Student work: Over ten euros gross per hour, but many cannot afford to study without work

More than ten euros per hour gross is the average wage for student jobs in Slovenia, yet many young people find themselves unable to afford their studies without such work. According to data from the e-Student Service, nearly two-thirds of young people believe they could not manage their education without part-time employment. These earnings help cover living expenses, food, transport, study materials, and other daily costs. While employers claim there is a shortage of young workers, students argue that many applications go unanswered, especially for night shifts and holidays, which often remain unpaid. The relationship between students and work is evolving, with increasing emphasis placed on gaining useful experience, developing skills, and potentially opening doors to future careers. Carmen Zajc, head of job placement at the e-Student Service, notes this shift in priorities among young people. The majority of student jobs still fall into sectors such as retail, hospitality, administration, logistics, and manufacturing. However, access to quality opportunities remains challenging despite the high number of available positions. Ana Košat, who worked as a hostess during promotions for Štajerski Avtodom in Maribor’s Europark, highlights how the type of job sought significantly influences availability. If a student prioritizes regular income over specific roles, opportunities are abundant. Finding work related to their field of study, however, proves far more difficult. Košat estimates she receives responses to only about one-third of the applications submitted through the student service. Despite these challenges, Slovenia's system is viewed positively compared to systems abroad, where similar structures for student employment are absent. Timo Klinger, who has been working in the hospitality sector for six years, echoes concerns about the difficulty of securing quality jobs. Although hotels seek students almost everywhere, he finds it increasingly hard to locate well-paid positions with proper conditions. Many of these roles are quickly filled by students who already have jobs. He also points out that numerous employers fail to respond to applications sent via the student service. Another major issue he identifies is the lack of additional pay for night shifts, weekends, and holidays. Klinger argues that students often perform the same tasks as full-time employees, making it fair to offer extra compensation for such hours, even if it differs from standard rates for permanent staff. Student jobs are providing young people with initial professional experiences and potential connections with future employers. Andrej Petelinšek notes that alongside earning money, these positions are becoming crucial for gaining practical knowledge and establishing networks. The legally mandated minimum hourly rate for student work is currently 8.98 euros gross, while the average offered rate exceeds ten euros. In specialized fields such as information technology, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, healthcare, and tutoring, hourly wages frequently surpass 15 euros. There is no upper limit on earnings, allowing students and pupils to work as much as their academic obligations permit and as agreed upon with employers. Approximately 100,000 young people work student jobs each year, according to official statistics. About two-thirds of enrolled students and pupils, roughly 100,000 individuals, perform at least one hour of student work annually. Students account for 65 percent of all hours worked, while pupils make up the remaining 35 percent. In 2025, young people working student jobs earned an average of 313 euros gross or 269 euros net per month.