Indian students in the US are increasingly taking up babysitting for Indian families as part-time job opportunities dwindle, according to a Times of India report. With financial struggles mounting, many are turning to this option for stability.
US regulations restrict students to on-campus jobs, but off-campus part-time work, often sought to meet expenses, has become scarce. Babysitting, offering safer work environments, now provides an alternative, with pay ranging from $13 to $18 per hour, depending on location and demand.
A student in Ohio shared, “I babysit an 8-hour shift at $13 per hour and get meals too.” Others, like a Connecticut student earning $10 hourly, appreciate the added food and accommodation benefits, which help offset rent averaging $300 monthly.
High Indian populations in states like Texas, New Jersey, and California have led to increased competition, affecting wages. Nearly 50% of Indian students, predominantly Telugu-speaking, are based in these areas, as per the Open Doors 2024 report.
While some lament the low pay, babysitting remains a popular choice among students, particularly women, seeking financial relief and a safe work environment.