Highest-Paying Student Worker Jobs [2023]

Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of student workers that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of student workers:

• Foster Care Worker is the highest-paid type of student worker with an average salary of $46,037 and an average hourly rate of $22.13.

• The second highest-paying type of student worker is student coordinator, with an average salary of $41,556.

• The average student worker salary is $25,735 per year, and the average hourly pay is $12.37.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a student worker, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of student workers are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of student workers:

1. Foster Care Worker

   Average Salary: $46,037

   A Foster Care Worker helps improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families as well as increases the family’s well-being and the academic functioning of children. They counsel families about issues regarding their child’s care and develop healthy living situations.

2. Student Coordinator

   Average Salary: $41,556

   A student coordinator is responsible for supporting the school administration in running daily operations and disseminating necessary information across the institution. Student coordinators serve as a liaison between the student body and the school management to address inquiries and concerns and process requests. They perform administrative and clerical duties, help the faculty in designing programs and educational activities, and conduct students’ counseling to identify their difficulties and struggles with the courses. A student coordinator must be highly communicative and organizational, especially in sorting student documents and maintaining the data system.

3. Case Worker

   Average Salary: $41,459

   Caseworkers are social workers who watch over the welfare of underprivileged individuals and at-risk families by counseling and providing them with assistance. Usually employed under the government or a local non-profit organization, a caseworker must conduct a thorough interview and house visits to determine the needs of the family. They then refer them to any programs or agencies that can give them the specific care and help needed. Furthermore, it is crucial to identify neglect and abuse signs, reporting them to the authorities right away.

4. Student Advisor

   Average Salary: $41,418

   A student advisor is responsible for supporting the students’ personal growth and development by guiding them on their learning processes and educational goals. Student advisors provide regular counseling for the students to analyze their career aspirations, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and strategize learning plans to address those difficulties. They also coordinate with the students’ parents and guardians to report the students’ progress and determine appropriate scholastic solutions. A student advisor must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially when handling students’ different needs and concerns.

5. Student Services Coordinator

   Average Salary: $41,385

   A student services coordinator is responsible for supporting the students’ growth and development by facilitating programs and activities that would have them discover their potentials and career aspirations. Student services coordinators conduct one-on-one counseling to identify the students’ strengths and weaknesses and develop learning solutions to address those difficulties. They also advise the students on their career paths and work towards the improvement of their educational performance. A student services coordinator interacts with the students’ families as necessary for extensive guidance and support outside of the school premises.

Below is a full table of the average pay for various student worker that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Student Workers

Methodology

Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.

Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for student workers.

Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Student Worker Jobs FAQs

1. What is the highest-paid student worker job?

   The highest-paid student worker job is a foster care worker. Foster Care Workers earn an average salary of $46,037, which is $ 22.13 hourly.

   A Foster Care Worker helps improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families as well as increases the family’s well-being and the academic functioning of children. They counsel families about issues regarding their child’s care and develop healthy living situations.

2. What is a good salary for a student worker?

   A good salary for a student worker is $25,735 or more. The average student worker salary is $25,735, so those making at least $25,735 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average student worker salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.

   In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a student worker, the average entry level salary is $17,160, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $25,735 average, as this includes all student workers of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Student Worker jobs pay well?

   No, student worker jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some student worker jobs pay better than others, but the average student worker salary of $25,735 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many student worker jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of student workers earning $37,215 a year on average.

   Student Workers’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a student worker. Do your research on the going rate for a student worker in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do student workers get paid the most?

   Student Workers get paid the most in Connecticut. In Connecticut, student workers earn an average annual salary of $34,106 and an average hourly wage of $16.40.

   Following CT, the states with the highest-paid student workers are New York, Washington, and Utah, with average annual salaries of $32,837, $29,584, and $29,331 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid student worker salaries are:

   1. Albany, NY – $33,403

   2. Saint Paul, MN – $30,723

   3. Richmond, CA – $30,223

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.