The hourly wage rate is determined by the department. Departments may refer to the Student Wage Schedule revised annually by the MU Human Resources Department. The various wage rates should reflect the degree of training, proficiency, and skill required for the position. According to the Federal Student Financial Aid Handbook, "a student's need places a limit on the total Work Study earnings permissible, but has no bearing on his or her wage rate. It is not acceptable to base the wage rate on need or on any other factor not related to the student's skills or job description." Student employees returning to a former position should be considered for increases in pay.

The following are other salary guidelines outlined by the Federal Student Financial Aid Handbook:

1. Students must be paid at least the federal minimum wage, which is currently $5.50 per hour.

2. In determining an appropriate wage rate, departments must consider:

A. Skills needed to perform the job;
B. How much persons with similar skills are paid in local area for the same type of work;
C. Rate MU would normally pay similar non-Work Study employees;
D. Any applicable federal, state or local laws that require a specific wage rate.

3. Students doing comparable jobs must be paid comparable wages whether the jobs are performed by students at different class levels or by a student and a regular employee.