On Jan. 1, 2024, multiple Southwest students got a raise from $10.50 per hour to $12.00 per hour due to a Nebraska state-wide minimum wage increase. The raise was a part of a 2022 revision to the Nebraska Statutes approved by voters in a Nov. 2022 ballot initiative.

“I really like my job. It’s a great environment, everybody (is) super nice,” junior Emery Kramer said. “I think that $12 is super fair.”

Students may choose to be employed while attending Southwest to provide a source of income and a greater sense of financial independence.

“I enjoy being able to not rely on my parents as much to pay for gas and everything that I need to get around,” junior Abby Cooper said. “(I like) being able to hang out with my friends and spend money.”

Even with a raise, some students feel that they are not being fairly compensated for their labor. Senior Katrina Siefken works at Memorial Stadium’s concessions and feels her wage doesn’t match her duties.

“I feel like my time is worth more than minimum wage,” Siefken said. “Especially the job that I’m working. I work with taking care of some of the rowdiest people ever and I think we deserve to be paid more.”

Students will receive further raises in the coming years. As a part of the 2022 statute revision, Nebraska’s minimum wage will continue to increase by $1.50 per hour on Jan. 1 for the next two years.