Wage Scale

Overview of the Student Wage Program

The wage scale is set by these criteria

• Level of skills required, including special skills
• Level of experience/training required
• Level of independent work, confidentiality and peer supervision
• Level of mental activity
• Level of accountability

Effective January 1, 2008

Level A - General Level, will start at $7.75.
Level B - Skilled Level, will start at $8.50 
Level C - Specialist Level, will start at $9.25.  Any position that clearly requires a higher pay rate outside of the set levels because of experience and levels of technical expertise required will be managed through Human Resources on a case-by-case basis.

In order to avoid pay cuts for student employees who started a job prior to 9/1/05, their current pay rate will not decrease for the duration of their employment.  For any new job in which they are hired, the pay will be set according to the pay scale below.  

(The number of years reflects how many years the student has been in the same position).

Click here to learn how the 2008 wage scale was established!

Student Wage Level Definitions

GENERAL LEVEL:  The base wage rate for all General Level jobs is $7.75/hour.

Includes all entry-level student jobs that do not require previous training or special skills other than basic computer skills. Requires minimum on-the-job training.  Examples include:

Office assistants, Monitors, Retail sales assistants, Library assistants, Some Dining positions, Ushers, Receptionists

SKILLED LEVEL:  The base wage rate for all Skilled Level jobs is $8.50/hour.

Skilled Level jobs include positions that require a higher level of responsibility and some previous training or experience.  Positions offer extensive on-the-job training or require certification. Students may be responsible for an aspect of a program, and/or supervising other students.  Examples of Skilled Level positions include:

Web assistants, Lab assistants, Lifeguards, Research assistants, Tutors, Teaching assistants, Athletic Trainers, Graders, Library or Office Associates

SPECIALIST LEVEL:  The wage rate for all Specialist Level jobs is $9.25/hour.

Specialist Level jobs require special supervisory skills or an advanced level of academic or other qualifications.  The position might be responsible for the success of an entire program, involve a high degree of training, and/or extensive previous experience.  Job duties may include hiring, training, scheduling and supervising other students or assuming responsibilities for coordinating a program.  Examples include:

Web specialists/developers, Computer Programmers, Middlebury Magazine writers, Orientation coordinators, Lead computer consultants, GIS specialist

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Annual Raise Increase  

A student can progress within a level by returning to the same position the following year.  A student must have worked a minimum of 25 hours during a previous year in the same position to receive the increase indicated on the wage scale.

The increase is not contingent upon Student Evaluations.  However, if a student qualifies and a supervisor wishes to deny the annual increase, the supervisor must provide the student clear written feedback as an explanation for the denial.  The written feedback must also be shared with the Student Employment Office.  

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Position Descriptions

Position descriptions for all student positions must be filed with the Student Employment Office. These descriptions outline the responsibilities of each position and the required experience and skills. They also form the basis of the College's Student Wage Program.

Descriptions of New Positions: Supervisors are responsible for drafting new job descriptions in conjunction with the Student Employment Office.

Changing Position Descriptions: Position descriptions are updated when there are substantial changes in the scope and practice of a job. The supervisor and the student work together to make written changes on the current description as necessary and forward the new description to the Student Employment Office. The College reserves the right to change position descriptions with notice to the student; normally, a College initiated change would be policy driven. It is recommended that the supervisor review position descriptions annually, preferably coinciding with the student performance evaluations.

Viewing Position Descriptions: All position descriptions that have been submitted to SEO for posting may be accessed via the Middlebury College Student Employment Web site