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Graduate Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pomona College

Graduate Assistant

Claremont, CA · On-site

$22/hr

Graduate Assistant ABOUT POMONA COLLEGE: Located near Los Angeles, California, Pomona College is widely regarded as one of the nation's premier liberal arts colleges. Established in 1887, Pomona ...

Pomona College

Graduate Assistant

Claremont, CA · On-site

$22/hr

Graduate Assistant ABOUT POMONA COLLEGE: Located near Los Angeles, California, Pomona College is widely regarded as one of the nation's premier liberal arts colleges. Established in 1887, Pomona ...

Chapman University

Graduate Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$20/hr

... Graduate Assistant Academic Year Academic Year 2025-2026 Term or Semester All Academic Year Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Grad Anticipated Pay Range $20.00 - $20.00 Pay Range ...

Chapman University

Graduate Assistant

Orange, CA

$20/hr

Student Title Classification Information Quick Link Job Number SE180524 Position Information Department or Unit Name Undergraduate Admission Position Headcount 1 Position Title Graduate Assistant ...

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How much do graduate assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate assistant in California is $19.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $21.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

More about Graduate Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate jobs in California? The most popular types of Graduate jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Assistant jobs in California? For Graduate Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Assistant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Assistant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Graduate Assistant job openings:
Graduate Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 41% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,139 per year, or $19.3 per hour.
Graduate Assistant

Graduate Assistant

Southern California Seminary

El Cajon, CA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Duties:
Below is a list of duties that may be incorporated in the graduate assistant position. The duties chosen will be decided by the Administrator taking responsibility for the Graduate Assistant. It is expected that the Graduate Assistant will be trained and given oversight to be successful in the duties they are responsible for.

  • Prepare lesson plans
  • Help create online courses
  • Connect with current students to help increase student retention
  • Grade assignments
  • Reconnect with alumni
  • Research marketing opportunities
  • Connect with other schools to request opportunity to communicate what our school offers
  • Participate in curriculum evaluation and improvement
  • Research and apply for programmatic accreditations
  • Research opportunities for student or faculty involvement in community or local churches
  • Other duties consistent with helping the school administrators and faculty

Application Process:
The Graduate Assistant position will run concurrent with an academic year and prospective applicants will apply by submitting a current resume and a letter describing their financial need and purpose for seeking the graduate assistant position. If accepted, the Graduate Assistant position will run a maximum of one year, always ending in Aug. A student may reapply for the following year, but there is no guarantee the student will receive the position again.
A qualified applicant must be a full-time student enrolled in a Master's level or higher degree program maintaining a GPA above 3.5. The student must also demonstrate financial need and demonstrate appropriateness for the position.

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