Indian Students in the US Turn to Babysitting as Part-Time Jobs Decline

As part-time job opportunities shrink in the United States, Indian students are increasingly turning to babysitting to make ends meet. Babysitting not only provides a safer working environment but also offers earnings between $13 and $18 per hour, along with additional benefits like meals or accommodation.

Economic Pressures Push Students Toward Babysitting

Indian students studying in the US are officially permitted to work on-campus; however, many rely on off-campus part-time jobs to support their living expenses. The current economic climate has made finding such jobs increasingly challenging, forcing many to seek opportunities within the Indian community. Babysitting has emerged as a popular and viable choice, especially for female students.

A student from Hyderabad, now studying in Ohio, shared her experience. “I babysit a six-year-old boy for about eight hours a day and get paid $13 an hour. I also get a meal for taking care of the boy,” she said, highlighting the advantages of babysitting compared to working in local stores or gas stations.

Another student in Connecticut mentioned her arrangement: “I take care of a two-and-a-half-year-old six days a week. The parents provide food and accommodation, which saves me significant expenses. On Sundays, I stay with a friend.” Despite earning $10 per hour, the included rent offsets the lower pay, especially given the average monthly student rent of $300.

Regional Variations in Demand and Pay

States with larger Indian populations, such as California, Texas, and New York, often experience lower pay for babysitting due to increased competition among students. Meanwhile, states like Ohio and Connecticut offer higher wages due to relatively lower competition.

According to the Open Doors 2024 report, states like Texas, Illinois, Ohio, and Connecticut host significant numbers of Indian students. Texas alone accommodates nearly 39,000 Indian students, who contribute approximately $11.7 million monthly to the local economy through rent.

Babysitting has thus become not only a lifeline for Indian students but also a contributor to local economies. While the job offers financial relief, it also underscores the growing challenges faced by international students navigating a competitive and volatile job market.