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Student assistant vs student worker

The differences between student assistants and student workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a student worker has an average salary of $25,735, which is higher than the $25,439 average annual salary of a student assistant.

The top three skills for a student assistant include customer service, front desk and administrative assistance. The most important skills for a student worker are customer service, front desk, and twitter.

Student assistant vs student worker overview

Student AssistantStudent Worker
Yearly salary$25,439$25,735
Hourly rate$12.23$12.37
Growth rate4%9%
Number of jobs29,09382,353
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Average age4442
Years of experience-4

What does a student assistant do?

Student assistants are university students who are working part-time for a staff member or department. They are usually assigned to do administrative or clerical activities to help ease the load of their supervisor. They may manage files and information dissemination channels of the department. They may extend assistance during the registration period by helping other students fill out forms, managing the department's enrollment procedure, or doing any other activity required by their supervisor. They may also be asked to mentor younger students. Student assistants should be organized and trustworthy.

What does a student worker do?

Student workers are students who are employed while also enrolled at the university. They usually work in a department or college where they handle different tasks. Most of the time, student workers are assigned to do administrative activities. Their tasks include sorting mail, sending outgoing mail, manning telephone lines, filing documents, updating records, liaising with other departments, and documenting meetings, among others. Student-workers may also be assigned to handle or assist in university-wide events and activities. They are expected to be technologically savvy so that they can really help out in the department they are assigned to. Student-workers should be responsible, trustworthy, and diligent.

Student assistant vs student worker salary

Student assistants and student workers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Student AssistantStudent Worker
Average salary$25,439$25,735
Salary rangeBetween $17,000 And $37,000Between $19,000 And $34,000
Highest paying CityAlbany, NYAlbany, NY
Highest paying stateRhode IslandConnecticut
Best paying companyNcar - The National Center For Atmospheric ResearchUniversity of California, Berkeley
Best paying industryGovernmentRetail

Differences between student assistant and student worker education

There are a few differences between a student assistant and a student worker in terms of educational background:

Student AssistantStudent Worker
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania

Student assistant vs student worker demographics

Here are the differences between student assistants' and student workers' demographics:

Student AssistantStudent Worker
Average age4442
Gender ratioMale, 36.8% Female, 63.2%Male, 38.7% Female, 61.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 8.1% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%Black or African American, 13.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 2.7% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage6%10%

Differences between student assistant and student worker duties and responsibilities

Student assistant example responsibilities.

  • Help troubleshoot public computers according to directions and also manage database of library.
  • Adhere to all aspects of FERPA and student confidentiality guidelines.
  • Answer phone, run errands, take messages, help office manager
  • Order, open and distribute office supplies weekly, and run errands.
  • Clean and stock supplies in restrooms, wash windows, walls and fix light fixtures.
  • Perform CPR during emergency rotation.
  • Show more

Student worker example responsibilities.

  • Manage club documents and advertise several events through Facebook.
  • Exhibit patient care CPR experience in CNA
  • Maintain neat appearance and cleanliness of the library.
  • Assist with maintaining the cleanliness of the dining room
  • Mow and edge lawns, using power mowers and weed eaters.
  • Provide excellent customer service while assisting students in completing online applications for FAFSA and admissions.
  • Show more

Student assistant vs student worker skills

Common student assistant skills
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Front Desk, 8%
  • Administrative Assistance, 7%
  • Financial Aid, 7%
  • PowerPoint, 6%
  • Office Equipment, 5%
Common student worker skills
  • Customer Service, 16%
  • Front Desk, 11%
  • Twitter, 8%
  • Financial Aid, 6%
  • PowerPoint, 5%
  • Computer Lab, 4%

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