Top-paying categories for students

Actual wages vary by age and experience, but these categories often pay at the higher end for students:

• Tutoring / Teaching Assistants — subject tutors and uni assistant roles can pay well thanks to specialized skills. Start here: Tutoring jobs.
• Logistics & Port-Adjacent Roles — evening/late shifts and physical roles can add allowances. See Delivery and Fieldwork.
• Events (Lead / Team Lead) — staff with responsibility earn more than entry-level crew. Browse Events.
• Sales with Commission — base + bonuses (door-to-door, call/chat, retail add-ons). Check Sales.
• Hospitality (Skilled) — barista or shift lead roles usually pay more than runner/host. Explore Hospitality.

Shift bonuses that boost pay

You can increase your net hourly rate just by choosing the right schedule:

• Evening / Night / Weekend allowances — common in logistics, warehouses, events, hospitality. Check listings for exact percentages or fixed premiums.
• Holiday pay (8%) — often paid monthly or annually on top of the hourly rate.
• Travel reimbursements — matters if you commute to Waalhaven/Port or event sites.

Certifications that add €€

Short, affordable certificates can move you from entry-level to higher-paid shifts:

• BHV (bedrijfshulpverlening / first aid + emergency response) — useful in events/hospitality.
• HACCP — food safety; increases trust for café/restaurant/kitchen roles.
• VCA — safety standard often requested for fieldwork/logistics/event build-up.
• Forklift (heftruck) — relevant for warehouses; tends to unlock higher-paying slots.
• Barista training — moves you up the hospitality ladder quickly.

Tip: ask employers if they’ll sponsor or reimburse certifications after a probation period.

Quick wins to raise your rate

• Target evening/weekend shifts in logistics or events for allowances.
• Pitch availability upfront (reliability ⇒ better shifts). Use our template in applications.
• List neighborhoods you can reach fast (Centrum, Kralingen, Zuidplein, Waalhaven).
• Upgrade one skill in 1–2 weeks (barista, BHV, VCA) and ask for lead or premium shifts.
• Add English + basic Dutch on your CV (A2) — it unlocks more roles and duties.

Example upgrade paths

1. Hospitality runner → Barista → Shift lead: take a weekend barista course, then ask to be scheduled on machine + close shifts (usually higher pay).
2. Warehouse picker → Forklift-certified: get a short forklift course and move to higher-paying stations.
3. Event crew → Team lead: do BHV and volunteer to brief teams; leads typically earn more.
4. Good grades → Tutor: start with general tutoring, then specialize (math, programming, languages) for higher rates.

Apply now (high-paying filters)

FAQ

Which student jobs pay the most in Rotterdam?

Often tutoring, logistics evening/night shifts, event leads, and sales with commission. Skilled hospitality (barista/lead) also earns more than entry roles.

How can I quickly increase my hourly rate?

Target shifts with allowances, get a short certificate (BHV, VCA, forklift, barista), and ask for duties with responsibility (team lead, machine operator, keyholder).

Do certifications really matter?

Yes. They signal safety and responsibility, letting managers schedule you on better-paid tasks/shifts.