Part-Time Jobs for Students in Aberdeen: Complete 2025 Guide

Finding decent part-time work as a student in Aberdeen isn't rocket science, but it does require knowing where to look and what's actually worth your time. Aberdeen's student job market has improved significantly in recent years.

The city is buzzing with opportunities across various sectors, especially for those who understand where to start. With most roles located near major student accommodation in Aberdeen, it's easier than ever to balance work and university life.

What You Need to Know about Edinburgh

• Aberdeen offers 400+ part-time jobs for students with pay rates from £12.50 to £22 per hour.
• Top opportunities include tutoring (£15-20/hour), retail (£12.50-14/hour), and care work (£14-18/hour).
• Apply through university job boards, StudentJob UK, and local employers.
• International students can work 20 hours/week during term time.
• Best jobs for flexibility: tutoring, survey work, and freelance roles.

Why Aberdeen's Perfect for Student Jobs

Aberdeen's not just Scotland's oil capital - it's become a proper student employment hub. With two major universities and a thriving economy, there's genuine demand for student workers.

Here's what makes Aberdeen special:

• The oil industry creates high-paying temporary roles
• The tourism sector needs seasonal workers
• Strong retail and hospitality scenes
• University contracts offer steady income
• International business presence

The city's compact size means you can easily get between jobs and your student accommodation without spending hours commuting.

With the University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University attracting thousands of students, job demand and availability remain high. Learn more about Aberdeen’s top universities and how they influence the job scene.

Top Part-Time Jobs for Students in Aberdeen

Tutoring - The Golden Opportunity

Pay Rate: £15-20 per hour
Flexibility: Excellent
Skills Needed: Subject knowledge, patience

Tutoring's honestly the best gig for most students. Aberdeen's got loads of families willing to pay good money for quality education support.

Where to find tutoring work:

• Tutoring Heroes (online platform)
• University notice boards
• Local schools
• Aberdeen Libraries
• Facebook community groups

Popular subjects:

• Maths and sciences (highest demand)
• English language for international students
• University-level subjects
• Music and the arts
• Language tutoring

Retail and Customer Service

Pay Rate: £12.50-14 per hour
Flexibility: Good with advance notice
Skills Needed: Communication, reliability

Aberdeen's retail scene is massive. Union Street, the main shopping area, constantly needs student workers.

Best retail opportunities:

• Zizzi & ASK Italian (great tips system)
• Home Bargains (student-friendly schedules)
• Local independent shops
• Aberdeen Market
• Seasonal Christmas jobs

Customer service roles:

• Call centres (some remote options)
• Banking (NatWest, RBS recruit students)
• Reception work
• Event assistance

Care and Support Work

Pay Rate: £14-18 per hour
Flexibility: Varied shifts available
Skills Needed: Empathy, reliability, basic training

Care work pays well and fits around student schedules. Aberdeen's ageing population creates steady demand.

Care opportunities:

• Elderly care homes
• Home care services
• Support worker roles
• Disability support
• Mental health support

Companies like Aberdeen Cyrenians and Penumbra regularly recruit students. The work's rewarding, pays well, and looks brilliant on your CV.

University Jobs

Pay Rate: £12.60-15 per hour
Flexibility: Excellent
Skills Needed: Varies by role

Working for the university is ideal. They understand student schedules and offer genuine flexibility.

University opportunities:

• Campus cleaning (University of Aberdeen)
• Library assistants
• Research assistants
• Student ambassadors
• Event support
• Admin assistants

University jobs often continue during holidays, providing a steady income when other opportunities dry up.

If you're studying at RGU, you’ll find on-campus roles tailored to your schedule. From library help to ambassador work, opportunities are abundant. Learn more in this complete guide to student life at Robert Gordon University.

Delivery and Transport

Pay Rate: £13-16 per hour plus tips
Flexibility: Choose your hours
Skills Needed: Driving license, own vehicle

Delivery work exploded post-pandemic. Aberdeen's spread-out geography means good earnings for drivers.

Delivery opportunities:

• Food delivery (Uber Eats, Deliveroo)
• Amazon Flex
• Local courier services
• Grocery delivery
• Pharmacy deliveries

Students with cars can easily earn £100+ per weekend. Even bike delivery in the city centre pays decent money.

If you're doing delivery jobs or juggling multiple shifts, understanding Aberdeen’s student transport system is key. Whether you bike or bus, this Aberdeen transport guide will help you navigate the city smartly and affordably.

Hospitality and Events

Pay Rate: £12.50-16 per hour
Flexibility: Weekend/evening focus
Skills Needed: Communication, stamina

Aberdeen's nightlife and events scene needs reliable student workers.

Hospitality roles:

• Bar work (good tips)
• Restaurant serving
• Event catering
• Hotel work
• Wedding assistance

Event opportunities:

• Aberdeen Music Hall
• P&J Live venue
• Corporate events
• Private parties
• Festival work

Many students land part-time gigs in Aberdeen’s busy food scene. Whether you’re working or dining, knowing where the top budget restaurants are helps. Check out this student-friendly list of the best restaurants in Aberdeen.

Nightlife gigs offer flexible weekend work. If you're bartending or doing event support, you’ll likely work at some of Aberdeen's top clubs. Here’s your ultimate guide to where students party in Aberdeen.

Online and Remote Work

Pay Rate: £8-15 per hour
Flexibility: Excellent
Skills Needed: Computer skills, discipline

Remote work suits students perfectly. No commuting, flexible hours, and you can work from your student accommodation.

Remote opportunities:

• Survey work (Research Tribe, YouGov)
• Content creation
• Virtual assistance
• Social media management
• Data entry
• Online teaching

Survey work alone can earn £50-100 per week with minimal effort. I've seen students make £200+ monthly just from legitimate survey platforms.

Not all hours should be spent earning, Aberdeen’s full of fun, free-time activities. Explore these student-friendly things to do in Aberdeen when you’re off the clock and want to unwind.

Pay Rates and What to Expect

Here's the honest breakdown of what you'll actually earn:

Additional earnings:

• Tips (hospitality): £20-50 per week
• Bonuses (retail): £50-100 monthly
• Overtime rates: Usually +25-50%

Aberdeen vs Other UK Cities

Aberdeen pays better than most UK student cities:

• 15-20% higher than Edinburgh
• 10-15% higher than Glasgow
• 25-30% higher than Newcastle

The cost of living is reasonable, especially in good student accommodation, so your money goes further.

Aberdeen's uniqueness goes beyond wages and jobs. From quirky history to cultural gems, the city surprises international students. Discover fun facts about Aberdeen that make studying here more memorable than you might expect.

Job pay is only part of the puzzle—daily life in Aberdeen has its ups and downs. We’ve broken down the pros and cons of living in Aberdeen, so you know exactly what to expect as a student in Aberdeen.

Legal Requirements for Student Workers

UK Students

• Work rights: Unlimited hours (but balance with studies)
• Tax: Personal allowance £12,570 (2024/25)
• National Insurance: Starts at £12,570 annually

International Students

• Work rights: 20 hours/week during term time
• Holiday work: Full-time during breaks
• Visa requirements: Check your specific visa conditions

Important: Exceeding 20 hours can affect your visa status. Keep detailed records of your hours.

Many international students worry about safety when working evenings or travelling late. Aberdeen is among the UK’s safer cities. Read this detailed guide on Aberdeen student safety to feel more confident while job hunting.

Tax and National Insurance

Most students won't pay income tax due to the personal allowance. However:

• Keep all pay slips
• Claim back overpaid tax
• Understand National Insurance contributions
• Consider self-employment for irregular work

Where to Find Jobs in Aberdeen

Best Job Websites

Student-specific sites:

• StudentJob UK (loads of Aberdeen listings)
• Employment4Students (UK-focused)
• Indeed (filter for student jobs)
• Reed.co.uk (comprehensive search)

General job boards:

• Totaljobs
• S1Jobs (Scotland-specific)
• LinkedIn (professional roles)
• Gumtree (local opportunities)

University Resources

At the University of Aberdeen, students can find part-time roles through the MyCareerHub portal, career services, and department-specific boards. On-campus jobs like library or admin support are flexible and student-friendly.

Robert Gordon University (RGU) also offers great job options via its student job portal and strong industry links, making it easy to find paid placements and part-time roles that fit your course schedule.

Aberdeen University:

• MyCareerHub portal
• Career services
• Student union job board
• Department-specific opportunities

RGU (Robert Gordon University):

• Student job portal
• Industry connections
• Work placement opportunities

Local Connections

Direct approaches:

• Walk into shops on Union Street
• Contact local businesses
• Network through societies
• Ask professors about research opportunities

Community resources:

• Aberdeen Libraries (job search support)
• Local Facebook groups
• Community centers
• Student accommodation networks

Application Tips That Actually Work

CV Essentials

What employers want:

• Clear availability
• Relevant experience (even volunteer work)
• Reliable contact information
• Professional email address

Aberdeen-specific tips:

• Mention local knowledge
• Show transport arrangements
• Highlight flexibility
• Include references

Interview Success

Common questions:

• Why do you want this job?
• How will you balance work and studies?
• What's your availability?
• Can you work weekends?

Winning answers:

• Show genuine interest
• Demonstrate reliability
• Emphasise long-term commitment
• Mention specific skills

Standing Out

What makes you different?

• Multiple language skills
• Technical abilities
• Leadership experience
• Unique hobbies or interests

Aberdeen employers love international students who bring different perspectives and languages.

Balancing Work and Studies

Time Management Strategies

Successful students do this:

• Work a maximum of 15-20 hours during the term
• Increase hours during holidays
• Choose jobs with flexible scheduling
• Plan around exam periods

Schedule example:

• Monday-Friday: 2-3 hours daily
• Weekend: 4-6 hours one day
• Holidays: 25-30 hours weekly

Study-Friendly Jobs

Best for academics:

• Library jobs (study between tasks)
• Evening cleaning (minimal distractions)
• Online work (flexible timing)
• Tutoring (reinforces your learning)

Avoid during exam periods:

• High-stress customer service
• Weekend event work
• Jobs requiring mental energy
• Irregular shift patterns

Working in or near a library can be a game-changer. Quiet environments and access to resources help balance work and study. Explore the best libraries in Aberdeen every student should know about.

Managing Stress

Signs you're overworked:

• Declining grades
• Constant fatigue
• Missing lectures
• Social isolation

Solutions:

• Reduce hours temporarily
• Switch to less demanding roles
• Use university support services
• Prioritise mental health

Aberdeen-Specific Opportunities

Oil Industry Connections

Aberdeen's oil industry creates unique opportunities:

• Administrative support roles
• Event assistance
• Translation services
• Technical support

Companies like Shell, BP, and Total regularly need temporary staff for conferences and events.

Tourism and Events

Seasonal opportunities:

• Summer festival work
• Highland Games assistance
• Tourist guide roles
• Hotel seasonal staff

Major events:

• Aberdeen Jazz Festival
• Nuart Festival
• Christmas Markets
• University graduations

Proximity matters when balancing work and study. Some student areas are better connected to retail zones, delivery hubs, or campus jobs. Discover the best neighbourhoods for working students in Aberdeen.

Student Accommodation Jobs

Many Aberdeen student accommodation providers hire residents:

• Reception coverage
• Maintenance assistance
• Event coordination
• Peer support roles

Working where you live eliminates commuting and builds community connections.

Living in student halls doesn't just save time—many providers offer paid roles like reception or event help. Here's what nobody tells you about working and living in Aberdeen student accommodation.

Many part-time roles are offered within walking distance of the University of Aberdeen. From hall reception to maintenance gigs, explore accommodation options near the University of Aberdeen that also provide job opportunities.

Remote Work Revolution

Online Opportunities

Survey and research work:

• YouGov (£1-5 per survey)
• Research Tribe (£10-50 per study)
• Swagbucks (various tasks)
• Prolific (academic research)

Content creation:

• Blog writing
• Social media management
• Video editing
• Graphic design

Building Online Income

Freelance platforms:

• Upwork (competitive but lucrative)
• Fiverr (skill-based services)
• PeoplePerHour (UK-focused)
• Guru (professional services)

Students with technical skills can earn £20-50 per hour freelancing.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Red Flags to Avoid

Dodgy job signs:

• Upfront payment requirements
• Unclear job descriptions
• Pressure to start immediately
• No proper employment contract

Legitimate jobs always:

• Provide written contracts
• Explain duties clearly
• Offer proper training
• Respect working time regulations

Protecting Yourself

Employment rights:

• Minimum wage protection
• Holiday pay entitlement
• Safe working conditions
• Proper breaks

Document everything:

• Keep employment contracts
• Record hours worked
• Save all correspondence
• Know your rights

Financial Planning for Student Workers

Budgeting Basics

Monthly expenses (typical Aberdeen student):

• Accommodation: £400-600
• Food: £150-250
• Transport: £50-80
• Social: £100-150
• Books/supplies: £50-100

Income targets:

• Minimum survival: £750/month
• Comfortable living: £1,000/month
• Saving for the future: £1,200/month

Knowing your earning potential is great, but how much will you actually need to live well? This cost-of-living guide for Aberdeen students breaks down typical monthly expenses and how to manage them smartly. Also, keep track of your spending by using our cost-of-living calculator. 

Affordable housing frees up more of your earnings. If you’re budgeting on part-time work, check out Aberdeen’s top affordable student accommodation options that won’t break the bank.

Prefer premium amenities while you study and work? Luxury student accommodation in Aberdeen offers modern facilities and comfort, ideal if your part-time income allows for a little extra.

Banking and Money Management

Best student accounts:

• Santander (free railcard)
• NatWest (local branches)
• Nationwide (good online banking)
• Monzo (expense tracking)

Money-saving tips:

• Use student discounts everywhere
• Share accommodation costs
• Cook meals at home
• Use public transport

Want more details on which banks suit international students best? Check out our full guide on Top UK bank accounts for students that covers freebies, overdrafts, mobile apps, and what to bring when opening an account.

Building Emergency Funds

Start small:

• Save £50/month initially
• Build to £500 emergency fund
• Increase as income grows
• Use high-interest student accounts

Having emergency money reduces stress and provides flexibility with job choices.

Career Development Through Part-Time Work

Skill Building

Transferable skills from common jobs:

• Customer service → Communication
• Retail → Sales and marketing
• Tutoring → Leadership and training
• Care work → Empathy and problem-solving

Technical skills:

• POS systems
• Basic accounting
• Digital marketing
• Data entry

Networking Opportunities

Professional connections:

• Managers and supervisors
• Coworkers from different backgrounds
• Customers and clients
• Industry professionals

I've seen students get graduate job offers from part-time work connections.

Student jobs help you build networks, but so do societies. From career-focused groups to cultural clubs, student societies in Aberdeen offer support, friends, and even job leads. Explore your options in student societies in Aberdeen in this detailed guide.

CV Building

How to present part-time work:

• Focus on achievements, not just duties
• Quantify results where possible
• Highlight leadership moments
• Show progression and growth

Example: Instead of "Worked in retail, " write "Increased sales by 15% through customer engagement and product knowledge"

Part-time work does more than pay the bills; benefits of part-time jobs for students in the UK include skill-building, real-world experience, and valuable career connections that can open doors after graduation.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Growing Sectors

Aberdeen's developing areas:

• Renewable energy
• Digital services
• Healthcare
• Education technology
• Creative industries

Emerging opportunities:

• Sustainability consulting
• Digital marketing
• Health and wellness
• Remote customer service
• Online education

Preparing for Post-Graduation

Building your profile:

• Develop industry-specific skills
• Create professional networks
• Gain relevant experience
• Build a strong online presence

Graduate opportunities:

• Many employers recruit from their student workers
• Part-time experience often leads to full-time offers
• Networks from student jobs provide references
• Skills gained improve graduate applications

Resources and Support

University Support Services

Career services:

• CV writing help
• Interview preparation
• Job search strategies
• Industry connections

Student support:

• Financial advice
• Academic balance guidance
• Mental health resources
• International student services

Online Resources

Job search tools:

• LinkedIn profile optimisation
• Indeed CV builder
• Career assessment tests
• Interview practice platforms

Financial planning:

• Student budgeting apps
• Tax calculation tools
• Money management resources
• Investment basics

Conclusion: Making Your Move

Starting your part-time job search in Aberdeen doesn't have to be overwhelming. The opportunities are genuinely there - you just need to know where to look and how to present yourself.

Starting a part-time job search in Aberdeen is easier than it seems. Focus on updating your CV, registering on job platforms, setting alerts, and connecting through your university network.

In week one, create job site accounts, refresh your LinkedIn, visit career services, and research 10 potential employers to get a head start.

By week two, apply to at least five jobs, practise interviews, speak with working friends, and learn about pay rates and student work rights.

Aberdeen's job market rewards students who are proactive and professional. The city's growing economy means more opportunities than ever before.

Finding a part-time job is one part of thriving in Aberdeen. From housing to nightlife, this city has a lot to offer. Here's everything students need to know to settle in Aberdeen. 

Remember, finding the right part-time job isn't just about immediate income. It's about building skills, making connections, and setting yourself up for future success.

Looking beyond just jobs? This complete Aberdeen student guide covers everything from academics to nightlife, helping you settle in and make the most of your time here.

Starting work means dressing the part and being prepared for Aberdeen’s weather. Whether it’s waterproofs for bike delivery or smart wear for interviews, this Aberdeen packing guide has everything you’ll need as a student worker.

The opportunities are out there. Your perfect student job in Aberdeen is waiting - you just need to take the first step and start looking.