Student Employee Job Profiles and Wage Scales

Overview

This article provides guidance for on-campus employers hiring student employees at Texas A&M University (TAMU). Topics include student job profiles and wage scales. 

Student Employee Job Profiles

The job profiles below serve as a guide for determining an appropriate pay range for part-time student employee positions. Departments may use a working title that better reflects the role (for example, a Student Technician may work as a Web Designer).

Although each classification includes an established wage range, departments may hire students above the minimum rate based on experience, skills, and level of responsibility. Federal Work Study, Texas College Work Study, and Non-Affiliated Student Employees should be compensated using the same considerations as regular student employees.

Student Assistant

Requires limited specialized skills and minimal prior training or work experience. Duties are generally routine, require limited decision-making, and are performed under close supervision.

Student Coordinator

Requires a moderate to high degree of independent judgment and previous training or experience. Duties may include decision-making responsibilities, supervision of other student employees, and ensuring the safety of people and property.

Student Technician

Requires technical skills, job-specific knowledge, or participation in a technical training phase. Work is performed with limited to moderate supervision and may include occasional supervisory responsibilities.

Student Research Assistant

Supports faculty research activities and assists with data collection under general supervision. At least 60% of assigned duties must be research-related. University and laboratory-specific training must be completed before the student is permitted to work in a laboratory environment.

• Strong multitasking abilities are expected.
• Effective collaboration skills are required.
• Students should demonstrate initiative and reliability.

Student Intern

Student Intern positions are designed to provide experience directly related to a student's career goals. These positions should include specific learning objectives and professional development goals.

• Typically short-term positions lasting one or two semesters.
• May qualify for academic credit depending on departmental and academic program requirements.

Should be used only when the position includes structured learning opportunities beyond a typical student role.

Student Employee Wage Scale

*These title codes are reserved for specific programs. Contact Scholarships and Financial Aid for eligibility requirements and program-specific questions.

Non-Affiliated Student Employee

A Non-Affiliated Student Employee is enrolled at an institution other than Texas A&M University, such as a high school, community college, or another university, and is employed part-time through a Texas A&M University System payroll station.

• Must be paid at a rate comparable to Texas A&M student employees performing similar work.
• The hiring department is responsible for verifying enrollment eligibility.
• The hiring department must verify age and follow university requirements for employees under 18 years of age.

Non-Affiliated Student Employee Wage Scales

Departments should consider experience and level of responsibility when determining starting pay.

Resources

• Form I-9 Employment Verification Requirements
• Work Study Services 
• Hiring Minors 

Contact / Help

For assistance with hiring, compliance requirements, or student employment processes, contact your Human Resources Hub or the Student Employment Office.