Balancing studies with a part-time job is common for students in France. Whether you need to support yourself, gain experience, or improve your French, there are plenty of flexible job opportunities.
Here are some of the most popular student jobs in France and what you might expect to earn.
Waiting Tables
Waiting tables is a classic option for students in France. Whether you serve in a busy brasserie or a cozy café, restaurant jobs offer flexible hours that fit around your classes. It is also a great way to practice your French with locals and coworkers.
The pay typically ranges from €10.50 to €13 per hour, with the chance to earn tips, especially in busier cities.
Cashier Work
Supermarkets and retail stores across France often hire students as cashiers, especially for evening and weekend shifts. This job helps improve your everyday French and gives you a feel for daily life in France.
Big chains like Monoprix, Carrefour, or Franprix are always on the lookout for new team members. Expect to earn between €11 and €12 per hour.
Sales Assistant
If you are interested in fashion, books, or gadgets, working as a sales assistant could be the job for you. Students help customers, restock shelves, and sometimes decorate window displays. It is a chance to practice your French, develop customer service skills, and enjoy a staff discount.
Shops like Decathlon or Fnac often have openings, and pay is usually around €10.50–€12 per hour.
Babysitting & Homework Help
Babysitting is a popular, flexible job for students who enjoy spending time with kids. You might play games, help with homework, or introduce some of your own culture or language to the family.
If you are confident in a subject, tutoring is a good way to help others while earning extra. French families often seek students to help their children with homework or exam prep, especially in languages or math.
The pay usually falls between €8 and €13 per hour, depending on your experience and the family’s needs.
Delivery Work
For students who prefer being on the move, delivery jobs are a good fit. Whether you deliver food for Uber Eats or Deliveroo, or work for La Poste, you get to know your city while enjoying flexible hours.
Pay is typically €10–€15 per hour, with the potential for more if you receive tips or bonuses.
Inventory Clerk
For those who prefer quiet, behind-the-scenes work, inventory jobs involve counting stock in stores, often after hours. You can listen to music or a podcast as you work.
Supermarket chains such as Lidl, E.Leclerc, Auchan, Carrefour and Monoprix regularly hire students for these roles, with pay between €10 and €12 per hour.
Seasonal Jobs
If you are looking for something short term or want to combine work with adventure, seasonal jobs are a good choice. These include summer jobs at the beach, grape-picking in the countryside, or winter jobs at ski resorts.
Pay varies by sector, but usually falls between €10 and €15 per hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a student job in France?
You can look for jobs on websites like France Travail (formerly Pôle Emploi), Jobaviz, Welcome to the Jungle, or other online job boards.
Can I work while studying in France?
Yes, if you have a long-stay student visa, you are allowed to work up to 964 hours per year, about 20 hours per week. If you hold a working holiday visa, you can also work part-time to support yourself during your stay.
Do I need to speak French to find a student job in France?
No. Many international students find jobs teaching their native language or working in restaurants, cafés, hotels, or shops, especially in tourist areas where other languages are in high demand. That said, learning French will greatly improve your job options.
How many hours can I work?
It depends on your visa. With a student visa, you can work up to about 20 hours per week, which is 60% of the standard 35-hour workweek. With a working holiday visa, you can work up to 35 hours per week
How much can I earn per hour?
France has a legal minimum wage called SMIC. As of January 2026, the minimum wage is around €9.52 after taxes. For example, if you work 10 hours a week at minimum wage, you’ll earn about €380 net per month.
Make sure to check out our blog for helpful guides and more tips about studying, working, and living in France.
