An email sent to Northwest students on Feb. 16 provided an update to the pay rates of student employees on campus. Students will now make $15 an hour, up from the $10.30 they currently receive.
This change was made in accordance with the Missouri minimum wage increase to $15, which voters passed on Proposition A, a November 2024 ballot measure. The wage increase went into effect Jan. 1, 2026.
Along with the pay change, the University's Career Pathing Program is ending, effective immediately. Vice President of Culture Krista Barcus and Vice President of Finance and Administration Stacy Carrick say this is because participation in the program has remained low. The resources from the program will be redirected to assist in meeting the Missouri minimum wage requirements.
Departments across campus have been asked to reduce their student employee hours by roughly 30% as part of the change.
Student employees will see the change begin for their January hours and be reflected in the February paycheck.