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The Daily Insight

How much does work-study pay an hour?

Author

Owen Barnes

Updated on March 07, 2026

How much does work-study pay an hour?

With a work-study job, you’re guaranteed to earn at least the federal minimum wage, $7.25 an hour. If the state minimum wage is higher, you’ll earn at least the state minimum wage.

How many hours do you work for work-study?

College and universities set the hours for work-study employment for their students. Under the program, students typically work no more than 20 hours a week during a semester since it’s intended to be part-time work.

Who is eligible for work-study?

The work study program is for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who are enrolled in school at least part-time. Eligibility for the program is based on financial need determined after completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA.)

What are typical work-study jobs?

What Are Typical Work-Study Jobs? Typical on-campus work-study jobs include working in the library or bookstore, serving in the dining hall, and assisting with college events. Off-campus work-study usually benefits the public in some way and relates to your course of study whenever possible.

Do work-study jobs get taxed?

Are work-study earnings taxable? The money you earn from Federal Work-Study is generally subject to federal and state income tax, but exempt from FICA taxes (provided you are enrolled full time and work less than half-time).

Is it worth it to do work-study?

While it is true that most work-study jobs are tailored for students, if you have a heavy course load and a heavy workload in those classes, you might not have enough time to do work-study. So to sum it up: Work-study is worth a try if it pays well enough and it doesn’t interfere with your studies.

How much work-study can I get?

While there is no minimum or maximum amount awarded, the average work-study award is $1,808, according to Sallie Mae’s “How America Pays for College 2019 Report” — but that amount isn’t guaranteed from year to year. You will find out about your exact job and weekly hours once you’re at school.

Is work-study a good idea?

Students can earn up to $6,420 for the 2017-2018 school year before an increase occurs. Work-study earnings aren’t factored into the expected family contribution, which is one of the main reasons why work-study is a good way for students to earn extra cash, experts say.

Can you get unemployment if you have Work-Study?

Work-Study and Unemployment Since work-study jobs are considered non-permanent jobs, work-study student employees are not entitled to unemployment benefits from their work-study job alone.

Do Work-Study students get a w2?

If you are required to file taxes, you must claim the earnings from any work study job(s) you had in the tax year in question. Your employer will give you a W-2 that will list all the required information to fill out your 1040 form. Earnings from a work-study position are subject to state and federal payroll taxes.

Why does work-study pay so little?

Work-study jobs typically have a strict maximum number of hours students may work in a week. Limited hours coupled with low wages can result in a paycheck that fails to offset the added burden work-study can bring.