Average Hourly Co-op Wages
Navigating the appropriate compensation for a co-op or internship can be challenging. While there isn't a straightforward answer, we provide a list of average hourly wages for various majors to guide you. Remember that pay can fluctuate based on factors like field, industry, geographic location, and your level of experience.
If you need more information, consider exploring resources from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), which offers articles on compensation and a guide for interns and co-ops (purchase required).
Data Source: The average hourly wages below are self-reported by University of Cincinnati students during paid co-op experiences in the fall 2023, spring 2024, and summer 2024 terms. This data is collected through UC Professional Assessment and Learning (PAL) and Handshake.
Wages by College and Major
| Major | 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 | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Liberal Arts (including Communication) | $14.04 |
| Major | 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 | 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 | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Cybersecurity | $20.08 |
| Information Technology | $20.52 |
| Information Technology IT-MS | $28.83 |