Facts & Figures about On-Campus Student Employment
UW is a big place, which means there are lots of student employment opportunities! Last year, campus departments posted 772 student roles (hiring 1 to dozens of students for each posting) in Handshake, and that’s just one place they can post their openings!
On the flip side, over 10,000 students applied for those roles. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough on-campus student jobs for all the students who want them.
Additionally, because many open roles receive several hundred applications, hiring departments may take a while to sift through applications and may not have time to connect with all applicants.
If you don’t hear back or aren’t able to secure an on-campus student job, try not to take it personally. Departments usually really like many applicants but they simply can’t hire all of them.
Hours & Pay
- On-campus student employees are typically paid hourly at or above the Seattle minimum wage, which is $20.76 per hour in 2025.
- Many roles require students to have availability between 8:00 and 5:00.
- It’s helpful if you are available for chunks of time (3+ hours), rather than an hour here and there.
- Different roles require different amounts of hours, but many are 10-14 hours a week.
- Per UW policy, students may work a maximum of 19.5 hours per week during the academic year, with options for more hours during breaks.
Other Facts
- Hiring for on-campus student jobs happens year-round. A couple peak times are August/September and Feb/March/April.
- Opportunities exist in many different departments, schools, colleges and buildings across campus.
- International students ARE eligible for on-campus student employment roles.
If you have logistical, policy, or eligibility questions, please consult the UW Student Employment website.
