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Job outlook for student workers in the United States
Student worker job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected student worker job growth rate is 9% from 2018-2028.
About 64,000 new jobs for student workers are projected over the next decade.
Student worker salaries have increased 12% for student workers in the last 5 years.
There are over 299,674 student workers currently employed in the United States.
There are 82,353 active student worker job openings in the US.
The average student worker salary is $25,735.
Are student worker jobs in demand?
Student Worker job and salary trends over time
Student Worker jobs over time
Student Worker job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 299,674 | 0.09% |
| 2020 | 310,715 | 0.09% |
| 2019 | 322,139 | 0.10% |
| 2018 | 304,381 | 0.09% |
| 2017 | 296,974 | 0.09% |
Average student worker salary over time
Student Worker salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $25,735 | $12.37 | +2.2% |
| 2024 | $25,182 | $12.11 | +2.4% |
| 2023 | $24,587 | $11.82 | +4.3% |
| 2022 | $23,583 | $11.34 | +2.6% |
| 2021 | $22,982 | $11.05 | +2.1% |
Student Worker jobs by state
Most common states for student workers
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,842 | 27% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 173 | 25% |
| 3 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 197 | 23% |
| 4 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,548 | 21% |
| 5 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 410 | 21% |
| 6 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 114 | 20% |
| 7 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,090 | 19% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 778 | 19% |
| 9 | Delaware | 961,939 | 181 | 19% |
| 10 | Alaska | 739,795 | 141 | 19% |
| 11 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 559 | 18% |
| 12 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,822 | 17% |
| 13 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,446 | 17% |
| 14 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 1,116 | 17% |
| 15 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 605 | 17% |
| 16 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 284 | 17% |
| 17 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 953 | 16% |
| 18 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 870 | 16% |
| 19 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 323 | 15% |
| 20 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 277 | 15% |
Most common cities for student workers
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Lafayette | 11 | 24% | $22,317 |
| 2 | Fort Smith | 7 | 8% | $25,788 |
| 3 | Waco | 8 | 6% | $22,543 |
| 4 | Waltham | 4 | 6% | $29,419 |
| 5 | Auburn | 3 | 5% | $21,663 |
| 6 | Bowling Green | 3 | 5% | $20,519 |
| 7 | Carson | 4 | 4% | $29,916 |
| 8 | Tuscaloosa | 4 | 4% | $21,683 |
| 9 | Decatur | 3 | 4% | $24,657 |
| 10 | Orlando | 8 | 3% | $21,112 |
| 11 | Oxnard | 4 | 2% | $30,045 |
| 12 | Tallahassee | 3 | 2% | $21,107 |
| 13 | Boston | 9 | 1% | $29,426 |
| 14 | Atlanta | 3 | 1% | $23,839 |
| 15 | Sacramento | 3 | 1% | $29,909 |
| 16 | Los Angeles | 8 | 0% | $29,938 |
| 17 | Denver | 3 | 0% | $26,156 |
| 18 | Jacksonville | 3 | 0% | $21,108 |
Student Worker job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of student worker experts
Adelphi University
Western Illinois University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Vanguard University
Angelo State University
Errol Rodriguez Ph.D., MAC, CRC
Assistant Dean & Program Director, Master's programs in General Psychology and Mental Health CounselingAdelphi University
Mental And Social Health Services And Allied Professions
What Student Worker skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Errol Rodriguez Ph.D., MAC, CRC: Given the complexities of the world today, emerging counseling professionals must be flexible in their treatment approach, inclusive in their understanding of diverse cultures and sub-cultures, and mature professionally through humility, self-reflection, and self-care.
What will help Student Workers increase their earning potential?
Emily Yowell Ph.D.: Psychologists should be aware of what others in their field are making for similar positions. It is important to ask for what your work is worth in an initial position to assure raises are based on a solid starting salary. Newer psychologists may also consider asking for an early review that prompts an early conversation around potential raises, bonus, or other job benefits.
Leigh Ann Tipton-Fisler, PhD, BCBA
Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Specialist in School Psychology and Clinical/ Community Mental Health Graduate ProgramsWestern Illinois University
Clinical, Counseling And Applied Psychology
What general advice would you give to a Student Worker?
Leigh Ann Tipton-Fisler, PhD, BCBA: - The best I can give to graduates is to focus on taking small steps at first. Often the first year in the field can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. The system we work in (the helping profession broadly) often has a lot of challenges, and new professionals want to re-envision a path for changes. This is tangible, but at first, it is important to understand the roles and functions in the workplace before flipping everything upside down. I suggest taking one small change at a time in an area that is important to you and build relationships and trust with your professional colleagues before overloading yourself with the new job and new goals.
What type of skills will young Student Workers need?
Dr. Thomas Dearden Ph.D.: Indeed, the way we work is changing. The skills that young graduates will need are diverse. Transferable skills and soft skills will certainly be marketable. These include traditional crafts such as communication, but I also think the world expects more empathy from its employees. Young graduates with an understanding of racism, sexism, and environmental responsibility will become increasingly important.
Dr. Tommy Casarez Ph.D.
Dr., Assistant Professor of Historical and Systematic TheologyVanguard University
Religion, Undergraduate Religion
What general advice would you give to a Student Worker?
Dr. Tommy Casarez Ph.D.: Opportunities come in many different shapes and sizes, but they are still out there. Whether you are seeking to land a job in education or the non-profit sector, you will need to familiarize yourself and get used to all things digital, for the sake of communicating effectively. The younger your student or service partner's mindset, the more digitally savvy you will need to be, especially in the classroom and in the non-profit world.
Lesley Casarez Ph.D.
Director, Quality Enhancement Plan Program Coordinator, M.S. Professional School Counseling Associate Professor, Curriculum and InstructionAngelo State University
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Student Workers in the next 3-5 years?
Lesley Casarez Ph.D.: Graduates will need to learn to use technology in which virtual platforms are taking place and web conferencing platforms. Numerous platforms are being used, so the particular platform itself is not as crucial as being well-versed in how virtual education differs from face-to-face environments. Typically, the instructional role in online learning is more of a facilitator, as the educator guides the students to think critically, integrate, and apply new knowledge. This may be difficult for educators who would rather stand in front of a classroom and pass on their knowledge through lecture-based formats. Additionally, being well-versed in various web conferencing platforms will benefit graduates, as they move into a career that is currently requiring communication in virtual environments.