its employees would receive free enrollment in Walmart+. That’s a big deal, because in addition to saving on the $98 annual fee, employees can now get discounted prices (up to 10 cents a gallon) at Exxon, Mobil, Walmart, Murphy and Sam’s Club gas stations.

Administrative support team associate

Employer: Macy’s

Average wage: $13 per hour

Employee discount: 20 percent on clothing, accessories, furniture and cosmetics; 10 percent on electronics

While many of the jobs with retailers involve helping customers find what they are looking for, there are also many positions that are similar to jobs in a typical business office. And employees who work in these administrative and executive roles also qualify for discounts in the stores.

This job involves duties similar to what an executive assistant would do in a large business office. The responsibilities include helping to maintain employees’ schedules, acting as a liaison for human resources, and otherwise helping to keep the store’s management office organized.

Guest experience specialist

Employer: Petco

Average wage: $13.78 per hour

Employee discount: 20 percent on food, merchandise, grooming, training and veterinary services; some food brands are discounted at 40 percent

​The joy your pet brings you is priceless, even if it does take a bite out of your budget. According to the American Pet Products Association, dog owners spend an average of $1,480 on their best friend each year. For cats, that average annual expense is $902.

The employee discount at Petco is particularly notable because it applies to veterinary expenses, for both mobile vets and full-service hospitals. Most of the part-time jobs available at the company’s 1,500 locations involve sales and cashier duties. But if you have a knack for training or grooming pets, there are frequently openings for those positions.