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 and employers during paid co-op experiences in the fall 2025, spring 2026, and summer 2026 terms. This data is collected through UC Professional Assessment and Learning (PAL), Salesforce and Handshake.
Wages by College and Major
| Major | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering | $22.89 |
| Architectural Engineering | $20.73 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $22.11 |
| Chemical Engineering | $22.85 |
| Civil Engineering | $21.27 |
| Computer Engineering | $22.61 |
| Computer Science | $23.19 |
| Construction Management | $21.81 |
| Cybersecurity Engineering | $21.93 |
| Electrical Engineering | $23.76 |
| Electrical Engineering Tech | $23.59 |
| Environmental Engineering | $22.27 |
| Industrial and Systems Eng | $23.33 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $23.36 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technology | $22.29 |
| Major | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Anthropology | $15.75 |
| Biochemistry | $25.50 |
| Biological Sciences - BS | $24.00 |
| College Credit Plus | $20.92 |
| Communication | $19.76 |
| English - BA | $21.17 |
| History | $14.50 |
| Interdisciplinary | $22.77 |
| Liberal Arts | $20.33 |
| Mathematics - BS | $19.17 |
| Neuroscience - BS | $18.67 |
| Organizational Leadership | $19.85 |
| Philosophy | $14.00 |
| Psychology - BA | $19.03 |
| Psychology - BS | $17.39 |
| Physics - BS | $22.00 |
| Public Relations | $15.00 |
| Statistics | $22.67 |
| Women's, Gender, & Sex Studies | $15.00 |
| Major | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Accounting | $24.70 |
| Business Analytics | $19.94 |
| Business Economics | $23.56 |
| Economics | $19.24 |
| Entrepreneurship | $18.87 |
| Finance | $19.96 |
| Industrial Management | $20.75 |
| Information Systems | $20.63 |
| Insurance and RIsk Management | $20.04 |
| International Business | $19.18 |
| Marketing | $18.56 |
| Operations Management | $20.82 |
| Real Estate | $20.25 |
| Undecided | $19.57 |
| Major | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Architecture | $21.44 |
| Master of Architecture | $24.26 |
| Art History | $17.73 |
| Communication Design | $20.22 |
| Community Planning | $21.92 |
| Master of Design | $22.00 |
| Fashion Design | $17.83 |
| Fine Arts | $16.92 |
| Games and Animation | $18.50 |
| Industrial Design | $21.56 |
| Interior Design | $21.49 |
| Landscape Architecture | $21.24 |
| Urban Planning | $19.25 |
| Major | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Cybersecurity | $21.74 |
| Information Technology | $21.91 |