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Graduate Assistant Instructor information

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How much do graduate assistant instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate assistant instructor in Columbia, SC is $18.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate assistant instructor?

To excel as a Graduate Assistant Instructor, you generally need a solid academic background in your field, enrollment in a graduate program, and strong subject matter expertise. Familiarity with learning management systems (such as Canvas or Blackboard), grading software, and presentation tools is typically required. Excellent communication, organization, and time management skills help you effectively teach, support students, and balance academic responsibilities. These competencies are vital to foster a productive learning environment and ensure both student and personal academic success.

What is a graduate assistant instructor?

Graduate Assistant Instructors (GAIs) are graduate students employed by a university to assist with teaching responsibilities. Their duties may include leading discussion sections, grading assignments, holding office hours, and sometimes teaching undergraduate courses independently. GAIs gain valuable teaching experience while pursuing their own graduate studies. The position often provides a stipend and may include tuition benefits, making it a popular option for graduate students seeking academic careers.

What is the difference between Graduate Assistant Instructor vs Teaching Assistant?

AspectGraduate Assistant InstructorTeaching Assistant
Required CredentialsGraduate degree or enrollment in a graduate programUndergraduate or graduate student status
Work EnvironmentAcademic settings, often with teaching responsibilitiesAssist in classroom activities, labs, or grading
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, academic institutionsUniversities, colleges, academic institutions

Both roles involve supporting teaching activities within higher education. A Graduate Assistant Instructor typically holds or is pursuing a graduate degree and may have more responsibilities, including leading classes. A Teaching Assistant is usually a student assisting with instructional tasks. While both roles are common in academic settings, the Graduate Assistant Instructor often has a higher level of responsibility and requires graduate-level credentials.

What are some common challenges graduate assistant instructors face when balancing teaching duties with their own coursework or research?

Graduate Assistant Instructors often juggle multiple responsibilities such as leading classes, grading assignments, and preparing instructional materials, all while keeping up with their own graduate coursework or research. Time management and prioritization are key challenges, as it's essential to meet both teaching and academic deadlines. Clear communication with supervising faculty and effective planning can help maintain a healthy balance and reduce stress. Many universities also offer resources, such as teaching workshops and academic support services, to help graduate assistants manage these demands successfully.

What job categories do people searching Graduate Assistant Instructor jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Assistant Instructor jobs in Columbia, SC are:

Graduate Assistant Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant Instructor job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,627 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Adjunct Instructor - Chemistry

COLUMBIA COLLEGE

Columbia, SC

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

Columbia College is seeking adjunct instructors to teach in-seat and online classes in the area of Chemistry (to include general, organic, analytical and biochemistry). The minimum requirement is a bachelor's degree in any field plus 18 hours of graduate credits earned in Chemistry. A master's degree in chemistry is highly preferred. Priority will be given to applicants with prior college teaching experience and familiarity with an LMS such as Canvas. Instructors are expected to adhere to all college policies and procedures, teach in accordance with established course goals and student learning outcomes, and uphold the mission and values of Columbia College.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Teaches in-seat and online classes in the area of Chemistry.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

  • Bachelor's degree in any field, plus 18 hours of graduate credits earned in the field of chemistry; Master's degree in the field of chemistry is preferred.
  • Preference may be given to applicants with prior college teaching and experience and familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Canvas.
  • Must have some familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work.
  • Ability to meet schedules and timelines.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; excellent interpersonal skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Requires sedentary work that involves walking, standing, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling some of the time andrequires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and the ability to exertup to 10 pounds of force on a recurring basis or routine keyboard operations.

The successful candidate must send all official undergraduate and graduatetranscripts to Tanya Moore, Provost's Office, at provost@columbiasc.edu.

Questions about teaching in a particular academic area should be sent toAdrienne Oxley, Division Dean, at ayoxley@columbiasc.edu

or Elizabeth Boyadich, Administrative Assistant, at eboyadich@columbiasc.edu.

EOE M/F/D/V

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