Best Places to Get a Part-Time Job

Punching the clock carries a whole new meaning for the hundreds of thousands of once-full-time workers who have sought part-time gigs to stay afloat. In fact, there are almost two million more part-time workers – 26.5 million total – in the United States now than there were a year ago, according the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Beyond the size of their paycheck, many of these new part-timers have traded the security of 401(k) matches and family dental plans for hourly wages and pricey Cobra health coverage, which currently averages $13,000 a year for a family. But there are ways to work part time and avoid paying the overwhelming costs associated with supplying your own health and retirement benefits. You just have to know where to look.

“If you’re going to work part time, it’s best to work at places that consider part-time workers as integral to their success,” says Bob Nelson, president of Nelson Motivation, a benefits consulting firm. “For example, at Starbucks part-time workers hit the core of their organization, and because of that they’re going to be taken care of.”

Job hunters may also want to visit their local grocery store. Grocery stores tend to provide generous benefits. Wegmans, for example, offers medical benefits, a 401(k) matching, profit-sharing and paid time off. These stores are also relatively cushioned from the economic downturn so many are hiring and in some cases even expanding, says Amy Lyman, co-founder of Great Place to Work Institute, a San Francisco-based consulting firm that specializes in workplace issues.

Not interested in retail or food services? Try universities and hospitals, which also tend to offer generous benefits to their hourly workers, says Nelson.

Here are eight companies that make punching that clock more rewarding.

Barnes & Noble

Part-time bibliophiles not only get to buy their favorite authors at a discount, but they also get transit benefits to help them pay for getting to and from the store.

Hours per week to qualify: At least 20 hours

Time until you can collect benefits: One year of employment

Benefits: Medical, dental; flexible spending; 401(k) matching (after 1,000 hours worked). Other perks include transit benefits, paid sick days and a 30% employee discount on books.

IKEA

The Swedish home furnishing store is expanding its presence in the U.S. and is bringing its home country's approach to benefits with it: Once you get a job working 20 hours a week at a store, you automatically qualify for benefits.

Hours per week to qualify: 20 hours

Time until you can collect benefits: None

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision; 401(k) after six months of work. Extra perks include paid vacations (depending on hours worked).

Lowe’s

The flexible scheduling at this national home improvement retailer makes it an easy sell for students, seniors or those who might have other careers – and there are no minimum hours per week or limitations required for collecting benefits.

Hours per week to qualify: None, but must be a part-time worker

Time until you can collect benefits: None

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision; life and short-term disability insurance; 401(k) plan with company match; prorated paid vacation, employee discounts.

REI

Sure, you can get great discounts on gear and travel working at this outdoor outfitter, but the practical perks aren't bad either. Part-time and seasonal employees are eligible for medical coverage after just 30 days of work, with 60% of the cost subsidized by REI.

Hours per week to qualify: Less than 20 hours

Time until you can collect benefits: 30 days of employment

Benefits: Medical, dental, incentive pay, retirement and profit sharing (depending on length of employment), tuition reimbursement, up to 12 weeks unpaid leave, 50% discount on REI goods, 30% off vendor merchandise and 30% discount on trips with REI's travel company.

Starbucks

The chain that has made coffee a $4-a-day habit for millions makes that habit a lot more affordable for its employees. Workers receive free beverages while at work, a 30% employee discount on Starbucks merchandise and a free pound of coffee or box of tea to take home each week.

Hours per week to qualify: 20 hours

Time until you can collect benefits: Three months

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision; 401(k) plan with company match; paid vacation (after 12 months of employment). Other perks include 30% employee discount, fitness facility discounts, tuition reimbursement after 12 months of employment and free beverages while working.

Trader Joe’s

The privately-held grocery store chain won’t disclose much about their qualifications for benefits but will tell us that in addition to a 10% employee discount, workers get free signature Trader Joe’s Hawaiian shirts and paid time off.

Hours per week to qualify: Not disclosed, but part-time employees can work up to 35 hours per week.

Time until you can collect benefits: Not disclosed, but most employees qualify after being employed for a few months.

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision; company paid retirement plan, 10% employee discount and disability insurance.

Wegmans

Started in Rochester, N.Y., this grocery chain is rapidly expanding throughout the Northeast. For employees who want to take advantage of the great schools in the region, the company offers scholarships for college or continuing education.

Hours per week to qualify: 20 to 24 hours

Time until you can collect benefits: One year of employment.

Benefits: Medical, pharmacy; 401(k) matching, paid vacations (varies by state). Other perks include an option for profit sharing, employee discounts, flexible spending, scholarships and wellness programs like smoking cessation and discounted gym memberships.

Whole Foods

This grocer takes health seriously. It covers 100% of employees’ health-insurance premiums after they’ve worked 800 total hours. As a bonus, all employees, and their spouses or eligible domestic partners, get a 20% discount on groceries.

Hours per week to qualify: 20 hours

Time until you can collect benefits: 400 service hours

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision; flexible spending; life and disability insurance; 401(k) contributions, prorated paid time off. Other perks include a 20% in-store discount for employees and their spouses or eligible domestic partners.