Student job: who, how, how much and why?

Are you between 15 and 27 and studying in Luxembourg or abroad? In Luxembourg, you can apply for a summer job for up to 2 months.
What are the advantages of working during the holidays when you’re a student?

Student employment conditions

In Luxembourg, students and under-18s can easily find seasonal work, particularly in the summer. This is a fairly common practice, starting at the age of 15.

Student jobs during the school holidays

In Luxembourg, companies regularly offer summer jobs. Young local residents can also take part in community work, tailored to their needs. These summer jobs have flexible working hours and are paid.

These work experiences generally take place during the spring or summer holidays. For example, students can do gardening work in the local green spaces. They can do other manual work or provide services in municipal facilities. Young people can also do odd jobs in the office, filing or helping with administrative tasks.

But whatever the job, it’s important to remember that these jobs for students pay pretty well!

Youth employment conditions

Although young people have the same working conditions as other employees, a student job has a few special features.

First of all, the young person hired must first sign a specific employment contract with his or her employer. This contract will define the duration of the assignment and the conditions under which it will be carried out.

Employers must also register their young employees with the Joint Social Security Centre.

However, these jobs do not entitle young people to paid leave. If, exceptionally, a young person wishes to take time off, he or she must obtain the prior agreement of his or her employer. What’s more, they will not be paid during this absence, whatever the reason.

Controlled wages for student jobs

Minimum pay for young workers is linked to the employee’s age.

  • Are you aged between 15 and 17? Your pay is 75% of the Social Minimum Wage.
  • Are you aged between 17 and 18? Your hourly rate of pay is based on 80% of the Social Minimum Wage.
  • From the age of 18, your salary is calculated on the basis of full-time unskilled work (40 hours a week).

Exemption from social security contributions, except for accidents

In Luxembourg, unlike other jobs, student jobs are partially exempt from social security contributions.

As the young person is covered for accident risk, accident insurance contributions are applied to the gross salary.

However, no contributions are deducted for sickness or pension insurance. In the event of illness, sick days are not covered. Nor do young people contribute to retirement pensions or long-term care insurance.

Tax exemption on student contracts

Another piece of good news for students is that their salary is tax-free up to a certain amount per hour!

Please note: a student working for more than 4 months in a school year loses the right to family allowance. This applies if their gross monthly salary is equal to or higher than the social minimum wage.

Where can I look for a holiday job?

Every year, local authorities call on their young residents to take on administrative tasks or seasonal jobs. Holiday activities such as Spillnomëtteger or gardening are the most common jobs.

To apply for these jobs, contact your local authority from March-April. The first applicants are the first selected.

Temporary employment agencies also list some summer jobs open to young people. Don’t hesitate to consult them.

You can also visit the jugendinfo.lu website dedicated to young people in Luxembourg.

Why work when you’re a student?

Finance your studies with seasonal jobs

Working during the summer will allow you to put money aside. Not everyone is lucky enough to be eligible for higher education grants or to have parents who finance their studies.

By saving from the age of 15-16, you give yourself all the more chance of devoting yourself to your higher education afterwards. You’ll be able to spend just as much time studying!

Gain your financial independence

Earning money as a student gives you financial independence and greater autonomy. Student jobs are ideal for this. They allow you to plan your working hours around your studies.

Boost your CV with summer jobs

Salary is not the only reason to work as a student: young people who have worked during their studies find it much easier to find a permanent job when they leave school.

Potential employers will appreciate that you are already familiar with the world of work. You will demonstrate your ability to work in a corporate environment, with its rules and social interactions. You will demonstrate basic personal skills that will be useful when joining a company.

All good reasons to apply for student jobs!