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Student assistant vs work study student

The differences between student assistants and work study students 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 $24,582 average annual salary of a work study student.

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

Student assistant vs work study student overview

Student AssistantWork Study Student
Yearly salary$25,439$24,582
Hourly rate$12.23$11.82
Growth rate4%-5%
Number of jobs29,09314,836
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age4447
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 student do?

Work-study students are students who do part-time jobs to support their living and educational expenses. Usually, they offer their services in an organization related to their field of study. Work-study jobs are available either on or off-campus, depending on the student's application and the campus or employer's needs. They must be able to display excellent time-management skills to handle and balance work time and school responsibilities. A work-study student should also be fast-learner and open to constructive feedback to improve their job performance.

Student assistant vs work study student salary

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

Student AssistantWork Study Student
Average salary$25,439$24,582
Salary rangeBetween $17,000 And $37,000Between $16,000 And $36,000
Highest paying CityAlbany, NYDenver, CO
Highest paying stateRhode IslandColorado
Best paying companyNcar - The National Center For Atmospheric ResearchUniversity of California
Best paying industryGovernmentEducation

Differences between student assistant and work study student education

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

Student AssistantWork Study Student
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversitySUNY at Binghamton

Student assistant vs work study student demographics

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

Student AssistantWork Study Student
Average age4447
Gender ratioMale, 36.8% Female, 63.2%Male, 33.4% Female, 66.6%
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, 11.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 8.2% White, 57.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between student assistant and work study student 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 student example responsibilities.

  • Follow all HIPPA policies and procedures.
  • Retouch images for the workshop posters using photoshop.
  • Help with photography, Photoshop and video production.
  • Post media about opportunities in mathematics (e.g.
  • Maintain a high GPA and academic performance while working.
  • Make phone calls regarding FAFSA deadlines and career services.
  • Show more

Student assistant vs work study student 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 student skills
  • Work-Study, 38%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Veterans, 7%
  • Front Desk, 7%
  • Computer Lab, 4%
  • PowerPoint, 4%

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