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Graduate Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Briar Cliff University

Graduate Assistant

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$2.5K - $6.0K/yr

This Athletics Graduate Assistant position will be responsible for assisting the head coach in the areas of coaching strength building and physical conditioning of BCU athletes, and the overall ...

Briar Cliff University

Graduate Assistant

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$5.0K/yr

This Athletics Graduate Assistant position will be responsible for assisting the sport head coach in the areas of recruiting, practice and game planning and management, conducting individual workouts ...

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$18

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How much do graduate assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate assistant in Iowa is $18.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $20.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much are grad assistants paid?

Graduate assistants typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour, with some positions offering stipends ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 per semester. Pay rates vary depending on the institution, field of study, and whether the role includes teaching, research, or administrative duties.

What do you do as a grad assistant?

A graduate assistant typically supports academic departments or research projects by assisting with teaching, grading, research, or administrative tasks. They often work part-time, gain experience in their field, and may be required to hold a relevant graduate degree or be enrolled in a graduate program. The role may involve using specific tools or software related to their responsibilities.

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 for a university or college, assisting with teaching, research, or administrative tasks. They often gain experience related to their field of study and may receive a stipend or tuition waiver as compensation.

How hard is it to get a graduate assistantship?

Securing a graduate assistantship typically requires a strong academic record, relevant skills, and a competitive application process that may include interviews and recommendation letters. The difficulty varies by institution, program availability, and the applicant's qualifications, but generally, it is competitive due to limited positions and high demand.

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.

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
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Graduate jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Assistant jobs in Iowa? For Graduate Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Assistant jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Assistant jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Graduate Assistant jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Graduate Assistant job openings:
Graduate Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, and 53% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,201 per year, or $18.4 per hour.
Softball - Graduate Assistant

Softball - Graduate Assistant

Waldorf University

Forest City, IA

$10K/mo

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Waldorf University rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

365th of 555 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Waldorf University (NAIA/GPAC), located in Forest City, Iowa, seeks applicants for a Graduate Assistant-Softball. The Graduate Assistant appointment includes an online graduate tuition waiver over 12 consecutive online academic terms (18mo-2yrs) and a monetary stipend of $10,350/yr (spread over 9mo/yr). An anticipated work/stipend schedule will be determined based on start date which typically follows the academic calendar periods between end of July through graduation in May.
Primary Responsibilities
Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, assisting in monitor the academic progress of student athletes, overseeing weight training and conditioning sessions, performing individual skill development workouts, conducting film exchange, onsite coaching duties, learning and involvement in all phases of the recruiting process, and other duties as assigned by the head coach.
Requirements
  • Must have prior related collegiate playing or coaching experience
  • A dedication to students, and an interest in pursuing a career in coaching and/or administration
  • A valid driver’s license with a good driving record
  • Evenings and weekend travel is required
  • Completion of Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 2.5 GPA meeting acceptance standards of our graduate program as found under the Graduate Online Admissions section of catalog at https://www.waldorf.edu/download-information) by start date.
Assistantship Start Date: end of July, no later than mid-August.

To Apply: For consideration, all candidates must apply through the website and upload their resume and cover letter outlining your area of focus/expertise (pitching, hitting, defense…). Review of candidates will begin immediately and will be based on materials submitted through application process. Any offer is contingent on Waldorf Online Graduate School acceptance* and a successful background check. No phone calls or email applications please.

*The graduate program(s) available for this position are solely online. We cannot support the immigration status of F1 or J1 visa holders as graduate assistants due to the online only nature of our graduate coursework.
For more information on the Athletic Department visit: http://www.waldorfwarriors.com, https://waldorfwarriors.com/sports/acha/index, https://waldorfwarriors.com/sports/acha2/index
Check out the Forest City aerial video created and produced by Waldorf’s very own Adjunct History Professor, Dr. Kevin Mason, for his “Notes on Iowa” project https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRDnPXu7GYI
Since 1903, Waldorf University has created opportunities for learning and service to students seeking well-rounded lives through education by establishing engaging online and residential communities centered on learning and faith. As a liberal arts university with core values Waldorf offers a curriculum to liberate the way students think so that they may develop a basic understanding and knowledge of how those in a variety of disciplines think and approach life. As a liberal arts university, Waldorf seeks to instill values of service, community, critical inquiry, and lifelong learning in each student and in the very culture of the college community. These values and this education prepare our graduates to understand and contribute to life in our complex and ever-changing world.

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