Work and Travel salary guide: pay, housing and life in the USA

Your Work and Travel salary comes down to simple math: your hourly wage × your weekly hours × the number of weeks you work. That gives you your gross earnings. Subtract taxes and your living costs in America, and what's left is your budget for end-of-summer travel and savings.

Sample formula: (hourly wage × weekly hours) × number of weeks = gross earnings. Gross earnings − taxes − rent and living costs = travel and savings budget.

That's why there's no single "Work and Travel salary" figure: the result depends on your state, your job, your hours and your spending habits. Once your job offer is final, we run the numbers with you using real figures. For the big picture, visit our Work and Travel 2027 page.

Your hourly wage is the foundation of your Work and Travel earnings, and it's never less than the minimum wage where you work. Whichever is highest of the federal, state and local minimum wages applies. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour (as of September 2026, subject to change), and many states and cities set a higher minimum.

Your pay and rights are equal to those of American employees doing the same job. Your hourly wage and estimated weekly hours are written into your job offer, so you get a clear idea of your earnings before you leave for America.

On top of your base pay, three things can boost your earnings:

• Overtime: hours beyond 40 a week are generally paid at a higher overtime rate; we check together how this applies to your job in your offer.
• Tips: in service jobs such as server or barista, tips can be a big part of your income. Your total pay including tips can never fall below the minimum wage.
• Second job: with sponsor approval, you can put your free hours to use with an extra job; you can't start it until the approval comes through.

Explore position types and regions on our Work and Travel jobs and states page. Thinking about a longer, career-focused experience in America? Our guide to earning a salary through a U.S. internship might interest you, too.

Federal income tax, plus state or local income tax depending on where you work, is withheld from the wages you earn in America. The good news: J-1 participants who count as nonresidents for tax purposes are exempt from Social Security and Medicare (FICA) withholding when they meet the conditions. Just check that these items aren't being deducted on your pay stub; if you spot an incorrect deduction, talk to your employer first.

After the program, you file a tax return for the year in which you earned income. You file with Form 1040-NR and, where required, Form 8843. If too much tax was withheld during the year, the difference may be refunded through your return; the amount varies from person to person. At your pre-departure orientation, we explain step by step how and when to file.

What is an SSN?

An SSN (Social Security Number) is the nine-digit personal number used in the payroll and tax records of everyone who works in the U.S. Your employer runs your payroll using this number.

How do you apply for an SSN?

When you arrive in America, you first check in with your sponsor. A few business days after your program record is activated, you apply at the nearest Social Security (SSA) office with your passport, DS-2019, U.S. arrival record (I-94) and the letter from your sponsor. The card usually arrives at your address within a few weeks, and you can start working in the meantime.

Bank account and getting paid

Most American banks ask for your SSN, or a document showing you've applied for one, to open an account. Depending on your employer, you're paid weekly or every two weeks, usually by direct deposit into your bank account. For more on your DS-2019 and visa documents, see our J-1 visa guide.

On Work and Travel, housing is usually arranged in one of two ways: housing provided or recommended by your employer, or a rental you share with other participants. Many students share a house with coworkers from different countries, and that's often where the best friendships of the summer begin.

• Employer-arranged housing: staff housing, an apartment or a shared unit. Rent is sometimes deducted directly from your paycheck; if so, you'll see it in writing in your job offer.
• Housing you find yourself: you don't have to accept the housing your employer offers. Landlords usually ask for a deposit when you move in, often around one month's rent.
• Getting to work: there should be a reliable, affordable way to get between your housing and your workplace, whether walking, biking, a shuttle or public transportation.

If your employer doesn't provide housing, your sponsor actively helps you find a place. We also read the housing details in your job offer with you and settle your rent and deposit plan from the start. We've gathered your pre-departure costs on our Work and Travel fees page.

Your health insurance is active throughout the program; it's provided or approved by your sponsor, and you'll know what it covers before you go. Your sponsor contacts you at least once a month and offers a 24/7 emergency helpline.

You're not on your own in America, either: you can reach Bridge USA Türkiye throughout your program. Whenever you have a question about work, housing or daily life, we listen and, if needed, help you communicate with your sponsor. And don't forget to report any address or job changes to your sponsor.