OPINION: Sul Ross Needs Fair Pay for Student Workers
By: Viviana Sanchez, Skyline Copy-Chief
ALPINE- Sul Ross pay for student workers is above the federal minimum wage, but below most Texas universities.
Wages for student workers have increased, but students say it is not enough to compensate for the rise in the cost of living and the poor job market. Although Sul Ross has seen a steady increase in pay in recent years, from $8.25 in 2022 to $9.50 in 2025, the rise in the cost of living, abysmal job market, and when compared to other state universities, makes the increase not enough.
UTEP's minimum wage for their student workers is $10 an hour; UT Dallas average is $13 and at UT Austin students can earn from $10 to $25 depending on their classification and experience. Although Sul Ross exceeds the federal minimum wage of $7.25, compared to other public universities, it is among the lowest.
Student positions paying above $9.50 per hour in fiscal year 2026 at SRSU include:
Title III grant internships - $15.63/hour
Center for Big Bend Studies - $15.00/hour
Rec Center Lifeguard - $12.00/hour
Lobo Den - $12.00/hour
BRI Undergraduate Mentorship Program (BUMP) - $10.00/hour - $12.00/hour
ACE Peer Mentors - $12.00/hour
Homeland Security/Criminal Justice grant-funded position - $12.00/hour
Student Support Services - $12.00/hour
Meat Lab - $15.00/hour
While some positions range from $12-$15, most campus jobs are $9.50. Others are grant funded and could be at risk of losing funding or have already, such as the Title II grant.
Although Alpine is a small rural town, the average cost for rent runs from $700 to $1,000 per month. A student making $9.50 for 20 hours only makes around $760 a month.
In addition to rent, only two grocery stores are available, and minimal competition affects price flexibility. Unlike other cities where students can shop around for price-conscious groceries, Sul Ross students most commonly only have two options.
Student employment is one of the most accessible forms of income for most students and is highly accommodating to schedules and can provide professional experience.
With neighboring universities like UTEP offering higher student wages even with a similar cost of living, Sul Ross faces challenges with retaining student workers and recruiting. The 2024 jump from $8.25 to $9.50 is a step in the right direction but as costs continue to rise and grants are being cut, is this enough to remain competitive with other Texas universities?