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Part-time Job Hustle in Makhachkala: Real Talk for Students

@Sophia Berg2/14/2026blog
Part-time Job Hustle in Makhachkala: Real Talk for Students

silhouette of buildings near sea during sunset

A stone building on a grassy hill with mountains in the background


okay, so you're a student in Makhachkala and your wallet's screaming for help. i get it. rent here isn't insane-like, you can find a decent room for about 15,000₽ a month if you're not trying to live in some penthouse fantasy. but still, textbooks, food, the occasional "i need to get out of this city" trip-it adds up.

here's the messy truth: part-time jobs aren't exactly falling from the sky. but they exist. you just gotta know where to look and be ready to hustle.

the local grind

retail and cafes


most students start here. places like *ВкусВилл or smaller local shops in the city center sometimes take on part-timers. word on the street is they pay around 25,000₽ a month for a few shifts. not glamorous, but it covers your instant noodles and bus fare.

tutoring


if you're decent at math, english, or even russian lit, you can tutor younger kids. parents here take education seriously, and they'll pay 500-1000₽ an hour for someone who won't confuse their kid more. check out local facebook groups or just ask around your dorm.

seasonal gigs


makhachkala gets tourists in summer-mostly from other parts of dagestan or nearby regions. beach cafes, souvenir stalls, even boat tours sometimes hire extra hands. it's temporary, but the tips can be decent if you're not allergic to smiling at strangers.

overheard wisdom



> "don't bother with the big malls unless you speak russian like a native. they'll ghost you after the first interview."

> "there's this one lady near the central market who runs a tiny bookshop. she hires students to sort deliveries. quiet, no stress, and she lets you read on the clock."

the digital detour



if you've got internet and a laptop, you can try freelancing. sites like fl.ru or kwork.ru have local gigs-translating, data entry, basic graphic design. yeah, the pay's not us-level, but it beats standing for eight hours behind a counter.

safety and survival tips



makhachkala's chill during the day, but like any city, don't wander sketchy areas alone at night. the city center and areas near
Дагестанский государственный университет are fine. also, summers here are hot*. like, "i regret all my life choices" hot. so if you're working outside, hydrate or become a raisin.

quick links for the desperate



- local job board dagjobs.ru
- makhachkala student group on vk
- tripadvisor for summer gigs
- yelp-style reviews for cafes hiring

final messy thoughts



look, makhachkala isn't moscow or st. petersburg. the job market's smaller, the options are fewer, and you'll probably have to ask three friends before you hear about that one opening. but it's doable. just don't sit around waiting for the "perfect" gig-grab what's there, stack your cash, and keep your eyes open for something better. and if all else fails, there's always the option of becoming a legendary street vendor selling sunflower seeds by the Caspian. hey, it's a living.

anyway, that's the real deal. now go get that bread-literally and figuratively.


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About the author: Sophia Berg

Exploring the intersection of technology and humanity.

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