How to get paid

Now that you have a job, there are a few basics you need to know before getting paid.

We have complied a few helpful tips to get you started, but keep in mind that your employer will also guide you through this process.

I-9 forms

Everyone working in the U.S., regardless of their citizenship, must complete this federal form on or before their first day of work. Please complete section 1 of the I-9 form online through Human Resources.

Payroll taxes

To specify how much income tax will be withheld from your paycheck, you must fill out online federal and state tax withholding forms (the W4 Federal and M4 MA State forms). Your employer should help you with this, but you can get started on your own by logging in to Atlas and clicking into Money Matters in the About Me section. Even if you claim no withholding, you still need to complete a W4 form each February.

Direct deposit for employment

MIT pays student workers by direct deposit. Paychecks are deposited electronically to the account you designate. Complete the online Direct Deposit Preferences for Payroll via Atlas in the About Me tab in the Money Matters section.

Employment permit for minors

All employees under the age of 18 must complete an Employment Permit Application and obtain the permit⁠01 For minors who are residents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, permits are issued by the superintendent of schools for the municipality in which the minor lives or attends school—either is acceptable. If the minor resides outside the Commonwealth, the permit is issued by the superintendent for the municipality where the minor's job will be located.   before starting a new job. Please contact the Student Employment Office for additional instructions.

Time cards for on-campus jobs

Students working on-campus jobs fill out time cards online and submit them for approval. You may fill out your time card by logging on to Atlas and clicking on Time and Vacation Entry.

Employment for international students

If you are an international student, your student visa restricts you to on-campus employment with a work limit of 20 hours/week during the term and 40 hours/week during vacation periods, summer, and IAP. These limits include graduate assistantships and other hourly appointments.

Please contact the International Students Office for more information.

Fringe benefits

Fringe benefits for employees typically include paid sick days, paid vacations, and paid holidays. However, all student workers at MIT can be paid only for actual hours worked at the standard rate of their appointment, even if it is during a holiday. MIT student workers are not eligible to be paid at premium pay rates, such as time-and-a-half pay.

Payroll information & tax forms if you are graduating or no longer working at MIT

If you are leaving (or have left) MIT or are graduating, The Office of the Vice President of Finance has all the information that you need to find your last paystub or your Wage and Tax Statement (W-2) for your last year at MIT.

 

  1. For minors who are residents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, permits are issued by the superintendent of schools for the municipality in which the minor lives or attends school—either is acceptable. If the minor resides outside the Commonwealth, the permit is issued by the superintendent for the municipality where the minor's job will be located. ⁠ ↑