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Student assistant vs work-study assistant

The differences between student assistants and work-study assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a student assistant has an average salary of $25,439, which is higher than the $25,211 average annual salary of a work-study assistant.

The top three skills for a student assistant include customer service, front desk and administrative assistance. The most important skills for a work-study assistant are financial aid, data entry, and customer service.

Student assistant vs work-study assistant overview

Student AssistantWork-Study Assistant
Yearly salary$25,439$25,211
Hourly rate$12.23$12.12
Growth rate4%-8%
Number of jobs29,09340,622
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Average age4450
Years of experience-2

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 work-study assistant do?

A work-study assistant's responsibilities depend on his/her or her place of employment. His/Her or her duties include processing paperwork, responding to inquiries, and maintaining records. The essential skills that a work-study assistant should possess to accomplish his/her or her responsibilities include good writing, interpersonal, and organizational skills. The education requirements to qualify for the job include obtaining a bachelor's or master's degree in the field of business, psychology, and criminal justice.

Student assistant vs work-study assistant salary

Student assistants and work-study assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Student AssistantWork-Study Assistant
Average salary$25,439$25,211
Salary rangeBetween $17,000 And $37,000Between $18,000 And $34,000
Highest paying CityAlbany, NYLos Angeles, CA
Highest paying stateRhode IslandCalifornia
Best paying companyNcar - The National Center For Atmospheric ResearchUniversity of California, Berkeley
Best paying industryGovernmentEducation

Differences between student assistant and work-study assistant education

There are a few differences between a student assistant and a work-study assistant in terms of educational background:

Student AssistantWork-Study Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 44%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Student assistant vs work-study assistant demographics

Here are the differences between student assistants' and work-study assistants' demographics:

Student AssistantWork-Study Assistant
Average age4450
Gender ratioMale, 36.8% Female, 63.2%Male, 36.9% Female, 63.1%
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, 9.2% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 3.8% White, 66.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between student assistant and work-study assistant 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

Work-study assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage operational FedEx relationship through order fulfillment, shipment tracking, and communication with parties involve in shipment transaction.
  • Create metal screens for the expo center windows.
  • Operate multi-line phones, fax machine, copier.
  • Disperse all checks administer to the SPC community.
  • Remove trash, vacuum carpet, clean windows, operator cleaning equipment
  • Stay up to date on the federal loan and FAFSA guidelines.
  • Show more

Student assistant vs work-study assistant skills

Common student assistant skills
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Front Desk, 8%
  • Administrative Assistance, 7%
  • Financial Aid, 7%
  • PowerPoint, 6%
  • Office Equipment, 5%
Common work-study assistant skills
  • Financial Aid, 23%
  • Data Entry, 15%
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • PowerPoint, 5%
  • Front Desk, 5%
  • Alumni, 3%

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