美国各州最低工资标准对比：留学生兼职收入预期

As of January 2024, the federal minimum wage in the United States remains $7.25 per hour, a rate that has not changed since 2009 (U.S. Department of Labor, 2024). However, 30 states and Washington D.C. have enacted minimum wages above the federal floor, creating a patchwork that directly impacts the income expectations of international students working part-time on an F-1 visa. For example, an international student working 20 hours per week in Washington D.C. (minimum wage $17.00/hour) can earn approximately $1,360 per month before tax, while a student in Georgia (federal rate of $7.25/hour) would earn only $580 for the same hours — a difference of 134%. This gap is critical because F-1 visa regulations cap on-campus work at 20 hours per week during academic sessions and restrict off-campus employment to specific circumstances like CPT/OPT. Understanding state-level minimum wage laws is therefore not optional for international students; it is a fundamental part of financial planning. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2023, 1.3 million hourly workers earned exactly the federal minimum wage, with younger workers (ages 16-24) making up a disproportionate share of that group (BLS, 2024). For international students navigating both visa compliance and cost of living, knowing which states offer higher floors can determine whether a part-time job covers rent or merely buys groceries.

Federal Minimum Wage vs. State Variations

The federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour applies in 20 states, primarily in the South and Midwest. These states — including Texas, Florida, and Georgia — have not passed their own minimum wage laws, meaning employers must only meet the federal baseline. International students in these states should expect lower earnings from on-campus jobs, such as library assistants or dining hall workers.

State-level minimum wages range from $7.25 to $17.00/hour as of 2024. The highest rates cluster in high-cost-of-living areas: Washington D.C. ($17.00), Washington state ($16.28), California ($16.00), and New York ($15.00 in NYC, $14.20 elsewhere). Some states index their minimum wage to inflation, meaning annual increases are automatic. For example, Colorado’s rate rose from $13.65 in 2023 to $14.42 in 2024 due to a cost-of-living adjustment. International students should verify both the state and city minimum wage, as cities like Seattle ($19.97) and San Francisco ($18.07) set rates higher than their state.

Part-Time Work Limits Under F-1 Visa Rules

F-1 visa regulations strictly limit work hours during the academic year. On-campus employment is permitted up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, and full-time (40 hours) during official breaks. Off-campus employment requires authorization through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), which must be directly related to the student’s major.

Given the 20-hour cap, the maximum monthly pre-tax income from an on-campus job varies dramatically by state. At $7.25/hour, the maximum is $580/month. At $16.28/hour (Washington state), it reaches $1,302/month. This difference of $722 per month can cover a significant portion of rent in many college towns. Students should also note that Social Security and Medicare taxes (7.65% combined) are typically withheld, though F-1 students in their first 5 calendar years are exempt from these taxes if they have not established residency. Income tax withholding depends on the state and whether the student has a tax treaty with the U.S.

States With the Highest Minimum Wages for Students

Washington D.C. ($17.00), Washington state ($16.28), and California ($16.00) offer the highest baseline earnings for international students. These rates apply to most on-campus jobs, including positions in libraries, research labs, and student unions. For students living in these states, a 20-hour work week yields approximately $1,280–$1,360 per month before taxes.

New York and Massachusetts ($15.00) also rank high, with New York City’s rate of $15.00 applying to all employers, including universities. Massachusetts has an additional requirement that tipped workers (e.g., restaurant servers) must receive at least $6.75/hour before tips, but on-campus jobs rarely fall into this category. International students in these states benefit from higher per-hour earnings, which can offset higher rent costs. For example, a student in Boston earning $15.00/hour for 20 hours/week grosses $1,200/month, while a comparable student in Atlanta earning $7.25/hour grosses only $580/month — a $620 monthly gap.

States With the Lowest Minimum Wages

20 states follow the federal minimum of $7.25/hour, including Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Indiana. International students at universities in these states should budget conservatively. For instance, a student at the University of Texas at Austin earning $7.25/hour for 20 hours/week will gross $580/month, which may barely cover a shared room in Austin’s expensive rental market.

Some states have minimum wages only slightly above the federal floor. Wisconsin ($7.25, no state law), Pennsylvania ($7.25), and Ohio ($7.25 for employers grossing under $394,000/year) offer little relief. However, many universities in these states set internal pay scales above the legal minimum for on-campus jobs. For example, Penn State pays student workers a minimum of $10.50/hour as of 2024. International students should always check their specific university’s student employment wage floor, which may exceed state law. For cross-border tuition payments, some international families use channels like Airwallex global account to settle fees.

Tipped Minimum Wage and Its Impact on Student Jobs

The tipped minimum wage is a separate, lower rate for workers who regularly receive tips, set federally at $2.13/hour. However, employers must ensure that tips bring the worker’s total pay to at least the standard minimum wage. International students should avoid tipped positions unless they understand the implications, as F-1 visa rules generally prohibit off-campus jobs like waitstaff unless authorized through CPT/OPT.

On-campus jobs rarely involve tipping, but some universities employ students as event servers or catering staff. In states like New York ($10.60 tipped minimum) or California (no tipped minimum, full $16.00 applies), the risk is lower. In states like Texas ($2.13 tipped minimum), a student working as a campus event server might see a lower base pay, though the university typically tops it up. The U.S. Department of Labor (2024) notes that 2.5 million workers earned below the federal minimum wage in 2023, many of whom were tipped workers. International students should prioritize hourly-wage positions over tip-dependent roles.

Cost of Living Adjustments and Real Income

Minimum wage does not equal living wage in most states. The MIT Living Wage Calculator (2024) estimates that a single adult without children needs $20.00–$25.00/hour in high-cost metro areas like San Francisco or New York City to cover basic expenses. For international students limited to 20 hours/week, even a $16.00/hour wage may not suffice for full cost of living.

Students should calculate their effective hourly income after taxes and housing costs. For example, a student in California earning $16.00/hour for 20 hours/week grosses $1,280/month. After federal and state income tax (roughly 10-15% for low earners), net income is about $1,088–$1,152. With average off-campus rent for a shared room in Los Angeles around $1,200/month, the student would fall short. In contrast, a student in Ohio earning $10.00/hour (above the $7.25 federal rate) for 20 hours/week grosses $800/month, but shared room rent in Columbus averages $600–$700, leaving a small surplus. Location matters more than wage alone.

FAQ

Q1: Can international students work off-campus at state minimum wage?

Yes, but only with authorization. Off-campus employment requires CPT (for internships related to your major) or OPT (for post-completion work). Without authorization, off-campus work is illegal and can result in visa termination. On-campus jobs do not require special authorization and must pay at least the state or federal minimum wage, whichever is higher. As of 2024, about 85% of F-1 students work on-campus during their first year, according to NAFSA data.

Q2: How much can I realistically earn per month as a student?

At 20 hours/week, the maximum monthly pre-tax income ranges from $580 (federal minimum) to $1,360 (D.C. rate). After taxes, subtract approximately 10-15% for federal and state income tax. Students in states with no state income tax (Texas, Florida, Washington) keep more of their earnings. A realistic net monthly income is $500–$1,150, depending on location. This typically covers 30-60% of living expenses for a single student, based on 2024 College Board estimates of $12,000–$18,000 annual living costs.

Q3: Do universities pay above the state minimum wage for student jobs?

Many do. For example, Stanford University pays student workers a minimum of $18.00/hour (above California’s $16.00), and the University of Michigan pays $13.50/hour (above Michigan’s $10.33). Always check your university’s student employment website for specific pay scales. Some universities also offer work-study programs that may have higher pay rates, though F-1 students are generally ineligible for federal work-study unless they qualify based on financial need.

References

• U.S. Department of Labor. 2024. “Minimum Wage Laws in the States.”
• Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2024. “Characteristics of Minimum Wage Workers, 2023.”
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 2024. “F-1 Academic Student Employment Regulations.”
• MIT. 2024. “Living Wage Calculator.”
• NAFSA: Association of International Educators. 2023. “International Student Economic Value Tool.”