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How much do part time secret shopper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for part time secret shopper in California is $17.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a part time secret shopper?

Part-time secret shoppers, also known as mystery shoppers, are individuals hired to visit stores, restaurants, or other businesses and evaluate the quality of service, cleanliness, product availability, and other customer experience factors. They work on a flexible, part-time basis and report their findings to the company or a third-party agency. Their feedback helps businesses improve their customer service and operational standards. Secret shoppers are usually paid per assignment and may receive reimbursements for purchases made during their visits.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a part time secret shopper?

To thrive as a Part Time Secret Shopper, you need strong observational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow specific instructions, typically with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with reporting tools, mobile apps, and sometimes basic photography equipment is required to document and submit feedback. Excellent written communication, reliability, and discretion help a secret shopper deliver objective, high-quality evaluations. These skills ensure accurate and actionable insights for client businesses, enhancing their service and compliance standards.

What are some common challenges faced by part time secret shoppers and how can they be managed?

Part-time secret shoppers often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines for completing assignments, varying schedules, and the need to accurately recall and record details from each visit. Managing these challenges involves effective time management, careful planning of store visits, and using note-taking tools immediately after each assignment. Additionally, maintaining objectivity and discretion is essential, as your feedback directly impacts business evaluations. Many secret shoppers find that keeping organized records and communicating clearly with their coordinators helps ensure consistent success.

What is the difference between Part Time Secret Shopper vs Part Time Mystery Shopper?

AspectPart Time Secret ShopperPart Time Mystery Shopper
CredentialsNo formal certifications requiredNo formal certifications required
Work EnvironmentRetail stores, restaurants, service providersRetail, hospitality, and service industries
Employer & Industry UsageMarket research companies, retail chainsMarket research firms, retail chains
Search & Comparison IntentEvaluating customer service, store cleanlinessAssessing service quality, compliance

Both Part Time Secret Shoppers and Part Time Mystery Shoppers are used to evaluate customer experiences in retail and service settings. While their roles are similar, secret shoppers often focus on detailed compliance and service standards, whereas mystery shoppers may have broader evaluation criteria. Both roles typically do not require formal certifications and are employed by market research firms or retail companies to improve customer satisfaction.

How much do you get paid for being a part time secret shopper?

Part time secret shoppers typically earn between $10 and $25 per assignment, with pay varying based on the complexity and length of the evaluation. Some companies also offer additional incentives or reimbursements for expenses incurred during shopping visits.

Is part time secret shopper a good side hustle?

Part time secret shopper roles involve evaluating customer service and store experiences, often requiring attention to detail and reporting skills. They typically offer flexible schedules and can be a low-commitment way to earn extra income, but pay rates vary and may not be substantial. It is important to verify the legitimacy of companies offering these jobs to avoid scams.

What are popular job titles related to Part Time Secret Shopper jobs in California?

For Part Time Secret Shopper jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Part Time Secret Shopper jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Part Time Secret Shopper jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Part Time Secret Shopper jobs?

Cities in California with the most Part Time Secret Shopper job openings:

Part Time Secret Shopper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Part Time Secret Shopper job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,651 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Student Assistant - Youth Secret Shopper (Age 16-17)

University Enterprises, Inc.

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$20/hr

Part-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Description
The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at Sacramento State is seeking to hire eight student assistants to work with our research team on the Young Adult Tobacco Purchase Survey Project (YATPS). The project's purpose is to assess the rate of tobacco sales to individuals under the age of 21 in California.
The role of the Secret Shopper is to attempt to purchase traditional or electronic tobacco products from retail locations while their research partner records the results and drives between retail sites. Research teams will travel over weekends only. All training and travel time are paid for. Travel expenses paid for. Flexible scheduling to accommodate your schooling and extracurricular activities. This study is for research purposes only and is being conducted by ISR on behalf of California Department of Public Health. Retailers are not penalized or policed as a result of being part of the study.
You must be 16 to 17 years old to apply for this position.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
This is a part-time, temporary, non-benefited, student position. Employment in all positions with University Enterprises, Inc. is dependent upon the mutual consent of University Enterprises, Inc. and the employee. This means that either University Enterprises, Inc. or the employee can, at any time, terminate the employment relationship at will, with or without cause.
UEI does not allow employees to hold more than one UEI Job at a time, or work in more than one college or center per pay period. UEI employees who are considering leaving their current UEI position for a different UEI posting should inform their supervisor in writing and provide at least a week's notice.
Depending on the type of position you are applying for, a pre-employment background check consisting of one or more of the following may be conducted: employment history, professional references, criminal check: educational verification (i.e., degree, license, or official transcript), DMV clearance. Applicants will be required to pass required pre-employment checks to the satisfaction of University Enterprises, Inc. (UEI) and the hiring Agency or Department.
Prerequisites
  • Must be age 16 to 17.
  • Must be able to obtain parent/guardian permission to participate in the project.
  • Must be able to obtain valid work permit through your school.

Majors/Fields of Study
All majors welcome.
Work Schedule
Flexible workdays and work hours. The final work schedule will be determined by the supervisor. Work takes place primarily on weekends during normal business hours (approximately 8AM to 5PM).
Additional Work Schedule
Student Assistant and Graduate Assistant employees generally work up to 20 hours per workweek (Sunday - Saturday) during the academic year and up to 40 hours per workweek during breaks; (winter, spring & summer).
Compensation
$20.00 per hour
Minimum Qualifications
  • Must be 16 to 17 years old.
  • Must be available for periodic travel on weekends (Saturday & Sunday only during normal business hours - roughly 8AM to 5PM).
  • Must be able to travel as a passenger in a rental car to destinations within driving distance of your place of residence (no driving required).
  • Must be reliable and dependable for all scheduled travel.
  • Must be able to follow all study protocols as directed by supervisor or research partner.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Interest in research, health-related studies or youth tobacco prevention.

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Conduct tobacco purchase attempts at predetermined store locations.
  • Follow project protocols and all instructions provided by your research partner.
  • Accurately recall and communicate field observations to research partner.
  • Attend debrief meetings immediately following each trip (remote options available depending on residency).
  • Punctual attendance at all project trainings and meetings.
  • Maintain accurate record of all travel expenses, purchase logs, and time worked.
  • Travel with rotating partners (adults age 30+).
  • Adhere to all safety rules and protocols when traveling.

Physical Requirements
Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment including computer workstations, telephones, calculators, copiers, printers, and scanners with or without reasonable accommodation.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in a travel environment and office environment.
Application Instructions
Please complete all fields of the employment application. Include your educational history in the "Educational Experience" section and any employment history in the "Employment Experience" section of our application.
Apply by 12/31/2026
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About University Enterprises

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As the nation’s leading university system, the CSU has pushed the boundaries of higher education for 60 years. We remain committed to delivering quality education, while fostering a culture of inclusion and understanding for our students and valued faculty and staff.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Sacramento, CA, US

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