Student Hourly Pay Structure

Date: October 8, 2024 (published)

Responsible Party: Department of Human Resources

Each UW Institution is responsible for establishing a student rate structure with a defined maximum rate of pay. In accordance with the Student Pay Structure Guidelines published July 2024, the Department of Human Resources (HR) has completed a review of student wage data with support from campus stakeholders. The Student Pay Structure is published as approved by the Vice Chancellors of Student Affairs and Finance and Administrative Affairs.

---

1. Scope

All hourly Student Help appointments will use the approved student pay structure. Graduate Assistants, Undergraduate Assistants, Resident Assistants, and other appointments in the “Student Assistants” Job Family are out of scope. The student pay structure is in place for the 2024-2025 academic year. Absent a revision for the following academic year, the existing pay structure will remain in place.

2. Pay Structure

Title/Tier	General Description	Minimum	Maximum	Example Positions
Student Help (SH001)	These positions require entry level skills or minimal prior experience. Positions perform work based on well-established procedures and training. Work is performed under close supervision, escalating complex/non-routine questions to a supervisor. This level requires on-the-job training and involves the use of equipment such as a cash register, computer, floor scrubber, fryer, etc. The majority of student positions fit in this category.	$10.00	$14.00	Office Assistant, Food Service/Retail Assistant, Custodian, Barista, Library Assistant, Fitness Attendant, Pit Crew
Student Help Intermediate (SH002)	These positions require specialized skills or knowledge or involve creativity. Accordingly, positions require independent judgment and initiative. Positions may require heavy physical exertion or adverse working hours/conditions. Positions may serve as a lead or trainer for other staff or certain activities. These positions are directed under limited supervision. A training period is generally required.	$11.00	$16.00	Tutor/Grader, IT/AV/Tech Support, Band Member, Peer Mentor, Research/Lab Assistant, Marketing Intern, SURF Students, IM Official, Event Manager, Web Developer, Retail Services Lead Worker
Student Help Advanced (SH003)	These positions generally spend the majority of their time supervising other student employees or supervising program activities. In general, they will spend less than half their time performing the type of work they supervise. They may schedule, train and hire new student employees and may provide recommendations for evaluating/terminating staff. Generally, positions will independently determine priorities, activities, and strategies to meet objectives. Some students in these positions may not actually supervise student employees, but they perform complex duties similar to a supervisor. These positions are directed under general supervision. A training period is required.	$12.00	$18.00	IM Supervisor, Retail Services Student Supervisor, Desktop Support Student Supervisor, Union Building Manager
Student Help Special (SH005)	Student employment related to University projects or initiatives and where this is consistent and common roles/use. Positions in this category require pre-approval, and once approved, receive a blanket approval for their responsibilities/pay until such time as the terms may change.	$10.00	$20.00	Brand Ambassador, Student Internships (CECW, AHSS, CLIP), Water Safety Instructors, Lifeguards

Enlarge Table

3. Implementation

(Planned implementation date November 4, 2024)

1. For hires to Student Help jobs or changes to existing Student Help jobs (e.g., pay rate change), official titles will be identified as Student Help, Student Help Intermediate, Student Help Advanced, or Student Help Special based on job duties and with consideration to the definitions in the student pay structure.
2. Business Titles are required to better reflect the work that is being done in the Student Help appointment.
3. Those in an existing Student Help appointment will not be required to change title/salary. However, we encourage units to consider an hourly rate of $10.00 or higher, where budget allows.
4. With approved documentation of necessity, exceptions will be allowed for those outside of the range identified in the student pay structure (i.e., pay below or above the respective range for that tier).
5. Those seeking inclusion in the Student Help Special category will require approval from the HR Department. Upon implementation, HR will contact departments with existing programs that qualify. Other requests can be directed to the Total Rewards Director in HR.
6. Approved exceptions to pay tiers will be reviewed prior to the following academic year to determine whether adjustments are needed to the pay structure.