Student Wages

Student Employment - Wages

Student employee wage levels are determined by the hiring departments in accordance with University guidelines that establish fair and equitable pay rates within units across campus, and ensure compliance with the Federal and State wage and hour laws.  Work study and regular wage student position must be paid at least minimum wage and any wage rate over $15.25 per hour must be approved in advance by the Office of Human Resources.

Supervisors, managers and administrators are encouraged to consider the complexity of the student work and the skills, knowledge, certifications, etc. required to perform a job when determining wage rates for student positions. In addition, administrators should consider the issue of pay equity with current student incumbents. Student positions performing basic tasks that are repetitive in nature such as filing, photocopying, sorting and distributing mail are likely to result in pay levels that fall closer to the minimum. Student work that involves technical or para-professional duties, subject matter expertise, and/or specialized certifications are likely to be paid at a higher level. Individual departments may create specific wage schedules for their operations.  

• Minimum:  $8.95 per hour
• Maximum: $15.25 per hour  (This is the current student employee wage cap effective 1/1/13; the wage cap will increase proportionally with changes to the federal/state minimum wage rates.)
• Exceptions:  $15.25+ per hour (These rates require wage cap exception authorization described below.)

University Guidelines for Student Hourly Wage Rates

Student Hourly Wage Rates - Effective January 1, 2013

Student Employee 1 – Performs basic tasks, repetitive in nature and with moderate level of supervision.  Student work considered entry level and often performed within the first year of service in the position. 

Student Employee 2 – Performs work requiring a combination of basic skills and some experience; often performed in the second year of service in the position.  Minimal to moderate level of supervision received.  Work is guided by applicable work principles and standardized techniques.  

Student Employee 3 – Performs work requiring more specialized training of a professional nature.  Usually requires at least 2 years of experience and/or being on the job.  Minimal level of supervision received.  Work is analytical, technical, and based on acquired skills and/or certifications.  

Student Employee 4 – Performs technical/para-professional work requiring specialized training and/or certifications.  May require minimum of 2+ years of experience. Works with greater independence than lower level positions and receives a minimal level of supervision.  May act as lead to other student employees.  Considered specialized student positions.    

Student Employee 5 – Performs para-professional level work.  Provides leadership in area of expertise.  Acts as lead to other student employees.  Positions work independently and are highly technical in nature.   These positions may require additional certification or graduate level coursework.

Student Employee 6 – Highly technical and specialized area of expertise is required.  Will perform work with expertise generally surpassing that needed for level 5.  This work will be para-professional in nature and will entail the most complex and intricate tasks performed by student employees at the University.   *Must be authorized by Human Resources to qualify for pay exception. (See wage cap exception authorization process described below.) 

University Work Restrictions for Hourly Student Employees

• Student employees may not work more than 40 hours per week.  However, it is highly recommended that on average students work less than 20 hours per week.

• No more than 130 hours per pay period

• International students on F-1 visas are restricted by federal law to work no more than 20 hours per week when school is in session.

• Position duties outlined as part of the OUS SEIU Collective Bargaining Agreement for Classified Staff may not be filled with student employees.  Questions regarding this may be directed to the Employment Manager or the Compensation Manager in the Office of Human Resources at 503-725-4926.

Student Employee Wage Cap Exceptions:

To pay an hourly student employee a wage more than $15.25 per hour requires special approval from the Office of Human Resources.   Click here for the Student Employee Wage Cap Exception Form.

• A Wage Cap Exception, once authorized, will continue for that student employee in that position and at the approved pay rate for the student's duration of employment, unless a time frame is stated in the Wage Cap Exception Form or the pay rate is superseded by an authorized successor Wage Cap Exception request.

• To Request a Wage Cap Exception hiring departments will route the signed and scanned Student Employee Wage Cap Exception Form to the specially designated overcap e mail at this address:  overcap@pdx.edu.  The Employment Team will review the request and respond directly to the requesting department for further clarification, modifications and/or approval.  The Employment Team will process internally to the payroll unit.

• The Wage Cap Exception Form must be received in HR by the 10th day of the month to be reviewed and approved for an implementation date of the 16th of the same month.   The new pay will be effective in the paycheck of the following month.  Example:  If the Wage Cap Request Form is received in HR by 1/10/13 the new pay rate will be implemented beginning with work performed on 1/16/13 and be applied to hours worked during  the pay period from 1/16 to 2/15 and reflected in the paycheck received on 2/28/13.

For questions about the Wage Cap Exception process, please contact Christina Kraus, Employment Manager, at 5-9838 or krausc@pdx.edu.