Work-study is a financial aid program that allows students to earn money to help pay for their education. Students who qualify for work-study can earn a wage of up to the federal minimum wage, which is currently $7.25 per hour. However, the actual wage that a student earns may be less than the minimum wage, depending on the type of job and the location of the job.
How to Find a Work-Study Job
There are a variety of ways to find a work-study job. Students can search for jobs on the Federal Student Aid website, or they can contact their financial aid office. Financial aid offices typically have a list of work-study jobs that are available on campus.
Types of Work-Study Jobs
There are many different types of work-study jobs available. Some of the most common types of jobs include:
- Clerical work, such as data entry, filing, and answering phones
- Tutoring and teaching, such as tutoring other students or teaching a class
- Research, such as working in a laboratory or library
- Customer service, such as working in a call center or retail store
- Maintenance, such as keeping a building clean or repairing equipment
How Much Do Work-Study Jobs Pay?
The amount that a student earns in a work-study job depends on a number of factors, including the type of job, the location of the job, and the student’s experience. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average hourly wage for work-study jobs is $10.13. However, wages can range from the minimum wage to as much as $20 per hour.
Work-Study Jobs and Taxes
Students who earn money from work-study jobs are required to pay taxes on their earnings. The amount of taxes that a student owes will depend on their income and their filing status. Students who earn less than $12,500 in a year will not owe any federal income taxes. However, students who earn more than $12,500 will need to pay taxes on their earnings.
Benefits of Work-Study Jobs
There are a number of benefits to working a work-study job, including:
- Earning money to help pay for college
- Gaining valuable work experience
- Developing new skills
- Networking with professionals in your field
- Improving your resume
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are a few common mistakes that students make when it comes to work-study jobs. These mistakes include:
- Not applying for a job that you are qualified for
- Not interviewing well for a job
- Not performing well on the job
- Not taking the job seriously
FAQs
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What are the eligibility requirements for work-study jobs?
To be eligible for a work-study job, you must be a full-time or part-time student with a financial need. -
How many hours can I work per week in a work-study job?
The number of hours that you can work per week in a work-study job depends on your financial need and your academic schedule. -
What are the tax implications of working a work-study job?
Students who earn money from work-study jobs are required to pay taxes on their earnings. The amount of taxes that a student owes will depend on their income and their filing status. -
What are the benefits of working a work-study job?
There are a number of benefits to working a work-study job, including earning money to help pay for college, gaining valuable work experience, developing new skills, networking with professionals in your field, and improving your resume. -
What are the common mistakes that students make when it comes to work-study jobs?
Some of the common mistakes that students make when it comes to work-study jobs include not applying for a job that you are qualified for, not interviewing well for a job, not performing well on the job, and not taking the job seriously. -
What resources are available to help me find a work-study job?
There are a number of resources available to help you find a work-study job. You can search for jobs on the Federal Student Aid website, or you can contact your financial aid office. Financial aid offices typically have a list of work-study jobs that are available on campus.
Conclusion
Work-study jobs can be a great way for students to earn money to help pay for college. However, it is important to understand the eligibility requirements and the tax implications of working a work-study job. By following the tips in this article, you can avoid common mistakes and make the most of your work-study experience.
| State | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $9.50 |
| Alaska | $11.00 |
| Arizona | $10.00 |
| Arkansas | $9.25 |
| California | $12.00 |
| Colorado | $10.50 |
| Connecticut | $11.50 |
| Delaware | $10.25 |
| Florida | $9.00 |
| Georgia | $9.75 |
| Hawaii | $12.50 |
| Idaho | $9.50 |
| Illinois | $11.00 |
| Indiana | $9.50 |
| Iowa | $9.75 |
| Kansas | $9.25 |
| Kentucky | $9.00 |
| Louisiana | $9.50 |
| Maine | $10.50 |
| Maryland | $11.00 |
| Massachusetts | $12.00 |
| Michigan | $10.50 |
| Minnesota | $11.00 |
| Mississippi | $9.00 |
| Missouri | $9.50 |
| Montana | $9.50 |
| Nebraska | $9.25 |
| Nevada | $10.00 |
| New Hampshire | $11.50 |
| New Jersey | $12.00 |
| New Mexico | $9.50 |
| New York | $12.50 |
| North Carolina | $9.75 |
| North Dakota | $9.50 |
| Ohio | $10.00 |
| Oklahoma | $9.00 |
| Oregon | $11.00 |
| Pennsylvania | $11.00 |
| Rhode Island | $12.00 |
| South Carolina | $9.25 |
| South Dakota | $9.50 |
| Tennessee | $9.50 |
| Texas | $9.00 |
| Utah | $9.50 |
| Vermont | $11.25 |
| Virginia | $10.00 |
| Washington | $12.00 |
| West Virginia | $9.25 |
| Wisconsin | $10.25 |
| Wyoming | $9.50 |
| Type of Job | Description |
|---|---|
| Clerical work | Data entry, filing, answering phones |
| Tutoring and teaching | Tutoring other students, teaching a class |
| Research | Working in a laboratory or library |
| Customer service | Working in a call center or retail store |
| Maintenance | Keeping a building clean or repairing equipment |
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Earn money to help pay for college | Work-study jobs can help you earn money to help pay for tuition, fees, and other college expenses. |
| Gain valuable work experience | Work-study jobs can give you valuable work experience that can help you prepare for your future career. |
| Develop new skills | Work-study jobs can help you develop new skills that can be valuable in your future career. |
| Network with professionals in your field | Work-study jobs can help you network with professionals in your field and build valuable connections. |
| Improve your resume | Work-study jobs can help you improve your resume and make you more competitive for jobs after college. |
| Mistake | Description |
|---|---|
| Not applying for a job that you are qualified for | If you don’t apply for a job that you are qualified for, you won’t get it. |
| Not interviewing well for a job | If you don’t interview well for a job, you won’t get it. |
| Not performing well on the job | If you don’t perform well on the job, you could lose your job. |
| Not taking the job seriously | If you don’t take the job seriously, you could lose your job. |