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$5

$18

$31

How much do graduate assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate assistant in Arizona is $18.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I become a graduate assistant?

To become a graduate assistant, typically you need to be enrolled in a graduate program and apply through your university's department or graduate school. The application process often involves submitting a resume, academic transcripts, and sometimes letters of recommendation, and may require an interview. Relevant skills include strong communication, time management, and familiarity with the field of study or department where the assistantship is offered.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Assistant, you generally need strong academic credentials in your field, research and analytical skills, and enrollment in a graduate program. Familiarity with educational technology platforms, data analysis tools, or laboratory equipment (depending on the discipline) is often required. Excellent communication, time management, and teamwork skills help you effectively support faculty and collaborate with students. These skills are vital for balancing multiple responsibilities while contributing to academic and research excellence.

What is the role of a graduate assistant?

A graduate assistant is a student enrolled in a graduate program who works part-time at their university, assisting with research, teaching, or administrative tasks. They often gain experience related to their field and may receive a stipend or tuition waiver as compensation.

Is being a GA worth it?

A graduate assistant (GA) position typically offers valuable experience, professional development, and sometimes a tuition waiver or stipend. However, it often involves a significant time commitment and balancing work with academic responsibilities, so its worth depends on individual career goals and workload capacity.

What is the difference between Graduate Assistant vs Research Assistant?

AspectGraduate AssistantResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsEnrolled graduate student, often with a relevant degreeUndergraduate or graduate student, sometimes with specific research experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic settings, assisting in teaching or administrative tasksResearch labs, projects, or fieldwork within academic or research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, academic departmentsResearch institutions, universities, government agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, responsibilities, and qualificationsClarifying research duties and experience needed

While both roles support academic and research activities, a Graduate Assistant typically assists with teaching or administrative tasks while pursuing a graduate degree. A Research Assistant focuses primarily on conducting research projects, often requiring specific research skills. The roles often overlap in academic settings, but their main focus and responsibilities differ.

What are Graduate Assistants?

Graduate Assistants (GAs) are graduate students who work part-time at a college or university, typically assisting faculty or departments with teaching, research, or administrative tasks. These positions often provide a stipend and/or tuition waiver in exchange for their work. Graduate Assistants gain valuable professional experience while pursuing their advanced degrees, and their responsibilities can vary widely depending on the department and the specific assistantship. Common duties include helping with classroom instruction, grading assignments, conducting research, or supporting university operations.

What are some common challenges Graduate Assistants face when balancing academic work with assistantship responsibilities?

Graduate Assistants often juggle coursework, research, and their assistantship duties, which can include teaching, grading, or administrative tasks. Time management is a frequent challenge, as deadlines for academic work and assistantship responsibilities can sometimes overlap. Setting clear expectations with supervisors, prioritizing tasks, and using organizational tools can help maintain a healthy balance. Open communication with faculty and peers also plays a crucial role in managing workload and reducing stress.

How much is a graduate assistant paid?

Graduate assistants typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour, depending on the institution, location, and level of experience. Many positions also include tuition waivers or stipends as part of the compensation package. Salaries can vary based on the workload and specific department requirements.

What Is the Job of a Graduate Assistant?

The job of a graduate assistant is to perform research, teach, or work at a university as part of their academic education. Graduate assistants are typically doctoral candidates, but some master’s students may also qualify to work in this position. Your duties in this career differ depending on your role and the level of class at which you assist. For example, many large lecture classes need graders, readers, and teaching assistants, all with separate responsibilities. On the other hand, if you work in labs or departmental offices, you may work as a full-time researcher.

More about Graduate Assistant jobs
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What are popular job titles related to Graduate Assistant jobs in Arizona? For Graduate Assistant jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Assistant jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Assistant jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Graduate Assistant jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Graduate Assistant job openings:
Graduate Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant job openings in Arizona as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $37,901 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Graduate Assistant - External Affairs

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ

Part-time

Posted 23 days ago

Grand Canyon University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

198th of 541 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Grand Canyon University!One of Arizona's leading institutions of higher learning.

Located in the Valley of the Sun in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona. GCU is an institutionally accredited, private, nondenominational Christian University.

The External Affairs Graduate Assistant supports the Office of External Affairs by researching and tracking higher education policy issues, monitoring legislative and regulatory developments, preparing concise briefings and leadership materials, coordinating stakeholder meetings and events, and maintaining confidential records and communications.

What you will do:

  • Conduct research and analysis on federal, state, and local policy issues impacting the university and higher education.

  • Monitor legislative, regulatory, and public policy developments and prepare concise summaries for leadership.

  • Assist in scheduling, coordinating, and preparing materials for meetings with elected officials, government agencies, community leaders, and external stakeholders.

  • Draft correspondence, briefing documents, talking points, meeting agendas, and follow-up communications.

  • Maintain calendars, contact databases, and records related to government relations activities and stakeholder engagement.

  • Support the planning and execution of external affairs events, community engagement initiatives, and legislative visits.

  • Track legislation, committee hearings, and policy proposals relevant to institutional priorities.

  • Assist with preparation of reports, presentations, and background materials for senior leadership.

  • Conduct benchmarking and research on public policy trends, best practices, and peer institution initiatives.

  • Maintain professionalism and confidentiality when handling sensitive information and communications.

  • Perform other administrative and project-based duties in support of the Office of External Affairs and Government Relations.

  • Other duties as assigned.

What you will need:

  • Be admitted to a graduate degree seeking program at GCU. (Certificate only programs do not satisfy this requirement.)

  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0. (If a student is newly admitted to the University, the admission GPA is considered for this requirement.) A student must also maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 during their employment.

  • Be enrolled in as a "regular" (not provisional) degree-seeking student for at least 6 graduate level units leading to the degree. (Undergraduate or audited courses do not satisfy this requirement.) Hiring departments may require a higher enrollment.

  • Assistantships may be revoked at any time duties are not fulfilled satisfactorily.

  • Because of the role as student and employee, graduate assistants assume responsibility for upholding the University's Student Code of Conduct.

  • Graduate Assistants are eligible for waiver of tuition for the period employed. Waiver of tuition may be taxable income.

  • Graduate Assistants must follow the HR employment workflow processes and pre-employment background checks.

  • Graduate Assistants have restricted work hours (maximum of 29 hours per week).

  • After all degree requirements for the planned program of study are met, a student is no longer eligible to receive a graduate assistantship.

  • "Incomplete" grades must be removed during the period following the teaching period in which the "I" was recorded in order to continue the assistantship.

  • Graduate Assistants are part-time employees and not eligible for GCU's employment benefits, except those stipulated by law.

  • Provide a positive example to students by supporting the University's Doctrinal Statement, Ethical Position Statement and Mission of Grand Canyon University.

Why Work at GCU:

  • Opportunity to work closely with research consultants and gain exposure to academic review processes.

  • Access to Graduate Assistant/Employee Tuition Programs.

  • On-campus facilities include free gyms for employees.

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