Average Hourly Co-op Wages
Determining the appropriate pay for a student co-op or intern can be a common question. While there is no simple answer, we can provide you with a list of average hourly wages for different majors below. It is important to note that student pay can vary based on factors such as field, industry, geographic location, and the student's level of experience.
If you are unable to find the information you need, you can access additional resources on student pay through the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). They offer articles about compensation and a guide to compensation for interns and co-ops (purchase required).
Data Source: The average hourly wages provided below are self-reported by University of Cincinnati students on paid co-op experiences during the fall 2023, spring 2024, and summer 2024 terms. The data is collected through UC Professional Assessment and Learning (PAL) or Handshake.
Wages by College and Major
| Major | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering | $21.55 |
| Architectural Engineering | $20.65 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $20.50 |
| Chemical Engineering | $23.43 |
| Civil Engineering | $20.83 |
| Computer Engineering | $23.09 |
| Computer Science | $23.12 |
| Construction Management | $20.00 |
| Cybersecurity Engineering | $20.00 |
| Electrical Engineering | $23.38 |
| Electrical Engineering Technology | $22.55 |
| Environmental Engineering | $21.75 |
| Industrial and Systems Engineering | $21.03 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $22.10 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technology | $21.43 |
| Major | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Liberal Arts (incl. Communication) | $14.04 |
| Major | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Accounting | $22.24 |
| Business Analytics | $19.92 |
| Economics | $21.71 |
| Entrepreneurship | $17.30 |
| Finance | $20.89 |
| Industrial Management | $21.44 |
| Information Systems | $21.29 |
| Insurance and Risk Management | $18.70 |
| International Business | $21.94 |
| Marketing | $19.58 |
| Operations Management | $20.34 |
| Real Estate | $20.20 |
| Major | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering | $21.55 |
| Architectural Engineering | $20.65 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $20.50 |
| Chemical Engineering | $23.43 |
| Civil Engineering | $20.83 |
| Computer Engineering | $23.09 |
| Computer Science | $23.12 |
| Construction Management | $20.00 |
| Cybersecurity Engineering | $20.00 |
| Electrical Engineering | $23.38 |
| Electrical Engineering Technology | $22.55 |
| Environmental Engineering | $21.75 |
| Industrial and Systems Engineering | $21.03 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $22.10 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technology | $21.43 |
| Major | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Architecture | $20.48 |
| Master of Architecture | $22.04 |
| Communication Design | $19.12 |
| Community Planning | $19.80 |
| Master of Design | $22.33 |
| Fashion Design | $15.85 |
| Fine Arts | $14.81 |
| Industrial Design | $20.24 |
| Interior Design | $21.32 |
| Landscape Architecture | $18.00 |
| Urban Planning | $18.14 |
| Major | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Cybersecurity | $20.08 |
| Information Technology | $20.52 |
| Information Technology IT-MS | $28.83 |
On-Campus Co-op Hourly Wage (Range) for Various Majors
The hourly wage for on-campus co-op positions varies depending on the major. The wage range typically starts at the minimum wage and can go up to $14.00 per hour.
Federal Work-Study Program
It is worth noting that some departments hire work-study students to maximize budgets. By participating in the federal work-study program, these departments can use federal work-study dollars to cover up to 75% of student wages.
Please note that the availability of work-study positions may vary depending on the department and the specific co-op program. It is advisable to check with your department or the co-op office for more information on the availability of work-study opportunities and the specific wage rates for your major.